South Station to Central Square, Cambridge
Plain directions from South Station to Central Square, Cambridge, checked against the fall 2026 MBTA schedule.
South Station to Central Square, Cambridge
- Red Line
- Take the Red LineFrom South Station, toward Alewife5 stops, about 9 min
- Get off at CentralThe stop after Kendall/MIT
- Walk about 4 min to Central Square, CambridgeUse the Mass Ave exit
Weekdays, fall 2026 schedule · First and last trips
Quick answer: Take the Red Line toward Alewife to Central, and walk about 4 min. The trip takes about 14 minutes. On weekdays the Red Line runs every 5 min during the day.
Get the live route from South Station to Central Square
Step by step
- At South Station, take the Red Line toward Alewife.
- Ride 5 stops, about 9 min, through Downtown Crossing, Park Street, Charles/MGH and Kendall/MIT, and get off at Central.
- Walk about 4 min to Central Square, Cambridge. Use the Mass Ave exit.
Times and frequency
| Day | First trip | Last trip | How often (daytime) | Trip time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday-Thursday | 5:30 am | 12:44 am | Every 5 min | About 14 min |
| Friday | 5:30 am | 1:43 am | Every 5 min | About 14 min |
| Saturday | 5:29 am | 1:44 am | Every 6 min | About 13 min |
| Sunday | 6:14 am | 12:44 am | Every 6 min | About 13 min |
First and last trip are when the first train of the trip leaves South Station, on the fall 2026 schedule. "How often" is for the Red Line.
Late at night
On weekdays, the last trip that works leaves South Station at 12:44 am and gets to Central Square, Cambridge around 12:57 am. On Friday nights it runs later: the last trip leaves at 1:43 am. On Saturday nights the last trip leaves at 1:44 am, and on Sunday nights at 12:44 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 Kendall/MIT. The next stop is Central. Start a live trip in Cobblehop and it alerts you before your stop.
- Central Square is on Massachusetts Avenue in Cambridge, with the Red Line station under it.
- South Station has the Red Line and Silver Line underground, Commuter Rail and Amtrak on the main concourse, and the intercity bus terminal upstairs next door.
Step-free access
MBTA data lists every station on this route (South Station and Central) 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.
South Station to Central Square, Cambridge: common questions
How do I get from South Station to Central Square, Cambridge by public transit?
Take the Red Line toward Alewife to Central, and walk about 4 min. The trip takes about 14 minutes.
How long does it take to get from South Station to Central Square, Cambridge?
About 14 minutes on the main route.
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 South Station to Central Square, Cambridge?
On weekdays, the last trip that works leaves South Station at 12:44 am and gets to Central Square, Cambridge around 12:57 am. On Friday nights it runs later: the last trip leaves at 1:43 am. On Saturday nights the last trip leaves at 1:44 am, and on Sunday nights at 12:44 am.
Related routes
- South Station to Inman Square
- South Station to Cambridge Hospital
- Boston Common to Central Square, Cambridge
- North Station to Central Square, Cambridge
- Never miss your stop (guide)
More routes from South Station
- South Station to MIT
- South Station to Harvard Art Museums
- South Station to Boston University
- South Station to Union Square, Somerville
- South Station to Harvard Square
- All routes from South Station
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: South Station station
- MBTA: Central 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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