Station guide · MA, USA
Boston South Station Guide
Boston South Station serves as a major rail hub for New England, handling frequent regional services and long-distance trains connecting Massachusetts to the rest of the country.
- Station
- Boston South Station
- City
- Boston, MA
- Code
- BOS
- Routes
- 3
At a glance
- South Station is the terminus for Acela, Northeast Regional and the Lake Shore Limited
- Connects with the MBTA Red Line and commuter rail
- The Downeaster to Maine uses North Station, a separate station across downtown
Boston South Station is the primary rail gateway for the city. It acts as the northern terminus for the busy Northeast Corridor. Passengers arrive here from major cities along the East Coast and from the Midwest. The station handles a high volume of daily commuters and long-distance travelers.
It is important to note that the Downeaster service to Maine does not use this station. Those trains depart from North Station, which is located separately across downtown Boston. Travelers should always check their tickets to confirm their departure point. The station provides a central starting point for exploring the historic city or continuing a journey across the United States.
Trains from Boston
| Train | Between | Runs |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Shore Limited | Chicago to New York and Boston | Daily in each direction |
| Acela | Boston to Washington, DC | Frequent trains every day |
| Northeast Regional | Boston to Richmond and Norfolk and Newport News and Roanoke | Many trains a day |
Three main Amtrak routes terminate at Boston South Station. The Lake Shore Limited provides an overnight service connecting Chicago to Boston. This journey takes about 22 hours and runs daily in each direction as of 2026.
For travel along the East Coast, the Acela offers frequent trains every day. The trip from Boston to Washington, DC takes about 6 hours 30 minutes to 7 hours. The Northeast Regional also operates many trains a day. It connects Boston to Richmond, Norfolk, Newport News and Roanoke.
Popular direct trips include New York to Boston, which takes about 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours. You can also travel from Boston to Philadelphia in about 4 hours 15 minutes to 5 hours 15 minutes, or from Boston to Baltimore in about 5 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes.
Getting to and from the station
Boston South Station is well integrated into the local transit network. It connects directly with the MBTA Red Line and various commuter rail services. This makes it easy to reach different neighborhoods and suburbs around the city.
If you need to catch the Downeaster to Maine, you must transfer to North Station. Allow plenty of time to navigate across downtown Boston between the two stations. Travelers should check local transit websites for the most current schedules and routing options. Arrive early to find your platform and navigate the busy concourse, especially during peak commuter hours.
Around the station
The station is located in downtown Boston, placing travelers close to the financial district and the waterfront. You can easily walk to nearby hotels, office buildings and historic sites.
The Rose Kennedy Greenway is just outside, offering a pleasant path through the city center. Visitors can access the Boston Harborwalk or head toward the Seaport District for dining and entertainment. Because it sits in a busy urban area, the station provides immediate access to taxis and rideshare services for those carrying heavy bags.
Station tips
- Verify your departure station, as trains to Maine leave from North Station instead of South Station.
- Review luggage rules on Amtrak and VIA before packing for your journey.
- Read our Amtrak and VIA booking tips to find the best fares for your trip.
- If you have mobility needs, check our guide to accessible train travel for helpful advice.
Popular trips from Boston
Questions travellers ask
Does the train to Maine leave from Boston South Station?
No, the Downeaster service to Maine uses North Station. This is a separate facility located across downtown Boston. You will need to take local transit or a taxi to transfer between the two stations.
How long is the train ride from Boston to New York?
The journey from New York to Boston takes about 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours. Both the Acela and Northeast Regional trains operate on this route, offering frequent daily departures.