SMFA Transportation

Getting Around

Travelling to and from the SMFA and the Medford/Somerville campus could take 30-90 minutes depending on what’s happening in and around Boston. Reviewing all your travel options and having a plan will help make the trip a little easier. You’ll find many ways to get to your destination, several of them provided by Tufts University at no additional expense.

MBTA Services

The MBTA Green Line provides direct service between the SMFA and Tufts’ Medford campus. Simply board the Green Line “E” train at Museum of Fine Arts Station, and get off at Tufts/Medford Station. Green Line trains depart every six minutes during peak travel periods. Students are encouraged to use the Green Line to travel between campuses.

The MBTA offers many other rail and bus services for travel around the region. See the MBTA Student Rider’s Guide for more details. Stay tuned to the MBTA website for maps, information, and service alerts. Download the “Transit” App to track MBTA services live and catch your next bus or train!

MBTA SMFA UPass Program – How to Get Started

The MBTA SMFA UPass program is a two-year pilot program with the MBTA and Tufts University. All SMFA undergraduate and SMFA Graduate students are enrolled in the SMFA UPass program and will receive a free MBTA CharlieCard to use on the subway or local bus routes.

• All SMFA undergraduate and SMFA Graduate students are automatically enrolled in the SMFA UPass program.
  • First Year SMFA students will receive their passes in person on their approved check-in day when they receive their ID Cards.
  • Returning SMFA students will use the same CharlieCard each semester/year of the program.
• Charlie Cards are assigned to specific students to be used for the duration of the program. Students will use the same card each semester/year.
• The SMFA UPass program provides unlimited access to MBTA subway and local bus services.
  • SMFA students should not purchase their own MBTA passes unless they are utilizing express bus, commuter rail, or ferry services.

Reach out to transportation@tufts.edu with any questions or feedback on the UPass program!

Discounted MBTA Passes for Students, Faculty, and Staff

The SMFA UPass program is only available to SMFA undergraduate and SMFA graduate students. All other students, staff, and faculty may purchase discounted MBTA passes through Tufts University. See the Discounted MBTA Passes page for details.

Tufts Shuttles

Tufts offers regular shuttle service between the SMFA campus, the Beacon Street residences, and the Medford/Somerville campus during the academic year. Shuttles provide an additional means for students to travel between campuses. The SMFA Shuttle departs the SMFA and the Medford campus once an hour during weekdays. The full SMFA shuttle schedule and any service alerts can be found at the SMFA Shuttle page. Track Tufts’ shuttles live using the Tufts Shuttle Tracker.

SMFA Lyft Programs

Tufts provides a limited subsidy for ride-share service to SMFA students through a partnership with Lyft. This program is intended to help students navigate campuses when MBTA services, Tufts shuttles, and walking or biking are not suitable options. Learn more on the SMFA Lyft Program page.

Discounted Bluebikes Memberships

All Tufts students, faculty, and staff are eligible for a nearly 50% discount on an annual Bluebikes Membership. BlueBikes is the Boston region’s bike share program, providing traditional and electric bikes in Boston, Somerville, Medford, Cambridge, Brookline, and beyond. BlueBikes provide fun, fast, and convenient transportation on demand. Learn more about the BlueBikes program and how to get your discount on the Discounted BlueBikes Membership page. Download the BlueBikes app to get started with your first bike ride.

Carpools and Vanpools

Make use of university commuter perks and benefits that are available for employees, including:

• Guaranteed Ride Home Program for emergencies (Boston campuses)
• Emergency Ride Home (Medford/Somerville and Grafton campuses)
• Carpool matching (Boston campuses)
• Vanpool subsidy/reimbursement (Boston campuses)
• Access a discounted ZipCar membership

For More Information:

• MBTA’s Trip Planner
• MBTA Schedules and Maps
• Contact transportation@tufts.edu with all transportation-related questions and feedback
• Contact our Customer Service team at 617-627-3692 for immediate assistance