Taxi

Cabs are available around the clock. You can find them outside most hotels and at designated cabstands around the city. Taxis generally line up around South Station, near Faneuil Hall Marketplace, at Long Wharf, near Massachusetts General Hospital, in the Theater District, and in Harvard Square. You can also call or use smartphone apps, such as Lyft or Uber to get a taxi or other hired car.

A taxi ride within the city of Boston costs $2.60 at entry for the first 1/7 mile, and 40¢ for each 1/7 mile thereafter. Licensed cabs have meters and provide receipts. If you're going to or from the airport or to the suburbs, ask about flat rates. Cab drivers may charge extra for multiple stops. One-way streets, and major traffic jams, make circuitous routes necessary, but also add to the fare.

Avoid "rogue taxis." These sleek black town cars (legitimate Boston taxis are white) aggressively offer rides on the street or at airports; their drivers often charge more than the agreed-upon rate, and may even be dangerous. Always check for a valid taxi medallion plate and a posted photo ID of the driver.

Taxis can be hired outside each terminal at Logan Airport. Fares to and from Downtown should be about $20, including tip. Taxis must pay an extra toll of $5.25 and a $2.75 airport fee when leaving the airport, which will be tacked onto your bill at the end of the trip. On the way back to the airport, you'll pay the $2.75 fee again, but not the $5.25 toll.