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

[Nigeyy]

4 hours ago, mariokempes said:

Hi

 

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

Well North Andover is safe -though Lawrence next to it isn't (with apologies to folks from Lawrence) very nice or safe in parts. I've been to North Andover quite a few times as my wife's friend lived there.  However, it really is out there, and the problem will be getting anywhere without a car.  North Andover is 55-70 miles away (depending on which highways you choose) from Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, and the closest commuter rail station is in Andover (which by the way goes to North Station in Boston, a 20-30 minute walk away from Boston's South Station), which you will need an uber or a car to get to.  And if you go to a late game at Gilllette stadium it is going to be time consuming and very, very expensive to get back as you will need an Uber.

I would advise either getting somewhere closer with easier access to a commuter rail station, or hiring a car (and still getting somewhere closer!).  This could be a case of false economy where you're going to be spending more once you factor in transportation, let alone all the aggravation and stress of trying to get to and from there. Sorry but I'll suggest your friend's son may not have a bargain there.

Edited December 11, 2025 by Nigeyy

[Nigeyy]

12 hours ago, faddy11 said:

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

The Longwood area has quite a few hospitals in that area (I've had to drive in there with my son many, many times!).  It's a pretty safe area, though I wouldn't be keen to go on the Riverway late at night by myself, but that's just more of a city common sense thing.

You are close to the green line routes of Riverside and Heath Street for the Longwood and Longwood Medical Area stations respectively, so that's an easy trip into Boston, or you could even walk in (but go via the West Fens and Back Bay, don't cut across via NorthEastern University and the South End, though even then I wouldn't walk this at night). So getting to central Boston should get you to South Station, where you can catch the commuter rail special events train to the stadium (remember the stadium is not in Boston, but 20 miles to the south) and back (see my handy resources post for further details).  On the way back, if the last green line trolley as left (remember you need the Riverside or Heath St branches!) then I'd recommend you catch a taxi or an Uber.

Of course you could hire a car, but I recommend against that based on Boston driving habits, bad road design, lack of signage or bad signage, finding a parking place and the expense of parking.   Good luck and safe travels.

Edit: I realized I wasn't clear, take the green line "T" to Park Street, and then the red line to South Station.  Otherwise, you can get off at Park Street and walk there using google maps (about a 10-15 minute walk)

Edited December 11, 2025 by Nigeyy

[Nigeyy]

2 hours ago, Ronnie Mac said:

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

Just for clarity, do you mean Rockland, or Rockport?

[Caledonian Craig]

51 minutes ago, Nigeyy said:

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!

Cheers Nigeyy. I booked the Needham one on impulse as it was available and advertised as Boston then saw the lack of transport links and distance away from Boston city centre. Sadly, I cannot change it.

[Nigeyy]

There's been so many question about accommodation.  Please know I have absolutely no connection or financial gain from this, but if you are looking try this (Legacy Place has a commuter rail station within minutes walking distance, safe area, big shopping complex with bars and restaurants walking distance within minutes).  I think this is such a good deal if you are ok staying out of Boston but a 25-30 minute train ride into Boston's South Station, it would be really remiss of me not to let someone know about this -just put in the dates you are interested to see if its available, I put in June 5th - June 12th, I don't know if those are good dates).  I think this is a clear case the people renting don't know about the world cup.

https://www.vrbo.com/4273493?chkin=2026-06-05&chkout=2026-06-12&d1=2026-06-05&d2=2026-06-12&startDate=2026-06-05&endDate=2026-06-12&x_pwa=1&rfrr=HSR&pwa_ts=1765423604096&referrerUrl=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cudnJiby5jb20vSG90ZWwtU2VhcmNo&useRewards=false&adults=2&regionId=173770&destination=Westwood%2C+Massachusetts%2C+United+States+of+America&destType=BOUNDING_BOX&latLong=42.213985%2C-71.224495&searchId=a09620cd-02cd-4f94-8be8-058d063f93a8&sort=RECOMMENDED&top_dp=130&top_cur=USD&userIntent=&selectedRoomType=110404797&selectedRatePlan=0004e182f8172f234df1a3b409697d4203df&expediaPropertyId=110404797

Edited December 11, 2025 by Nigeyy

[Nigeyy]

13 minutes ago, Nigeyy said:

There's been so many question about accommodation.  Please know I have absolutely no connection or financial gain from this, but if you are looking try this (Legacy Place has a commuter rail station within minutes walking distance, safe area, big shopping complex with bars and restaurants walking distance within minutes).  I think this is such a good deal if you are ok staying out of Boston but a 25-30 minute train ride into Boston's South Station, it would be really remiss of me not to let someone know about this -just put in the dates you are interested to see if its available, I put in June 5th - June 12th, I don't know if those are good dates).  I think this is a clear case the people renting don't know about the world cup.

https://www.vrbo.com/4273493?chkin=2026-06-05&chkout=2026-06-12&d1=2026-06-05&d2=2026-06-12&startDate=2026-06-05&endDate=2026-06-12&x_pwa=1&rfrr=HSR&pwa_ts=1765423604096&referrerUrl=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cudnJiby5jb20vSG90ZWwtU2VhcmNo&useRewards=false&adults=2&regionId=173770&destination=Westwood%2C+Massachusetts%2C+United+States+of+America&destType=BOUNDING_BOX&latLong=42.213985%2C-71.224495&searchId=a09620cd-02cd-4f94-8be8-058d063f93a8&sort=RECOMMENDED&top_dp=130&top_cur=USD&userIntent=&selectedRoomType=110404797&selectedRatePlan=0004e182f8172f234df1a3b409697d4203df&expediaPropertyId=110404797

Gah, misleading title, its not at Legacy Place but elsewhere in Dedham -a bit of misleading advertizing if you ask me.  So not easy to get to the commuter rail station, sorry.  Might still be worth a look though.

[YesTA]

17 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?

+2 staying in Salem and heard of others. If we all get match tickets may be worth looking to share an Uber for logistics and cost.

[Squirrelhumper]

We are staying at Waltham for the two Boston games - decent enough location? Just off Moody Street. Listing says we are walking distance to the commuter rail.

Looks like plenty restaurants around it etc but we know it's a commute to the stadium but staying in Boston area for 10 days and prices in city centre were extortionate. 

Edited December 11, 2025 by Squirrelhumper

[AlfieMoon]

6 hours ago, Nigeyy said:

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.

Thanks.  I was more looking at the Providence/Stoughton line. 

[GSS]

Whats the best location to stay in for close to good nightlife/bars?

[Ally Bongo]

There are loads of reviews of everywhere in Massachusets online 

You can then put the place into google maps and look at the distances between the place and Boston/Gillette stadium along with how long it takes by car and train (if possible) 

You can then google the name of the place and put "bars" or "pubs" on the end of it to see what it has 

You can even then go onto Youtube and there are videos of the actual place 

This leaves other types of questions to ask Nigeyy rather than look for reassurance about your booking 

Lazy fucks 

[Nigeyy]

2 hours ago, Squirrelhumper said:

We are staying at Waltham for the two Boston games - decent enough location? Just off Moody Street. Listing says we are walking distance to the commuter rail.

Looks like plenty restaurants around it etc but we know it's a commute to the stadium but staying in Boston area for 10 days and prices in city centre were extortionate. 

Moody Street has some great restaurants and is a lively place (my daughter went to Brandeis University in Waltham and I used to work there). I'd say a very good safe location -but just use your common sense, see my handy resources post. Keep in mind the commuter rail line goes into Boston's North station (20-30 min walk to South station) so plan accordingly if you are going to use the commuter rail from south station (see my handy resources post) to get to the stadium which is 20 miles south of Boston. There is a decent likelihood you may miss the last commuter rail from North station with a late game, but an Uber to Waltham shouldn't be extortionate.

 

Summary: I think that's a good pick if you are not staying in the centre of Boston.

[Ronnie Mac]

8 hours ago, Nigeyy said:

Just for clarity, do you mean Rockland, or Rockport?

ROCKLAND

[Nigeyy]

2 hours ago, AlfieMoon said:

Thanks.  I was more looking at the Providence/Stoughton line. 

Take a look at my handy resources post -the subway system is commonly referred to as the "T", and the trains are commuter rail (or Amtrak as well if you are coming from NYC, DC etc). The Providence Stoughton line is definitely not sketchy, and that goes for pretty much all the commuter rail lines.

[Squirrelhumper]

25 minutes ago, Nigeyy said:

Moody Street has some great restaurants and is a lively place (my daughter went to Brandeis University in Waltham and I used to work there). I'd say a very good safe location -but just use your common sense, see my handy resources post. Keep in mind the commuter rail line goes into Boston's North station (20-30 min walk to South station) so plan accordingly if you are going to use the commuter rail from south station (see my handy resources post) to get to the stadium which is 20 miles south of Boston. There is a decent likelihood you may miss the last commuter rail from North station with a late game, but an Uber to Waltham shouldn't be extortionate.

 

Summary: I think that's a good pick if you are not staying in the centre of Boston.

Thanks mate - appreciated. 

[TartanG]

On 12/9/2025 at 11:29 AM, Nigeyy said:

The Hyatt house in Waltham is just off what is colloquially known as "128", a major ring road motorway around Boston.  That area is safe, however (and this is just my opinion):

1. you will need to hire a car.  The hotel you are staying at is known for business travellers at the local office blocks in the area.  I personally recommend against a car; the driving here is atrocious, street signs are terrible and parking (at least in Boston) is very expensive. 

2. Further, while you can use your car to get to Gillette stadium, expect traffic jams and I know on New England Patriots game day it's currently $50-60 per car to park at the stadium.  However, if you do hire a car, consider driving to the MBTA commuter rail station close to Brandeis University which is a safe -but underwhelming -area (my daughter went to Brandeis University).  The commuter rail line at Brandeis will get you into central Boston at North Station but will NOT be the same line as a train to the stadium, necessitating a train into Boston, THEN A 20-30 MINUTES WALK FROM NORTH STATION TO SOUTH STATION to catch the Franklin Forge Park local train line that should stop at the stadium on game day* 

3. don't expect easy access to the centre of Waltham (Moody Street) which has a fantastic array of ethnic restaurants). It's not very walkable and is "out there" 

4. getting into Boston, you will have 4 choices: i. hire a car and drive (I think I covered my opinions on this), ii. hire a car and drive to the Brandeis commuter rail station to get to central Boston and North Station, iii. take an uber (got to say I think the prices they charge will go up and it's a good distance to both the centre of Boston and Gillette stadium to the south) and iv. take a bus into Boston (I can't comment on this as I don't know the schedule, frequency, or even if they exist).  I'm about 100% certain there is no bus from Waltham to the stadium though, or even any buses that will go any direction other than towards Boston.

I really don't mean to be negative here as you can make this work without a doubt.  Would I try to get accommodation else where if I could?  Yes.  While safe, the Hyatt at Waltham is a bit out of the way with not much around it and really makes having a car more necessary.

*remember I said the transportation infrastructure for anything other than cars isn't a priority?  They spent billions and billions on a "Big Dig" project depressing a central artery through Boston for cars, but didn't link up North and South train stations. 

In regard to point 2, Cars and Parking.  The response I have received from Gillette Stadium is that ALL parking for the World Cup Matches will be FREE for those holding a ticket, cars must be removed by the end of the day so picking up the next morning is not allowed... 

Also regarding the T line train, tickets for the T line will only be available for those with Match tickets. FIFA and MTBA websites.

[Nigeyy]

49 minutes ago, Ronnie Mac said:

ROCKLAND

Sorry, Rockland isn't a place I'm familiar with, though I've driven through it quite a few times.  It is very safe.  However transportation wise I'm guessing it may be pretty awkward to get into Boston and to the stadium and back (there is no commuter rail station in Rockland but one at Abington).

It's about 25 miles from the stadium and about 30 miles into Boston by car.  Again, not familiar with it, but having a car would make things much easier for you, particularly coming back from a late night game at the stadium.  If you don't have a car, I think you'll be spending a lot of money on Ubers. 

[AlfieMoon]

1 hour ago, Nigeyy said:

Take a look at my handy resources post -the subway system is commonly referred to as the "T", and the trains are commuter rail (or Amtrak as well if you are coming from NYC, DC etc). The Providence Stoughton line is definitely not sketchy, and that goes for pretty much all the commuter rail lines.

brilliant. 
 

you are doing a grand job sir.  ⭐️ 

[faddy11]

11 hours ago, Nigeyy said:

The Longwood area has quite a few hospitals in that area (I've had to drive in there with my son many, many times!).  It's a pretty safe area, though I wouldn't be keen to go on the Riverway late at night by myself, but that's just more of a city common sense thing.

You are close to the green line routes of Riverside and Heath Street for the Longwood and Longwood Medical Area stations respectively, so that's an easy trip into Boston, or you could even walk in (but go via the West Fens and Back Bay, don't cut across via NorthEastern University and the South End, though even then I wouldn't walk this at night). So getting to central Boston should get you to South Station, where you can catch the commuter rail special events train to the stadium (remember the stadium is not in Boston, but 20 miles to the south) and back (see my handy resources post for further details).  On the way back, if the last green line trolley as left (remember you need the Riverside or Heath St branches!) then I'd recommend you catch a taxi or an Uber.

Of course you could hire a car, but I recommend against that based on Boston driving habits, bad road design, lack of signage or bad signage, finding a parking place and the expense of parking.   Good luck and safe travels.

Edit: I realized I wasn't clear, take the green line "T" to Park Street, and then the red line to South Station.  Otherwise, you can get off at Park Street and walk there using google maps (about a 10-15 minute walk)

Thank you very much for the info very helpful once again thank you  Have a nice day

[glenn9085]

I am in Plymouth Massachusetts. I’m going to the Scotland v Haiti match. Hit me up also if you have any questions and I can try to help. 

[Gibby4583]

Hi Nigeyy,

I am staying at the Holiday Inn Dedham, which is near the Legacy Mall area you mentioned as being a decent spot, is it the Dedham Corporate Centre Station that gets you to South Station and also on the line for the Gillette Stadium?

Thanks

[Ronnie Mac]

On 12/11/2025 at 1:45 PM, Nigeyy said:

Just for clarity, do you mean Rockland, or Rockport?

Rockland

[Ronnie Mac]

4 minutes ago, Ronnie Mac said:

Rockland

Ok thanks for the advice nige,i might have to rethink plans!

[Nigeyy]

3 hours ago, Gibby4583 said:

Hi Nigeyy,

I am staying at the Holiday Inn Dedham, which is near the Legacy Mall area you mentioned as being a decent spot, is it the Dedham Corporate Centre Station that gets you to South Station and also on the line for the Gillette Stadium?

Thanks

Yes, you can walk to Dedham Corporate center from there (pretty short distance), but please be really careful crossing route 1. There is a pedestrian crossing there (equivalent of a pelican crossing), but read my "handy resources" post and you'll know cars can take a right in a red light, so do keep your wits about you. Also keep in mind that this road is definitely not pedestrian friendly and I get the impression car drivers don't think there would be any pedestrians there. I mean really  consider wearing something bright too.  So enough of sounding like your mother...  

The Dedham holiday inn is very close to Legacy Place which is a mall and has quite a few restaurants, so that's handy. I personally prefer some of the more individual bars and restaurants in Dedham and Norwood center. Dedham and (in my opinion) Norwood center is more quintessentially American -I enjoy going to the old fashioned diner in Norwood center.

So yes, you will be on the Franklin Forge Park local, but keep in mind that the commuter rail special events train (from what I've read even though it uses the Franklin line) to the stadium goes non-stop from the stadium to Boston's South station, so you have to get into South station to catch it (easy from Dedham Corporate center) and it won't stop obviously coming back from the stadium, just going straight back to South Station. I don't know whether you'd be in time to catch the last train then back to Dedham, you'd have to check (see my handy resources post for links to schedules, though obviously check closer to the time in case they change).  The good news is that it's actually a fairly straight shot from the stadium to Dedham and I don't think it would be crazy expensive for an Uber, particularly if it was shared. Of course there's the problem of getting an Uber on a game day when I'm sure everyone else will want one and the issue of where to be picked up.

I live just down the road from where you are staying, let me know how it goes!

Edited December 12, 2025 by Nigeyy

[Nigeyy]

9 hours ago, glenn9085 said:

I am in Plymouth Massachusetts. I’m going to the Scotland v Haiti match. Hit me up also if you have any questions and I can try to help. 

Excellent, hopefully you can provide another opinion!