Gillette Stadium, home to the New England Patriots (NFL) and New England Revolution (MLS), sits in Foxborough, Massachusetts, about 30 miles southwest of Boston. While the 65,000-capacity stadium offers an incredible game day experience, getting there from Boston requires some planning since it's not directly accessible by Boston's T subway system.
Getting to Boston First
From Logan International Airport (BOS)
By Public Transit
- Silver Line SL1 to South Station (20 minutes, $2.40)
- Blue Line to Government Center, then transfer to Green or Red Line
- Logan Express Bus to various Boston locations (30-45 minutes, $7.75)
By Taxi/Rideshare
- Taxi to downtown Boston (20-30 minutes, $40-60)
- Uber/Lyft (20-30 minutes, $25-45 depending on surge pricing)
By Rental Car
- All major rental companies at Logan
- Essential if planning multiple stadium visits or exploring New England
By Train
South Station - Main Amtrak hub
- Acela and Northeast Regional from NYC, Philadelphia, Washington DC
- Connected to Red Line T and commuter rail
North Station - Secondary train station
- Some Amtrak services from northern routes
- Connected to Green and Orange Lines
Back Bay Station - Alternative Amtrak stop
- More convenient for some Boston neighborhoods
- Connected to Orange Line and commuter rail
Getting to Gillette Stadium from Boston
By Car (Most Popular Option)
Route and Timing
- Take I-95 South to Route 1 South (Exit 9)
- Normal traffic: 45-60 minutes from downtown Boston
- Game day traffic: Allow 2-3 hours before kickoff
- GPS coordinates: 1 Patriot Place, Foxborough, MA 02035
Parking at Gillette Stadium
- Stadium lots: $60-80 for Patriots games, $25-40 for Revolution
- Arrive early: Lots open 4 hours before Patriots games, 2 hours before Revolution
- Book parking passes online to guarantee spots
- Tailgating permitted in most lots with advance purchase
Alternative Parking
- Private lots: $40-60, often closer walk than stadium lots
- Remote lots with shuttles: $25-40, shuttle service included
- Book through SpotHero or similar apps for guaranteed spaces
By Train + Shuttle (Recommended for Patriots Games)
MBTA Commuter Rail to Foxboro
- Take Franklin/Foxboro Line from South Station or Back Bay
- Foxborough station is 1.5 miles from stadium
- Special event trains run on Patriots game days only
- Round trip fare: $13.25 from Boston
Stadium Shuttle from Foxborough Station
- Free shuttle service on Patriots game days
- Runs continuously 2 hours before kickoff until 1 hour after game
- 10-minute ride to stadium
- No shuttle service for Revolution games
Patriots Game Day Schedule
- Trains start running 3 hours before kickoff
- Return trains run until 90 minutes after game ends
- Book tickets in advance - trains sell out for big games
- Allow extra time - trains can be delayed by crowds
By Organized Transportation
Fan Bus Services
- Various companies offer round-trip service from Boston
- Cost: $40-80 per person including transportation
- Pickup locations: Usually Fenway, TD Garden, or South Station
- Includes: Transportation and sometimes tailgate food/drinks
Private Charter/Group Options
- Book private buses for large groups
- Many companies specialize in sports transportation
- Cost varies widely based on group size and amenities
By Rideshare (Patriots Games Only)
Uber/Lyft from Boston
- Cost: $60-120 each way (higher during surge pricing)
- Time: 1-3 hours depending on traffic
- Pickup challenges: Very difficult after games due to traffic
- Better for Revolution games with smaller crowds
Game Day Experience
For New England Patriots Games
Arrival Strategy
- Aim to arrive 3-4 hours early for big games (playoffs, division rivals)
- 2-3 hours early for regular season games
- Traffic is brutal - seriously plan extra time
- Tailgating is a major part of the Patriots experience
Tailgating Culture
- Parking lots open early - many fans arrive 4+ hours before kickoff
- Bring your own food and drinks (alcohol permitted in lots)
- Grills and tents common - it's a big party atmosphere
- Weather gear essential - New England weather can be harsh
For New England Revolution Games
Much Easier Logistics
- Smaller crowds mean easier parking and less traffic
- Arrive 90 minutes early is usually sufficient
- More family-friendly atmosphere
- Better rideshare option due to manageable post-game traffic
Practical Tips
Weather Considerations
- New England weather is unpredictable - layer clothing
- Winter games can be brutally cold - bring hand/foot warmers
- Rain gear essential - games rarely postponed for weather
- Sun protection for day games, even in fall/winter
What to Bring
- Cash for parking - some lots don't accept cards
- Portable phone charger - cell towers get overloaded
- Comfortable shoes - lots of walking on pavement/grass
- Stadium bag policy - check current restrictions online
Food and Drinks
- Expensive inside stadium - eat beforehand or tailgate
- No outside food/drinks allowed in stadium
- Patriot Place has restaurants and bars within walking distance
- Local establishments in Foxborough fill up quickly on game days
Getting Home After Games
Expect Major Delays
- Traffic exodus takes 2+ hours after Patriots games
- Stay patient - it's part of the experience
- Consider staying for dinner at Patriot Place to let traffic clear
Transportation Options
- Commuter rail: Usually most reliable option, but expect crowds
- Driving: Plan for slow going, have podcasts/music ready
- Rideshare: Nearly impossible immediately after Patriots games
- Walking to nearby restaurants/bars*and waiting is often smartest
Post-Game Activities
- Patriot Place - Shopping and dining complex adjacent to stadium
- Bass Pro Shops - Large outdoor store popular with fans
- Various restaurants and bars - good place to wait out traffic
Where to Stay in Boston
Best Areas for Stadium Access
South End/Back Bay
- Easy access to commuter rail at Back Bay Station
- Great restaurants and nightlife
- Historic Boston charm
Financial District/Downtown
- Close to South Station for commuter rail
- Walking distance to major Boston attractions
- Mix of business and boutique hotels
Cambridge
- Access via Red Line to commuter rail connections
- Harvard and MIT areas
- Good restaurant scene
Fenway/Kenmore
- Sports-focused area (near Red Sox stadium)
- Good T connections for getting around Boston
- Lively bar and restaurant scene
Transportation from Hotels
- Most Boston hotels are within walking distance of T stations
- Concierge services can help arrange transportation to games
- Some hotels offer game day shuttle packages (inquire when booking)
Alternative: Stay in Foxborough
Pros
- Walking distance to stadium
- No traffic concerns
- Lower hotel rates than Boston
Cons
- Limited dining and entertainment options
- Need car for Boston sightseeing
- Fewer hotel choices
Gillette Stadium offers one of the NFL's best game day experiences, but the journey from Boston requires planning. Whether you choose the train-and-shuttle combo for a stress-free ride or drive for maximum flexibility, arriving early and staying patient with the crowds will ensure you enjoy your Patriots or Revolution experience to the fullest.