T / Commuter confusion

When looking at the MBTA web site I am very confused as to the ticket that I need or the cost. I will be coming from the Dedham area and need to get to the South Station. I assume the easiest thing to do would be to take the commuter train from Dedham Corp Center to South station verses The redline at Mattapan? WHat is the difference between the two? I will be with my wife and 2 kids. Can any advise which tickets we should purchase. We will probably take the train in 2 times (round trip)

Thanks!

T / Commuter confusion

It is a very confusing system. If you hop on board at the Dedham Corp or Endicott(also in dedham) you%26#39;ll be in Zone 2. Zone 2 fares are $4.75 per person. Kids under 11 ride for free with an accompanying (and paying) adult.

You should not take the Red Line from Mattapan. They extended the Red Line from Ashmont to Mattapan not too long ago, but it%26#39;s not a true subway--it%26#39;s more of a shuttle/trolley, and it%26#39;s a bit out of the way. You%26#39;ll be able to hook up with the Red Line at South Station.

The main difference between the Commuter Rail and the subway? The Commuter Rail is a train, and the subway is, well, a subway that travels mostly below ground, but in Boston there are some stretches where there is a good bit of surface level travelling.

T / Commuter confusion

Thanks for the info. That helps. Is the $4.75 one way or round trip? Is there a round trip discount? I think I also saw that you pay for the ticket at the train? Is there a way to purchase the tickets ahead of time?

Thanks again!

That would be the one-way price, I am pretty sure. The commuter rail fares are ridiculously expensive, and are (I guess) only really cost-effective if you buy a monthly pass. Generally speaking there is a slight surcharge if you buy your ticket on board at a location where you could have bought it before boarding. There is no discount for a round-trip fare. All this should be on the mbta.com website.