Getting to Gillette Stadium from Boston without using your own vehicle offers various viable options, including public transportation. However, the transportation choices at your disposal will be contingent on the specific event you plan to attend.
When it comes to New England Patriots games, the most convenient option is to take the Gillette Stadium train, commonly known as the Patriot Train, which takes you directly to Patriot Place where the stadium is situated. On the other hand, attending concerts, New England Revolution games, or even engaging in shopping activities at Patriot Place necessitates a bit more ingenuity in reaching Gillette Stadium.
(Note: It’s always advisable to check if the train operates for certain concerts and non-Patriots games, as there are exceptions.)
If you’ve ever experienced the exasperation of enduring hours of congested traffic on your way back to Boston after a game or concert, you’ll understand the allure of taking the train to Gillette Stadium. Despite being only 22 miles south of the city in Foxboro, Massachusetts, the return drive can be interminable due to traffic congestion. The problem lies in the fact that you’re not truly driving; instead, you’re confined to bottlenecks around parking lots and Route 1.
To discover the optimal transportation options for traveling to and from Gillette Stadium from Boston, depending on the type of event, continue reading.
How to Take the Patriot Train to Gillette Stadium
MBTA’s Gillette Stadium Train, also known as the Patriot Train, offers service from several locations in Boston, including South Station, Back Bay Station, and Dedham Corporate Station, on Preseason and Regular Season home game days.
If you’re approaching Gillette Stadium from the south, you can also catch a Patriot Train bound for Gillette at TF Green Airport, with additional stops in Providence, South Attleboro, and Mansfield.
You can conveniently purchase round-trip tickets at the stations. Simply head to the Commuter Rail (MBCR ticket) window. It’s important to note that regular commuter rail tickets or passes are not valid for the Gillette Stadium Train.
Patriots Train tickets typically become available one week before each game, and you can acquire them in advance at South Station, North Station, and Back Bay Station. On Game Days, they are also available for purchase at Dedham Corporate Station.
Tickets will remain available until they are sold out or until 15 minutes prior to departure. Despite the MBTA’s efforts to increase the train’s capacity, tickets tend to sell out rapidly. Therefore, it’s advisable to purchase them in advance and have a backup plan in case you are unable to obtain Patriots Train tickets.
You can find the Patriot Train schedule on the MBTA’s official website. The round trip fare is $20, making it the most economical way to reach Gillette Stadium from Boston. However, please verify the fare on the MBTA website, as it is subject to change.
The Patriot Train is scheduled to arrive at the stadium approximately one hour and fifteen minutes before kickoff.
Regrettably, the Gillette Stadium Train primarily operates on Patriot home game days.
The Patriots train departs from Gillette 30 minutes after the conclusion of the game or any other event.
Occasionally, the train experiences delays, which can be quite disappointing if you arrive late for the game and frustrating if the return trip to Boston takes longer than expected. Nonetheless, the train remains faster, considerably cheaper, and more predictable than traveling by car, dealing with parking, and returning.
Luxury Coach Transportation
Another alternative for attending games and concerts at Gillette Stadium is reserving a seat on Boston Common Coach, which conveniently picks you up at Boston Common, specifically at the corner of Boylston and Charles Streets, just before the entrance to the Boston Common Garage.
Onboard, you’ll find various amenities, including coolers for tailgating, restrooms, and TVs equipped with DVD players.
For schedules, fares, and reservation information, you can visit the website of Boston Common Coach: http://bostoncommoncoach.com
Boston Common Coach also offers service from Boston to Wrentham Outlets and the Xfinity Center.
Getting to Other Events at Gillette Stadium
Reaching Gillette Stadium from Boston via public transportation for events other than New England Patriots games can be more challenging and potentially more costly, but it remains feasible.
First and foremost, it’s always worth checking if the MBTA schedules an equivalent to the “Patriot Train” for your event. In some cases, for high-profile soccer matches and major concerts, MBTA may arrange a special Soccer Train that runs directly from South Station/Back Bay to Gillette. Such events are typically listed on the Boston Events Calendar for the respective month.
If there is no direct train service available, a relatively simple and affordable option is to take the MBTA Commuter Rail’s Franklin Line from South Station in Boston to the Walpole station, which is located a few miles away. If you are traveling from Providence, the Mansfield station is the closest option.
From the station, you can take a taxi to Gillette Stadium and then return to the station after the event. Taxis are usually readily available, but if not, you can contact the local cab company, Foxfield Taxi, at 508-543-2828.
Alternatively, you have the option to rent a car for the day or a shorter period of time. However, it’s important to keep in mind that in addition to the car rental fee, you will also need to pay for parking at the stadium, which typically amounts to $50 or more.
If renting a car is a suitable choice for you, consider using Zipcar to save some money.
Lastly, if you are staying at one of the popular hotels near Gillette Stadium, you can inquire with your hotel about shuttle services to the stadium for the event. Many hotels provide this service.
Discovering the Best Transportation Options
If you want to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey to Gillette Stadium, it is crucial to explore the various transportation options available, depending on the type of event you plan to attend. By doing so, you can make the most appropriate choice and enjoy your experience without unnecessary travel-related stress.
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More Boston Sports Events
Remember, the regular seasons for the Bruins, Celtics, and even the Red Sox overlap with the New England Patriots’ schedule. Therefore, if you are unable to reach Gillette Stadium, you can still indulge in the excitement of a game right in Boston.
