Directions to the Arnold Arboretum
The destination of these directions is the Arboretum’s main entrance gate and Hunnewell Building, which houses the Visitor Center as well as administrative offices, located at 125 Arborway, Boston, MA 02130. For directions to the Arboretum’s Weld Hill Research Building, click here.
By subway
Take the MBTA Orange Line to its southern end – Forest Hills. Turn left as you pass through the turnstiles. Exit through the door marked “Arnold Arboretum.” Proceed about 60 feet, then turn left and continue parallel to the Arborway (which is elevated above the bus stop). Continue walking along the Arborway, up the hill and to the Arboretum’s Forest Hills gate on your left. To reach the Arboretum’s main entrance and the Hunnewell Building, continue along the Arborway to the main gate (about 10 minutes).
By bus
Take the #39 bus to the Custer Street stop in Jamaica Plain (just after the monument stop). Walk back a few feet to the intersection and turn left on Custer Street. At the end of Custer Street (three blocks) you’ll be facing the Arboretum. Turn right and proceed to the pedestrian crossing. After the crossing, turn right. The Arboretum’s main gate will be 10 yards ahead, on the left.
By car
Parking is available outside the main gate, along the Arborway, and around the Arboretum’s perimeter. More parking information.
Please note that motor coaches cannot drive on the Arborway (Route 203). Call 617.384.5209 for information on bringing tour groups to the Arboretum.
From Boston and Cambridge
Take Storrow Drive west to the Kenmore Square/Fenway south exit. Bear left. Follow signs for Fenway south. Bear right onto Boylston Street, following signs for Boylston Street Outbound/Riverway. Continue on Boylston for 0.4 miles at which point all traffic continues onto Park Drive. Bear left to continue onto the Riverway/Jamaicaway. Please be aware that traffic lane changes in this area will continue due to the Muddy River restoration project.
Follow Riverway/Jamaicaway to a rotary at Jamaica Pond (on your right). Follow signs for South Dedham/Providence. Enter the next rotary and take the second exit onto Route 203 east. The Arboretum’s main entrance is about 50 yards past the rotary, on the right.
From the north
Take Route 93 south or Route 1 south to Storrow Drive west. Follow directions above for travel from Boston and Cambridge.
From the south
Take Route 128 north to exit 15 A, Boston/Providence Highway north. Follow through Dedham for 3.2 miles. At this point the Boston/Providence Highway is also known as VFW Parkway. Follow 2.8 miles to rotary. Go halfway around rotary (second right), staying on VFW Parkway. Go 0.6 miles to traffic light. Take left at light onto Centre Street. At the rotary, bear right onto the Arborway. The Arboretum’s main entrance is about 50 yards past the rotary, on the right.
From the west via Route 9
Take Route 9 East to exit marked West Roxbury/Hyde Park, across from Chestnut Hill Mall. Bear right onto Hammond Pond Parkway. Follow for 0.9 miles to rotary. Take third street at rotary (Newton Street). Follow for 0.4 miles to STOP sign. Bear left, still on Newton Street, and follow for 0.4 miles to gas station. Take right around station. Take first left onto Allandale Road. At the end of Allandale Road, turn left onto Centre Street. At the next rotary, bear right onto Route 203 east. The Arboretum’s main entrance is about 50 yards past the rotary, on the right.
From the west via Mass Pike
Take the Massachusetts turnpike east to Route 128 south. Follow 128 to Route 9 East. Follow directions from the Framingham/Natick area.