How do I check live MBTA arrivals?

Type any stop name into DWELL's search bar and tap the result. Live predictions appear instantly, updated every 20 seconds from the official MBTA API.

Which MBTA lines does DWELL cover?

DWELL covers all MBTA lines: Red, Orange, Green (B, C, D, E), Blue, Silver, all Commuter Rail routes, and bus stops across Greater Boston.

Is DWELL free to use?

Yes. DWELL is completely free, requires no account, and runs in your browser on any device.

How accurate are the predictions?

DWELL uses the official MBTA v3 API — the same real-time data the MBTA app uses. Predictions update every 20 seconds and reflect current vehicle positions.

DWELL

Greater Boston Transit Intelligence

Real-time MBTA arrival predictions for every subway, commuter rail, and bus stop in Greater Boston. Free, no account required, updated every 20 seconds from the official MBTA API.

Live MBTA Arrivals

DWELL shows live departure countdowns for every MBTA stop. Search by stop name to see which trains are coming, how many minutes away they are, and whether there are any service alerts affecting your route. Predictions are sourced directly from the MBTA v3 real-time API and refresh automatically every 20 seconds.

You can also browse by transit mode — choose Subway, Commuter Rail, or Bus, then select your line and stop. Every stop page shows upcoming arrivals grouped by destination, live vehicle positions on a map for commuter rail, and any active service alerts sorted by severity.

MBTA Subway Lines

The MBTA rapid transit network serves dozens of Boston neighborhoods across four color-coded lines and the Silver Line bus rapid transit network.

Red Line — Cambridge to Braintree and Ashmont via downtown Boston. Passes through Harvard, MIT, Charles/MGH, Park Street, and Downtown Crossing before splitting south of JFK/UMass.
Orange Line — Oak Grove in Malden to Forest Hills in Jamaica Plain. Key stops include North Station, Haymarket, Downtown Crossing, Back Bay, and Ruggles.
Green Line — The most complex line in the system, splitting into four branches west of Kenmore: B (Boston College), C (Cleveland Circle), D (Riverside), and E (Medford/Tufts).
Blue Line — Bowdoin in downtown Boston to Wonderland in Revere, serving East Boston and providing the only direct transit link to Logan Airport.
Silver Line — Bus rapid transit connecting South Station to Logan Airport (SL1), the Seaport (SL2), and Chelsea (SL3).

Commuter Rail

The MBTA Commuter Rail runs 12 lines from North Station and South Station to communities across eastern Massachusetts and Providence, Rhode Island. DWELL shows live departure times, track assignments, and delay alerts for every commuter rail station.

From North Station: Newburyport/Rockport, Haverhill, Lowell, Fitchburg lines
From South Station: Providence/Stoughton, Framingham/Worcester, Franklin/Foxboro, Kingston/Plymouth, Middleborough/Lakeville, Greenbush, Fairmount, Needham lines

Commuter rail trains run on a fixed schedule rather than continuously. Check live departures on DWELL before leaving for the station, especially during off-peak hours when gaps between trains can be 60 to 90 minutes.

Trip Planning

The Plan tab on DWELL lets you enter any two stops and find the fastest route between them. DWELL checks for direct services first, then finds 1-transfer connections through major hubs including Downtown Crossing, North Station, South Station, Back Bay, Government Center, and State Street. Results show live departure times and estimated journey duration for each option.

Service Alerts

DWELL pulls live MBTA service alerts and displays them at the top of every arrivals board. Alerts are sorted by severity so the most important information appears first: delays and suspensions show before station issues, and station issues show before general notices. Swipe through multiple alerts using the alert carousel.

Transit Guides

DWELL includes a growing library of practical guides to getting around Greater Boston, written by real commuters. Current guides cover:

Michael M · March 12, 2025 · 9 min read

The Complete MBTA Commuter Rail Guide for 2025

Everything you need to know about zones, fares, lines, and tips for first-time commuter rail riders.

Michael M · February 28, 2025 · 7 min read

How to Transfer Between MBTA Lines Without Getting Lost

A practical breakdown of Downtown Crossing, North Station, South Station, and every major transfer point in the system.

Michael M · March 5, 2025 · 6 min read

Getting to Logan Airport on the MBTA: What Actually Works

Honest advice on the Silver Line, Blue Line, and when it makes more sense to call an Uber.

Michael M · January 18, 2025 · 8 min read

Boston Subway Lines Explained: Red, Orange, Green, Blue

What each line covers, which neighborhoods it serves, and which one you actually need.

About DWELL

DWELL is an independent transit dashboard built and maintained by Michael M, a Boston area commuter who has been riding the Newburyport line from Salem to North Station since 2022. All transit data comes from the official MBTA v3 real-time API. DWELL is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority.

DWELL is free to use and supported by advertising. The app stores your saved stops and preferences locally in your browser and does not collect or sell personal data. See the Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy for details.

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