Fenway Park opened in 1912, making it the oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball. It sits in a dense city neighborhood, tucked among Lansdowne Street, Jersey Street and the surrounding blocks, rather than in the middle of a sea of parking lots. That setting is a big part of its charm. It also means that game days transform the surrounding streets, starting in April when the season begins.
What changes on game days
When the Red Sox are home, tens of thousands of fans head toward the ballpark in the hours before first pitch. Jersey Street, beside the park, becomes a pedestrian area on game days, and nearby streets can see temporary restrictions. Kenmore Square, a busy intersection on any day, fills with traffic and pedestrians. After the game, the same crowd heads out all at once.
Many surrounding residential streets in the Fenway and neighboring areas have resident permit parking, and signs on game days can add further restrictions. Read every sign carefully. Boston’s official site at boston.gov has information on resident parking and event-related changes.
Garages and lots
Garages and lots are spread throughout the Fenway and Longwood areas, ranging from facilities attached to buildings to small lots that open for games. Prices and policies are set by each facility and often change on game days. Reserving in advance can lock in a space and save time.
A garage a little farther from the park can be easier to leave after the game. Consider facilities in the Longwood Medical Area, Back Bay or near Brookline Avenue, then walk to the ballpark.
The T is the classic choice
The MBTA Green Line stops at Kenmore, a short walk from the park, and the D branch has a Fenway station close by. Commuter rail on the Worcester line stops at Lansdowne station, just steps from the ballpark. Many fans park at a suburban station and ride in. Trains are crowded before and after games, but they avoid the traffic around Kenmore Square. Check mbta.com for current service information.
Walking is also a good option. Fenway is a reasonable walk from Back Bay, and some fans enjoy strolling through the Back Bay Fens park on the way.
Game day tips
- Arrive early to explore Lansdowne Street and Jersey Street before the game.
- Check the schedule for day games and night games, since traffic patterns differ.
- Note your garage location and its closing time.
- Expect crowds when the game ends. Waiting a few minutes or walking to a different station can help.
- Be mindful of other events. Concerts, college events and hospital traffic in nearby Longwood all affect the area.
A game at Fenway is a Boston rite of spring. With a parking plan, a transit backup and some patience, it becomes one of the most enjoyable outings in the city.
Planning a Game Day, Step by Step
A trip to Fenway goes best when the parking or transit plan is settled well before you leave home. Here is a straightforward sequence.
- Check the start time. Day games and night games bring different traffic patterns, and weekday night games overlap with the evening commute.
- Choose your arrival. Pick between the Green Line to Kenmore or Fenway, commuter rail to Lansdowne, a walk from Back Bay or a reserved garage a little farther from the park.
- Look at other events. Concerts, college events and other gatherings in the area can add to the crowds. A quick check helps you plan.
- Reserve if you are driving. A reservation saves time and removes the uncertainty of game day lots.
- Arrive early. Give yourself time to walk Lansdowne and Jersey streets and settle in before first pitch.
- Plan your exit. Decide whether you will leave right after the final out or linger, and which station or route you will use.
A Worked Example: Driving In From the Suburbs
A family coming in from west of the city might drive to a commuter rail station on the Worcester line, park and ride into Lansdowne, stepping off almost at the ballpark. After the game, instead of joining the crowd on the platform immediately, they grab a snack on Lansdowne Street and wait for the first rush to clear before catching a later train. The car stays out of Kenmore Square traffic entirely.
Another family might reserve a garage in the Longwood area, walk to the ballpark and walk back after the game. The garage is a little farther from the park, but its exit leads away from the busiest streets, so they are on their way home quickly.
Common Mistakes on Game Days
- Driving into Kenmore Square right before first pitch. Traffic and pedestrians fill the area. Arriving early or parking farther away makes a big difference.
- Parking on a resident street. Resident permit rules and game day restrictions are enforced. Read every sign.
- Forgetting garage closing times. A long game or a late night can collide with a garage’s hours. Check before you leave the car.
- Rushing the station after the game. Platforms are most crowded right after the final out. A short wait often means a more comfortable ride.
- Ignoring hospital traffic. The nearby Longwood Medical Area serves patients and staff around the clock. Be courteous, and avoid blocking access routes.
Questions Fans Ask
Is it worth walking from Back Bay?
Many fans enjoy it. The walk takes you through the city and, if you choose, along the Back Bay Fens. It is a pleasant way to arrive and a good way to avoid the crush at Kenmore.
Can I park at a suburban station and ride in?
Yes. Many fans do exactly that. Arrive early, since station garages can fill on busy days, and have a backup station in mind.
What should I bring?
Check the ballpark’s official policies on bags and items before you go. A charged phone, a light layer for evening games and comfortable shoes for the walk are helpful.
Is the neighborhood worth visiting on a non-game day?
Yes. The Fens, the nearby museums and the restaurants around the area make for a pleasant day, with far easier parking than on game days.
How long does it take to leave after the game?
It varies with the crowd and your route. Fans who wait a little, walk to a station or garage a few blocks away or linger over a meal often find the trip home calmer than those who leave with the first wave.
