Ask me anything -Boston, Massachusetts (Gillette Stadium, Foxborough Massachusetts) travel/local area info

[daasovic]

Hello! Many thanks for all the information. We've booked a few nights in Somerville for the first game and then a few nights in Arlington for the second. Would you say these areas are ok to stay?  Thanks for your help. 

[Nigeyy]

2 hours ago, SeaCowe said:

Hi Nigeyy,

Thanks for all the info, its real handy.

I’ve got myself a place in Cambridge about 15 mins walk to Harvard square (station) & 1hr 15min walk to downtown Boston (which I’ll probably do a few times as I don’t mind it). Do you know how safe the area is around Harvard and a walk into town from there, as sometimes I’ll be walking back to the pad, especially late at night?

Cheers.

 Cambridge is home to Harvard and MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), so it does have a student population.  It's safe and has loads of bars and restaurants, and Harvard Square is iconic (also take a look at the movie "Good Will Hunting").  I think it's a pretty good place to be and I think you'll be fine.

I think based on times you've provided, you are aware that it's on the north side of the Charles river, so it's not super easy access to Boston, and thus to any provided buses (if there are any) or commuter rail station to the stadium.  Just plan accordingly for this (as well as if you are a distance from a T station).  As I've said before, while the MBTA "T" red line runs frequently, it's not as frequently as you might think it should be for a city.

Now having said that about safety, take the usual common sense precautions.  Would I recommend walking back late at night from Boston maybe after you are feeling a bit merry? Probably not.  That's not because I think the areas of Boston or Cambridge you might have to go through are unsafe, that's because I just think it's not a great idea to do in any city (you know, don't go "hey there's a dark alley way, let me take that short cut!").  Having said that, if there a lot of people about (but at 1:00am there may not be) you'd be fine.

Have fun and stay safe!

[6ft2eysablue]

Hi there just wanted to check if possible knowledge of Mansfield as a base ?  I've booked into Red Roof Inn Mansfield which doesn't appear too far from train station. My thinking was either a train to Boston for the fan zone or uber to Foxboro if lucky enough to land a ticket. Is it as straightforward as I'm thinking ? Thanks in advance 

[Ally Bongo]

4 minutes ago, 6ft2eysablue said:

Hi there just wanted to check if possible knowledge of Mansfield as a base ?  I've booked into Red Roof Inn Mansfield which doesn't appear too far from train station. My thinking was either a train to Boston for the fan zone or uber to Foxboro if lucky enough to land a ticket. Is it as straightforward as I'm thinking ? Thanks in advance 

 

[Nigeyy]

3 hours ago, daasovic said:

Hello! Many thanks for all the information. We've booked a few nights in Somerville for the first game and then a few nights in Arlington for the second. Would you say these areas are ok to stay?  Thanks for your help. 

So long as you are close to transportation into Boston, it's doable. These areas are getting a bit outside Boston, but they are safety wise fine (particularly Arlington).  Davis Square is good place to hang out with a nice selection of restaurants and bars.  Again, just make sure you know how close you are to public transportation (would not recommend a car in the Boston area based on driving habits over here, finding a parking space, traffic and cost of parking).  Plan accordingly for the time it's going to take you to get to central Boston.

Please see my "Going to Boston here are some handy resources for you" post about transportation and general safety.

[Nigeyy]

55 minutes ago, 6ft2eysablue said:

Hi there just wanted to check if possible knowledge of Mansfield as a base ?  I've booked into Red Roof Inn Mansfield which doesn't appear too far from train station. My thinking was either a train to Boston for the fan zone or uber to Foxboro if lucky enough to land a ticket. Is it as straightforward as I'm thinking ? Thanks in advance 

I know exactly where that is.  Is it safe in terms of crime?  Yes.  However, a couple of things:

i. this is typical USA, it's a hotel sort of away from most things, and to be honest with little charm.  This means that unless you have  a car, you are going to be a bit isolated -and if you do the google maps things to get a street view you are going to find it's not pedestrian friendly (and some would say likely dangerous in terms of cars) to walk into Mansfield centre. 

ii. You will probably end up Ubering (I don't know 100% but I'll bet there aren't any bus services there) into Mansfield centre or to Gillette stadium, as well as getting back from the stadium. And getting picked up from the stadium on game day after the game with all the traffic might be a big challenging.  

iii. while there is a commuter rail station in Mansfield (and I know you said you would uber to the stadium anyway), look at this as a way to go towards or to Boston, this will not enable you to get to the stadium directly using the rail line (see my post on handy resources).  The special event commuter rail train will go only from Boston to Gillette Stadium with no stops and in that direction (which won't help you unless you get to Boston first, and then I'm guessing if a game ends late you'll still need to get back to Mansfield and by then commuter rail stops running to Mansfield..... so as you mentioned you are probably going to have to Uber from the stadium to get back)

So, is it doable?  Yes, but for going to a game at the stadium it's probably going to be very aggravating, expensive and take a long time, more so getting back from the stadium.  For getting into Boston it will work -but keep in mind the last time a commuter rail leaves Boston to get back to Mansfield, otherwise you are going to have a tough (an expensive) time getting back to Mansfield.

[AlfieMoon]

Hi Nige, 

I see you mention some T-lines maybe a bit dodgy in the evenings? 

I’m going to be in Providence from 14th-18th (in between games) to try and save some money. I’d likely travel into Boston on the 16th to be around the city/fanzone for the Norway game that’s on that day.  
 

If I’m travelling back late at night on T-line (purple I think?) - would this be risky?  I’d likely just be myself. 

[Grim Jim]

Cheers @Nigeyy !

I'd like to ask whether most places take take contactless card/phone payments, of if there are any particular circumstances where cash is needed?

FYI folks, two of us going to Salem for 1st game, then Providence for 2nd.   If nothing is laid on for us all, then we'll need to get threads started for pooling transport maybe by spring?

[faddy11]

I am staying at the Inn at LONGWOOD Boston can you give me some info on travelling to the stadium and surrounding area.

[DornochWell]

Hi Nige,

We’re booked to stay in West Warwick for both Boston games and would appreciate any advice/concerns you have of the area.Also, if you know much about the nightlife there or if we’re better heading to Providence for this. I’m assuming we’re better making our way to Providence and head to the Stadium from there on match days?

 

[GHfaeGTA]

23 hours ago, Bristolhibby said:

What's your thoughts Nigeyy on Providence Rhode Island? A gang of us are booked up for here for both games. 

 

Looks easy enough to get into Boston, also looks not too bad to get direct to the stadium. Have read that there are event day trains running. 

 

Given how many supporters appear to be staying in Providence, I presume (big assumption) that there will be trains after the game heading back to Providence. 

J

There’s a providence WhatsApp group set up and some lad is organising buses there and back 

[SeaCowe]

3 hours ago, Nigeyy said:

 Cambridge is home to Harvard and MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), so it does have a student population.  It's safe and has loads of bars and restaurants, and Harvard Square is iconic (also take a look at the movie "Good Will Hunting").  I think it's a pretty good place to be and I think you'll be fine.

I think based on times you've provided, you are aware that it's on the north side of the Charles river, so it's not super easy access to Boston, and thus to any provided buses (if there are any) or commuter rail station to the stadium.  Just plan accordingly for this (as well as if you are a distance from a T station).  As I've said before, while the MBTA "T" red line runs frequently, it's not as frequently as you might think it should be for a city.

Now having said that about safety, take the usual common sense precautions.  Would I recommend walking back late at night from Boston maybe after you are feeling a bit merry? Probably not.  That's not because I think the areas of Boston or Cambridge you might have to go through are unsafe, that's because I just think it's not a great idea to do in any city (you know, don't go "hey there's a dark alley way, let me take that short cut!").  Having said that, if there a lot of people about (but at 1:00am there may not be) you'd be fine.

Have fun and stay safe!

Appreciate the response Nigeyy, thanks.

[Pluto]

44 minutes ago, GHfaeGTA said:

There’s a providence WhatsApp group set up and some lad is organising buses there and back 

Can you share the details for that? There are 3 of us in Providence for both games

[Ton75]

I would be interested in that too.  My son and I staying Providence too. 

[GHfaeGTA]

4 hours ago, Pluto said:

Can you share the details for that? There are 3 of us in Providence for both games

https://chat.whatsapp.com/Jj9fLgsidHe1fxJnmxpIx2?mode=hqrc&fbclid=IwdGRjcAOmt2JleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeGVCR7cxwAcmL0XgRgvQslvoEZg4fFFYQGlZ6d3-_oaw4ZLVkgOoP-Ma5h5E_aem_4t4zuJ82v9sK1bi0GvmuXQ
 

does this work? 

[Caledonian Craig]

Hi Nigel. Warm welcome to the board and thanks for all of your valuable useful advice.

I was daft enough to book Homewood Suites by Hilton in Needham and gather it's a good bit out of Boston and public transport is pretty poor. Stay there for three days then am booked into Doubletree Suites by Hilton in Cambridge, Boston on Soldier Field Road. That is for match day against Haiti. Am hoping it's do-able to get back into Boston after the match to my hotel. 

I then have a few days booked in New Haven, Connecticut before I am back in Boston to stay at the Boston Marriott, Cambridge, Boston on Broadway, Kendall Square. There for the day of the Morocco game and following morning fly out from Boston Airport to Miami.

Edited December 10, 2025 by Caledonian Craig

[HappyH00ligan]

Hey @Nigeyy thanks for taking the time to answer questions. We're staying up beside Assembly Square near Somerville - would you mind giving your thoughts on this area please? Thanks again

[McTeeko]

1 hour ago, GHfaeGTA said:

https://chat.whatsapp.com/Jj9fLgsidHe1fxJnmxpIx2?mode=hqrc&fbclid=IwdGRjcAOmt2JleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeGVCR7cxwAcmL0XgRgvQslvoEZg4fFFYQGlZ6d3-_oaw4ZLVkgOoP-Ma5h5E_aem_4t4zuJ82v9sK1bi0GvmuXQ
 

does this work? 

Aye, link works. Cheers! 👍🏼

[Pluto]

1 hour ago, GHfaeGTA said:

https://chat.whatsapp.com/Jj9fLgsidHe1fxJnmxpIx2?mode=hqrc&fbclid=IwdGRjcAOmt2JleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeGVCR7cxwAcmL0XgRgvQslvoEZg4fFFYQGlZ6d3-_oaw4ZLVkgOoP-Ma5h5E_aem_4t4zuJ82v9sK1bi0GvmuXQ
 

does this work? 

Perfect 👌 Cheers for that! Looks like there will be a good squad in Providence! Putting on a bus or two sounds ideal

[mariokempes]

Hi

 

My sons pal has booked a place in  North Andover ? Any comments on that ? Cheap as chips. I suspect for good reason..

[Ronnie Mac]

Hi Nigeyy,thanks for all help and knowledge about Boston and surrounding areas ,just wondering if you know much about the town Rockland as we have put temp booking on hotel there for the 2 scotland games(if we get tickets ha) 9 nights ,would it be too hard to get back and forward to boston and to the stadium at all as i think its a couple of hours away and probably not much there but if need be we can cancel the booking,hope you can help

[Nigeyy]

11 hours ago, AlfieMoon said:

Hi Nige, 

I see you mention some T-lines maybe a bit dodgy in the evenings? 

I’m going to be in Providence from 14th-18th (in between games) to try and save some money. I’d likely travel into Boston on the 16th to be around the city/fanzone for the Norway game that’s on that day.  
 

If I’m travelling back late at night on T-line (purple I think?) - would this be risky?  I’d likely just be myself. 

Sure, I personally wouldn't want to travel the Orange Line towards Forest Hills late at night from Boston, particularly past Ruggles.  Same with anything past Milton on the Mattapan trolley. I could be wrong, but I wouldn't really want to be on them in the daytime either (I'm sure there are very good people in all those areas who would scoff at me and say that's ridiculous, but that's my opinion and with apologies to them).

If you are by yourself, just try to keep with people late at night, use common sense (see my handy resources post) and you should be fine.

[Nigeyy]

11 hours ago, Grim Jim said:

Cheers @Nigeyy !

I'd like to ask whether most places take take contactless card/phone payments, of if there are any particular circumstances where cash is needed?

FYI folks, two of us going to Salem for 1st game, then Providence for 2nd.   If nothing is laid on for us all, then we'll need to get threads started for pooling transport maybe by spring?

Boston isn't quite cashless -yet.  However most places will take contactless and phone payment, but I'd keep some small amount of cash on you (also a good idea if you have trouble with your card). FYI, see my "handy resources" post and get the mticket app to get commuter rail tickets online with your credit card, saves you having to have cash for the train.  Probably a good idea to have Uber or Lyft apps for rides too.

Re: Salem, I was really happy to see someone posted about a whatsapp group about someone doing a carpool (I think for Providence).  Hopefully something can happen with Salem too, because getting back from a late game is going to be difficult.

[Nigeyy]

4 hours ago, Caledonian Craig said:

Hi Nigel. Warm welcome to the board and thanks for all of your valuable useful advice.

I was daft enough to book Homewood Suites by Hilton in Needham and gather it's a good bit out of Boston and public transport is pretty poor. Stay there for three days then am booked into Doubletree Suites by Hilton in Cambridge, Boston on Soldier Field Road. That is for match day against Haiti. Am hoping it's do-able to get back into Boston after the match to my hotel. 

I then have a few days booked in New Haven, Connecticut before I am back in Boston to stay at the Boston Marriott, Cambridge, Boston on Broadway, Kendall Square. There for the day of the Morocco game and following morning fly out from Boston Airport to Miami.

Well maybe you aren't daft! Needham is a lovely -and wealthy town -which is really safe, with a lovely centre, AND commuter rail stations that go into Boston's South Station.  However, where your hotel is isn't the most convenient location unless you have a car (I used to drive by it on 128 every weekday going to and from work).  You are going to need an Uber to get to the train stations. The location is typical USA -a hotel in kind of office complex not close to much of anything except a highway.   

Getting back to Needham if you can't make that last commuter train after a late night game isn't going to be easy. If you get the commuter rail special events train back to Boston, you can take a taxi/uber from there to Needham, but it might, just be might, be cheaper or only slightly more expensive to just get an Uber from the stadium back to Needham as it's a fairly straight shot from Foxboro to Needham.  If money is a concern, I'd work out the best financial option (e.g. getting an Uber from Needham to and from the stadium vs partly using the trains).

Staying in Cambridge is doable, but just plan accordingly with the public transportation as it's not super convenient, and be aware you may have to Uber at some point.  Just be careful in New Haven though, good luck and have fun!

[Nigeyy]

4 hours ago, HappyH00ligan said:

Hey @Nigeyy thanks for taking the time to answer questions. We're staying up beside Assembly Square near Somerville - would you mind giving your thoughts on this area please? Thanks again

Got to be honest never been to Assembly Square! Not heard bad things about it, so I would think it's fine. I think there's the Assembly Square mall there, but again, that's a place I've never been there.