Arlington to Back Bay commute (Boston, Belmont: live, mall, bus)

[metrowest2012]

What's the easiest way to commute from Arlington to Back Bay? Thanks so much!

[goyguy]

Don't drive, that's for sure!
The most straightforward way would be to follow Mass. Ave from start to finish: 77 bus to Harvard Square, then the 1 into town. But be mindful, this can often be an excruciatingly slow commute between the umpteen traffic lights and the frequent congestion from Central Square to Symphony Hall. It obviously also works best if you're headed for the western portion of Back Bay (Exeter or Fairfield out to Mass. Ave.) for the sake of being able to walk the rest of the way, but you could also hop on the Green Line at Hynes and go inbound for 1-3 stops.
An alternative would be to ride the 79 bus to Alewife, whence the Red Line could be taken to Park Street followed by either the Green Line to whichever Back Bay stop is closest or the Orange Line to Back Bay Station (Dartmouth & Stuart St's.) On good-weather days such as the ones we're finally experiencing now, you might want to get off the Red Line at Charles/MGH for a stroll down Charles St to the Public Garden. Then you could meander through there to various points on Arlington St. From Charles/MGH it's also a hop skip and jump over to the Esplanade for a stroll along the river over to any one of several Storrow Dr pedestrian overpasses that connect to Back Bay streets.
Although the distance between the two points isn't far as the crow flies, you're not a crow and during peak hours you definitely won't be flying! Even if you use the trains I recommend allowing 45 minutes at the very least, preferably an hour or more. Subway delays go on way too much, and bus "bunching" on the 77 is particularly bad. But the T is still the better choice than trying to navigate streets clogged with "M@$shole" drivers while burning $4/gallon gas and shelling out the astronomical parking rates.
If you don't live especially close to Mass. Ave, there are numerous bus lines that serve side streets in most of the town. Check the system map on MBTA.com > Official Website for Greater Boston's Public Transportation System to see whether at least one would be workable. You could also drive to Alewife (get there early - the garage frequently fills by 7:30 in the morning.) Not only that, the Minuteman Trail is a great way to bike or "hoof it" to Alewife if you're on that side of Arlington.

[Massmailinator]

Originally Posted by metrowest2012

What's the easiest way to commute from Arlington to Back Bay? Thanks so much!

You didnt say car, walking or riding, so this is my car advice.

Its been a while but I believe Route 2, to Alewife to Concord Ave, to freshpond, to Greenough, to western ave, to soldiers, or go directly on soldiers, to Storrow.

Sometimes on the way back I would work through Belmont on concord ave or through the arsenal mall and take 60.

Trying to take multiple back road shortcuts almost never saves time, stick on the main road unless it is blocked because of an accident.

I would avoid memorial drive.

[metrowest2012]

Wow -- that sounds terrible. It's amazing how long the commute can take even though Arlington is so close to the city :-(