South Station

Like Manhattan's Grand Central Terminal and Washington D.C.'s Union Station, Boston's ornate South Station is an architectural achievement celebrating the golden age of turn-of-the-century passenger train travel.

Despite its status as the Commonwealth's grand ceremonial train station, the massive transportation hub in the heart of Boston’s Financial District faced demolition in the 1970s after falling into disrepair years after its original heyday in the late 1890s.

In 1965, the Boston Redevelopment Authority stepped in and purchased the building for $6.95 million. After five years of ownership, the BRA decided to tear down the so-called “gateway to Boston” and actually started demolition in 1970 by ripping out some tracks. Eventually, the MBTA stepped in to buy the center and embarked on a $195 million gentrification project that helped South Station re-emerge as the core of Boston’s transportation network.

Today, the MBTA has refurbished the opulent, headhouse structure and has successfully reconstructed 11 station tracks armed with high-level platforms used for out-of-state Amtrak commuters. In addition to the main building, they’ve  built a new bus terminal, which is within walking distance on Atlantic Avenue, and a parking garage over the tracks. South Station also boasts a direct passageway to its Red Line T stop and is the hub for the MBTA’s new Silver Line bus service.

Boston’s gateway also includes a food court, which offers some on-the-go favorites including Pizzeria Regina, Auntie Anne’s pretzels and Rosie's Bakery.  South Station’s second-floor mezzanine is great place to get away from the hustle-and-bustle of the Amtrak traffic downstairs and offers stellar views of Boston’s downtown area and Financial District. If you're looking for a last-minute gift before heading out of town, there are a slew of shops including Martin's News, Serenade Chocolatiers and Lambert's Flower Market stocked with stylish bouquets.

The Great Room hosts exhibits celebrating Boston’s leading historical figures while paying homage to New England’s patriotic past. It also serves as a concert hall featuring local musicians and nationally recognized talent.

Every Tuesday between 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. this summer until Labor Day, South Station’s Grand Concourse hosts the Summer & Atlantic Concert Series featuring a cappella from the Merrimack Valley Chorus.

HelloMetro Tip: Out-of-state commuters taking Amtrak's regional train service to NYC or Washington D.C. should jump on board at South Station instead of Back Bay. It's the first stop on the line and gives travelers a chance to find a window seat before heading out of town.

South Station Map

- by Sam Baltrusis, Boston Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Sam Baltrusis

Sam Baltrusis has worked for WHDH.com, Spike-TV, VH1, Independent News, Seventeen, Newsweek, and as a regional stringer for The New York Times. He's currently a full-time freelance editor and writer in Boston, where he's an instructor for Mediabistro.com and contributes to various regional publications including Boston Spirit Magazine. Sam also publishes a successful pop culture site, LoadedGunBoston.com, and was recently featured on WCVB-TV's "Chronicle" and Boston's NPR affiliate WBUR.