What to know about the new intercity bus terminal at South Station

After five years of planning and construction, the MBTA has opened a major expansion of the South Station Bus Terminal, unveiling a new intercity bus concourse that adds 12 more docks.

Transit officials said the new bus terminal will increase capacity by more than 50 percent and provide more convenient connections to the trains and subway. 

The expanded terminal opened to the public on Nov. 4 and is part of the South Station Air Rights Project, which began in January 2020. The terminal’s opening follows the completion of the new South Station Tower, which was finished in September.

The bus terminal sees about 10,000 passengers a day, a drop from about 14,000 per day in 2019, according to a StreetsblogMASS report. However, transit officials say the expanded terminal, which features a larger waiting area, will accommodate more bus lines and departures.

FlixBus and Greyhound now have three additional docks, bringing the two brands’ combined total to 10, according to a Smart Cities Dive report. OurBus will continue curbside operations to serve up to 10 routes.

More passenger amenities are expected at the bus terminal next year, including three new retail spaces and additional dining options.

Construction is still underway on the new elevators, escalators, and stairs that will link the bus terminal directly to the South Station train platforms. For now, travelers should continue using the main Atlantic Avenue entrance or the entrance near Track 1 to reach the terminal.

As part of the expansion, bus gate numbers were updated, and many carriers have been assigned to new gates. Transit officials said travelers should plan for an additional five to 10  minutes as they adjust to the new construction zones and walking paths. 

Train arrivals and departures may also use different tracks, so travelers should double-check their track number before boarding.

Morgan Rousseau is a freelance writer for Boston.com, where she reports on a variety of local and regional news.