Kendall Square to Chinatown
How to get from Kendall Square to Chinatown on public transit, with the stops, times and the last trip of the night.
Kendall Square to Chinatown
- Red Line
- Take the Red LineFrom Kendall/MIT, toward Ashmont3 stops, about 6 min
- Get off at Downtown CrossingThe stop after Park Street
- Walk about 6 min to ChinatownUse the Chauncy St exit
Weekdays, fall 2026 schedule · First and last trips
Quick answer: Take the Red Line toward Ashmont to Downtown Crossing, and walk about 6 min. The trip takes about 12 minutes. On weekdays the Red Line runs every 5 min during the day.
Get the live route from Kendall to Chinatown
Step by step
- At Kendall/MIT, take the Red Line toward Ashmont.
- Ride 3 stops, about 6 min, through Charles/MGH and Park Street, and get off at Downtown Crossing.
- Walk about 6 min to Chinatown. Use the Chauncy St exit.
Times and frequency
| Day | First trip | Last trip | How often (daytime) | Trip time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday-Thursday | 5:27 am | 12:42 am | Every 5 min | About 12 min |
| Friday | 5:27 am | 1:41 am | Every 5 min | About 12 min |
| Saturday | 5:28 am | 1:42 am | Every 6 min | About 12 min |
| Sunday | 6:13 am | 12:42 am | Every 6 min | About 12 min |
First and last trip are when the first train of the trip leaves Kendall/MIT, on the fall 2026 schedule. "How often" is for the Red Line.
Late at night
On weekdays, the last trip that works leaves Kendall/MIT at 12:42 am and gets to Chinatown around 12:54 am. On Friday nights it runs later: the last trip leaves at 1:41 am. On Saturday nights the last trip leaves at 1:42 am, and on Sunday nights at 12:42 am. Late at night, ask Cobblehop for the last trip. It checks live times and tells you when to leave.
Tips for this trip
- Know your stop. Get to the door after Park Street. The next stop is Downtown Crossing. Start a live trip in Cobblehop and it alerts you before your stop.
- Chinatown station on the Orange Line is on Washington Street, a few minutes' walk from the Chinatown Gate.
- Kendall/MIT station is on Main Street in Kendall Square, at the east end of MIT.
Step-free access
MBTA data lists every station on this route (Kendall/MIT and Downtown Crossing) as accessible. Downtown Crossing has 6 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.
Kendall Square to Chinatown: common questions
How do I get from Kendall Square to Chinatown by public transit?
Take the Red Line toward Ashmont to Downtown Crossing, and walk about 6 min. The trip takes about 12 minutes.
How long does it take to get from Kendall Square to Chinatown?
About 12 minutes on the main route. Walking takes about 37 minutes.
Do I have to change trains?
No. The Red Line goes all the way, so it's one ride.
How often does the Red Line run?
Every 5 min on weekdays during the day, every 6 min on Saturdays and every 6 min on Sundays, on the fall 2026 schedule.
What time is the last train from Kendall Square to Chinatown?
On weekdays, the last trip that works leaves Kendall/MIT at 12:42 am and gets to Chinatown around 12:54 am. On Friday nights it runs later: the last trip leaves at 1:41 am. On Saturday nights the last trip leaves at 1:42 am, and on Sunday nights at 12:42 am.
Related routes
- Kendall Square to Tufts Medical Center
- Kendall Square to Citizens Bank Opera House
- North Station to Chinatown
- Harvard Square to Chinatown
- Never miss your stop (guide)
More routes from Kendall Square
- Kendall Square to Wang Theatre
- Kendall Square to Suffolk University
- Kendall Square to Old State House
- Kendall Square to Boston Public Garden
- Kendall Square to Faneuil Hall
- All routes from Kendall Square
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: Red Line
- MBTA: Kendall/MIT station
- MBTA: Downtown Crossing 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.
Leaving now? Cobblehop gives you one clear plan with live times and alerts you before your stop. No sign-up, nothing to install.