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How to get to the 2024 Boston Marathon start area? Best transportation options
Here’s all the transport information you need regarding what’s on for the Boston Marathon.
You’ll be doing enough running at the marathon, so don’t end up running for the bus. Here’s a guide to all the information regarding getting to the start point of the Boston Marathon.
The Marathon is New England’s most widely viewed sporting event, and has been taking place in Boston for over 100 years. The 26 mile, 385 yard race starts in the town of Hopkinton, located southwest of Boston and finishes across from the Boston Public Library and Old South Church in Boston’s Copley Square.
The advised method to reach the starting point in Hopkinton on race morning is by utilizing the official B.A.A. buses. Bus loading will occur on Charles Street, which is between the Public Garden and Boston Common.
More information
Boston Marathon bus boarding times for runners:
| WAVE | BIB NUMBER | TIME |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 201 - 7,999 | 6:45 a.m. |
| 2 | 8,000 - 15,999 | 7:30 a.m. |
| 3 | 16,000 - 23,999 | 8:15 a.m. |
| 4 | 24,000 - 32,999 | 9:00 a.m. |
Boston Marathon starting times:
- Military March - 6 am ET
- Men's Wheelchair - 8:02 am ET
- Women's Wheelchair - 8:05 am ET
- Handcycles & Duos - 8:30 am ET
- Professional Men - 8:37 am ET
- Professional Women - 8:45 am ET
- Para Athletics Divisions - 8:50 am ET
- Rolling Start Begins - 9:00 am ET
- Rolling Start Ends - 11:30 am ET
The public transport app Moovit says the following in terms of general public transport on the day:
Boston Marathon transport information:
- Green, Red, Orange, Blue, and Silver lines will operate a regular weekday schedule on April 15 with additional service before and after the race.
- Bus Route 1 will operate an increased Saturday schedule from 9 AM to 9 PM, allowing spectators fast, easy access to both sides of the Marathon route.
- The Framingham/Worcester Commuter Rail Line will offer additional inbound and outbound trips on April 15.
- $10 Weekend Holiday Pass on the Commuter Rail grants unlimited travel through all zones and stations all weekend and on April 15.
- For public safety reasons, Copley Station is closed for the entire day on April 15. Riders are instead encouraged to use Arlington Station (serving all Green Line branches), Prudential Station (Green Line E branch), Hynes Convention Center Station (Green Line B, C, and D branches), or Back Bay Station on the Orange Line.
Remember, to board buses, all participants must display their bib number.
The B.A.A. strongly advocates using the transportation provided by the organisation to reach the start line. If you require drop-off in Hopkinton on race day, you can be deposited at 52 South Street in Hopkinton and will then embark on a B.A.A. shuttle to reach the Athletes’ Village area before the beginning of the race.