Featured image: The front of Worcester Union Station, the western end of the MBTA Framingham/Worcester commuter rail line. Photo: 4300streetcar via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0).
The Worcester commuter rail schedule changes on Monday, Oct. 26, 2026, when the MBTA’s fall and winter timetable for the Framingham/Worcester Line replaces the one in place since May 25. Under the new schedule, 21 weekday trains leave Worcester’s Union Station for Boston, starting at 4:15 a.m., and 10 run each way on weekends. This guide lists the times, travel times, fares, parking and holiday service for riders going between Worcester and Boston.
Weekday Worcester to Boston train times
Weekday inbound departures from Worcester under the schedule effective Oct. 26 are:
- Morning: 4:15, 5:00, 5:45, 6:30, 7:07, 7:35, 8:10, 9:05, 10:00 and 11:00 a.m.
- Midday and afternoon: noon, 1:05, 2:00, 3:00, 3:47 and 4:30 p.m.
- Evening: 5:45, 6:35, 7:55, 8:55 and 10:50 p.m.
The trip to South Station usually takes about an hour and a half. The 4:15 a.m. train, for example, reaches South Station at 5:48. The fastest is the 7:35 a.m., which skips Grafton through the Newton stops and arrives at 8:45, about 70 minutes. Inbound trains also stop at Lansdowne and Back Bay. Back Bay is marked as an early-departure stop, so trains may leave it ahead of the printed time.
Boston to Worcester trains after work
On weekdays, trains to Worcester leave South Station from 4:45 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. For an evening commute, trains that run all the way to Worcester leave South Station at 4:00, 4:45, 5:30, 6:15, 6:40, 7:40, 9:00 and 10:00 p.m. The 6:15 p.m. arrives in Worcester at 7:39. The last train of the night, at 11:45 p.m., reaches Worcester at 1:16 a.m.
Some rush-hour trains on the line turn back at Framingham, so check that a train is marked for Worcester before boarding.
Weekend and Thanksgiving schedule
On Saturdays and Sundays, inbound trains leave Worcester at 5:10, 7:10, 9:10 and 11:10 a.m. and 1:10, 3:10, 5:10, 6:55, 9:10 and 11:25 p.m. Outbound trains leave South Station at 5:00, 7:00, 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. and 1:00, 3:00, 5:00, 6:45, 9:00 and 11:15 p.m.
On Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 26, the line runs the weekend schedule. On the day after, Friday, Nov. 27, it runs a normal weekday schedule. Christmas Day and New Year’s Day also use the weekend timetable.
Worcester commuter rail fares and passes
Worcester is in fare zone 8. MBTA one-way commuter rail fares range from $2.40 to $13.25 depending on distance, and the Trip Planner calculates the exact fare. Weekend riders can buy a $10 pass good for unlimited travel on all lines on Saturday and Sunday.
Regular commuters should note a current promotion: the MBTA says monthly commuter rail passes are 50% off through November, and monthly passholders can bring a companion on weekends for $1. Monthly passes bought in the mTicket app are $10 cheaper than on a CharlieTicket, but a CharlieTicket pass also works on the subway and buses in Boston.
Paying cash on board can cost an extra $3 at stations where tickets are sold. Worcester’s Union Station has fare vending machines that sell one-way, round-trip and monthly tickets, so riders there should buy before boarding.
Parking at Worcester Union Station
The city-run Union Station Garage, at 225 Franklin St., serves the station. The MBTA lists daily rates of $4 for the first hour, $1 for each extra hour and $15 for six hours or more, with $1 evening parking from 5 p.m. to 3 a.m. Monthly permits cost $173 for weekdays or $191 for round-the-clock access.
Worcester commuter rail FAQ
How long is the train from Worcester to Boston?
Most trips to South Station take about an hour and a half. The fastest scheduled weekday train, the 7:35 a.m., takes about 70 minutes.
What is the first train from Worcester to Boston?
On weekdays, 4:15 a.m. On weekends, 5:10 a.m.
What fare zone is Worcester on the commuter rail?
Zone 8. One-way MBTA commuter rail fares range from $2.40 to $13.25 by distance, and a $10 weekend pass covers all zones.
Does the Worcester commuter rail run on Thanksgiving?
Yes, on the weekend schedule on Thursday, Nov. 26. Friday, Nov. 27 uses the weekday schedule.
Additional details
- Bikes: bicycles are allowed only on trains marked with a bike symbol in the printed schedule.
- Accessibility: the MBTA lists high-level platforms and bridge plates on the line; details are at mbta.com/accessibility.
- Pass deadlines: monthly passes go on sale on the 15th of the prior month and stay on sale through the 14th of the active month. Mailed passes must be ordered by the 22nd.
- Help: MBTA customer service is 617-222-3200, and mTicket issues go to customerservice@keoliscs.com.
- In Boston: connecting riders should see our rundown of MBTA service changes in November 2026.
- Winter driving: drivers who leave a car at home on storm days should read our guide to Worcester parking ban rules; Union Station Garage is free during declared bans. Residents raking this month can check the Worcester leaf collection schedule.
Sources
- MBTA: Framingham/Worcester Line Fall/Winter Schedule, effective Oct. 26, 2026 (PDF)
- MBTA: Commuter Rail Fares
- MBTA: Worcester station
- MBTA: Commuter Rail Schedules and Maps
- City of Worcester: Municipal Garages
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