Boston Transit - does 7-Day Pass works in 1a and 1 zone?
hi there!
will visit Boston for 5-6 days, booked air bnb on ocean side in Winthrop (subway+local bus transit). so ill need each morning get to Boston City Center, and each evening return Winthrop (approx 10-12 rides) + maybe use transit in Boston central 1A zone these days. as i understand 7-Day Pass $22.50 works only in 1Azone (am i right?). if im wrong and 7-Day Pass $22.50 works 1A-1 zones both - great:) but if no what is the best transit solution in Boston in my case? maybe instead of 7 days pass id better to pay 10-12 OW subway +bus tickets costs USD2,40 for Bos-Winthrop -Bos transit + some of subway ticket in 1A zone if meeded? thank You for advice!
Great question! If you're visiting Boston and planning to use public transit multiple times a day, it’s important to choose the most cost-effective solution for your needs. Let’s break down how the 7-Day Pass works and see if it's the best option for you, given your plans to travel between Winthrop and the Boston city center.
The 7-Day Pass in Boston is a great deal for tourists, but you’re right to clarify which zones it covers. Here's the breakdown:
- 7-Day Pass ($22.50): The $22.50 7-Day Pass is valid for unlimited travel on the subway (MBTA), local buses, and the ferry. However, it is only valid within the 1A zone of the MBTA system. The 1A zone includes the Boston City Center and areas within Boston proper. Unfortunately, it does not cover trips to and from Winthrop or other areas outside of the immediate Boston metro.
- Winthrop and Zone 1: Winthrop is in Zone 1 of the MBTA system, which is outside of the 1A zone. To travel between Winthrop and Boston, you will need to use a separate fare system, typically the MBTA’s local bus or subway routes, which charge an additional fare depending on the number of zones you cross. The 7-Day Pass does not cover travel between the 1A zone and Zone 1 (Winthrop).
- Best Transit Solutions for Your Trip: Given your itinerary, you have a couple of options for cost-effective travel. Here are some possibilities:
- Option 1 - Purchase Single Tickets (Best for Occasional Use): You can buy a single ride ticket for the subway and bus for $2.40 each way. If you plan to take 10-12 round trips between Boston and Winthrop, this could add up to about $48-$57. It’s a simple solution but may not be the most economical for longer stays if you're using public transit frequently.
- Option 2 - Buy the 7-Day Pass and Add a Commuter Rail Ticket for Winthrop: Since the 7-Day Pass covers subway and local bus fares in Boston's 1A zone, it will be helpful for your daily city travel. For the Winthrop trip, you can add a commuter rail ticket or bus ticket for your ride from the city center to Winthrop. However, the Commuter Rail to Winthrop from Boston can cost more per day depending on the distance (around $4-$5 one-way). This may still be a good deal if you plan to use public transit daily in Boston and don’t mind the additional commuter rail fares.
- Option 3 - Consider a Monthly Pass (if Staying Longer): If you plan on being in Boston for a full month or more, you might want to look into a monthly pass, which can provide a more affordable option for frequent subway and bus usage. However, for just 5-6 days, this may not be necessary.
Additional Tips:
- Since you will be traveling from Winthrop to Boston every day, check the schedules for MBTA buses and the subway to make sure you’re optimizing your time and travel. You can also check if there are any discounts available for visitors, especially during off-peak hours.
In your case, the 7-Day Pass is great for using within Boston, but I’d recommend pairing it with single tickets or a commuter rail pass for travel between Boston and Winthrop. This would give you the best of both worlds and keep your transportation costs manageable!
