Commuting from Cape Cod to Boston (Brockton, Plymouth: university, living in, cost)

[doghead]

Does anyone know how commuting from the upper Cape (Sandwich, Mashpee, etc.) to Boston is? Is there good public transportation? How is living in Sandwich and that area? I am used to going to the lower Cape (Wellfleet) but have no experience at the other end of Cape Cod, closer to Boston. Is it friendly for single people, pets?

[seldomseen]

The commute from Sandwhich/Mashpee etc to Boston by car is down right brutal. The most direct/fastest route is route 3 North--and a lot of folks either drive directly into the city, or drive to Plymouth, and take the commuter rail into the city. Sandwich to Boston is approximately 60 miles one way, but once you factor in traffic plan on adding at least another 30 minutes to your travel time if you plan on driving directly into the city each day. Also keep in mind that depending on where you exactly work in the city will also make a difference in ones travel time too.

[capecodcathy]

The best way to commute is on the rail, either from Plymouth on the Sandwich side or Middleboro from the Bourne side. Both go to South Station. It's about a 45 minute train ride.

[doghead]

Capecodcathy, thanks. Do you know if that's expensive? Do you know the name of that rail line? Thanks again.

[capecodcathy]

Here's the site for the T and commuter rail schedules from both Kingston and Middleboro. Looks as though both are considered Zone 8 for fare purposes. If you can walk to work from South Station, it should cost you about $150 for a monthly pass. If you need to hitch the subway once in So. Station, it'll run about $250. Either is still a good deal considering parking fees, traffic and gas. Not to mention time and aggravation. The rail is also very comfortable, as I recall.

[capecodcathy]

Sorry, forgot the link! Senior moment.
MBTA > Schedules & Maps > Commuter Rail > Kingston/Plymouth & Middleborough/Lakeville (Old Colony Lines)

[kaioak36]

I commuted from the Cape for a year and gave up. It can take 2.5 hours at times by car. Just getting to Kingston can take 35-40 minutes and the train ride is an hour (not 45 minutes). You're going to spend at least 4 hours a day commuting to Boston even from the upper Cape. South Shore is a better choice.

[Beachcomber4]

My dad did it every year for 15 years. He took the bus from Plymouth to South Station then the train over to Northeastern University. He actually enjoyed the commute. I guess it's all in what you are accustomed to and willing to endure. He felt living on the Cape was worth the inconvenience.

[CoastalMaine]

Plymouth-Brockton Bus Line has the commuter lot in Sandwich, so you don't have to ride up to Plymouth to catch the bus.

I've taken the bus any number of times to get to Logan. It takes on average, 1 hour and 20 minutes from the Barnstable commuter lot on Route 6 to the airport.

I would think it would be less than that on the commute line since you're only going to South Station. The airport run stops first at SS, then goes on to the airport. (Actually, the airport run stops at every spot along the way, including SS... my post didn't make that very clear...) and it still only takes an hour and 20 minutes.

Info should be on their website. Can I put that link here or is that advertising?

[CaseyB]

Go ahead and post the link. Other than the realtor issue, advertising prohibitions have more to do with giving recommendations where you would derive some financial benefit.