Taxis in Boston: A Complete Visitor Guide
Boston's compact, walkable downtown means short taxi runs and a strong tradition of street hailing. Logan Airport is a quick taxi ride from the city through the Sumner or Ted Williams tunnel, both of which have tolls passed on to the passenger. Beacon Hill, Back Bay and the North End are easy to navigate by cab, and the trade is regulated by the city's Hackney Carriage Unit.
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Fare structure
Boston taxi meters are set by the city's Hackney Carriage Unit. The flag-drop covers the first segment of the trip, then the meter increments by distance segments and by waiting time. Logan Airport tolls and other tunnel tolls are passed on to the passenger.
Quick fare estimator for Boston. Enter your trip distance and approximate travel time. The result is a rough range based on typical meter rates - confirm with the driver or operator before you travel.
Airport transfers
Most visitors meet the Boston taxi trade at the airport. Here is what to expect on the typical airport-to-city run:
| Airport | Distance | Time | Approx fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logan International (BOS) | 4 mi | 15 min | $25-40 metered to downtown Boston (tolls extra) |
| Manchester (NH) (MHT) | 58 mi | 65 min | Over $200 metered - typically not used by taxi |
Tips for the airport run
- Logan to downtown is short - rideshare or taxi both come in under $40 typically.
- Tunnel tolls are passed through; expect a couple of dollars on top of the meter.
- Most central neighbourhoods are walkable, so cabs make most sense for late-night runs or rain.
- Tip 15 to 20 percent.
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Booking and hailing
Below are the main licensed operators and apps used in Boston. Booking through one of these is the safest option, and ensures the driver is properly insured and licensed:
- Boston Cab
- Top Cab
- Metro Cab
- Independent Taxi
- Curb app
Tipping in Boston
Tipping norms vary between countries. In Boston, a tip of 15 to 20 percent of the metered fare is customary - in line with US conventions. Tips on card readers usually offer quick-select buttons.
Common scams to watch for
Most licensed drivers in Boston are honest, but the same handful of scams appear in every major city. Knowing them keeps you out of trouble:
- Drivers taking the long route from Logan through Storrow Drive when the tunnel is faster - check on maps.
- Adding 'tunnel fees' that exceed the actual published toll.
- Refusing short rides - illegal and reportable.
Getting to the main attractions
The most common taxi routes in Boston go to and from the main visitor sights: Faneuil Hall, Boston Common, Fenway Park, the Freedom Trail, Back Bay, Cambridge and MIT. Distances within the central district are short and most fares run under $20 if there is no traffic - but bear in mind that journeys taking a long time in heavy traffic will rack up extra cost on the time-based portion of the meter.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a taxi from Logan to downtown Boston?
Roughly $25 to $40 on the meter, plus a small tunnel toll and tip. Total around $35 to $50.
Are there flat fares from Logan Airport?
Most journeys are metered, though some operators publish indicative flat fares to common suburbs.
Is it easy to hail a cab in Boston?
Yes, at hotels, train stations and the airport. Street hailing works in Back Bay and downtown but is slower in residential neighbourhoods.
Do Boston taxis take cards?
Yes, all licensed Hackney taxis are required to accept credit cards.
Are taxis or the T cheaper from Logan?
The MBTA Silver Line is free into the airport from downtown and very cheap going out, making it the cheapest option.
How much do you tip a taxi driver in Boston?
15 to 20 percent of the metered fare.
Local taxi companies
The Boston taxi trade is made up of dozens of licensed firms in addition to the major names listed above. If you operate a licensed taxi or private hire company in Boston and would like to be listed in this section, you can submit your business for inclusion.
A note on accuracy: Taxi rates change. The figures above are intended as rough guides only. Always confirm the meter rate or flat fare with your driver before setting off, and refer to the Boston Police Department - Hackney Carriage Unit for the official tariff.