The Boston Marathon is the world’s oldest annual marathon, first run in 1897. It takes place on Patriots’ Day, the third Monday in April, a holiday in Massachusetts that commemorates the battles of Lexington and Concord. The course runs from Hopkinton through several towns and into Boston, finishing on Boylston Street in Back Bay. For anyone driving in the region that day, it reshapes the map.
What closes and when
The course passes through Hopkinton, Ashland, Framingham, Natick, Wellesley, Newton and Brookline before entering Boston. Roads along the course close to traffic during the race, and many cross streets are blocked. In Boston, streets around the finish area in Back Bay close for an extended period, and parking restrictions apply in surrounding areas in the days leading up to the race.
Exact closure times and areas are announced by the cities and towns along the route and by race organizers. Check the City of Boston’s official site at boston.gov and the official announcements from each town before planning any travel.
Parking near the finish
Back Bay parking is especially affected. Many streets near Boylston Street and Copley Square have temporary no-parking restrictions, and towing is common. Some garages may be inaccessible or have limited access due to closures. If you plan to watch near the finish, plan to arrive by transit or park well outside the area.
Watching the race without a car
The MBTA is the most practical way for spectators to reach the course. The Green Line’s branches run near several popular viewing areas, including the stretch near Boston College and Kenmore Square, where the course passes close to Fenway Park. Some stations near the finish may close or have restricted access on race day. Check mbta.com for service changes.
Commuter rail can bring spectators to towns along the course. The Worcester line serves several communities near the route. Check schedules in advance, as holiday service may differ.
Patriots’ Day traditions
Marathon Monday is also a big day for the Red Sox, who traditionally host a morning game at Fenway Park. Fans leaving the game often walk to Kenmore Square to watch the runners. That combination makes the area around Kenmore one of the busiest places in the city on the holiday.
Tips for the day
- Avoid driving across the course if possible. Crossing points may be limited.
- If you must drive, plan a route that stays well away from the course and allow extra time.
- Check temporary signs on your street in the days before the race if you live or are staying near the route.
- Pick a viewing spot near a transit station and plan your return.
- Bring layers. April weather in New England can change quickly.
Marathon Monday is one of Boston’s great days, a celebration of endurance and community. Leave the car behind, find a spot along the course and cheer the runners home.
Planning Around the Race, Step by Step
Whether you are watching, working or simply trying to get somewhere on Patriots’ Day, a plan made in advance makes the day far easier.
- Check official closure information. Look up the closure times and areas announced by the City of Boston and the towns along the course.
- Map the course against your plans. Note where your home, hotel, workplace or destination sits in relation to the route.
- Decide whether you need to cross the course. If you do, find out where crossing points will be and when they are open, or plan to cross before roads close.
- Move your car early if needed. If you live or are staying near the finish, watch for temporary no-parking signs in the days before the race.
- Choose a transit plan for spectating. Pick a viewing spot near a Green Line or commuter rail station, and plan your return.
- Pack for the day. Bring layers, water, snacks and a charged phone.
A Spectator’s Sample Day
A family from the western suburbs might ride commuter rail into a town along the course, find a spot along the route and cheer the runners as they pass. After the leaders go by, they stay to watch the wave of runners, then ride back home in the afternoon. They never drive near the course.
A family in the city might ride the Green Line to a stop near Boston College and watch the runners on the hills, then ride inbound toward Kenmore later in the day. They avoid the finish area, where crowds and closures are heaviest.
Common Mistakes on Marathon Monday
- Trying to drive across the course midday. Crossing points may be limited and slow. Plan to cross early or avoid it entirely.
- Missing temporary no-parking signs. Signs near the finish and along the route go up in advance, and towing is common.
- Heading to the finish without a plan. The finish area is crowded and heavily controlled. Consider watching elsewhere along the course.
- Assuming regular transit schedules. Holiday service and station changes can affect your trip. Check before you go.
- Underdressing. April weather in New England can swing from warm to cold in a few hours.
Questions Readers Ask
Can I drive to work on Patriots’ Day?
Many people do, but routes that cross or follow the course will be affected. Plan a route that stays well away from the course and allow extra time.
Where is the best place to watch?
Many spectators choose spots along the course outside the finish area, where crowds are smaller and access is easier. The stretch near Boston College and the towns along the route are popular choices.
Is the day good for families with children?
Yes. Many families make watching the race a tradition. Choose a spot with room to step back from the crowd, bring snacks and plan your return in advance.
What if I am staying at a hotel near the finish?
Ask the hotel about parking restrictions and access during race weekend. You may need to move your car before the race or leave it parked until roads reopen.
If You Live Along the Course
Residents near the route face their own planning. Watch for notices and temporary signs in the days before the race, and move cars from any posted areas well ahead of the deadline. Plan errands for the weekend before, since leaving or returning home on race day may be difficult while roads are closed. If you are expecting guests, share the closure information with them and suggest transit. Deliveries and appointments on the holiday may also be affected, so check with anyone scheduled to visit.
