Someone has told me that the Boston Subway system is difficult to use. Any truth in this?

No, it's like any other subway system. In fact, it's simpler than some (like Washington DC) since it's not zoned: you pay when you board and there's no need to re-submit your card when you're leaving.

Did they give any specifics about what aspect they thought was "difficult"?

No, I think it's like most of these things, people like to be 'fore-tellers of doom'!! I've had a good read on the MBTA website and have figured out about Charlie tickets and passes etc. Seems fairly straightforward to me - after the London Underground!! What about buses? I understand the Charlie ticket is valid on those too? Also we are catching a commuter train out to Lynn. Do we buy tickets beforehand or on the train?

My husband and I were in Boston in April and we had no difficulties using the metro. In fact, we remarked on how much easier it was to navigate compared to NYC. Also, we really liked the convenience of using their metro card, which looks like a credit card - you can prepay your fares ahead of time.

mbta.com is a farily good website - it will even give you routing options from point A to point B.

From there, print a system map. The "subway" is a system of trains, some of which go underground, some above groun, and a few along the street on tracks. This is likely the primary public transportation you will be using. It is color coded - red, blue, green, orange - plus this short-route thing called silver line which is really a bus.

Then there is the commuter rail - purple on the map. It is a traditional commuter train.

Third is the bus system - I am far from an expert on these, but routing is more difficult and I would recommend you use one of the above 2 primarily - unless you get really good directions from someone about a specific route.

The fare system has gone from cash and tokens to a "Charlie card" - reallyu long story about the name - has to do with an old song about a guy named Charlie stuck on a train when one needed to pay to get off - when there were zones.

They are phasing in use of Charlie card on commuter rail and bus - do not know where it is in that process.

At most commuter rail stops there is a private store that sells train tickets during normal business hours - a very few places have real train station places selling tickets. One pays a little more to buy ticket on train - but it is always possible to buy ticket on train.

Enjoy Boston - it really is easy to get around by foot or public transportation.

you will be fine with the experiences you've mentioned -

the mbta.com web site has a plan your trip pull down which can also give you exactly how to get to specific places you know yuo might be going before arriving -

also hopstop.com, will give you subway, bus and walking directions if you have the addresses -
i would still double check these with someone once in town, but it's a good guide for visitors.

have fun!

I don't think it's difficult to use, but some of the stations are a little dank, especially if you're accustomed to the newer systems like Wash., DC.

Just to let you know it was EASY! We bought a 7 day Charlie Ticket - a bargain at $15 - and it was simple, straightforward and efficient! Thanks for all your help though!

So glad it worked out - is there a trip report to read with all the other details (what did you see? eat? etc? ) would love to hear all that too !