How to Get Anywhere in Boston

Living in Boston as a new college student at the New England College of Optometry (NECO) means you’re in the heart of a historic, bustling, and highly walkable city—but getting around efficiently and affordably is key. Luckily, Boston offers many affordable ways to get around. You can avoid expensive taxis and ride shares knowing by keeping track of peak times and taking advantage of student discounts or promotional rates. Navigating the “T,” Boston’s public transportation system, is another cheap way to get around while also getting to know the city, especially when you first get here in the fall semester. Below are some smart local tips that make it easy to explore the city, without breaking the bank. 

Beyond the T

The MBTA (or just “the T”) is Boston’s subway and bus system, and it’s by far the easiest and most affordable way to get around. The T is made up of buses, shuttles, and commuter trains. The whole system runs on different lines that utilize a color system. The Green Line is your home line—NECO’s main campus and clinical facilities are just steps away from several major Green Line stops for both buses and trains. As a Boston student, you’ll need to make sure to get a CharlieCard so you can ride with ease and get that student discount. If you’re looking to go beyond Boston, the city offers bikes and scooters with plenty of bike paths to get you out of the hustle and bustle. 

Student Pro Tip: Apply for the MBTA Semester Pass through NECO before each semester. It offers a hefty discount (up to 50%) on monthly passes and can be used on trains, buses, and even some commuter rail lines. It’s worth every penny.

Next stop: Hynes Convention Center

Boston is compact and incredibly walkable. From NECO, you’re a 10-minute walk from Back Bay Station, Boston Common, and Newbury Street. Need to grab coffee, groceries, or some late-night study snacks? Chances are, you can walk there—and enjoy some iconic views along the way. Major transportation hubs that are walkable include Hynes Convention Center and Copley Station, when you get here you’re able to transfer to pretty much any line along the T and around the city. Using that student semester pass as a NECO student will definitely come in handy!

Student Pro Tip: Invest in a comfy pair of shoes. You’ll be surprised how much walking you’ll do just going about your day.

 

Bluebikes and Bike Lanes

Boston’s Bluebikes program is a great option, when the weather cooperates. With over 400 stations around the city, you can hop on and off easily. A student annual membership costs less than a few monthly T passes and offers unlimited 45-minute rides.

Student Pro Tip: Use Bluebikes for your commute to clinical sites or study breaks along the Esplanade. The ride is scenic and stress-relieving.

Buses and Shuttles

Don’t overlook Boston’s bus system—especially if you’re heading to neighborhoods not directly on a subway line. Routes like the #1 Bus (connecting Harvard and MIT to Longwood Medical area and South End) are NECO staples. As you’ll see, parking in Boston and nearby neighborhoods can be a real challenge. It’s important to get to know the bus lines and map out where your clinic will be in relation to a reliable bus stop. 

Student Pro Tip: Download the Transit App or Citymapper to track buses in real time and avoid long waits in the cold or rain. 

 

Rideshares, Car Rentals, and Carpools

Uber and Lyft are everywhere, but they can get pricey. For times when public transportation won’t cut it—like moving day, airport runs, or rotations outside the city—consider a Zipcar membership. There are Zipcars parked all over Boston, including near campus. A nice thing about being a NECO student is that you are tapped into the NECO community where your classmates support each other. You’ll find in your first year that there will usually be someone with a car heading to the same class or clinic site that is more than happy to give you a ride. Parking may be tough, but ridesharing and carpooling make for a much more enjoyable time. 

Student Pro Tip: Always check if a classmate or friend is heading the same direction before calling a ride—splitting the fare or gas money make it a lot more manageable.

Getting to Clinical Sites on a Budget

Some of NECO’s clinical sites are outside of Boston proper or in neighboring towns and cities. For these, you might need to take a combination of T lines or a commuter rail train. If you’re traveling frequently to a single site, ask our academic affairs office for travel tips—they often have insider info and budget-friendly suggestions.

Boston may have a reputation for being expensive, but with a student mindset (and a few savvy strategies), it’s totally manageable. Whether you’re heading to class, a clinical site, or just off to explore the North End for cannoli, getting around Boston doesn’t have to drain your wallet.

Remember: Pack your Charlie Card, check your Transit App, and enjoy the ride.