It is cold and dirty. It is home to too many pigeons. I should have gone to the South Station.

First time here taking the Amtrak train to NY. Usually we go to South station but decided to go here instead this time and worked out great. It's a small station with a small room waiting area. There is a Dunkin' Donuts right there and if you walk around the corner there is a Jugos - which is actually really great - lots of healthy food and drink choices. The train schedule monitors are easy to read and shows the track a few minutes before the train arrives. Then you go down to the platform. What is nice is the platform has the cars marked Car1, Car 2 so you know exactly where your car will be and can wait there and get into right car when the train arrives. Really a nice feature- not seen on many tracks. Getting here by Uber was easy - got dropped off right outside and walk right in. Train was on time and place was not too crowded. So our travel went smoothly. Arriving back also was fairly easy. Got out of the train and went upstairs to the waiting room area. Called an Uber and got home. Overall good experience here. read more

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This is a medium-sized station. If you're taking Amtrak, the waiting area is pretty small and has some seating but not a lot. The station didn't seem well heated. In fact, the Amtrak seating area was freezing. There are a lot of staff to assist with wayfinding. They are really nice and super helpful. One of them helped me find my Uber when I waited outside, and that was above and beyond what I expected. read more

This one of my favorite stations in Boston's MBTA system. I take the commuter rail frequently, and this is the best station to get on at if you're heading outbound. The tracks are super easy to navigate to, staff is always super friendly, and there's a Dunkin Donuts right by the seating area. The orange line is also relatively reliable at this station - I've never had an issue. Located super close to Copley Square, Newbury St, and Prudential Center - about a 5 minute walk. read more

So... let me see if I have this right. There are 7 tracks. On one side are 5 & 7, and on the other are 3, 1, & 2, in that order. I assume tracks 4 and 6 are the Orange Line. When I first started working in Back Bay, this would confuse the heck out of me. My train is departing from track 2? Okay, great! But where is track 2?! Also important to note: the main departure board hangs on the ticket counter side (by tracks 3, 1, 2). Those above the platforms are only for that specific platform. Okay, so after a week you figured out where the platforms are, and the occasional zig-zag to and from the departure board. There's just two more problems: 1. Sometimes there are last minute track changes. It's happened to me: I go to my platform, double check it's the right one, and wait for my train. Well, they switched tracks on me! There I was running up and back down. Don't remember if I made my train or not, but thank you for the impromptu exercise., 2. It is not always clear where passengers should wait to board. Me and another person were waiting on the raised platform (no stairs to get onto train). The train arrived, stopped, and started leaving. Turns out the only door(s) that opened were much further down. We had no way of knowing - thus some kind of signage or system would be welcome. Other than these criticisms, Back Bay is solid as far as stations go. It is generally clean and feels safe. The restrooms especially get a shoutout. They aren't perfect, but leaps and bounds ahead of South Station. The only area that is less-than-pleasant is part of the platform between tracks 5 & 7. Feels like a platform in the middle of a tunnel. read more

MBTA - Back Bay Station - Tracks 5 & 7 - Platform - Public Transportation Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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The MBTA Back Bay station looks large on the outside, but the actual commuter rail tracks are just on both sides. During peak hours, like others mentioned, they would change track as at the last minute so be sure you keep a close eye on the arriving trains. If you take Amtrak, honestly probably better to board at South Station than Back Bay for better chances of finding seats. The air ventilation/CO2 level is always poor on commuter rails. read more

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This station has the commuter rail and Amtrak come through it. It's nothing fancy at all. This station has very, very few food/ beverage options. There are TWO Dunkin Donuts yes you heard that correct... two in very close proximity. There is a Starbucks a block away from here. I avoid using the bathrooms here though. read more

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Back Bay is a crappy station for Amtrak and MBTA. It connects these two pretty easily. Mostly east to make a transfer. Convenient to get to Copley Square and nearby areas. The station is located in a good place but it's filthy and stinks. It has such a good location but that's the only good thing about it. It serves the Orange Line. This is a good place for making a transfer. Get on a bus. This connects to the commuter railway. Amtrak also makes a stop here. This is convenient to get to. All these connections and still it sucks ass bad. It's a filthy place to be in. This is also freezing cold in winter. read more

MBTA - Back Bay Station - Station - Public Transportation Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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In addition to being a stop on the MBTA's Orange line, Back Bay services the Commuter Rail and Amtrak. It's a busy station. There are automated ticket machines for buying tickets for all of the above and when I was here, an "I can help!" person in a bright red jacket. Some food options here for quick grab and go. Not as much as South Station further up the line, but decent. Escalators and elevators from the street level to the platform level. Back Bay is between Tufts Medical Center and Massachusetts Ave. read more

MBTA - Back Bay Station - Back Bay MBTA Station - Public Transportation Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

October 22, 2024......the Bathrooms have been closed for sometime without explanation. I am not sure what they expect people waiting for trains to do. Just hold it in. read more

Great convenient MBTA station in this part of the city. There are Dunkin' Donuts here as well.

I give this station 4 STARS, but... only in comparison to other T stations! (Reviewers seem to compare to 5 Star cafes?) FACT: T Stop floors are never that "clean." This station IS CLEAN, BUT WET WHEN RAINS! FACT: T Stops can be dark & dangerous. This station IS SAFE...crowded & well lit. FACT: T Stops can be without amenities. This station HAS A BATHROOM, CAFES & MACHINES. read more

I do not like subways; they are scary. Being from Louisville I only take them on a rare occasion, this only being my second time and my first time riding one in the U.S. I would have opted to just drive everywhere and cough up some cash for parking, but a friend who is a local insisted we take the train. Afterwords, I'm glad we did to save some money, but I would have never figured out how to get around on my own. This is probably one of the cleaner, nicer-looking stations that I have been to. It does get pretty full though during rush hour so I felt pretty crammed on the train at times. It got us to point A to point B pretty quickly, and it looks like they have multiple trains coming in every few minutes so we never had to wait that long for one. read more

Back bay is a busy stop in the heart of Boston having both Orange Line and commuter rail stops. I commented to a friend about the derelict condition of this station and was informed how much is has improved over the years. Hmmm, OK. Good to know. There are what appear to be newer seating by the ticket counter area and a small electronic sign notifying which trains will depart on which tracks at what time. This station is across from Copley Plaza and just a few blocks from Boston Common. Entering from Stuart Street, the ticket office is against the wall on the right. There is also a small coffee shop. The building appears to be old and is blackened by soot. Loose wires are hanging from the ceiling, but it's not a museum, it's a train station and most people are just rushing through. The ticket counter agent let us know you can purchase a weekend pass on the train or from a ticket window agent: purchase on a Saturday or Sunday with a return no later than Sunday evening, and the round trip price is the same as a one way purchase. Sweet 2 for 1 weekend deal. The stair cases down to the commuter rail platforms are numbered above the doorway. It is dark and grimy down there with no seating for your wait. As this is a commuter rail platform, benches would probably just get in the way. It is also open to the elements of course so dress appropriately. The trains are older, but serviceable. There are overhead bins which we used for our luggage and were plenty big for our trolley bags. The second train also had hooks for small bags or jackets by the window. The seats on that train were 3 wide on one side and 2 wide on the other making the aisle slightly off center. The first train were bench seats of equal proportion on either side of a center aisle. There were seats by the door designated for elderly patrons on the trains we took. The conductors were all very friendly (we left Friday afternoon and returned on Sunday) and helpful, answering our questions and letting us know we were approaching our station; which we asked them to do. We purchased our inbound ticket on the train and are happy to learn they now accept credit card payment on the train. read more

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Back Bay has panhandlers at each door pretty much whenever- requesting money for holding the door open all the time. Most just tell you to have a good day/evening, some are not so happy that you don't put money in their cup; they just stand there holding the door open, waiting for people who need to go inside. There's a lot of security and police here and I do feel safe at Back Bay, but am tired of having someone there every day, holding the door open, asking for money; I'm already paying to park and ride the train + I don't carry cash. Employees here at Back Bay are where the 'T' shines, in my opinion. They are helpful, friendly, and professional. I have seen many extremely obnoxious (with & without alcohol, etc) passengers that they have remained patient with, even though that person has been swearing at them and promising to report them. They are efficient at boarding/unboarding, tickets, and more. I have witnessed them assist people who have had seizures at the station before, people too drunk to walk and fell, as well as women who have children/baby carriages that need help. Back Bay has come a long away in recent years, and I still prefer to arrive and depart out of Back Bay over South Station. read more

Super convenient to Copley Square with easy access to the T, Regional/Commuter Trains and Amtrak. Amtrak platform was super fume-y when I was waiting for the 135 back to NYC. It also reminds me of getting on the train at Newark when heading south on a train out of NY Penn because the train fills up at South Station so if you get on here, you have to search for a seat. There's some fast food available, but I say go across the street to the Au Bon Pain if you need a bit while waiting for a train. read more

MBTA - Back Bay Station - The fumes are really strong down here. Hope I don't pass....zzzzzz - Public Transportation Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

It's a no frills train station so nothing to really write about. Got here at 550 am for a 615 am train to NYC. We had no issues and our train was on time. It's no Grand Central or Penn Station but it's fine and serves its purpose. read more

Staff can definitely be more helpful. It was my first time at this station trying to find my amtrak train. I asked multiple staff where it was and they would just point and say "that way". I ended up going where they all recommended assuming that was the only place amtrak would come as that is what they said. I waited 40 minutes and heard on the speaker my amtrak train was arriving at a different track. I ran immediately with my huge suitcase, lugged it up the stairs, and back down to my correct track. The train had already started leaving but the conductor was nice enough to stop and let me on. Signs are poor and not helpful. Staff is extremely unhelpful and acts like they are being inconvenienced by giving you guidance. I am shocked not one employee asked me what track I was looking for or informed me of the correct location where my train was to arrive. The wrong directions I was provided with nearly made me miss my train. read more

My first review of a train station/depot!!! What can I say? It's the place you go to catch a train. Not much going on in the terminal unless you are studying human nature and it's oddities. The staff at the ticket windows didn't seem too people friendly Could be cleaned more often as there were garbage people left behind on the benches read more

We arrived and departed here on Amtrak for our weekend in Boston, and I have to say that this was a perfectly good train station, and I'd rate it a little bit above average. It's easy to navigate, air conditioned, with a spacious waiting area and large and clean restrooms. read more

If you ever hear me complain about how awful Penn Station is to travel through, please slap me. Hard. At Back Bay, things are really backwards, at least as far as the boy's room is concerned. Let's break it down: - It's malodorous - The urinals appear to be repurposed from some forsaken fallout shelter... decades ago - I could probably generate greater air throughput by blowing on my hands, compared to the wimpy hand dryers - Soap dispensers were busted and/or empty... which leads me to question the hygiene of any employees that might have the misfortune of working here - The confines of the lavatory are mysteriously kept at an unpleasantly balmy 80+ degrees Oh, and as if that weren't exciting enough to make you want to travel through here... The food options include Dunkin' Donuts or, wait wait, more Dunkin' Donuts. I love me some DD coffee, but is there really a necessity for -two- of these stands in the span of thirty yards? Let's not forget the closed (at least around 1900 hours, when I passed through) "Burritos 'n' Tacos To Go!" stand. My confidence was not inspired. Convenient as it may be, one would be well-served by avoiding transit via Back Bay station. Unless, y'know, you're into picking up a little MRSA action. read more

This station is in a great location. It's pretty much in the middle of everything. I've only taken the orange line from here. It smells horrible (so try not to inhale too often) and it is on the dirty side. There's plenty of homeless people so watch your belongings. It gets me to where I need to go though so that's good enough. read more

A secondary terminus (to the rather excellent South Station)....and it shows, feels dim and grim....functional admittedly but dim 'n' grim none the less. Add to that, if you're heading south on the Amtrak and really have no geographical or time need to use this station, use South Station primarily as its a far nicer way to start your journey and secondly you'll likely get a table seat (or a seat you actually want) as opposed to hustling on at South Station and moving from carriage to carriage to find a suitable seat (my choice, table, window, forward facing, near the cafe car) 2nd star as always loads of cabs when I've alighted here. read more

MBTA - Back Bay Station - Public Transportation Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

It is kind of an odd station. Orange Line and Communer rail. The lobby area is pretty busy and small. In the summer, they don't have air-conditioning, so they set up big fans to try and circulate the air. They have two Dunkin Donuts (which seems really weird) a burger place and couple of food carts in the lobby. Even so, it is not a great place to hang out. The areas by the tracks are really dark and kind of grimy looking. On the bright side, its a great location next to Copley Square within easy walking distance. Also close to Newbury Street and the Boston Common. It's pretty easy in an out even when it is busy. read more

MBTA - Back Bay Station - Public Transportation Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

A public train station, obviously. I don't expect it to be perfect but seeing an overflowing urinal in the bathroom on Rolling Redsox Rally day is really gross. Because we passed through BBS on such a big day for the city, there was a line 25 ladies deep outside of the bathroom, not the stations fault. The problem with this is, the lobby was FILLED with diesel fumes and those women were all standing there breathing it for a good 10 minutes before they even entered the stalls, how can that be healthy? There are ample food vendors, from Dunkies to taco carts. But still, I'm not sure I want to eat food that has been surrounded by diesel for how every long throughout the day. It's big, it's a little dirty, the fumes could get you sick but the T downstairs is ok enough to warrant it 3 stars overall. A hub of the city could do a little better keeping it a hub we're proud of. read more

I get it. This is a public train station. But, honestly, don't the patrons deserve clean air? This station needs to seriously revamp (or invest in) their ventilation system. The smog and train exhaust in this joint could kill a person! And as an aside- is it really necessary to have two Dunkin Donut stands within 100 feet of one another? Ohhhh, back bay read more

I don't know why Back Bay has such a horrible rating....? Sure, it isn't freaking Grand Central or Union or even Penn Station... But the station is huge. It has two, yes TWO, Dunkin Donuts inside. It is host to multiple independent food stands. There are two convenience stores. There is a CVS out the back entrance. It has a florist/fruit stand out front. They sell newspapers out front. Amtrak and the Commuter Rail run through. It is across the street from Copley/Prudential shopping. It borders South End and Back Bay. There is a Starbuck's outside on Stuart Street, if DD isn't good enough for you. What is wrong people? What is your problem with BBS? There are homeless people. There are drug addicts. It smells a little like urine and exhaust (what train station doesn't, really?). There are annoying tourists and travelers who don't know left from right. But these people are *everywhere* in Boston, and Back Bay Station is no exception. The trains have run mostly on time, in the almost year that I've been regularly using the station. I've both used and seen a few friends off on Amtrak, and they're always on time. So what's the issue? I can't find anything bad to say about this station. It's not the prettiest place in the city, but please remember this is a *train station* folks. The entire point of it being here is to get you from A to B. And it does that extremely well as far as I'm concerned. Sure South Station is slightly prettier to look at. If the sight of Back Bay Station disgusts you so, you always have the option to walk a block to Copley Green Line or a few blocks to Washington Silver Line. Back Bay Station works. There is nothing legitimate to complain about, seriously. They do sell military grade gas masks at the convenience store in front. J/K. read more

MBTA - Back Bay Station - Back Entrance/Bus Terminals - Public Transportation Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Wow! I haven't been at this station since I was in high school. For the first time I figured I would take the commuter rail to see my friend for a night out. And Oh my have the station changed, Like for instance it's got alot cleaner I remember I use to see rats jumping all over this station and so nice to have a tasty burger joint in the station so cool while you wait for your train. read more

MBTA - Back Bay Station - Back Bay Commuter Rail Track 5&7 - Public Transportation Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

I don't really have anything good or bad to say about this stop as I only use it on the weekends. I've only had to purchase tickets or interact with anyone once, which was my last visit on 3/01/18. I needed a commuter ticket to Providence, RI $11.50. I didn't get the woman's name as I was in a rush, but she was polite enough, and prompt. I had my ticket and was on my way to my track in no time. read more

It was definitely modern for its time back when this station opened in 1987. But even then I bet it got mixed reviews as there's not much art decorations like in some other stations. The age of the stone has definitely taken its toll over the years. I can't wait until this station gets a renovation. read more

dirty, dark,noisy, impossible to hear announcement since they are screaming

Good lord... I didn't think it could get any worse than New York Penn Station, but I was sorely mistaken.. This station looks and feels like an old abandoned building. It's dirty, cold, and even though there are dozens of people walking around at any given time, it manages to feel abandoned. As I waited for my train in the dead of winter, I sat on an ice cold seat with no heat to be found. The floor was damp with water and it smelled disgusting. I don't think anyone is expecting to walk into the Waldorf, it's a train station... But, you would think/hope the place would at least be clean and representative of the awesome city you're coming to, especially Back Bay which I think is the best of Boston. Not a good first impression at all... I sincerely hope they give this place a makeover sooner than later. C'mon Boston! read more

The amtrak office is now empty but there are two kiosks to print out your tickets from if you do not have a printer at home. You could also get the free app if you have a smart phone. I did get a call and an email from amtrak that this would happen but it is still confusing when you get to the station because it is also the station for the T. The screens only show three trains/ buses at a time. There is a screen behind the amtrak office that shows more, but it only shows the next city the train is hitting so you must know your train number because it might not show your destination city. There is no voice over to tell you where to go, at least none that I heard/understood you have to look and ask around. So before you head out from this station make sure you print out your tickets/get the app. Know the number of your train. Look at the big screen behind the office. Talk to the other people waiting, most likely they are confused too. The lack of security is also alarming. Hope this lessens your anxiety and helps you out on your next trip! read more

Preface: I like Boston a lot, I think it's an amazing city. Walkable, bikeable, and semi-friendly. Have you ever noticed that each part of the city smells differently? Seriously, go to the North End, Downtown Crossing, and Newbury Street. You will get a plethora of scents. Back Bay Station is no different! Once you walk in, you can smell a damp and diseased pet. But it's okay, because there is a Red Box, Dunkin' Donuts (two, actually!), and some food carts. One of my little secrets (not really a secret, though, but go along with me): If you have a monthly pass (or don't care about swiping your Charlie card) and the weather is inclement, take a walk underground to the Prudential Center so you don't have to cross Dartmouth street. read more

Cons -It smells -it could use some more retail shops -it could use some more passenger seating areas -it smells -its quite busy, can become chaotic -the bathrooms are ummmm...unsanitary -there are some creepy looking individuals, so watch your back -it smells Pros -amazing location, connects orange line, 39 bus, Amtrak, steps away from green line E. -there are usually a bunch of cops there, so false sense of security Overall, useful but needs lots of work. read more

I agree with the reviewer who said Back Bay Station is "so charming in a dirty, dirty, dirty way." I give it five stars on principle. Those of you complaining about dirtiness need to stfu and drive your Audi to your destination instead. Get over it, party people, it's a public mass transit in one of the oldest cities in the country. If you fall asleep and a rat chews your leg off, that's kinda your fault. Why are you sleeping in Back Bay Station to begin with? Yikes. I very much enjoyed my hour stay in Back Bay Station last week. I've never taken Amtrak out of Boston, so I usually just breeze on through the various T stations in search of my subway train. I pretty much felt like I was in Times Square circa 1973. And while I realize that this isn't everyone's cup of tea, those of you who aren't put off by dirty, old train stations will feel me. It's cool. It's like a time capsule. I even got creepily hit on by both the dude working at the information booth when I tried to find out which track my train would be on, and the dudes at the Dunkin' Donuts. In a situation like this, I expect - nay, demand - harmless sleeze. It's part of the charm! I would be incredibly sad if Back Bay Station was redone, cleaned up, and gentrified. For those of you who feel me, there is an awesome book called "Times Square Red/Times Square Blue" by Samuel Delaney that describes what we lose when we gentrify seedy spaces (ahem, culture...). There are enough white, middle class, pretty pretty spaces in the city - so kindly reroute yourself through North Station or something if you're so concerned (or better yet, drive!). If you're afraid of homeless people, try to remember that they're human too, and that there is always a reason for homelessness (which is usually structural or systemic - most people would not choose to be homeless...). Did you get stabbed? No. Then don't worry about it. Just wait til your train is called and you'll be fine. read more

Back Bay Station is kind of a pit, and that's why I love it. Boston's gotten so cleaned up and gentrified in the last twenty years that almost refreshing to go some place that's still a little filthy. Sure, you've got some homeless at South Station, but they tend to be so well behaved that I can't help wondering if The Management didn't just hire a staging company to bring them in--you know--so the tourists and the weekenders coming through can have a little thrill and some tales from the big city to tell when they get back home. Otherwise it's just another new urban transportation mall ala Grand Central or DC's Union Station, albeit on the small side. Back Bay Station on the other hand is still an old-school, gritty depot. You want something to eat? You're in Back Bay: think twice about eating Dunkin's donuts... maybe reconsider your aversion to their other food that goes straight from fridge to microwave to customer. Or maybe just go on a diet. Need to use the bathroom? How bad do you have to go? read more

Sterile yet utilitarian station in the heart of Boston. An alternative (yet ugly venue) to South Station for Amtrak trains as well as T-line subways. Still, once you come here you don't want to do it again. Back Bay Station is to Boston as Penn Station is to New York, and is completely out of place in the classic and attractive architecture of the Back Bay. The sheer horrific modernistic architecture, however, emanates contempt for anything made in the '70s. If I was Michael Dukakis, I would have never allowed my name to be place on a plackard in this modernistic eyesore. The facilities here are downright horrible. read more

Freezing to death. I don't understand this place. You have a roof you have offices, at lease add air conditioners and places to sit in Dunkin donuts There is no lost and fund in this station. If you lose something on the train, you will have to check with the south station and they do nothing. No parking. read more

Pros: Great location, great connectivity (Orange, Commuter Rail, #39 bus + the Green Line is just a very quick walk down the street). Cons: The air is thick with diesel exhaust, and this isn't helped by the platforms running alongside an interstate tunnel. The fumes from passing traffic get sucked into the station along with those from the commuter rail and Amtrak engines. The bathrooms are positively horrific. Conclusion: Not a bad station. Fixing the air quality and hiring a bathroom attendant with arrest privileges would be nice. It would be so easy to make the place a four or five star station. That's what infuriates me. read more