How To Get From Boston Logan International Airport to Boston [2024]

Boston, Massachusetts, is only served by 1 major airport, Boston Logan International Airport (BOS). Logan serves the entire Boston metropolitan region, with the next closest airport being T.F. Green International Airport (PVD) in Providence, Rhode Island, about an hour south.

Logan, however, isn’t actually in the parts of Boston most people want to go to when they visit — it’s in East Boston and the neighboring town of Winthrop, Massachusetts. So, if you plan on traveling to Boston, you’ll probably need to know how to get from the airport to the downtown/central areas.

Luckily, once you land in Boston, getting from the airport to the downtown area is relatively easy. Costs vary, and road and traffic conditions can make some methods take longer than others.

We’ll look at each to see which makes the most sense for you.

Overview of Cost Estimates

MBTA Silver Line (Bus)

One of the easiest (and cheapest) ways to get from Boston Logan to downtown is via the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA) Silver Line. This completely free bus stops at all terminals on the baggage claim level and goes straight to downtown Boston’s South Station. South Station is a major transportation hub where you can transfer to an Amtrak train if you’re headed out of Boston or to the Boston subway, better known as the T. The Red Line makes several stops within Boston but then heads up to Cambridge and Somerville (homes to Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology).

You do not need a ticket for this service. Simply board when the bus stops at your terminal, and then it will be about a 15-minute ride (depending on where you boarded) to South Station. There can be traffic along the way, so the route may take longer than usual. There are luggage racks on the bus, though the bus can easily become crowded, and you should be prepared to stand with your bag if so.

The interesting thing about this service is that it includes a free transfer to the Red Line of the subway, better known locally as the T, once you arrive at South Station. Because of this, you can more or less get anywhere in Boston without ever having to pay the transit system’s fee, all because you’re getting on the bus at the airport. While the system is cheap enough if you had to pay, saving a couple of bucks may be your deciding factor.

MBTA Blue Line (Subway)

Unfortunately, Boston Logan doesn’t have a train line directly to the terminal buildings, so you need to take a free shuttle bus to the MBTA Blue Line station on the airport’s outskirts. Buses depart regularly from the baggage claim level. You want to specifically ensure the buses are headed to the Blue Line, as buses are departing for many locations.

The Blue Line is the only train line serving Boston Logan. It connects with the Orange Line at State Street and the Green Line at Government Center. Massport says the Blue Line is convenient if you’re headed to Back Bay, Downtown Boston, Fenway Park, Boston University, Northeastern University, Boston College, Brookline, the Longwood Medical Area, Newton, and North Station. Using the Blue Line requires a $2.40 fare.

MBTA Ferry

Unusually for a U.S. airport, you can take the MBTA Hingham/ Hull—Logan Airport—Long Wharf Ferry from the airport to downtown Boston. Take the Route 66 airport shuttle to the Water Transportation Dock and then take the ferry from there to either Boston’s Long Wharf or Hull and Hingham on the South Shore. The ferry charge is $9.75.

Logan Express

For $9, you can take a bus called the Logan Express from the airport to Back Bay, Braintree, Framingham, Peabody, or Woburn. Buses depart regularly from the baggage claim level at a marked curb. For those visiting central Boston, the Back Bay stop is the one you want, and you avoid having to take a ride-share or public transit.

Ride-Share

Ride-share cars pick up passengers in 2 locations at Boston Logan. If you arrive in Terminals A, C, or E, proceed to the central garage. Here, you’ll find a designated ride-share pickup, with spaces where drivers pull in and you can load your luggage.

If you arrive in Terminal B, the ride-share pickup area is in the Terminal B garage.

Ride-share vehicles can take a while to arrive at either pickup area, thanks to traffic in the area, so many users request their rides as soon as they exit their planes. That way, they can time their arrivals at the curb.

While the average ride from Logan costs around $25, it depends on where you’re going. Because it’s not easy for them to get to the airport through public transit, many people in Cambridge, Allston, Brighton, and other outlying areas often take ride-shares, which usually cost more.

Taxi

A taxi can be had for as low as $20, but most fares hover between that and $45, depending on where you go. You can find taxis by following signs for ground transportation and taxis.

Taxis use a metered fare, which considers the distance and time of your trip to determine the final fare. The downside of taking a taxi is that if there’s heavy traffic, your fare will be significantly higher than if you had chosen another transit method.

Hired Cars

Hired cars are extremely expensive and the least optimal option to get into Boston if you’re trying to save money — though they may be the way to go if you prioritize comfort or for passengers with special needs.

For a simple sedan, you’ll likely pay over $100, and most luxury vehicles cost $150 to $250 or more. Because the airport is right on the outskirts of the city, you’re far better off taking a ride-share car or taxi to get where you’re going for significant savings.

Final Thoughts

Boston is one of the most expensive cities in the U.S., but there are good ways to reduce the cost of getting into the city, thanks to public transit. There are lots of methods to choose from, and most are relatively cheap.

Even then, remember that though it’s only a short distance into the city, that small stretch is notorious for heavy traffic, so be sure to leave plenty of time to get where you’re going!