Worcester, MA offers a variety of transportation options, including public transit, major highways, a local airport, and ride-sharing services. Here is a complete breakdown of how to get around the city and the surrounding areas.
Worcester's public transportation is centered around Union Station, a beautifully restored inter-modal hub.
Commuter Rail: The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) operates the Framingham/Worcester Line, providing train service between Worcester and Boston's South Station. This is a popular option for commuters and visitors traveling to the city.
Bus Service: The Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA) provides intra-city bus service with a hub located adjacent to Union Station. The WRTA offers routes throughout Worcester and to surrounding towns. Inter-city bus services like Peter Pan and Greyhound also operate from Union Station, connecting Worcester to other major cities.
Worcester is a major hub for several important highways, making it easily accessible by car.
Interstate 290 (I-290): This is the primary highway that runs through the heart of the city, connecting to other major routes.
Interstate 190 (I-190): A spur route of I-90, I-190 connects Worcester to northern parts of the state, including Leominster.
Interstate 90 (I-90 / Massachusetts Turnpike): The Mass Pike is a short drive from Worcester and provides access to Boston to the east and Springfield and points west.
Route 146: This route provides a direct connection from Worcester to the southern part of the state and into Providence, Rhode Island.
Worcester has its own regional airport, which offers a convenient alternative to Boston Logan International Airport.
Worcester Regional Airport (ORH): Located on the west side of the city, ORH is served by several airlines, including American Airlines and JetBlue, with direct flights to major hubs like New York City (JFK and LGA) and Fort Lauderdale (FLL). The airport is a convenient option for travelers to and from Central Massachusetts.
Both ride-sharing services and traditional taxis are readily available throughout Worcester.
Ride-Sharing: Uber and Lyft both operate extensively in Worcester, offering convenient on-demand transportation. Both services also provide rides to and from the Worcester Regional Airport (ORH) and other nearby destinations.
Taxis: Traditional taxi services are available, with companies like Red Cab and Yellow Cab serving the city.
The city has been working to improve its infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians, although walkability and bike-ability can vary significantly by neighborhood.
Walkability: Downtown Worcester, the Canal District, and the areas around Main Street and Chandler Street are considered the most walkable, with a high concentration of shops, restaurants, and attractions. Other areas, particularly on the west side of the city, are more car-dependent.
Biking: The city is developing its cycling infrastructure. One major project is the Blackstone River Bikeway, a multi-use trail that, when completed, will span 48 miles from Worcester to Providence, Rhode Island. Current completed segments of the trail provide excellent recreational opportunities for both cyclists and pedestrians.