Pinwurm t1_itd6aqk wrote on October 22, 2022 at 7:08 PM

Commuter Rail can be complicated with infrequent timetables on nights & weekends.

Instead, just use the bus system.

Take the 70 Bus to Watertown Yard.
From here, take the 57 Bus (comes every 8-10 minutes) to Kenmore Square. Watertown Yard and Kenmore are terminal stops, so you don't even need to worry about which direction it goes.
Walk 5 minutes.

It'll cost $1.70 to and from HOB. Bring headphones, it takes about an hour.

satanisaloser OP t1_itdbeq7 wrote on October 22, 2022 at 7:44 PM

thank you so much!!! I was averted to using the bus since it seems more confusing to me, but your advice makes sense, I'm looking into that route right now. if I don't have cash, do I need to get a CharlieCard?

Pinwurm t1_itdnwka wrote on October 22, 2022 at 9:11 PM

Yeah, you'll need a CharlieCard. You can get one from one of these locations in Waltham, you don't need to go to the "CharlieCard Store" downtown or anything - that 7-Eleven will do. Load up like $20, and then 'tap to pay' when going on a bus or subway. It's that easy.

They're soon piloting ApplePay or Credit Card Tap & Pay for the T, so hopefully that'll be standard next year or the year after.

ScarletOK t1_itdjx0f wrote on October 22, 2022 at 8:42 PM

If you do have cash you can use it to pay on the bus. If you don't have cash or a CharlieCard or Ticket you can't ride the bus.

There seem to be some shops in Waltham where you can buy fare cards. Search here: https://www.mbta.com/fares/retail-sales-locations

Angri_1999 t1_itg50r2 wrote on October 23, 2022 at 12:05 PM

The 57 is super frequent, so you won’t get stranded.