The MBTA announced plans to increase train service to and from Salem during Halloweekend. This year, Halloween falls on Friday, October 31.
Normally, the MBTA weekend pass is reserved for Saturdays and Sundays only; to deter traffic and celebrate the holiday, a special “Haunted Happenings” pass will be available to reserve in the mTicket app or onboard.
The pass includes unlimited round-trip travel between Boston and Salem for $10 on Halloween. If traveling between Beverly and Salem, the ticket is $5. The MBTA notes that trains will resume a “normal weekday schedule on Friday, with trips approximately every 30 minutes between Boston and Salem.” View the weekday schedule for the Newbury/Rockport line. The last inbound train from Salem departs at 11:05 PM and arrives at North Station at 11:42 PM.
Salem is approximately a 35-minute train journey from Boston.
Salem is a fun destination all year round, but it’s a must-visit every October for the Halloween season. The MBTA is proud to do our part to bring thousands of passengers to and from Salem’s Haunted Happenings with expanded weekend Commuter Rail trips this October,” said MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng. “Leave your cars at home and enjoy the train, including using our $10 weekend Commuter Rail pass for expanded, frequent rail service to the Witch City this October for the month-long celebration.”
According to a statement from the MBTA, ridership increased 25% last October compared to prior years, with 170,000 passengers taking weekend trains to Salem.
Salem is a fun and vibrant city, and we want everyone in our community – residents, workers, and visitors – to have a safe and enjoyable October,” said Salem Mayor Dominick Pangallo. “Because there is limited parking in Salem, we strongly encourage visitors to consider alternative ways to get here. There will be an increase in commuter rail trains throughout the month of October, as well as passenger capacity on our ferry to and from Boston, and an additional ferry to and from Hingham. So, this October, take the train, take the ferry, or come by broom – you’ll have a much more enjoyable visit!”
The MBTA does not allow “full-size” bikes and scooters on this weekend’s trains on the Newburyport/Rockport Commuter Rail Line; plan accordingly as the MBTA predicts trains to reach full occupancy. Prefer the coastal route? Check out this seasonal Salem ferry.
Salem trains depart and return to Boston North Station.