Where Fenway Park Is and How to Get There
Fenway Park sits at 37 Lansdowne Street in Boston, Massachusetts, in the Fenway neighborhood just west of downtown. The ballpark is home to the Boston Red Sox and has been since 1912, making it the oldest active Major League Baseball stadium in the United States.
You can reach Fenway by car, public transit, or taxi. If you drive, the ballpark has limited parking on-site, and nearby lots fill quickly on game days. The MBTA (Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority) Green Line subway stops directly at Kenmore Station, which is a five-minute walk from the main entrance. Many visitors find the Green Line the fastest option because you avoid traffic and parking hassles. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft operate in Boston, though surge pricing is common on game days.
Arrive at least 90 minutes before first pitch if you are driving, to account for parking and walking time. If you are using the Green Line, 45 minutes before first pitch is usually enough time to get from downtown Boston to your seat.
Key Takeaways
- Fenway Park is located at 37 Lansdowne Street in Boston and is served by the MBTA Green Line at Kenmore Station, a five-minute walk away.
- Parking on-site is limited, and nearby lots fill quickly on game days, so public transit or ride-sharing is often faster than driving.
- You will need a ticket to enter the ballpark, which you can purchase through the Red Sox official website, StubHub, Ticketmaster, or at the box office on game day.
- Bring a valid photo ID if you are purchasing alcohol, and note that Fenway allows certain outside food and drinks but prohibits glass containers and hard-sided coolers.
- Gates typically open two hours before first pitch, giving you time to find your seat, buy concessions, and explore the ballpark.
Getting a Ticket to a Game
Tickets are sold through the Boston Red Sox official website (redsox.com), Ticketmaster, StubHub, and at the box office at Fenway itself. Prices vary widely depending on the opponent, day of the week, and time of season. Weekend games and matchups against the New York Yankees or Tampa Bay Rays typically cost more than weekday games against less popular teams.
You can buy tickets weeks in advance or on game day. If you buy in advance online, you will receive a digital ticket on your phone that you scan at the gate. If you buy at the box office on game day, you will receive a physical ticket. Resale sites like StubHub and Vivid Seats often have tickets available even when the official Red Sox site shows sold out, though prices may be higher.
Bring your ID and the credit card you used to purchase the ticket if you bought online. Some tickets are non-transferable, meaning only the person whose name is on the ticket can enter, so check the terms when you buy.
What You Can and Cannot Bring Into Fenway
Fenway allows you to bring outside food and non-alcoholic drinks into the ballpark. You can bring a sandwich, fruit, snacks, and bottled water. You cannot bring glass containers, aluminum cans, hard-sided coolers, or thermoses. Soft-sided coolers are permitted.
You cannot bring your own alcohol into Fenway. Beer, wine, and spirits are sold inside the ballpark at concession stands and roving vendors throughout the seating areas. If you purchase alcohol inside, you will need to show a valid photo ID.
Bags are allowed but are subject to search at the gate. Large bags, backpacks, and hard-sided cases may be refused. Leave oversized items at home or in your car. Cameras and phones are permitted, and you can take photos and videos for personal use.
Parking and Transportation Options
On-site parking at Fenway is extremely limited and fills quickly. If you do find a spot in the official Fenway lot, expect to pay $25 to $40 depending on the game. Nearby private lots charge similar rates and are often full by game time.
The MBTA Green Line is the most reliable option. Take the Green Line to Kenmore Station, exit, and follow signs to Lansdowne Street. The walk takes about five minutes. A single MBTA fare costs $2.75 if you pay with a CharlieCard (a reloadable transit card) or $3 if you pay cash.
Ride-sharing services operate throughout Boston. Expect to pay $15 to $30 for a ride to Fenway depending on where you are coming from and how busy the service is. On game days, surge pricing often applies, so prices can be higher than usual. Request your ride in advance rather than waiting until you leave the game, as demand spikes when the game ends.
What Happens When You Arrive at the Gate
Gates open two hours before first pitch. You will scan or show your ticket at the entrance, and security will check your bag. Once inside, you can explore the concourse, find your seat, and purchase food and drinks.
Concessions include hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, pizza, and regional items like Fenway Franks (hot dogs). Prices are higher than outside food — expect to pay $15 to $20 for a hot dog and drink combo. ATMs are located throughout the ballpark if you need cash.
Restrooms are located on each level of the ballpark. Lines can be long during the early innings and between innings, so plan accordingly. The ballpark has Wi-Fi, though the connection can be slow when the stadium is full.
Seating Sections and Where to Sit
Fenway has about 37,000 seats divided into different price tiers. The Green Monster (the famous left field wall) is one of the most iconic features, and seats along the left field line offer views of it. Bleacher seats in right field and center field are typically the least expensive. Field-level seats behind home plate and along the baselines are the most expensive.
Obstructed-view seats are cheaper because a pillar or railing blocks part of the field. These seats are clearly marked when you purchase, so you know what you are getting. Standing-room-only tickets are sometimes available on game day and are the cheapest option, though you will not have a seat.
The upper deck offers good sightlines and is less crowded than lower-bowl seats. If you are sensitive to sun, avoid seats in right field during day games, as the sun is directly in your face during the early innings.
What to Know About Game Day Logistics
Games typically last three to three and a half hours. Bring sunscreen if you are sitting in the sun, and dress in layers because it can be cool in the evening even during summer. The ballpark can be windy, especially in the upper deck.
Fenway is a historic ballpark with narrow aisles and steep stairs in some sections. If you have mobility concerns, mention this when you purchase your ticket or contact the Red Sox accessibility office at (617) 226-6000. Accessible seating and companion seating are available.
The Red Sox play 81 home games per season from late March through September, plus playoff games if the team makes the postseason. Check the Red Sox schedule on redsox.com to see when games are played and who the opponent is.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my own food and drinks into Fenway?
Yes, you can bring outside food and non-alcoholic drinks. You cannot bring glass containers, aluminum cans, hard-sided coolers, or thermoses. Soft-sided coolers are permitted. You cannot bring your own alcohol.
What is the cheapest way to get to Fenway?
The MBTA Green Line is the cheapest option at $2.75 per ride. Parking costs $25 to $40, and ride-sharing typically costs $15 to $30 depending on demand. The Green Line is also usually the fastest option on game day because you avoid traffic.
Do I need to bring my ID to the game?
You need a valid photo ID only if you plan to purchase alcohol inside the ballpark. If you bought your ticket online, bring the credit card you used to purchase it, though this is not always required.
What time should I arrive at Fenway?
Gates open two hours before first pitch. If you are driving, arrive at least 90 minutes early to account for parking and walking time. If you are using the Green Line, 45 minutes before first pitch is usually enough.
Are there accessible parking and seating options?
Yes. Fenway has accessible parking and companion seating. Contact the Red Sox accessibility office at (617) 226-6000 to discuss your needs when you purchase your ticket or in advance of your visit.