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Transportation

Welcome to Boston!

We are delighted to have you here as a new international student at Bunker Hill Community College. To help make your arrival and transition to Boston as smooth as possible, we have put together some step-by-step instructions for what to do once you arrive at Boston Logan International Airport, how to use the MBTA transportation system, and how to obtain a CharlieCard.

Transportation from the Airport into Boston using Google Maps

  1. Once you arrive at the airport, open Google Maps on your smartphone or mobile device.
  2. Click on the "Directions" icon in the bottom left-hand corner of the screen.
  3.  Enter your destination (e.g., your short-term rental address) in the "To" field.
  4. Select the public transportation icon (i.e., the icon that looks like a train). 
  5. Click on the "Departure time" field to select the time you plan to travel.
  6. Click "Enter" and Google Maps will provide you with a list of options for getting to your destination via public transportation, including buses and trains.
  7. Choose the route that works best for you and follow the directions provided by Google Maps.
  8. There is no public transit (subways and buses) available after 1am, at that time or any other you also have the choice of using Lyft or Uber - details below on how to get started.

Using Google Maps to Find Your Way Around Boston on Public Transport

  1. Open Google Maps on your smartphone or mobile device.
  2. Click on the "Transit" icon in the bottom left-hand corner of the screen.
  3. Enter your destination in the "To" field.
  4. Click on the "Departure time" field to select the time you plan to travel.
  5. Click "Enter" and Google Maps will provide you with a list of options for getting to your destination via public transportation.
  6. Choose the route that works best for you and follow the directions provided by Google Maps.

How to Buy a Charlie Card and the Different Options Available

  • A Charlie Card is a reusable card that you can use to pay for public transportation in Boston. You can purchase a Charlie Card at any MBTA subway station, bus terminal, or online at mbta.com.  It is best to wait until you arrive to purchase a Charlie Card.
  • The cost of a Charlie Card varies depending on the type of pass you want. Options include a one-day pass, a seven-day pass, or a monthly pass.  Please not that if you need to take an express bus regularly, you will need the Express Bus pass, which also covers the subway and other buses.
  •  You can also add money to your Charlie Card to pay for individual trips.
  • To use your Charlie Card, simply tap it on the fare reader when you enter the train platform or when you board a bus. The fare will be deducted from your card balance. 

 The Under 25 Program and How to Buy a Semester Pass through the College:

  • The MBTA offers a discounted rate for youth under the age of 25. Apply for youthpass 
  • Bunker Hill Community College offers a Semester Pass program for students. The cost of the Semester Pass is included in your tuition and fees.
  • To purchase a Semester Pass and get an 11% discount, visit the BHCC Student Payment Center or fill out the form.  Please note that you will be required to pay for the entire semester at once for the Fall and Spring terms. 

Lyft and Uber Options

  • You will need a credit or debit card that works in the United States to use these services.
  •  Lyft and Uber are popular ride-sharing services in Boston. To use these services, you will need to download the Lyft or Uber app on your smartphone or mobile device.
  • To request a ride, open the app and enter your destination.
  • The app will provide you with an estimated fare and a list of available drivers.
  • Choose the driver you want and wait for them to arrive.
  • When your ride is over, the fare will be automatically charged to your credit or debit card on file.  Tipping is customary and will be requested through the app.

Car & Bike Sharing

There are several locations in Boston to rent a car or bike by the hour or by the day, including one blue bike rental on BHCC’s campus.  You can find more information about these options at bluebikes.com and zipcar.com.  

Parking at BHCC and Around Town

Please note that if you decide to buy or use a car in Boston, you are required to be properly insured and the car registered. 

BHCC offers limited parking for students on the Charlestown and Chelsea Campuses in designated areas from 6 a.m. until 11 p.m. A valid parking permit is required for all vehicles parked on campus.  Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis. A parking permit does not guarantee a parking spot. Purchase a parking permit. More detailed information about parking at BHCC is available on the student parking website. You can also use the Park Mobile App to find parking.