Belmont Commutes: Rail, Bus And Bike Options

Trying to figure out the easiest way to get from Belmont to Boston or Cambridge? You have solid options, but the best route depends on your schedule, destination, and comfort with transfers. Whether you prefer a one-seat train ride, a frequent bus to the Red Line, or a bike-to-transit combo, you can tailor a commute that works for you. This guide walks you through Belmont’s rail, bus, and bike choices, plus parking and projects that could improve your trip. Let’s dive in.

Commuter rail: Belmont Center and Waverley

What the Fitchburg Line offers

Belmont has two in-town stops on the Fitchburg Line: Belmont Center and Waverley. Both are in Zone 1, which many commuters choose for a direct ride to North Station. Trains are less frequent than the subway, so you balance speed and comfort against a more limited schedule. If your office is near North Station, the train can be the simplest choice when the timing lines up.

Accessibility and future upgrades

Both Belmont Center and Waverley are not currently ADA accessible. The MBTA has been studying interim accessibility solutions at small stations and evaluating upgrades in its capital planning process. For updates on station accessibility work, keep an eye on the MBTA project listings through the region’s planning agency’s posts on capital program updates.

Parking and permits

If you plan to drive to the train, the Town of Belmont manages municipal lots near both stations and offers limited commuter permits. Availability and rates can change, so review the town’s commuter parking page before you go. Belmont enforces an overnight on-street parking ban, generally from 1 a.m. to 7 a.m.; see Parking Rules & Regulations for details.

MBTA buses to the Red Line

Routes 73, 74, and 75 at a glance

Many Belmont commuters connect to the Red Line without driving. The 73 runs between Waverley Square and Harvard Square and is one of the MBTA’s higher-frequency “key” routes. Routes 74 and 75 serve Belmont Center and also go to Harvard via Concord Avenue and Huron Avenue. You can read more about the key routes on the MBTA’s overview of key bus routes.

When bus can beat the train

If you value frequent service and flexible timing, bus to the Red Line is often the better play. You get predictable all-day service to Harvard and onward to Kendall, Downtown Crossing, and South Station. If your destination is closer to North Station, the commuter rail can be faster when schedules align. Many residents choose the option that best matches their start and end times each day.

Bike and walk: today and what’s next

On-street riding today

Belmont has a mix of painted lanes, shared-lane markings, and safety signage on key corridors like Concord Avenue and Lexington Street. Local groups continue to advocate for upgrades and better lane continuity to improve comfort and safety for riders. For a snapshot of current conditions and community efforts, see this overview of bike infrastructure and safety in Belmont.

Belmont Community Path in the works

A major improvement is on the way. The Belmont segment of the Mass Central Rail Trail, often called the Belmont Community Path, has funding programmed in the regional Transportation Improvement Program. When built, it will create an off-street route linking Belmont Center toward Alewife, which can transform first and last mile choices. You can track funding and phasing in the Boston MPO’s TIP materials.

Regional connections to Alewife

The planned path will connect into the Fitchburg Cutoff Path and Alewife Linear Park, extending east toward Somerville and Cambridge. That means easier, mostly off-road access to the Red Line at Alewife and to other job centers along the regional bikeway network. Cambridge’s project archive shows how these Belmont–Cambridge–Somerville links fit together.

Choose your best commute

Quick decision guide

• Heading to North Station on a fixed schedule: consider commuter rail from Belmont Center or Waverley for a one-seat ride.
• Need flexibility or going to Kendall, Downtown Crossing, or South Station: take the bus to Harvard, then the Red Line.
• Prefer active travel or want to avoid parking: bike to Harvard or Alewife. The upcoming Community Path will make this even easier.
• Driving to transit: verify permit availability and lot rules on the town’s parking pages, and allow time to find a space.

Tips to save time and stress

• Compare real-time arrivals on days you can go either way. A quick check before you leave can tip the balance between train and bus.
• Build in a buffer if you need to catch a specific train. Bus frequency helps, but road congestion can create delays.
• Plan a backup. If the train is delayed, hop on the 73, 74, or 75 instead. If a bus is crowded, check the next arrival.

A thoughtful commute plan can improve your daily rhythm and widen your home search options within Belmont. If you want help weighing neighborhoods against your commute, the Batya & Alex Team is happy to talk through timing, parking, and transit trade-offs that fit your life.

Ready to explore Belmont homes with a commute that works for you? Reach out to the Batya & Alex Team for local guidance and a plan tailored to your goals.

FAQs

Is there commuter rail service in Belmont?

• Yes. Belmont has two Zone 1 stations on the Fitchburg Line, Belmont Center and Waverley, with direct service to North Station.

Are Belmont’s rail stations currently accessible?

• Not yet. Both stations are not ADA accessible today, and the MBTA is evaluating interim and long-term accessibility solutions through its capital planning.

Which bus should I take to the Red Line from Belmont?

• The 73 serves Waverley to Harvard Square, while the 74 and 75 connect Belmont Center to Harvard via different corridors, all providing Red Line access.

Where can I park for the train in Belmont?

• Town-managed municipal lots near Belmont Center and Waverley offer limited commuter permits; check the town’s parking pages for current availability, rates, and rules.

What is the Belmont Community Path and why does it matter?

• It is a planned off-street link between Belmont and Alewife that will make biking and walking to transit easier and more direct, improving first and last mile options for many trips.