Can I tap with a foreign bank card?

Most systems now support open-loop contactless. Keep a backup paper ticket when traveling with a group to avoid tapping each person manually.

Buses rarely charge extra, but airport expresses may require storing big bags in designated racks.

BOSUnited StatesTPL: fare-hacker-playbook

Logan International Airport

Boston, United States

Drop-off

Downtown Boston (South Station area)

Pin before customs

Fastest

MBTA Silver Line SL1 (Logan Airport – South Station)

bus · 8-15m

Data

Nov 28

Audit

Quick verdict

Fastest into town

Service: MBTA Silver Line SL1 (Logan Airport – South Station)
Headway: 8-15
Backup: MBTA Blue Line via Airport Station · 5-12m

Note

Free BRT-style bus from all Logan terminals to South Station in downtown Boston, running roughly every 8–15 minutes most of the day; connects directly to the Red Line and commuter/Amtrak rail at South Station.cite

Budget focus

Boston: Fare Hacker Playbook

Ways to shave costs without blowing your schedule. Targets queries likeboston airport busandbos to city centerfor eSIM funnels.

Cheapest viable route

Brief

Usually slower but dramatically cheaper than the flagship airport express.

Service: Logan Express Back Bay
Mode: coach
Freq: 30m
Note: Massport-operated Logan Express coaches connect all airport terminals with Boston’s Back Bay area, generally every 30 minutes; Back Bay is a major hotel and transit district with easy onward travel to central Boston.cite

Passes and bundles

Brief

Look for day passes that include the airport zone plus metro, tram, or ferry transfers. Load value online to avoid kiosk surcharges.

When to splurge

Brief

Worth the premium when you have back-to-back meetings or tight onward connections downtown.

Service: MBTA Blue Line via Airport Station
Mode: metro
Freq: 5-12m
Note: Massport shuttle buses (routes 22, 33, 55, 66, 88) link all terminals to Airport Station on the MBTA Blue Line, which runs every few minutes and connects to downtown stops like State and Government Center for easy access to central Boston.cite

eSIMComing Soon

Stay connected from landing

Skip the airport SIM queue. We're partnering with eSIM providers to get you online before you even leave the gate.

✓Instant activation✓Local rates✓No SIM swap

FAQs

01Can I tap with a foreign bank card?: Most systems now support open-loop contactless. Keep a backup paper ticket when traveling with a group to avoid tapping each person manually.
02Any luggage fees?: Buses rarely charge extra, but airport expresses may require storing big bags in designated racks.