By Transit
Public transit is what makes Cambridge a livable and sustainable city for many. You can ride buses and trains all around Cambridge. There are also several private shuttles open to the public that you can ride. With a well-functioning public transit system, Cambridge residents can socialize, access education, work, health care, and daily necessities. Cambridge employers can also find and keep workers with many specialized skills.
While Cambridge does not operate public transit, you can access many local public transit systems here. We have 27 MBTA bus routes, a commuter rail station, and 6 stations on the MBTA Red and Green Lines. The MBTA makes trips easy with free transfers from subway to bus using an electronic CharlieCard or “tap” payment with a contactless credit or debit card. We also have four shuttle systems that are open to the public.
Below, you will find information about getting around Cambridge by public transit.
Who operates public transit in Cambridge?
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority is the public agency that runs buses, subway, commuter rail, and ferry around the Boston region. View schedule, fare and service information at the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority website.
We also have four private shuttle systems that are open to the public – see more information below.
Who operates shuttles open to the public?
Many private shuttles in Cambridge are open to public. You may need to buy a physical ticket. Click the links below to see more information. Each link will open a new window.
EZRide Shuttle / Charles River Transportation Management Association
EZRide travels between North Station, Lechmere, CambridgeSide Mall, Kendall/MIT station, and Cambridgeport on weekdays all-day. On weekends all-day, EZRide travels between Lechmere, CambridgeSide Mall, and Kendall/MIT station.
EZRide is fare-free and open to the public.
View real-time shuttle arrival information by clicking this link or on your smartphone using the Google Maps or Transit applications.
Alewife Loop / Alewife TMA
Loop travels between Alewife station and locations in the Alewife Quadrangle, on Concord Avenue, Fawcett Street, Smith Place, and nearby streets on weekdays during AM and PM peak hours
Loop is fare-free and open to the public.
View shuttle route map.
View real-time shuttle arrival information by clicking this link.
Longwood Collective (MASCO) M2 shuttle
The M2 travels between Harvard station, Central, Kenmore, and Longwood Medical Area on weekdays.
Longwood Collective is open to the public and requires a ticket, or valid ID, to board. View the Longwood Collective webpage for more information.
View M2 route map.
View real-time information by clicking this link.
Harvard Shuttles / Harvard University
Harvard campus shuttles travel between Neighborhood Nine, Harvard Square, and Lower Allston in Boston.
Harvard Shuttle is fare-free, at this time. View shuttle website for more information.
View the shuttle routes map.
View real-time information by clicking this link and on your smartphone using the CityMapper application.
How do you pay for a trip on the MBTA?
To pay for a trip on the MBTA, you can "Tap to Ride" with your own contactless debit/credit card or the MBTA CharlieCard. The CharlieCard is the MBTA's electronic fare payment card. Click the links below to see more information on where to add value or buy a pass or get a no-balance CharlieCard at a city facility.
Are you a older adult, a middle or high school student, have a disability, have Medicare, or have lower income?
The MBTA offers discounted fares and passes to qualifying riders. Except for middle and high school students, to access the reduced fares, you must apply and receive a reduced fare card. You apply and renew using an online form. Middle and High School students receive a card through their school or by applying directly with the MBTA.
Where can you go by transit in Cambridge?
Do you want to know more about where you can go by bus, subway, and Commuter Rail in Cambridge? Click the links below to view service maps and service information.
What are transportation options for older adults or people with disabilities?
The Council on Aging and Commission for Persons with Disabilities provide information transportation services for older adults or for people with disabilities.
For more information
For more information, please contact the City's Transit Program by sending an e-mail to transit@cambridgema.gov or calling 617-349-6959.