Boston Common to Institute of Contemporary Art
Plain directions from Boston Common to Institute of Contemporary Art, checked against the fall 2026 MBTA schedule.
Boston Common to Institute of Contemporary Art
- Silver Line SL2
- Walk about 16 min to South StationFrom Boston Common
- Take the Silver Line SL2Toward Design Center1 stop, about 1 min
- Get off at Courthouse
- Walk about 7 min to Institute of Contemporary ArtUse the 1 | Seaport Blvd exit
Weekdays, fall 2026 schedule · First and last trips
Quick answer: Walk about 16 min to South Station, then take the Silver Line SL2 to Courthouse, and walk about 7 min. The trip takes about 23 minutes. On weekdays the Silver Line SL2 runs every 7 min during the day.
Get the live route from Boston Common to the ICA
Step by step
- From Boston Common, walk about 16 min to South Station.
- At South Station, take the Silver Line SL2 toward Design Center.
- Ride 1 stop, about 1 min to Courthouse.
- Walk about 7 min to Institute of Contemporary Art. Use the 1 | Seaport Blvd exit.
Other ways to go
- Walk about 16 min to South Station, then take the Silver Line SL3 to Courthouse, and walk about 7 min: about 23 min.
- Walk about 16 min to South Station, then take the Silver Line SL1 to Courthouse, and walk about 7 min: about 24 min.
Which one is faster depends on when you leave. Cobblehop compares them with live times and gives you the one that gets you there first.
Times and frequency
| Day | First trip | Last trip | How often (daytime) | Trip time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday-Thursday | 4:21 am | 1:09 am | Every 7 min | About 23 min |
| Friday | 4:21 am | 1:57 am | Every 7 min | About 23 min |
| Saturday | 4:58 am | 1:58 am | Every 10 min | About 23 min |
| Sunday | 5:30 am | 1:10 am | About every 15 min | About 24 min |
First and last trip are when the first bus of the trip leaves South Station, on the fall 2026 schedule. "How often" is for the Silver Line SL2.
Late at night
On weekdays, the last trip that works leaves South Station at 1:09 am and gets to Institute of Contemporary Art around 1:32 am, using bus 11. On Friday nights it runs later: the last trip leaves at 1:57 am. On Saturday nights the last trip leaves at 1:58 am, and on Sunday nights at 1:10 am. Late at night, ask Cobblehop for the last trip. It checks live times and tells you when to leave.
Tips for this trip
- The ICA is on the Seaport waterfront, next to Fan Pier.
Step-free access
MBTA data lists every station on this route (South Station and Courthouse) as accessible. South Station has 9 elevators in MBTA data. Elevators do break, so check the MBTA's elevator alerts before you go.
What it costs
- Subway. $2.40 one way.
- How to pay. Tap a contactless credit or debit card, phone or watch at the fare gate or bus door, or use a CharlieCard or CharlieTicket.
- Kids. Children 11 and under ride the MBTA free.
Fares as of October 2026. Check the MBTA's fares page before you ride.
Boston Common to Institute of Contemporary Art: common questions
How do I get from Boston Common to Institute of Contemporary Art by public transit?
Walk about 16 min to South Station, then take the Silver Line SL2 to Courthouse, and walk about 7 min. The trip takes about 23 minutes.
How long does it take to get from Boston Common to Institute of Contemporary Art?
About 23 minutes on the main route. Walking takes about 31 minutes.
Do I have to change buses?
No. The Silver Line SL2 goes all the way, so it's one ride.
How often does the Silver Line SL2 run?
Every 7 min on weekdays during the day, every 10 min on Saturdays and about every 15 min on Sundays, on the fall 2026 schedule.
What time is the last bus from Boston Common to Institute of Contemporary Art?
On weekdays, the last trip that works leaves South Station at 1:09 am and gets to Institute of Contemporary Art around 1:32 am, using bus 11. On Friday nights it runs later: the last trip leaves at 1:57 am. On Saturday nights the last trip leaves at 1:58 am, and on Sunday nights at 1:10 am.
Related routes
- Boston Common to the Seaport
- Boston Common to Seaport World Trade Center
- North Station to Institute of Contemporary Art
- Back Bay Station to Institute of Contemporary Art
- Never miss your stop (guide)
More routes from Boston Common
- Boston Common to Boston Convention and Exhibition Center
- Boston Common to Leader Bank Pavilion
- Boston Common to New England Aquarium
- Boston Common to Old North Church
- Boston Common to TD Garden
- All routes from Boston Common
Official sources
Cobblehop is independent and isn't affiliated with these agencies or operators. Schedules on this page come from MBTA/MassDOT public data. Check their pages for the latest schedules and service changes:
- MBTA: Silver Line SL2
- MBTA: South Station station
- MBTA: Courthouse station
- MBTA: fares
- MBTA: elevator and accessibility alerts
Published October 30, 2026. Times were computed from the fall 2026 MBTA schedule (2026-11-04 for weekdays). Service changes, so check Cobblehop for live times before you go.
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