Boston's Hatch Shell is a popular outdoor music venue and event space located along the Charles River Esplanade. Getting to the Hatch Shell is relatively easy, with several transportation options available. In this section, we will provide detailed directions to help you plan your visit.
Public Transportation Options
The Hatch Shell is accessible via public transportation, making it a convenient option for those without cars. The closest subway station is the Charles/MGH Station on the Red Line, which is about a 10-15 minute walk to the Hatch Shell. Alternatively, you can take the Green Line to the Arlington Station and then walk east on Beacon Street towards the Esplanade.
MBTA Bus Routes
Several MBTA bus routes also stop near the Hatch Shell, including the 69, 70, 71, and 86 buses. You can use the MBTA website or a transit app like Moovit to plan your route and track the bus schedule in real-time.
| MBTA Bus Route | Stop Location |
|---|---|
| 69 | Esplanade and Beacon Street |
| 70 | Arlington Street and Beacon Street |
| 71 | Beacon Street and Charles Street |
| 86 | Esplanade and Cambridge Street |
Driving and Parking Options
If you prefer to drive, there are several parking options available near the Hatch Shell. The Esplanade Parking Garage is a convenient option, with over 1,000 parking spaces available. Additionally, there are several metered parking spots along the Esplanade and surrounding streets.
Parking Garage Information
The Esplanade Parking Garage is located at 20 David G. Mugar Way, Boston, MA 02108. The garage is open 24⁄7 and offers a flat rate of $10 per day. However, please note that parking rates may vary during special events or peak season.
- Esplanade Parking Garage: 20 David G. Mugar Way, Boston, MA 02108
- Phone: (617) 727-4708
- Hours: 24/7
- Parking Rate: $10 per day (flat rate)
Walking and Biking Options
The Hatch Shell is also accessible on foot or by bike, with several pedestrian and bike paths connecting the Esplanade to surrounding neighborhoods. The Charles River Esplanade is a scenic path that runs along the river and offers stunning views of the Boston skyline.
Bike-Sharing Options
Bluebikes, Boston’s bike-sharing system, has several stations near the Hatch Shell, including the Esplanade and Beacon Street station. You can use the Bluebikes app to find available bikes and plan your route.
- Bluebikes: Esplanade and Beacon Street station
- Phone: (855) 948-2929
- Hours: 24/7
- Rental Rate: $2.50 per 30 minutes (single ride)
What is the closest subway station to the Hatch Shell?
+The closest subway station to the Hatch Shell is the Charles/MGH Station on the Red Line, which is about a 10-15 minute walk to the venue.
Are there bike lanes on the Charles River Esplanade?
+Yes, there are bike lanes on the Charles River Esplanade, making it a safe and scenic route for cyclists.
Can I park my car near the Hatch Shell?
+Yes, there are several parking options available near the Hatch Shell, including the Esplanade Parking Garage and metered parking spots along the Esplanade and surrounding streets.
