
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. CharlieCards are available at fare vending machines in most subway stations and at retail stores. They can also be purchased at the Charlie Service Center at 296 Washington St. For those arriving at Logan Airport, Terminal C, there are MBTA machines where you can purchase a CharlieCard or 7-day pass.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is a CharlieCard? | A contactless smart card used for fare payment for transportation in the Boston area. |
| Where can I buy a CharlieCard? | CharlieCards are available at fare vending machines in most subway stations, including at Logan International Airport. They are also available at the Charlie Service Center at 296 Washington St, Boston, MA, and at local retailers. |
| How does it work? | You can load cash value or passes onto your CharlieCard, and then tap it to pay your bus and subway fares. |
| What are the benefits of using a CharlieCard? | It is the primary payment method for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) and several regional public transport systems in Massachusetts. It offers easy online card management and protection, and is valid on the MBTA's subway and bus services. Certain types of CharlieCards have reduced fares, including for senior citizens, disabled citizens, and students. |
| What if my CharlieCard is lost, stolen, or damaged? | You can register your CharlieCard with MyCharlie to protect it against loss, theft, or damage. The MBTA can help you replace your card or consolidate multiple cards. |
| Can I use a CharlieCard on the Commuter Rail or ferry? | No, CharlieCards are currently not accepted on the MBTA Commuter Rail or ferries. |
| Are there any alternatives to CharlieCards? | Yes, you can also use contactless payment methods (debit/credit card, phone, or watch with a mobile wallet), CharlieTickets (tappable tickets loaded with passes), or the mTicket app (for Commuter Rail and ferry tickets). |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn

Buy CharlieTickets at fare vending machines in Logan Airport terminals
If you're travelling to Boston and need to get from Logan Airport to the city, you can use public transport to get around. The Massport Shuttle and the Silver Line 1 (SL1) bus are both free from Logan Airport, but you'll need a ticket or pass to make a connection to the subway, bus, train, or ferry.
CharlieTickets are valid for travel on the subway and local bus routes. You can buy CharlieTickets at fare vending machines in the terminals at Logan Airport, at Airport Station, and at South Station. You can also buy 7-day passes at Logan Airport.
CharlieTickets with stored value expire 18 months from the purchase date, so if you're planning a longer stay in Boston, you might want to consider other options. CharlieCards, for example, are reusable and can be loaded with cash value or passes to pay bus and subway fares. You can buy CharlieCards at fare vending machines in most subway stations and select bus stations, or from MBTA staff.
If you're taking the SL1 bus, you can connect to the Red Line and Commuter Rail at South Station in downtown Boston. The SL1 bus picks up and drops off at every Logan Airport terminal.
Springfield, Missouri: Airport Location and Details
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Purchase CharlieTickets at the Airport Blue Line station
If you're looking to purchase CharlieTickets at the Airport Blue Line station, there are several options available. Firstly, you can buy CharlieTickets from vending machines located at the Airport Blue Line station itself. These machines provide a convenient way to purchase your ticket before boarding your train.
Additionally, if you're arriving at the airport and need to get to the Airport Blue Line station, you can take the free Massport shuttle bus. In this case, you'll first need to purchase your CharlieTicket from the vending machines inside the Airport station. Then, you can proceed to the shuttle bus and continue on to your destination using the Blue Line.
For those who prefer a more personal interaction, CharlieTickets can also be obtained from MBTA staff at most subway stations and select bus stations. This includes the possibility of purchasing CharlieTickets directly from MBTA staff at the Airport Blue Line station or other nearby stations, such as South Station.
It's worth noting that CharlieTickets are a great option for visitors to Boston as they can be loaded with subway, bus, Commuter Rail, and ferry tickets or passes. They are also available at vending machines in all stations, making them easily accessible throughout your journey. If you plan to explore Boston using the Blue Line and other forms of transportation, purchasing a CharlieTicket at the Airport Blue Line station is a convenient way to start your trip.
London's Heathrow: The Busiest Airport Explained
You may want to see also

Buy CharlieTickets at the Airport T station
CharlieTickets are available at fare vending machines in most subway stations. They can also be purchased from MBTA staff at most subway stations and select bus stations. You can buy CharlieTickets at baggage claim and at the Airport "T" station. There are plenty of machines at the Airport T station, South Station, and all underground and D line stations.
If you're at the airport, you can buy a CharlieTicket from any of the ticket machines near the Ground Transportation area. You can also buy a 7-day pass at the baggage claim areas. If you're taking the 501 bus from South Station, you can purchase a CharlieTicket when you get off the free silver line.
CharlieTickets are tappable tickets that can be loaded with subway, bus, Commuter Rail, and ferry tickets or passes. They are inserted into a slot in the gate or farebox, and the fare is deducted from the ticket, which is then returned to the rider.
In addition to purchasing them at the airport, CharlieTickets can be bought at MBTA stations and vehicles, MBTA ticket offices, and retail sales terminals at select outlets. Stores throughout Greater Boston also offer blank CharlieTickets.
Denver Airport Shuttle Services: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also

Buy CharlieTickets at South Station
If you're travelling to Boston, you can buy CharlieTickets at South Station. The Boston subway, known locally as 'The T', provides an easy way to get around the city.
CharlieTickets are available from the machines in every station, and you can load them with subway, bus, Commuter Rail, and ferry tickets or passes. You can also add value to them, but they expire after 90 days. CharlieTickets with stored value expire after 18 months from the purchase date.
You can also buy CharlieCards from the upgraded fare vending machines in most stations, or from MBTA staff at most subway stations and some bus stations. CharlieCards are reusable and can be loaded with cash value or passes to pay for bus and subway fares. If you don't have a CharlieCard, you can pay your fare with contactless payment or cash.
If you're arriving at Logan Airport, you can take a free Massport shuttle bus (route numbers 22, 33, or 55 to MBTA Blue Line) outside your terminal to get to Airport Station. At the station, you can buy a Charlie Ticket and board the Blue Line. You can also use the SL1 for free to travel from the airport to South Station.
If you're in a hurry, there's a customer service desk in the main Amtrak/Commuter rail waiting room at South Station. On your left as you come up the stairs from the Silver and Red Lines, you can buy CharlieTickets and CharlieCards here.
Doha Airport: Sleeping Strategies for Weary Travelers
You may want to see also

Buy CharlieCards at the Charlie Service Center, 296 Washington St
If you're looking to buy a CharlieCard, the Charlie Service Center at 296 Washington St is the place to go. Here's what you need to know:
The Charlie Service Center is a one-stop shop for all your CharlieCard needs. You can get a free, blank CharlieCard at the center, which you can then load with cash value or passes to use on bus and subway fares. It's a reusable card, so you can keep adding value to it as needed. The center also offers other services, such as replacing lost or damaged cards and applying for reduced fare cards for seniors, students, or disabled citizens.
The CharlieCard is a convenient and contactless way to pay for your transportation around Boston. It is accepted on the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) subway and bus services, making it a great option for frequent riders or visitors looking for a seamless payment experience. With the card, you can easily tap into stations and vehicles, making your commute a breeze.
At the Charlie Service Center, you can also register your CharlieCard with MyCharlie to protect it against loss, theft, or damage. This way, if something happens to your card, you can easily replace it and not worry about losing any value or passes loaded on it. The MBTA can help you consolidate multiple cards, transfer stored value, or replace a lost or damaged card.
In addition to the Charlie Service Center, you can also find CharlieCards at fare vending machines in most subway stations, including Logan International Airport, as well as at local retailers throughout Greater Boston. However, if you're looking for a one-stop shop with additional services, the Charlie Service Center at 296 Washington St is the best option.
So, if you're in need of a CharlieCard, head over to the Charlie Service Center at 296 Washington St in Boston. With their range of services and convenient location, you'll be all set for your travels around the city.
Exploring CDG Airport and Its Surroundings
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
CharlieCards are available at fare vending machines in most subway stations. You can buy them at fare vending machines in the terminals at Logan Airport, at Airport Station, and at South Station.
You can buy CharlieTickets at fare vending machines in the terminals at Logan Airport, at Airport Station, and at South Station. You can also buy them at the Airport "T" station or at the baggage claim areas.
No, bus stops don't have machines that sell CharlieTickets.
No, but you can buy a Charlie Card or Ticket at the Silver Line stop, right inside the terminal near baggage claim.
Yes, CharlieTickets are available at fare vending machines in most subway stations.












