Boston South Railway

South Station is the largest transport hub in Boston and all of New England, standing as a historic landmark of the city. This majestic terminal, built in the Neoclassical style, serves thousands of Amtrak and MBTA commuter train passengers daily. Located at the intersection of Atlantic Avenue and Summer Street, the station serves as the main gateway to the city for tourists and business professionals.

Passengers should note that navigation inside the station is intuitive: the central hall leads to the platforms for long-distance and commuter trains. Directly from the building, you can descend to the Red Line metro station or transfer to Silver Line buses heading to the airport. The main entrance is located on Atlantic Avenue, and inside there are information boards to help you quickly find your way.

• Official website: south-station.net
• Address: 700 Atlantic Avenue, Boston, MA 02110, USA
• Information phone (Amtrak): +1 800-872-7245
• Opening hours: the station building is open daily from 05:00 to 00:00 (please check the schedule of specific carriers)
• Luggage storage: Parcel Check service is available for passengers with Amtrak tickets (fees apply)
• Accessibility: the station is fully equipped for passengers with reduced mobility; elevators and ramps are available

Getting to South Station is very simple, as it is integrated into the city's transport system. The most convenient way is the metro: the station is located on the MBTA Red Line, and the station is called South Station. If you are travelling from Logan Airport, use the Silver Line (SL1) bus, which will take you directly to the terminal for free.

For those who prefer taxis or ride-sharing apps (Uber, Lyft), passenger drop-off is organised on Atlantic Avenue, right at the main entrance. From the city centre, for example, from Boston Common park or Faneuil Hall marketplace, you can walk to the station in 10–15 minutes, enjoying the architecture of the financial district.

South Station offers a wide range of services to ensure a comfortable wait for your journey. In the main hall, there are Amtrak and commuter train ticket counters, as well as self-service ticket machines. For business class passengers and loyalty programme members, the comfortable ClubAcela lounge with soft seating and refreshments is available.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal. Passengers can use ATMs, clean washrooms, and mobile device charging zones. Special attention is paid to accessibility: the station is equipped with everything necessary for passengers with reduced mobility, including staff assistance (Red Cap service) when boarding the train.

It is impossible to stay hungry at South Station: a large food court operates here with a diverse selection. You will find both familiar chain establishments for a quick snack (burgers, pizza, sandwiches) and coffee shops where you can grab a cup of hot coffee before your journey. The average bill here is quite reasonable.

If you have time to spare and prefer a more substantial meal, we advise you to exit the building and take a walk to the neighbouring Seaport District or Chinatown, which are within walking distance. There, the choice of restaurants is significantly wider, ranging from fresh seafood to authentic Asian cuisine.

The history of South Station began in 1899, when it was grandly opened, becoming the busiest railway terminal in the world at that time. The building was designed in the Neoclassical Revival style and was intended to unite several disparate railway lines approaching Boston from the south.

In the mid-20th century, with the growing popularity of automobiles, the station experienced a period of decline and was even under threat of demolition. However, in the 1980s, a large-scale reconstruction began, turning it into a modern transport hub. Today, the station not only performs its direct function but also serves as an important architectural monument, reminding us of the "Golden Age" of US railways.

For a calm journey, we recommend arriving at the station at least 30–45 minutes before your train departs, especially if you need to check luggage or buy a ticket at the counter. Boarding for Amtrak trains is usually announced 15 minutes before departure, so please watch the information boards in the main hall carefully.

The station is considered a safe place, with police constantly on duty, but do not leave your belongings unattended. If you have a long layover, remember that at night (approximately from 00:00 to 05:00), the building closes to visitors who do not have tickets for upcoming trips, so spending the night in the waiting hall will not be possible.