
The CharlieCard is a contactless smart card used for fare payment for transportation in the Boston area. It is the primary payment method for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) and several regional public transport systems in Massachusetts. CharlieTickets are valid for travel on the subway and local bus routes. You can buy them at fare vending machines in the terminals at Logan Airport, at Airport Station, and at South Station. However, some sources suggest that CharlieCards are not available at Logan Airport, and that you can only purchase them at South Station or Back Bay Station.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Where to buy CharlieTickets | Fare vending machines in terminals at Logan Airport, Airport Station, and South Station |
| Where to buy CharlieCards | Fare vending machines, MBTA staff at most subway stations and select bus stations, Boston public libraries, stores throughout Greater Boston, and the Charlie Service Center at 296 Washington St |
| Where to buy Commuter Rail tickets | mTicket app, ticket booths at South Station |
| Where to buy ferry tickets | Fare vending machines, mTicket app, or with cash on board |
| Where to check CharlieCard balance | Fare vending machine |
| Where to replace CharlieCard | Charlie Service Center at 296 Washington St or by calling Customer Support at 617-222-3200 |
| Where to register CharlieCard | MyCharlie |
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What You'll Learn
- CharlieTickets are available at fare vending machines in Logan Airport terminals
- You can't buy a CharlieCard at Logan Airport, but you can get one at South Station
- The Silver Line 1 (SL1) bus offers free connections to the Commuter Rail at South Station
- The Massport Shuttle is free, and the Silver Line 1 (SL1) bus is free from Logan Airport
- CharlieTickets are valid for travel on the subway and local bus routes

CharlieTickets are available at fare vending machines in Logan Airport terminals
The vending machines are easily accessible and designed to be user-friendly. They provide a quick and efficient way to obtain your CharlieTicket before embarking on your journey. Whether you're arriving at Logan Airport or departing, these machines offer a seamless ticket-purchasing experience.
It's important to note that the CharlieTicket is valid for travel on the subway and local bus routes. It can be used on the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority's (MBTA) subway and bus services, providing a convenient way to navigate Boston and the surrounding areas. The ticket can be purchased with a stored-value option or as a time-based pass, depending on your specific needs.
In addition to the vending machines at Logan Airport, CharlieTickets can also be purchased at Airport Station and South Station. These stations provide additional options for travellers who may prefer purchasing their tickets at a station rather than the airport. The SL1 bus, which is free from Logan Airport, connects to the Commuter Rail at South Station, offering further travel convenience.
While the CharlieTicket is a great option for visitors and regular bus and subway riders, it's important to be aware of its limitations. The ticket is not valid for the Commuter Rail or ferry services. If you plan to use these transportation options, you may need to explore alternative ticketing methods or consider other passes that suit your specific travel requirements.
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You can't buy a CharlieCard at Logan Airport, but you can get one at South Station
The CharlieCard is a contactless smart card used for fare payment for transportation in the Boston area. It is the primary payment method for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) and several regional public transport systems in Massachusetts. It is used on the MBTA's subway and bus services but is not accepted on the MBTA Commuter Rail and ferries. The card was introduced in 2006 to enhance the technology of the transit system and eliminate the burden of carrying and collecting tokens.
CharlieTickets are valid for travel on the subway and local bus routes. You can buy them at fare vending machines in the terminals at Logan Airport, at Airport Station, and at South Station. However, you cannot buy a CharlieCard at Logan Airport. CharlieCards are not available at the fare vending machines at the airport.
You can get a free, blank CharlieCard at any Boston public library location, as well as stores throughout Greater Boston. You can also get one from MBTA staff at most subway stations and select bus stations, including South Station. To get to South Station from Logan Airport, you can take the Silver Line 1 (SL1) bus, which offers free connections to the Commuter Rail at South Station. From there, you can connect to the Providence/Stoughton Commuter Rail line to TF Green Airport and Providence Station.
The CharlieCard can store a cash balance and daily, weekly, and monthly passes that allow unlimited rides during the set period. You can add value or a monthly pass to your card at machines located at MBTA stations and vehicles, MBTA ticket offices, and retail sales terminals at select outlets. You can also register your card with MyCharlie to protect it against loss, theft, or damage.
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The Silver Line 1 (SL1) bus offers free connections to the Commuter Rail at South Station
The Silver Line is a system of bus routes in Boston and Chelsea, Massachusetts, operated by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA). The Silver Line 1 (SL1) bus offers free connections to the Commuter Rail at South Station in downtown Boston. The SL1 bus picks up and drops off passengers at every Logan Airport terminal, and the service is always free.
If you are travelling from Logan Airport, you can purchase CharlieTickets at fare vending machines in the terminals. These tickets are valid for travel on the subway and local bus routes. You can also buy them at Airport Station, which you can reach via the free Massport Shuttle that picks up and drops off at every terminal. The Blue Line connects to the Green Line at Government Center station and the Orange Line at State station.
The SL1 bus offers connections to the Red Line and Commuter Rail at South Station. From South Station, the Providence/Stoughton Commuter Rail line connects to TF Green Airport and Providence Station. You can buy Commuter Rail tickets with the mTicket app or at ticket booths located in South Station.
The Silver Line has six routes operated as part of two disconnected corridors. As of 2023, the weekday ridership on the Silver Line was 27,000. The four Waterfront routes operate out of an underground terminal at South Station and run through the South Boston Piers Transitway. At Silver Line Way, the routes fan out on the surface: SL1 to Logan International Airport, SL2 to Dry Dock Avenue, and SL3 to Chelsea via East Boston. An additional short turn route, SLW, runs only during peak hours between South Station and Silver Line Way.
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The Massport Shuttle is free, and the Silver Line 1 (SL1) bus is free from Logan Airport
If you're looking to get from Logan Airport to downtown Boston, you have a few options. The Massport Shuttle is free and will take you to the Airport Station, where you can connect to the Blue Line. The Silver Line 1 (SL1) bus is also free from Logan Airport and offers connections to the Commuter Rail at South Station. However, if you want to take the SL1 bus, you'll need to purchase a CharlieTicket or pass beforehand.
The CharlieTicket is a tappable ticket that can be loaded with subway, bus, commuter rail, or ferry tickets or passes. It is a paper card with a magnetic stripe that operates as a stored-value card or time-period pass. CharlieTickets can be purchased at fare vending machines in the terminals at Logan Airport, as well as at Airport Station and South Station. You can also buy them using the mTicket app on your smartphone.
The Massport Shuttle and the SL1 bus are both convenient options for getting from Logan Airport to downtown Boston. If you choose to take the SL1 bus, just make sure you have a CharlieTicket or pass before boarding, as they are not available for purchase on the bus.
It's important to note that CharlieTickets are different from CharlieCards. The CharlieCard is a contactless smart card used for fare payment specifically for transportation in the Boston area. It is the primary payment method for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) and several regional public transport systems in Massachusetts. CharlieCards cannot be purchased at Logan Airport, but they are available for free at any Boston public library location and various stores throughout Greater Boston. You can also obtain a CharlieCard from MBTA staff at most subway stations and select bus stations.
In summary, if you're looking to get from Logan Airport to downtown Boston, the Massport Shuttle and the SL1 bus are both free options. However, if you choose to take the SL1 bus, don't forget to purchase a CharlieTicket or pass beforehand, as they are not available for sale on the bus. For those seeking a reusable fare payment method, the CharlieCard is a convenient option, though it cannot be purchased at Logan Airport.
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CharlieTickets are valid for travel on the subway and local bus routes
CharlieTickets are a convenient way to pay for travel on Boston's subway and local bus routes. They can be purchased at fare vending machines in the terminals at Logan Airport, at Airport Station, and at South Station. If you're arriving at Logan Airport, look out for the "buy Charlie cards here" signs near the baggage claim area, and you'll be able to buy a ticket from the MBTA machine.
CharlieTickets are a form of stored-value ticket, which can be loaded with travel fares for the subway, bus, Commuter Rail, and ferry. They are available as single-ride tickets or as passes, which can be purchased for one day, seven days, or one month. These passes are valid for travel on the subway and local bus routes, as well as the Silver Line. Certain monthly Commuter Rail passes printed on a CharlieTicket also include unlimited transfers to any mode of transport.
If you're a regular traveller, it may be worth registering your CharlieTicket card. This will protect your balance against loss, theft, or damage, and you can request a balance transfer to a new card if needed. You can also sign up for Auto-pay passes, which will be automatically deducted from your bank account and sent to you each month.
CharlieTickets are a convenient option for visitors to Boston who want a simple way to pay for their travel around the city. They are widely available at Logan Airport and across the city, making it easy to get around on public transport.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can buy CharlieTickets at fare vending machines in the terminals at Logan Airport.
CharlieTickets are paper cards with a magnetic stripe that can be loaded with subway, bus, commuter rail, and ferry tickets or passes.
CharlieTickets are paper cards with a magnetic stripe, whereas CharlieCards are plastic, contactless smart cards. CharlieTickets can be loaded with passes, whereas CharlieCards can store a cash balance and daily, weekly, and monthly passes.
You can buy CharlieTickets at Airport Station and South Station.










































