As a city that dates back nearly 400 years, with winding cobblestone streets and notorious traffic, getting around Boston can seem daunting at first – especially if you’re trying to navigate to and from the airports with bags in tow. While rideshares have exploded in popularity, sometimes you just want a straightforward taxi experience. The good news is that Boston has a robust and respectable taxi and private car service scene that offers safe, reliable transportation for every budget and need. Here’s the inside scoop on taxis, airport rides, and getting around Beantown with ease.
Classic Boston Taxi Cabs
Ample yellow cabs roam the streets of Boston’s most trafficked areas, standing for hire at cab stands throughout downtown, Back Bay, the Seaport District, and more. Companies like Boston Cab, Metro Cab, and Town Taxi operate thousands of cabs around the clock to get you where you need to go.
Hailing a Taxi: It’s fairly easy to hail a vacant cab on the street when you see one go by with its rooftop light on. You can also find cab stands near most major hotels, convention centers, hospitals, and transit hubs.
Fares and Payments: Boston taxis charge a $2.60 base fare, plus $2.80 per mile when moving under 12mph and $0.40 for each minute idle. Typical trips across town will run $15-30. All cabs accept cash and credit cards with no problem.
Safety: Boston taxis are licensed by the city and operated by professional drivers. Unmarked gypsy cabs should be avoided, as they are unregulated and potentially unsafe. Always ensure your cab has a official Boston registration sticker and working meter.
Airport Taxi Options from Logan
Of course, one of the most common uses for taxis in Boston is airport transportation from Logan. You’ll find all the typical cab companies operating here for both pick-ups and drop-offs.
From Outside Arrivals: For arrivals, taxi ranks are located at each terminal outside the baggage claim areas. A cab starter will help get you the next available taxi, load your bags, and provide an estimate to your destination.
Flat Rate to Downtown: Boston taxis offer a flat $28-35 rate to the downtown/Back Bay area from the airport instead of metered fare. Keep this in mind when comparing to rideshares.
Private Cars and Limo Service: For a more premium experience, you can book private sedans, SUVs, and limo service from companies like Boston Town Car at set hourly and daily rates. Great for groups or those wanting maximum convenience.
The Rental Car Option
While taxis and rideshares are very convenient, renting a car can make sense for longer stays or travelling throughout the broader Boston area and New England. Logan has dedicated rental car centers for Avis, Budget, Hertz, and other major agencies located on-site. Downtown you’ll find rental locations scattered around Back Bay and the Seaport district from companies like Enterprise and Zipcar.
Lower Cost Rides with Local Cab Companies
When budget is a top priority, ditching the big taxi brands for some of Boston’s more localized cab options can provide extra savings. Companies like Metro Cab, Suburban Cab, and JC Cab Express offer lower meter rates, making them excellent choices for shorter jaunts around the city.
Using the Free Ride App is another good way to get reliable service with local taxis in Boston at discounted rates by prepaying for your ride. It’s a local favorite for easy and economical cab hailing.
Green Transport Options
Boston is making strides to go greener with transportation. You’ll find eco-friendly hybrid and electric cab vehicles in the mix at most major companies. For the most climate-conscious ride, choose GTCS GreenTaxi via the FreeRide app or the dedicated EV Luxury Green Cab company which operates a fleet of electric vehicles around the city.
MBTA and Public Transit
And of course, no discussion of Boston transportation is complete without mentioning the excellent “T” transit system operated by the MBTA. With rapid transit subway lines, commuter rail, buses, and even ferries, the MBTA provides a safe and affordable way to get around – you’ll just need to navigate the notoriously confusing system maps and routes. Consider the combined $21 day-pass for unlimited rides on all modes.
Bottom line, Boston has plenty of taxi, cab, and private car transport options available to get you where you need to go around the city safely, conveniently, and at just about every price point. With a little research and local insider tips, you’ll be cruising around like a true Bostonian in no time!