Transportation
Public Transportation
The Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA) operates subways, buses, commuter trains and commuter boats. It is the fourth-largest mass-transit system in the U.S., serving 1.4 million riders each weekday on its buses, rapid-transit and commuter-boat lines.
Boston's subway (the T) is the backbone of the city's transit system. There are four color-coded lines—Red, Green, Orange and Blue. The T runs inbound (toward downtown) and outbound. Maps are located at each subway stop. Trains run Monday-Saturday approximately 5 am-1 am. On Sunday, service begins about 40 minutes later, and the last trains leave downtown at 12:45 am. Fare is US$2 adults and riders can purchase Charlie Cards in the subway terminals.
Bus lines link subway stations to neighborhoods not directly served by the subways. Fare is US$0.90 (exact change required). You also can pay the US$2 fare on a bus and ask for a subway transfer.
Commuter trains serve outlying areas as far as Worcester, Lowell, Rockport and Providence, Rhode Island (their routes are indicated by the purple lines on the MBTA map). Trains heading north connect to the subway system at North Station, trains to the south and west at South Station or Back Bay station. Tickets may be purchased at North Station, South Station and Back Bay Station. Tickets also are sold onboard, but there is a surcharge.
If you plan to use the public transportation system, you can save money and time by buying a Boston Passport Visitors Pass, which provides unlimited use of all MBTA transportation. One- and seven-day passes are available (US$9 and US$15 respectively).
For more information visit mbta.com.
Taxi
Taxis can be hailed on the street by whistling or waving your arm. All active cabs, whether engaged or not, have their lights lit. Hotel staff can also call cabs upon request. The cabs are metered.
Estimated rides:
Logan International Airport to/from The Westin Copley Place $17
Logan International Airport to/from Boston Park Plaza Hotel $15
Rental Cars
Logan International Airport has eight rental car companies, which provide complimentary shuttles to/from every terminal to car rental facility.
Alamo, (800) 327-9633 Enterprise rent-a-car, (800)325-8007 Avis, (800)831-2847 Hertz, (800) 654-3131 Budget, (800) 527-0700 National Car Rental, (800) 227-7368 Dollar, (800) 800-4000 Thrifty Car Rental, (800) 367-2277
