To
and from Boston Logan Airport
In some cases flying into Boston's Logan Airport may be your best
itinerary option (especially international travel). This page specifically addresses ground transportation to and from Logan Airport.
There are many alternatives, none ideal. Listed here are the most common trade-offs for convenience versus cost.
Limo Door to Door
Make arrangements with Ultimate Livery Shuttle
service.
They will meet you right outside any terminal in a nice car and drive you to wherever you are staying in Providence for under $150. You're spending probably an extra $100 over most other options, but saving a lot of time, complexity and anxiety.
They will meet you right outside any terminal in a nice car and drive you to wherever you are staying in Providence for under $150. You're spending probably an extra $100 over most other options, but saving a lot of time, complexity and anxiety.
Flying Between Cities
At Logan Airport you may need to switch to a terminal serving flights to T.F. Green Airport in Providence. This would be most likely the case when arriving on an international flight, though there are a small number of local flights out of Terminal E (the international terminal).
From T.F. Green Airport
The Providence airport is a 10 - 15 taxi ride to downtown Providence, or Brown University. Your hotel concierge may be able to arrange local travel. Otherwise curbside taxis are available at the airport.
Amtrak Acela Train
Acela trains run between Providence and Boston approximately hourly. You can buy tickets online.
Acela Website
Trains originate out of South Station in Boston (see below for travel to and from South Station).
Amtrak Metroliner trains are also available on the Acela website. Both types of trains are fast and reasonably comfortable.
See below, From the Providence Train Station.
MBTA Providence Commuter Train
The MBTA Commuter Rail
trains run between
Boston and Providence on a schedule biased for those working
in
Boston
(most morning trains to Boston, most evening trains to Providence).
Commuter rail tickets are purchased at the station or from the conductor on the train (with an on board surcharge during peak commuting hours).
Commuter rail tickets are purchased at the station or from the conductor on the train (with an on board surcharge during peak commuting hours).
Like the Amtrak trains MBTA commuter rail trains also originate out of South Station.
See below, From the Providence Train Station.
How to get between Logan Airport and South Station
Taxi
Taxi cabs are ubiquitous at the curbside of airport terminals at Logan and can also be found to the northwest of South Station along Atlantic Avenue.
Sorties to and from the airport are approximately 10 - 30 minutes.
Silver Line Bus
The Silver Line runs between all airport terminals and South Station (literally a silver-colored bus).
The bus route takes about is 20 - 30 minutes each way, not including up to a 15 minute wait between buses.
Silver Line bus drivers grudgingly accept cash ($2.00 each way). Here's a link to buy a fare card, called a "Charlie Card" just to be safe...
MBTA Prepaid Charlie Card
(The reference to 'Charlie' is an inordinately popular and frank reference to a 1949 political jingle invoking poor Charlie who allegedly boarded a subway train in Boston and never returned - See lyrics below).
When traveling back to Logan Airport from South Station there are choices in Silver Line Bus routes. Buses heading to the airport are labeled 'SL1' and are also noticeably longer and hinged in the middle.
Renting a Car
(See 'Charlie' reference above - driving is even less appealing)
In good weather and outside of regular commuting hours driving between Boston and Providence takes about one hour. During the morning and evening rush hours travel times can be twice that or more.
We do not recommend driving between cities unless familiar with the route and the risks.
From the Providence Train Station
The Providence train station serves all trains arriving from Boston. Platforms vary depending on MBTA versus Amtrak.
The train station is fairly close to Brown University and theoretically walking distance, though not recommended with luggage and/or jet lag.
For local travel we recommend a taxi, or working this out ahead of time with your local hotel concierge.
_______________________________________________
Charlie on the MTA
Let me tell you the story
Of a man named Charlie
On a tragic and fateful day
He put ten cents in his pocket,
Kissed his wife and family
Went to ride on the MTA
Charlie handed in his dime
At the Kendall Square Station
And he changed for Jamaica Plain
When he got there the conductor told him,
'One more nickel.'
Charlie could not get off that train.
Chorus:
Did he ever return,
No he never returned
And his fate is still unlearn'd
He may ride forever
'neath the streets of Boston
He's the man who never returned.
Now all night long
Charlie rides through the tunnels
Saying, 'What will become of me?
How can I afford to see
My sister in Chelsea
Or my cousin in Roxbury?'
Charlie's wife goes down
To the Scollay Square station
Every day at quarter past two
And through the open window
She hands Charlie a sandwich
As the train comes rumblin' through.
- Chorus
As his train rolled on
Through Greater Boston
Charlie looked around and sighed,
'Well, I'm sore and disgusted
And I'm absolutely busted;
I guess this is my last long ride.'
Now you citizens of Boston,
Don't you think it's a scandal
That the people have to pay and pay
Vote for Walter A. O'Brien
And fight the fare increase
Get poor Charlie off the MTA.
- Chorus
Note: O'Brien finished last in the 1949 mayoral race.