How to get from Boston to Plymouth Patuxet by train?

We're staying at Seaport and planning to go to Plymouth tomorrow. We'd like to see the Mayflower II as well.

Traveling from Boston to Plymouth, Massachusetts by train is straightforward, though it requires a combination of train and bus service since there is no direct rail line all the way to Plymouth.

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  • Start at South Station in Boston: From your Seaport stay, you can take a short taxi, rideshare, or the Silver Line bus to South Station, which is Boston’s main transportation hub.
  • Take the MBTA Commuter Rail to Kingston/Plymouth Line: Board the Plymouth/Kingston Line commuter rail towards Plymouth. Trains typically depart from South Station multiple times a day, and the journey takes about 1 hour 15 minutes to Kingston. Note that only some trains continue directly to Plymouth; if your train terminates at Kingston, you will need to transfer to a bus.
  • Transfer to the Plymouth & Brockton bus (if needed): If your train stops at Kingston, you can take the Plymouth & Brockton bus from Kingston station to Plymouth. This is a short ride, approximately 20-25 minutes, and the buses are scheduled to connect with commuter rail arrivals.
  • Arrive in Plymouth: The final stop in Plymouth will put you close to the waterfront where the Mayflower II and Plimoth Patuxet Museums are located.

Tips for your visit:

  • Check the MBTA commuter rail schedule and Plymouth & Brockton bus schedule online ahead of time to ensure smooth connections.
  • Allow extra time for walking from the Plymouth train/bus stop to the Mayflower II and museum area; it’s about a 10-minute walk from the center of town.
  • Tickets for the commuter rail can be purchased at South Station or via the MBTA mobile app. Bus tickets can usually be purchased on board or online.
  • The Mayflower II is docked at the waterfront near Pilgrim Memorial State Park, and combined tickets for the ship and Plimoth Patuxet Museums are recommended if you plan to visit both.

Overall, the trip from Boston Seaport to Plymouth is manageable in a day, allowing you to explore the historic waterfront, see the Mayflower II, and enjoy the surrounding museums and shops before returning to Boston by evening.


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