Explore the Literary Treasures of the Boston Athenaeum

Getting There

• Bus

  From Waltham, head to the nearest bus stop on Main Street at the corner of Moody Street. Take the MBTA 70 or 70A bus towards Alewife Station. Stay on the bus for about 30 minutes, and get off at the 'Alewife Station' stop. Transfer to the Red Line train towards Ashmont/Braintree and ride for about 20 minutes. At Park Street Station, transfer to the Green Line (C or D line) and ride for 1 stop to Government Center. From Government Center, walk about 0.3 miles (approximately 7 minutes) to the Boston Athenaeum at 10-1/2 Beacon St.

• Train and Walk

  From Waltham, walk to the Waltham Commuter Rail Station located at 75 Crescent St. Board the MBTA Commuter Rail on the Fitchburg Line towards Boston. After about a 30-minute ride, disembark at North Station. From North Station, walk to the Haymarket stop (approximately 0.5 miles, about 10 minutes). Take the Green Line (C or D line) from Haymarket to Government Center. From Government Center, walk about 0.3 miles (approximately 7 minutes) to the Boston Athenaeum at 10-1/2 Beacon St.

• Bicycle

  If you're feeling adventurous and prefer to bike, you can rent a bike from a local bike-sharing service. Start your journey from Waltham City Hall and head southeast on Main Street. Follow the Charles River bike path towards Boston. The ride is approximately 10 miles and will take about 40-50 minutes. Once you arrive in Boston, navigate towards Beacon Street, where you will find the Boston Athenaeum at 10-1/2 Beacon St.

• Walking

  If you enjoy walking, you can walk from Waltham to Boston, which is approximately 10 miles and can take around 3-4 hours, depending on your pace. Start from the Waltham City Hall, head southeast towards the Charles River, and continue along the river path until you reach the Boston city center. Once you arrive in downtown Boston, head towards Beacon Street, where you will find the Boston Athenaeum at 10-1/2 Beacon St.