Transit Directory
Red Line
ADA Accessible

Porter

Station

Porter Square District

Station Information

Station Address

Massachusetts Ave and Somerville Ave

Transit Line

MBTA Red Line

Accessibility Features

Full elevator access available for wheelchairs, strollers, and luggage

Commuter's Guide

Peak Hours

4-6 min

Between trains

Off-Peak

8-12 min

Between trains

Rush Hour Tip

Less crowded than Harvard or Central. The long escalator ride (100+ feet deep) takes about 2 minutes — plan accordingly.

Platform Tips

The Commuter Rail (Fitchburg Line) connects upstairs — useful for day trips to Concord and the western suburbs. The Somerville entrance is closer to Davis.

Travel Times from Porter

Downtown Crossing
21 min
South Station
25 min
Harvard
3 min
Kendall/MIT
9 min
Back Bayvia Commuter Rail
28 min

Bus Connections

77 (Arlington Heights)83 (Rindge Ave)87 (Lechmere via Somerville)
Cycling

Bluebikes dock outside both entrances. The Minuteman Bikeway starts 0.5 miles north — great for commuting from Arlington/Lexington.

Station Lore

Named after the Reverend Zachariah Porter, who never rode a subway.

Within Walking Distance

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Attractions Nearby

Where to Eat

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At a Glance

Nearby Businesses6
Elevator AccessYes
LineRed

Porter Square

Transit hub with local character

Explore District
Commuter's Wisdom

True Bostonians never run for the train. They catch the next one.

Guide to Cambridge

“He may ride forever 'neath the streets of Boston...”

— Charlie on the MTA, 1949