From flight at Logan International to train at South Station in 90 minutes?
Jun 23rd, 2009, 05:26 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From flight at Logan International to train at South Station in 90 minutes?
Dear fodorites,
I'm flying into Boston from Germany in July to visit friends in Connecticut. I thought it would be best to take the amtrack from South Station.
Now: flight is arriving 8:15 pm at terminal E, the train is departing 9:45 pm at south Station.
I have no idea how long immigration, customs may take and how long the taxi would need.
1.Do you think it's reasonable to catch this train (the last one for this day) within these 90 minutes?
2. Can you tell me how much a taxi does cost approximately (plus fees for tunnel or whatever if applicable)?
If time's too short I have to think of other options. My friends would pick me up too but it's a 2 hour drive I guess.
Thanks so much!
I'm flying into Boston from Germany in July to visit friends in Connecticut. I thought it would be best to take the amtrack from South Station.
Now: flight is arriving 8:15 pm at terminal E, the train is departing 9:45 pm at south Station.
I have no idea how long immigration, customs may take and how long the taxi would need.
1.Do you think it's reasonable to catch this train (the last one for this day) within these 90 minutes?
2. Can you tell me how much a taxi does cost approximately (plus fees for tunnel or whatever if applicable)?
If time's too short I have to think of other options. My friends would pick me up too but it's a 2 hour drive I guess.
Thanks so much!
Jun 23rd, 2009, 05:40 AM
#2
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 314
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
At that time of day should be no problem. Depends on how many international planes are arriving at that time of day.Customs/immigration in Boston is fairly efficient. The time consumming step is waiting for luggage. I would guess 30 min or so to get thru.
From the International terminal, you can get a cab or take a Silver Line bus that goes direct to South Station. Cab would be quickest.
From the International terminal, you can get a cab or take a Silver Line bus that goes direct to South Station. Cab would be quickest.
Jun 23rd, 2009, 05:58 AM
#3
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 5,206
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'd take the cab - they are lined up outside the terminals - at that hour you should not hit much traffic and it will be easier than you figuring out the bus, etc especially if your plane is delayed or you are rushing - the cab will bring you right to the door of South Station and you can walk in and easily find your Amtrak train - (but of course, I am a mother and look for the most direct route in case of delays, etc.....)
Also, IF you are delayed, and for whatever reason would not be able to make this train -
(you can get a refund later from Amtrak) but it might be worth your time to know a few of your other options - is there a later Amtrak train, is there a later bus option for you from Boston to your destination ? It might save you time and anxiety if you already had these options written down and with you so , plane travel being what it is, if you are delayed,
you'll have some back up plans -
have fun!
Also, IF you are delayed, and for whatever reason would not be able to make this train -
(you can get a refund later from Amtrak) but it might be worth your time to know a few of your other options - is there a later Amtrak train, is there a later bus option for you from Boston to your destination ? It might save you time and anxiety if you already had these options written down and with you so , plane travel being what it is, if you are delayed,
you'll have some back up plans -
have fun!
Jun 23rd, 2009, 06:07 AM
#4
The main problem is -- immigration for foreign nationals is a crap shoot. Could take minutes, or could take an hour+
So you might make it -- or you might still be at Logan at 2145. Is there a later train? If not, is there a later train to somewhere else w/i a reasonable drive of your friends' home.
So you might make it -- or you might still be at Logan at 2145. Is there a later train? If not, is there a later train to somewhere else w/i a reasonable drive of your friends' home.
Jun 23rd, 2009, 06:22 AM
#5
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,880
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Iagree with earlier posters, Logan can be a mess, and it could take you longer than 30 minutes, and if your flight is delayed it could be very stressful.
Make contingency plans so you won't be stressing if things don't work out right, and if they do, then relax and enjoy the trip.
Make contingency plans so you won't be stressing if things don't work out right, and if they do, then relax and enjoy the trip.
Jun 23rd, 2009, 06:24 AM
#6
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 25,860
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Are you a US Citizen or Green Card Holder? If yes, there's a very good chance you can make it. If not, it depends on how many Int'l flights are arriving at that hour, but I don't think it's too busy...
(Last time I arrived at Logan in the evening from UK, I was OUT at the curb 20 minutes after the plane landed. I even was sent for secondary search @ customs because I brought back foie gras. But, I had no checked luggage and I used the US Citizen/Green Card lanes.)
Cab fare is listed:
http://www.massport.com/logan/getti_typeo_taxis.html
Logan -> South Station is about 4 miles, so the total fare should be between $15-17.
(Last time I arrived at Logan in the evening from UK, I was OUT at the curb 20 minutes after the plane landed. I even was sent for secondary search @ customs because I brought back foie gras. But, I had no checked luggage and I used the US Citizen/Green Card lanes.)
Cab fare is listed:
http://www.massport.com/logan/getti_typeo_taxis.html
Logan -> South Station is about 4 miles, so the total fare should be between $15-17.
Jun 23rd, 2009, 07:27 AM
#10
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 12,885
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The good news is that your Lufthansa flight is the only international flight arriving in Logan at that time. There are no international arrivals for at least 2-3 hours before, so immigration officers will be there just for your flight. Hopefully you can sit as close as possible to the front of the plane. Walk fast and you may be one of the first passengers to be processed.
Have a greeat trip!
Have a greeat trip!
Jun 23rd, 2009, 07:39 AM
#11
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 25,860
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The good news is that your Lufthansa flight is the only international flight arriving in Logan at that time.
???
AA155 LHR-BOS, arrives 8:35pm
BA215 LHR-BOS, arrives 6:30pm
LX52 ZRH-BOS, arrives 7:45pm
???
AA155 LHR-BOS, arrives 8:35pm
BA215 LHR-BOS, arrives 6:30pm
LX52 ZRH-BOS, arrives 7:45pm
Jun 23rd, 2009, 07:50 AM
#12
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 12,885
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I forgot about the LX flight.
The AA flight arrives 20 minutes later so no worries there and the BA flight almost 2 hours earlier. They will be long gone by the time the OP arrives.
So, I guess the LX flight might cause some delay in immigration processing but it's not that much to worry about. The OP should still be out of there in 30-45 minutes tops.
The AA flight arrives 20 minutes later so no worries there and the BA flight almost 2 hours earlier. They will be long gone by the time the OP arrives.
So, I guess the LX flight might cause some delay in immigration processing but it's not that much to worry about. The OP should still be out of there in 30-45 minutes tops.
Jun 23rd, 2009, 07:57 AM
#13
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 25,860
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
True, IF all the flights arrive on time in an ideal world. But what if OP's flight arrives 20 minutes late and the AA flight arrives on time?
And last Nov, one of my DH's relative was on the BA flight while I was on the AA flight, arriving on the same night from London. Her BA flight ended up being over 2 hours delayed and arrived 10 minutes after my AA flight. The immigration area was packed.
In any case, depending on where the OP is heading in CT, the 10:30pm Peter Pan Bus to Hartford can be Plan B.
And last Nov, one of my DH's relative was on the BA flight while I was on the AA flight, arriving on the same night from London. Her BA flight ended up being over 2 hours delayed and arrived 10 minutes after my AA flight. The immigration area was packed.
In any case, depending on where the OP is heading in CT, the 10:30pm Peter Pan Bus to Hartford can be Plan B.
Jun 24th, 2009, 05:03 AM
#15
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi guys, thanks so much.
Well there seem to be a lot of IF's in this case....
I've never heard of the Peter Pan Bus but check for it right away
I have to go to Stonington, next to Mystic...
Well there seem to be a lot of IF's in this case....
I've never heard of the Peter Pan Bus but check for it right away
I have to go to Stonington, next to Mystic...
Jun 24th, 2009, 05:48 AM
#16
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 5,206
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ask your friends to help you make a few "if" plans -
if you arrrive on time, get thru customs and grab a cab, great -
if late/delayed, you can have plan b and c ready to go -
Your friends should be able to help you if they live in CT determine what bus/other train options/ etc are available that work for them to meet you -
have fun -
if you arrrive on time, get thru customs and grab a cab, great -
if late/delayed, you can have plan b and c ready to go -
Your friends should be able to help you if they live in CT determine what bus/other train options/ etc are available that work for them to meet you -
have fun -
Jun 24th, 2009, 06:01 AM
#17
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 25,860
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Peter Pan also runs buses to Providence, RI. Buses leave at 10pm and 11pm nightly and the trip only takes 1:10. It's a shorter drive for your friends to pick you up in Providence than in Hartford.
Here's what I'd do:
1) DO NOT buy any tickets in advance
2) TAXI to South Station
3) AIM for the 9:45pm Amtrak train
4) If you miss the Amtrak train, take the 10pm Peter Pan bus to Providence RI instead. Peter Pan leaves from the South Station Bus Terminal, located next door to the South Station Amtrak Station.
5) Call your friend and ask him/her to meet you at the Providence Peter Pan Station if you miss the Amtrak train.
Here's what I'd do:
1) DO NOT buy any tickets in advance
2) TAXI to South Station
3) AIM for the 9:45pm Amtrak train
4) If you miss the Amtrak train, take the 10pm Peter Pan bus to Providence RI instead. Peter Pan leaves from the South Station Bus Terminal, located next door to the South Station Amtrak Station.
5) Call your friend and ask him/her to meet you at the Providence Peter Pan Station if you miss the Amtrak train.
Jun 24th, 2009, 08:06 AM
#19
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,535
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If you obviously are going to miss the 9:45pm train, you can catch a Peter Pan bus at Logan Airport that will take you directly to Providence (there are buses from Logan to Providence at 9:30pm and 10:30pm).
Note also that Peter Pan has two stops in Providence ("Kennedy Plaza" and "Terminal", according to their web site) so make sure you are clear on where your friends need to pick you up if you have to go to Providence.
http://www.peterpanbus.com
Note also that Peter Pan has two stops in Providence ("Kennedy Plaza" and "Terminal", according to their web site) so make sure you are clear on where your friends need to pick you up if you have to go to Providence.
http://www.peterpanbus.com
Jun 24th, 2009, 09:03 AM
#20
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Cranachin, I am a bit confused about the Peter Pan stops in Boston. In one drop down you get Logan Airport at an option but on another list there was only south station as a stop. Are you quite sure that there's a stop?
