Glavin Office of International Education

Transportation

There are many transportation options available to you while attending Babson. While driving is the most common (and easiest) way to get around, many students do not own cars.

Walking and public transportation is the best way to explore Boston, as driving and parking in Boston tends to be difficult and expensive. Boston is known as America‘s Most Walkable City and only a short stroll through the City‘s neighborhoods will prove that point. From the North End to the Back Bay, from Beacon Hill to the South End, and from Charlestown to the Financial District, most of Boston‘s most interesting neighborhoods are connected by the Freedom Trail, a self-guided walking tour which brings Boston‘s history to life. Check out www.bostonusa.com for more details.

Taxi and Limousine Services

Taxis are expensive and a fare from downtown Boston to Babson can be about $40-60. Here is a list of some taxi services. We also encourage the use of rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft.  

  • Veteran‘s Taxi 781-449-8294
  • Wellesley Transportation 781-235-2200

Please note that taxis may pick up passengers only in cities where they have licenses and a 10-15% tip to the driver is standard.

Babson - Olin - Wellesley (BOW) Shuttle

Babson offers regular shuttle service between campus and other local colleges (Olin College & Wellesley College). Babson Shuttle Schedule>>

Public Transportation

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (more commonly known as the MBTA or T) is the most affordable mode of transportation in and around Boston. With access to every neighborhood downtown and connections to train stations and Logan Airport, the T is very convenient. It includes a network of streetcars, subways, commuter rails, and buses. The fare system uses reusable and rechargeable passes: CharlieCard or CharlieTickets, which can be purchased at T stations. The CharlieCard is the best option, as each fare gets discounted as much as $ .30. Monthly passes are also available for the buses, subway or a combination of the two. Passes can be purchased during the first and last three days of each month.

Metrowest Regional Transportation Authority (MWRTA) Catch Connect: On-demand public transportation, available Monday-Friday, 6:45 am – 6:45 pm. Service is available anywhere within the Town of Wellesley, as well as at Woodland, Waban, and Riverside MBTA Stations, and the Natick Community Center. Download the MWRTA Catch App on your phone to book a trip, or call 508-283-5083. Please allow 10-15 minutes of wait time for the trip. MWRTA Catch Connect >>

Subway 
MBTA stations are marked by signs with a large letter T. Travel anywhere on the Blue, Orange, Green, Red, and Silver Lines for the same price. The MBTA website is interactive and allows users to plan trips door to door.

Note: the “T” does not come directly to Babson, but the Woodland “T” stop is approximately two miles from campus (take the “D” train of the Green line to the second to last stop). You can take the MWRTA Catch Connect.

Bus 
The subway connects at many points with MBTA bus routes. Bus fareboxes accept coins, $1, $5, $10, and $20 bills—all change greater than or equal to .50 cents will be provided as stored-value on a CharlieTicket for use toward fares at other fare boxes or in-station.

Commuter Rail 
The T Commuter Rail system is comprised of 11 lines and over 100 T stations, each located in specific "zones." Babson is located about one mile from the Wellesley Hills stop on the Framingham/Worcester line. See the Getting to Babson section for more information.

Hours of Operation (approximate): 
5:00am to 12:50am Monday-Saturday 
6:00am to 12:50am Sunday

If you pay cash, you will need exact change.

Trains
Boston is serviced by Amtrak with departures originating from either North Station, South Station and Back Bay Station. From North Station you can travel to New Hampshire or Maine. From South or Back Bay Station, you can travel to New York City, Philadelphia and Washington D.C. Call 1-800-872-7245 or visit the Amtrak web site for details.

Driving in the U.S.

Massachusetts (MA) State law requires all residents to obtain a MA driver‘s license within 30 days of their arrival if they plan to live in MA for one year or more. Citizens of certain countries may also utilize their home country‘s driver‘s license along with an International Driving Permit. For further details review information on our Driving in the U.S. page 

Driving in Boston

Driving practices differ in different parts of the US. It is important to understand Boston driving patterns, so you can avoid an accident. Many Americans from other parts of the U.S. think Boston drivers are rude and aggressive. Of course you should not go native and drive this way yourself! But it is important to drive defensively—you should always assume that another car might turn right from the left-hand lane, or go through a red light, or cut in front of you. Many international newcomers choose to take a one– or two-hour driving lesson with a professional driver education company when they first arrive. This might be an excellent idea for you, especially if you come from a country with very different traffic rules and driving habits. Look in the Yellow Pages telephone book under Driving Instruction, or ask a friend to help you pick a good company. If you are a licensed and experienced driver in your country, explain this to the instructor. You will take the lesson in the teacher‘s car. Ask if they have a teacher who speaks your language.

Seat Belt Law: In Massachusetts, everyone in a car must wear a safety restraint. Children must ride in a federally-approved infant, toddler, or booster seat until they are at least 5 years old and weigh over 40 pounds (18 kg). Then, they (and adults) must wear a seat belt, whether they are in front or back seat of the car.

Text Messaging Law: Massachusetts law prohibits operators of motor vehicles from using any electronic device, including mobile telephones, unless the device is used in hands-free mode.

Speed Limit: In Massachusetts, maximum speed limits vary from 55 to 65 miles per hour

Owning a Car in Massachusetts

If you own or lease a motor vehicle in Massachusetts, you must meet certain obligations to keep your vehicle legally registered and safe for the road:
  • Any vehicle to be driven on public roadways in MA must be insured.
  • Your car must be registered by the end of the month in which you purchase it.
  • The car must also be inspected within 7 days of its purchase.
  • All vehicles must have a Certificate of Title. If you are buying a used car, to legally transfer its ownership to you, the previous owner must sign the title and give it to you. Before buying a used car, be sure to have a mechanic examine it.
  • You must pay 5% sales tax on any vehicle purchased.

Insurance 
Most insurance companies will require you to have a MA driver‘s license in order to insure a car. You can use this comparison website, http:www.autoratecompare.doi.state.ma.us/, to find an insurance quote. Note: Insurance rates vary depending on where you live. The closer you live to Boston, the more expensive it will be.

Registration 
For a small additional fee, a dealer may register your car and get the license plate for you at the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV). If you register your car at the RMV, you must have your driver‘s license and title (or proof of application of title). You will receive the registration and your license plates. Please keep in mind that these services require a fee and automobile tax must also be paid on the vehicle. Your vehicle registration needs to be renewed every two years.

Annual Inspections 
All vehicles that are registered in Massachusetts must receive a safety inspection each year. Vehicles must undergo both an emissions test and a safety inspection every year before its current inspection sticker expires (at the end of the month printed on the sticker). To avoid end-of-the-month lines, have your vehicle tested during the first half of the month when it is due for an inspection. If you purchase a vehicle (new or used), it must be inspected within seven calendar days of its registration to continue operating on Massachusetts roadways.

Bring your vehicle registration and the $29 inspection fee with you. Check with your inspection station for payment methods accepted.

If your vehicle fails its safety inspection, its emissions test or both, it must be repaired and pass a re-test within 60 days of its initial inspection.

If you drive with an overdue inspection sticker, you could get pulled over by police, fined and/or ticketed. 

Buying a Car

Purchasing a car can be done either privately or through a dealership. Dealerships can be looked up online and often sell both new and used cars. Cars being sold privately can be found in many ways. Some websites worth visiting are:  

When Buying a USED Car, there are three items that the seller must provide the buyer at the time of the sale: 1. The car title (this will be transferred to your name after the sale) 2. Acknowledgement of buying and selling letter (statement of ownership of the vehicle) 3. Emission Inspection Report

When Buying a NEW Car, the buyer must apply for the car title as soon as possible after the purchase of the vehicle. You cannot register your car and obtain license plates without a title. If you do not apply within 90 days of purchase or acquisition you may be charged a fee. Consider bringing a prospective used car to a good mechanic BEFORE you buy it to have the car checked. This service may cost $50- $100, but it is well worth the expense. You can also check for an estimated value of a car at Kelley Blue Book.

Renting a Car

Rental rates vary depending on the car size and length of time of the rental. Many companies like Budget, Hertz, Enterprise, Dollar and Avis have online reservation systems with locations at Logan Airport or offices around Boston. 

Zipcar 

Zipcar is a car-sharing program, an alternative to ownership that gives you wheels when you want them. Cars are self-service and on-demand. Babson College students, faculty, and staff can join Zipcar and have access to cars parked conveniently on campus to drive wherever you want, whenever you want.

  • Open to 18+ students (international drivers welcome)
  • Discounted college rates by the hour or day
  • Gas, insurance, maintenance and up to 180 miles/day included
  • Great for grocery shopping, a quick errand, or weekend getaway

Join here to receive a discounted membership and waived application fee.

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