I'm taking Amtrak through Boston on an upcoming trip, and I have to transfer from the southern Amtrak station to the northern one, by means of the T. I'm not used to traveling alone, and I've only been on the T once, when I was little. (internal screaming) Have any of you done this? What is the procedure for going on the T? Any advice?
1. When are you coming, because I will totally come meet you if that's a thing you want. 2. I'm pretty sure you have to take the orange line but I'd have to check; give me a few minutes. This is South Station to North Station, yes?
1. Thank you for the offer! But I'm kind of (STRANGER DANGER PANIC NOISES) about internet people, even though everyone here seems pretty cool. X) 2. Yeah, it's South Station to North Station. I've got a two-hour stopover between my trains, so even if I proceed in a very confused way I've got time, but I'm worried about.. I don't know, people on the T yelling at me. Is it necessary to get a Charlie card even if I'm only taking one trip?
Okay, so. I've only been to South Station once so I'm not exactly sure where they are, but somewhere in there should be a couple of ticket machines. You press a few buttons, put in some money, and it spits out a ticket for the T. One ride on the T, any distance, is $2.65. Put in that much so that you don't waste any money. Actually come to think of it, you have to leave South Station proper and cross the street to get to the T. There should be signs, but don't be afraid to ask for help. Boston people are usually nice. From South Station, take the red line towards Alewife. Get off at either Downtown Crossing or Park Street; you can catch an orange line train at the former and a green line train at the latter. The orange line is significantly harder to find, so I suggest taking the green line. When you get off at Park Street, take the stairs up. There are two sets of stairs, one for each direction. Don't get on a train going in the other direction. When you get to North Station, turn left and walk a little then go up the escalator. The big building in front of you is where you go to get on the Amtrak trains.
I don't know how feasible walking is for you, but if that would be less stressful and you don't have a ton of luggage, it's about a mile walk, so, easily doable in two hours.
It's not horribly far; Boston's a relatively small city. I just wouldn't advise walking that far if you've got anything you're carrying.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The exit from north station the subway way station closest to the train stop with the amtrack trains has been shut for construction . Instead you will have to leave through the other exit (which is the unblocked exit). There are kind mbta workers who will point this out but you will be going outside to criss a street to get from the subway stop to the train stop. There are signs that mark the route and there is a covered walkway too. Sorry for butting in on the thread but I don't know if bel knows this The sign on the entrance to north station says TD Garden.
I am also available for T-related question but it looks like @Bel Capricorn has it well in hand :o also I'm less familiar with the Orange line.
Turns out my parents also asked their Internet Contacts, and so I have some reasonably clear instructions. Thanks, all of you! :D
