| City | Boston |
| Country | USA |
| Type | Railway Station |
It is important for passengers to note that the tracks and platforms are located below ground level, in a tunnel. The main entrance is located on Dartmouth Street. Navigation inside the building is intuitive; however, please be aware that due to structural features, the platforms can be noisy and stuffy when diesel trains arrive, so waiting for boarding is more comfortable in the upper concourse.
Getting to Back Bay Station is very convenient thanks to its integration into the city's transport network. The Orange Line subway station is located directly within the building, connecting the district with the northern and southern parts of the city. City buses on routes No. 10, 39, and 170 also stop nearby, with stops located on adjacent streets.
If you are in the city center, for example, near the Boston Public Library, you can walk there in just 3–5 minutes. For those using taxis or ridesharing services (Uber/Lyft), drop-off usually takes place at the main entrance on Dartmouth Street. A taxi ride from Logan Airport will take approximately 15–20 minutes, providing there is no heavy traffic.
Back Bay Station offers passengers a basic range of services for a comfortable journey. The spacious central hall houses Amtrak and MBTA ticket counters, as well as Quik-Trak self-service kiosks for fast ticket printing. The waiting area is equipped with traditional wooden benches situated under the high arches of the atrium.
Amenities also include public restrooms and complimentary Wi-Fi (provided by the Amtrak Connect network). Finding free power outlets to charge devices can be challenging, so we recommend ensuring your devices are charged in advance. For passengers with reduced mobility, elevators are provided to ensure access to all platforms from street level.
Dining options directly inside the station building are limited: usually, there is a Dunkin' coffee shop and a small newsstand where you can buy water, chips, or chocolate. This is a great option for a quick snack before your train; the average cost is around 5–8 dollars.
However, thanks to its prime location, there are many excellent places surrounding the station. You simply need to cross the street to reach the Copley Place or Prudential Center shopping malls, which feature large food courts and restaurants. Additionally, a two-minute walk away is the famous Newbury Street, lined with dozens of cafes and bistros to suit every taste.
The modern Back Bay Station building was opened in 1987, replacing the old station that had existed here since the late 19th century. The design of the new terminal received acclaim for its architectural solution: the use of wooden arches in the interior references the construction of old railway depots, while harmoniously blending into the historic appearance of the district.
An important stage in the station's history was the struggle to improve air quality. Since the platforms are located in an enclosed tunnel and many trains use diesel traction, a major reconstruction of the ventilation system was carried out in the 2010s. Today, the station plays a critical role in Boston's transport system, relieving the main terminal, South Station.
When planning a trip through Back Bay, we recommend arriving at the station 20–30 minutes before departure. If you are traveling on a commuter train (Commuter Rail), tickets are often checked by conductors inside the train, but a ticket will be required immediately to pass through the subway turnstiles (Orange Line).
In terms of safety, the station is located in a calm district, but during night hours, it is advisable to stay in well-lit areas and the main hall. If you are traveling with heavy luggage, be sure to use the elevators, as the escalators can be narrow. Please note that train boarding happens quite quickly, so watch the information boards closely for announcements.
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