Uber in Boston
 

I'm considering using Uber for the first time on my quick trip to Boston as I will need to get to BOS for a 6am flight and the T is unfortunately not an option. So here are my questions:

1. As I'm reading about how Uber works, I've learned that each city has a built-in minimum. What is it for Boston? (For that matter, what is it for Portland?)

2. Will I be charged for tolls in the tunnel for each direction? (Assuming tolls are charged each way; I don't know)

3. Is uberTaxi less or more expensive than uberX early in the morning?

4. For location, will the app accept the name of the hotel as a pickup location or must it have the exact address? For example, using the laptop on the uber website, I used the fare estimator for Logan's Terminal A and the estimator didn't acknowledge Terminal A as the drop off. All it recognized was Logan Airport. I picked the "Sheraton Copley" as the pick up location just to get an idea of the fares; I'm not sure if we're staying there.

5. Does the estimator include tolls?

I may have more questions later. Thanks.

To answer a couple questions: uber in Boston will adds tolls as well as an airport surcharge of $8.75 (to and from BOS). Pick-up/drop-off locations seem to be based on Google maps, so names of a hotel are fine as long as it comes up in the list from which to select when you type it in.

1. I think the minimum fare for UberX is $5.

2. Uber adds $8.75 plus $5.25 for the tunnel toll. The tunnel only has a toll one-way, but Uber charges the toll for either direction when going to/from the airport. The $8.75 is arbitrary, as Logan doesn't charge drivers anything to drop off passengers.

3. UberX is always cheaper, especially as there is no tipping.

4. Hotel name is fine, and probably preferred by the driver.

5. I believe so.

The total fare should be about $20, give or take.

Would I be charged that same $14 in tolls regardless of whether I chose uber or a taxi?

I think a taxi would only have 2.75 in tolls. I still think UberX would be cheaper. Uber substantially undercuts taxis, even before you consider that there is no tipping with Uber.

The tunnel toll is U$3.50 for cars. The actual toll is only charged going into the city center from the airport, not the other direction to the airport from downtown.
Iirc from the last time I did it, taxis charge U$5 extra for going to the airport.

I used UberX last month from my Boston hotel to airport at 3:00am. No trouble getting a pickup at my hotel, and the fare was much cheaper than a taxi.

If you're going to take Uber in Boston, be very careful. It's completely unregulated so you don't know who you're getting into a car with. One of the drivers here was recently arrested for raping female passengers -- I don't know if he's still in custody or not.

Although personally I wouldn't risk my life to save a couple bucks, you should be able to get a permit from any police station to carry pepper spray.

There are quite a few 6 AM flights out of BOS so getting to the airport before the T opens is something we've all had to deal with. For me, I just take a taxi and I've always made it.

I hope you'll make it too, no matter what risks you choose.

When I was in my early 30s, a NYC taxi driver tried to assault me. I got out. So taxi gov't regulation means nothing to me regarding any kind of guaranteed protection from thug cab drivers. There are thugs everywhere; hopefully, I don't come into contact with them! But I appreciate your sharing this with me.

Several years ago, I carried mace on my keychain and it got confiscated at PWM's security. I should look into getting a permit! Good idea.

I knew that the was the case which is why I knew people here would have good advice. It's surprising that even the silver line doesn't begin at an earlier hour.

Thanks.

Great to know. Thanks.

No tipping? No option to pick 20%, 25%, 15%, etc? Seriously??

The pickup location on Uber is based on GPS, it shows as a pin drop on a map. You can test it out by opening the app. You won't need to enter the name of the hotel or address, but you can if you want to be picked up somewhere else.

I think Uber is vastly superior as compared to taxi's in Boston as maybe compared to other cities. I've used it to Logan multiple times with no issues.

Pick up at Logan is a little wonkier because they need livery plates (I think), but drop off is as easy as if a friend did it.

Highly suggested. And yes they are serious about the no tipping thing.

If it's your first time using it, you get $20 off your first usage. If you know anyone else who uses Uber, they can give you a code. Or I can give you mine :)

The person whose code you use will also get $20 off their next trip.

Brilliant way to build new business and grow current business simultaneously. ^

This indeed would be my first time. I'm not going until the middle of August so if the offer is still available and my friend and I are not staying at a hotel with shuttle service, I'll PM you if that's all right with you. Thank you!

It really is a smart business plan!

Feel free to PM. Happy to help

Thanks. Quick question — Are tolls included in the $20 discount promo code?

To be honest I'm sure sure.

I can't find any of the fine print with a quick scan. It just says "they'll get their first ride free (up to $20)."

Sorry not much help there.