Go Boston Card Online Guide
Welcome to Boston!
From the Freedom Trail to Faneuil Hall to the birthplace of John F. Kennedy, Boston is rich in historic sites. Outside Boston you’ll find the fascinating small towns of Lexington, Concord, Plymouth, Salem, as well as beautiful Cape Cod and the Islands.
You may have heard the nickname “Beantown” (which locals rarely use), but Boston is also known as “America’s Walking City,” thanks to its compact size. There’s a small town feel to it, best experienced on foot or by using public transportation (the T).
We at Smart Destinations want to help you get the most out of your trip, no matter what your interests are. In this guide, you will discover all there is to see and do in Boston and beyond.
So fuel up with a wicked good lobstah roll or a bowl of chowdah, and enjoy your stay!
How to Use Your Pass
To access an attraction or tour, show your Go Boston Card at the ticket booth or entrance. For special offers at shops and restaurants, show your card to your server or cashier.
Check each attraction's information for any special admission instructions. You can find information on all participating attractions, as well as extra discounts in this guide.
Good to Know
- Your Go Boston Card is valid until 5:30pm, unless otherwise noted on the attraction.
- Some attractions require or suggest reservations. These are indicated by the XX icon.
- Some attractions are seasonal, indicated by XX icon. They may close or have varied hours of operation: please see each attraction's page for details.
- You may visit an attraction once per day for the life of the card, unless otherwise noted.
- Your pass is good for the number of consecutive calendar days purchased.
Frequently Asked Questions
These are a few questions we hear from customers regularly. If you have a question not answered here, please get in touch.
- How do I activate my pass?
Easy: simply visit your first attraction! Get started early in the day to get the most out of your card.
- How does the Bonus work?
On 3, 5, & 7 day cards, you get one free admission to the "bonus" attraction of your choice. (The bonus does not entitle you to an extra day.)
- If I have a 1-day card, can I still get the 2-day Beantown Trolley pass?
Yes, a 2-day Trolley ticket is included on all Go Boston Cards. Picking up your Trolley ticket will activate your Go Boston Card, so be sure to do it on a day that you plan to visit attractions.
- Can I board the Beantown Trolley anywhere with my card?
No. You need to pick up a Trolley ticket prior to boarding the Beantown Trolley.
To get your Trolley ticket, show your Go Boston Card at one of three locations:
- City Place: Green Line to Boylston Street stop. Upon exit, take a right on Boylston Street. Make a left on Charles Street. The entrance to City Place is just after P.F. Changs on your left.
- Waterfront: Blue Line to Aquarium T stop.
- Shops at the Prudential Center: Green Line “E” train to Prudential stop.
- When does my pass expire?
You have one year from the date you bought your pass to begin using it.
Getting Around Boston
Despite what you may have heard, Boston is an easy town to get around — especially on foot. It’s a compact city, and the neighborhoods blend into each other in ways that the car-bound just can’t appreciate. Boston visitors are also well served by a good subway and bus system, the MBTA.
Take the T!
The MBTA is Boston’s public transportation system, and it’s a great way to get around quickly and cheaply. The “T” refers to the subway, which runs throughout Boston, into Cambridge, and into nearby suburbs, providing access to all the attractions located in Boston. Just look for the big "T" in a circle to find a stop. You can also take buses to get all over the city, and the Commuter Rail is an easy way to get to points outside of Boston.
You can buy paper “Charlie Tickets” for single or multiple subway rides at vending machines located in most stations. When your ticket runs low, visit a fare vending machine to add value.
A single basic fare for the T is $2.50 with a Charlie Ticket. If you are going to be traveling around the city a lot, consider purchasing a daily or weekly “Link Pass.” With a Link Pass, one day of unlimited travel on subway, bus, and local commuter rail is $11.00*. One week is $18.00*.
Once on board, hang on! Being one of the oldest public transportation systems in the country, the T is not always the smoothest ride.
- Visit mbta.com for the most up-to-date fares.
- View a map of the T system.
- View the Commuter Rail Map
Walk it!
Of course, if you’ve got the time and energy to walk, Boston is a great walking town. You’ll be amazed at how small the city really is — you could walk across the heart of Boston in about an hour! It’s worth taking a stroll along the Charles River Esplanade or across the river to Cambridge, where you're rewarded with amazing views of the city skyline.
Other Options
You can also take a Hop On/Hop Off Trolley Tour to see the sites at your own pace. And, if you are venturing to attractions beyond city limits, Enterprise Rental Car offers a special deal for Go Boston Card customers!