Getting to Elm Bank Wellesley: Your Comprehensive Directions Guide

Elm Bank Reservation in Wellesley, Massachusetts, is a beautiful destination, home to the Massachusetts Horticultural Society and stunning gardens. Whether you’re planning a visit for a leisurely stroll, attending an event, or exploring the grounds, knowing how to get there is essential. This guide provides detailed directions to Elm Bank Wellesley, ensuring a smooth and easy journey whether you’re driving or using public transportation.

Driving Directions to Elm Bank Wellesley

Navigating to Elm Bank by car is straightforward from various points. The entrance is located at 900 Washington Street, Wellesley, MA. Here are detailed driving directions from different directions:

From Boston and the East

Via I-90 and Route 16:

1. Take the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90 West) to Route 16 (West Newton Exit).
2. Follow Route 16 West for 4.7 miles until you reach Wellesley Center, a 5-way intersection with a stop light.
3. At this intersection, stay left to continue on Route 16 West (Washington Street).
4. Drive for another 1.6 miles. The entrance to Elm Bank Reservation will be on your left, marked by a small green sign.
5. Once you enter at 900 Washington Street, proceed past the stop sign, cross the bridge, and turn right onto the one-way road.
6. Follow this road for about half a mile to a stop sign. Turn left and you’ll find parking lots approximately 200 feet beyond the stop sign on your left. Enter the Garden through the Gatehouse.

Via Route 9 and Route 16:

1. Take Route 9 to Route 16.
2. Follow Route 16 West for 2.9 miles to Wellesley Center (5-way intersection with a stop light).
3. Stay left at the intersection to remain on Route 16 West (Washington Street).
4. Continue for 1.6 miles to the Elm Bank Reservation entrance, marked by a small green sign on your left.
5. Follow the internal road as described above to reach the parking area.

From Points North

1. Take Interstate 95 South (Route 128 South) to Route 16.
2. Take the left fork of the exit ramp onto Route 16 West.
3. Follow Route 16 West for approximately 2.9 miles to Wellesley Center (5-way intersection with a stop light).
4. Keep left at the intersection to stay on Route 16 West (Washington Street).
5. Drive for another 1.6 miles to find the Elm Bank entrance with a small green sign on your left.
6. Proceed through the entrance and follow the internal road to the parking lots.

From Points South

1. Take Route 3 North to Interstate 95 North (Route 128 North) to Route 16 West.
2. Follow Route 16 West for 2.9 miles to Wellesley Center (5-way intersection with a stop light).
3. Stay left at the intersection to continue on Route 16 West (Washington Street).
4. Drive 1.6 miles further to the Elm Bank Reservation entrance on your left.
5. Enter at 900 Washington Street and follow the internal road to parking.

From Points West

Via I-90, I-95 and Route 16:

1. Take the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90 East) to I-95.
2. Merge onto Interstate 95 South (Route 128 South) for about half a mile to Route 16.
3. Take Exit 21B (left fork of exit ramp) onto Route 16 West.
4. Follow Route 16 West for 2.9 miles to Wellesley Center (5-way intersection with a stop light).
5. Stay left at this intersection to remain on Route 16 West (Washington Street).
6. Continue for 1.6 miles to the Elm Bank Reservation entrance on your left.
7. Enter at 900 Washington Street and follow the internal road to the parking area.

Via Route 9 and Route 16:

1. Take Route 9 to Route 16.
2. Follow Route 16 West for 2.9 miles to Wellesley Center (5-way intersection with a stop light).
3. Stay left at the intersection to remain on Route 16 West (Washington Street).
4. Continue for 1.6 miles to the Elm Bank Reservation entrance, marked by a small green sign on your left.
5. Follow the internal road to reach the parking.

Public Transportation to Elm Bank Wellesley

For those preferring public transportation, Elm Bank Wellesley is accessible via commuter rail, subway, and bus services.

Commuter Rail

Framingham/Worcester Line:

1. From South Station or Back Bay Station in Boston, take the Framingham/Worcester Commuter Rail line towards Worcester.
2. Get off at Wellesley Square station.
3. From Wellesley Square station, a taxi ride to Elm Bank is approximately 5 minutes. Taxis are usually available, but it’s advisable to call ahead, especially during off-peak hours.

Needham Line:

1. From South Station or Back Bay Station in Boston, take the Needham Commuter Rail line towards Needham Heights.
2. Disembark at Needham Junction station.
3. From Needham Junction, a taxi to Elm Bank takes about 15 minutes. Taxi service is available at the station. Note that Sunday service is not available on this line.

MBTA “D” Green Line Trolley

1. Take the Green Line “D – Riverside” train to Woodland Station, which is the second to last stop on the line.
2. From Woodland Station, a taxi ride to Elm Bank is approximately 10 minutes. Taxi services are available at Woodland Station.

MBTA Bus Route #59

1. From Watertown Square bus station in Watertown, take bus #59 towards Needham Junction via Newtonville.
2. Ride bus #59 to its last stop, Needham Junction station.
3. From Needham Junction, a taxi to Elm Bank is about 15 minutes. Note that Sunday service is not available on this route.

Newton Nexus Bus Service

The Newton Nexus local bus service connects to several mass transit stations in Newton, offering another option to reach Elm Bank:

• Nexus North Route 1 & Route 3: These routes connect to Newtonville and Auburndale stations on the Framingham/Worcester Commuter Rail Line, and Woodland Station on the MBTA “D” Green Line. Follow directions from these stations as mentioned above.

Greyhound and Peter Pan Bus Lines

Most Greyhound and Peter Pan buses from South Station Bus Terminal in Boston stop at Riverside Station on the “D” Green Line. (Express buses may not stop; check schedules). From Riverside Station, transfer to the Green Line “D” Riverside train and follow directions to Woodland Station.

Taxi Services for Elm Bank Wellesley

Upon arrival at any of the train or bus stations, taxi services are available to take you to Elm Bank Wellesley. Here are a few local taxi services:

• Wellesley Transportation Service: 781-235-2200 (Operating hours: 5 a.m. to midnight)
• Veterans Taxi: 781-235-1600
• Colonial Cab: 508-653-5600 (By reservation only, offers discounts for advance booking)

By following these detailed directions, your visit to Elm Bank Wellesley should be easy and enjoyable. Whether you choose to drive or use public transportation, planning your route in advance will ensure a pleasant experience at this beautiful destination.