Public transit in Cambridge, MA: How to get around without a car

When you’re searching for apartments for rent in Cambridge, MA, how easily you can get around matters just as much as the floor plan. The Cambridge public transit network is one of the strongest ones in the country and it plays a major role in everyday life, especially for renters.

Located right across the Charles River from Boston, Cambridge shares a connected transit network that makes car-free living practical. Whether you’re commuting to a job downtown, heading to class or running errands, public transit in Cambridge gives you real options without needing a car:

• MBTA subway
• MBTA buses
• Commuter rail
• EZRide shuttle
• Harvard–Longwood M2 shuttle
• Bluebikes
• CambridgeSide shuttle

MBTA subway: Cambridge public transit starts with the Red Line

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) subway — or “the T,” as locals call it — is the backbone of getting around Cambridge. The Red Line runs through the city with five stops: Harvard Square, Central Square, Kendall/MIT, Porter Square and Alewife.

If your rental apartment is within walking distance of any of these stations, your daily commute becomes much more manageable. Trains run frequently during rush hours and stay active into the evening.

For renters who work in Boston’s Financial District or Back Bay, the Red Line is often the fastest way to get there.

MBTA buses: Filling the gaps in Cambridge public transit

Not every apartment sits near a T stop — and that’s where the bus network fills in. Dozens of routes crisscross Cambridge and connect to towns like Somerville, Arlington and Watertown.

For example, the 1 bus (along Mass Ave) and the 77 bus (through North Cambridge) are popular with renters who live further from the subway. Many routes connect to T stations, so you can mix bus and subway on a single trip.

Commuter rail: For renters heading further out

Porter Square doubles as a Red Line stop and a commuter rail station on the Fitchburg Line, giving renters a direct connection to towns north and west of the city, including Waltham, Concord and Fitchburg.

If you work in suburban office parks along Route 128, the commuter rail offers a practical alternative to driving. Trains run less frequently than the subway, so this option works best when you plan around the schedule.

EZRide shuttle: A commuter perk in Kendall Square

The EZRide shuttle, operated by the Charles River Transportation Management Association, connects North Station in Boston to Kendall Square and the surrounding area. It’s especially popular with renters who work in the Kendall Square tech and biotech corridor — one of the busiest employment hubs in the region, home to companies like Google, Amazon and Moderna.

The shuttle runs on a regular schedule during commute hours and is free for employees of member companies. Even if your employer isn’t a member, the ride is affordable. For renters who live near North Station, EZRide opens up Kendall Square jobs without needing a car or a Red Line transfer.

Harvard–Longwood M2 shuttle: Connecting Cambridge to the medical campus

If you rent in Cambridge and work in Boston’s Longwood Medical Area, the M2 shuttle is your best public transit option. Run by the Longwood Collective, it provides a direct connection between Harvard Square and the Longwood campus, which is home to Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Beth Israel Deaconess.

The ride takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic, and the shuttle runs on a consistent schedule during weekday commute hours. It’s a popular choice for health care workers and researchers who want to live in Cambridge without relying on the subway’s indirect route through downtown. Many Longwood institutions subsidize the cost for employees.

Bluebikes: Bike share built for Cambridge renters

Bluebikes is the bike share system covering Cambridge, Boston, Somerville and Brookline. With docking stations spread across Cambridge, it’s one of the easiest ways to handle short trips or solve the “last mile” problem — getting from your apartment to the nearest T stop, for example.

Stations are located near popular spots like Harvard Square, Central Square and Kendall Square, as well as along the Charles River paths. Annual memberships make regular use affordable, and the system includes both traditional bikes and electric-assist options, so hills and headwinds are less of a concern.

CambridgeSide shuttle: A handy neighborhood connector

The CambridgeSide shuttle offers a free ride between the Kendall/MIT T station and the CambridgeSide shopping area near the river. It’s a small but useful service for renters in East Cambridge who want easy access to shops and restaurants without walking the full distance from the T.

The shuttle runs on a regular loop during mall hours, making it easy to plan a quick errand or a weekend outing. While it’s not a major transit line, it’s the kind of local convenience that makes daily life smoother — and one more reason Cambridge renters can get by without a car.

How public transit can boost your apartment search

When you’re comparing apartments, think about transit the same way you’d think about square footage or laundry. A place that’s a five-minute walk from a Red Line stop will feel very different from one that requires a bus transfer. Use the MBTA trip planner to test your commute from any address you’re considering.

The Cambridge public transit system makes it possible to build a full daily routine — commute, errands, social life — without a car. That’s a real advantage in a city where parking is limited. As you narrow down your search, factor in which transit options are nearby.

Ready to find a place that fits your commute? Browse Cambridge apartments on RentCafe.com to see what’s available near public transit.