There is an interactive street map on www.mbta.com that will show you exactly where the Salem Commuter Rail station is.

The cost is apparently $5.25 one way (zone 3). Therefore $10.50 round trip.

The ticket is good for any train.

You either buy the ticket from a vendor (sometimes even just a drug store) near the stop (look for signs) or on-board the train. If you could have bought the ticket at the station (not on board) but then buy your ticket on the train, you will pay a surcharge. You can also buy tickets from machines at North Station.

It is not uncommon on shorter trips that your ticket is never collected and thus if you plan to buy a ticket on the train, there is a chance you will pay nothing. This probably won't work as a cost-cutting strategy coming from Zone 3. :-)

By the way, don't be intimidated by the process of taking the train. I think there are probably new users on every MBTA commuter rail ride I've ever been on - always lots of out-of-towners, people unfamiliar with the system.

Generally speaking, strangers on busses and trains in New England (Boston) do not start conversations with each other, which I believe is unlike most places in the United States. This is not because people here are unfriendly; we are just shy and not accustomed to talking to strangers sitting next to us on the train. Everyone will seek an empty row on the train anyway. I have listened to out-of-towners strike up a conversation on the T and remark how they are the only people talking to each other.

Thanks for the information. Seems pretty straight forward.

Effective last week, there have been MBTA personnal stationed at the boarding areas for the commuter trains, asking to see tickets before boarding. There's a real push to discourage onboard ticket purchases. From the suburban stations, I haven't noticed much scrutiny, but then again, I'm on my inbound train at 5:30AM, so there are very few non-regulars boarding.

As far as ticket collection goes, don't count on getting a free ride. That happens sometimes when the trains leaving North Station are PACKED, like the day before a long weekend or holiday, when everyone in Boston thinks they'll beat the rush by leaving early! It also happens when a train is delayed so long (half hour or more) that it's obvious that people would be demanding refunds.

I suggest getting your round trip tickets at North Station before you leave. There is a 50% discount off for seniors with a special pass. Medicare Card holders are eligible for the pass. I'm not sure how that works, but it's worth asking when youget your tickets.

If for some reason, you don't use the tickets you purchased in advance, you can get a refund at the ticket window when you return to North Station.