Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) – Getting to Downtown Boston

Boston Logan sits on a peninsula in East Boston, just 5 km from downtown. You have excellent options. The Silver Line bus (SL1) is free from the airport to South Station and takes about 20 minutes. The Blue Line T costs $2.40 and connects to the subway system. A taxi to downtown runs $25–$35 USD with the tunnel toll included. Ride-hailing (Uber/Lyft) costs a similar amount. A pre-booked private transfer typically costs $45–$70 USD. For most travelers heading to downtown or Back Bay, the Silver Line is the simplest and cheapest option.

Logan has four terminals: A, B, C, and E. After collecting your bags, follow signs toward ground transportation. Each terminal has its own exit to the curb.

For the Silver Line, look for the "Buses / Silver Line" signs and walk to the designated bus stop at your terminal's lower level. Buses run to all four terminals.

For taxis, follow signs to the taxi stand at the lower level of your terminal. An attendant manages the queue during busy hours.

For Uber/Lyft, go to the designated ride-app pickup zone at each terminal. Logan has specific areas marked for these pickups — do not try to get picked up at the taxi stand.

For the Blue Line T, take the free Massport shuttle bus (Route 22 or 33) from your terminal to the Airport station. This adds 5–10 minutes to your journey.

Logan is a busy airport with over 40 million passengers per year. During peak hours (4–7 PM weekdays), ground-level traffic can be congested, particularly in the Sumner and Ted Williams tunnels connecting to downtown.

| Option | Price (USD) | Time to downtown | Notes | |--------|------------|-----------------|-------| | Silver Line (SL1) | Free | 20 min | Bus to South Station, runs every 10 min | | Blue Line T | $2.40 | 25 min | Subway, needs shuttle to Airport station | | Taxi | $25–$35 | 15–25 min | Metered + tolls, varies with traffic | | Uber/Lyft | $22–$40 | 15–25 min | Surge pricing during rush hour | | Private transfer | $45–$70 | 15–25 min | Fixed price, meet-and-greet | | Logan Express bus | $9 | 30–60 min | To Braintree, Framingham, Woburn, Back Bay | | Water taxi | $15 | 7 min | To Long Wharf, seasonal, scenic |

The Silver Line SL1 is genuinely free in the airport-to-city direction. It runs along a dedicated busway and is surprisingly efficient. The only downside is limited luggage space during rush hour.

Taxis from Logan use the meter plus a $2.75 tunnel toll and a $3.25 airport fee. These are standard and not negotiable.

| Destination | Taxi (USD) | Uber/Lyft (USD) | |------------|-----------|------------------| | Downtown / Financial District | $25–$30 | $22–$35 | | Back Bay / Copley | $30–$40 | $28–$40 | | Cambridge / Harvard | $35–$45 | $30–$45 | | Fenway / Kenmore | $30–$40 | $28–$38 | | South Boston / Seaport | $20–$28 | $18–$28 |

Ride-hailing prices fluctuate significantly. On a normal Tuesday afternoon, Uber might be $22. On a Friday evening in summer, the same ride could be $45+ with surge pricing. Taxis are more predictable.

A private transfer costs more but the price is fixed at booking. For families or business travelers who want certainty, this removes the unpredictability of surge pricing and traffic-dependent meters.

All prices are in USD. For reference, $30 USD is approximately 28 EUR.

Logan operates 24 hours but public transport does not. The Silver Line and Blue Line stop running around 12:30 AM. After that, your options are taxis, Uber/Lyft, or a pre-booked transfer.

Taxis are available around the clock at Logan — the taxi stand operates 24/7. Late-night Uber/Lyft availability is good but prices tend to be higher after midnight, especially on weekends.

The Logan Express bus services end earlier, typically by 10 PM depending on the route.

For arrivals after midnight, a pre-booked transfer guarantees a ride without waiting or surge pricing.

The Silver Line is manageable with one or two bags but gets difficult with strollers, multiple suitcases, and children during rush hour. The bus has limited luggage space and no dedicated storage.

Taxis at Logan are a mix of sedans and minivans. If you need a larger vehicle, ask the taxi dispatcher. Child seats are not provided in taxis or Uber/Lyft — you must bring your own or pre-book a transfer with one.

The water taxi to Long Wharf is fun for families in summer, but only practical if you are heading to the waterfront area and have manageable luggage.

For families with young children and heavy luggage, a private transfer with a pre-arranged child seat is the least stressful option.

For pre-booked transfers at Logan, the standard meeting point is the arrivals level (lower level) of your terminal, near the designated ride-app pickup area or just inside the terminal doors. Your driver will have a name sign.

Some transfer companies will direct you to the Central Parking garage walkway on the arrivals level. Confirm the exact meeting point when you book.

Taxis are at the curb on the lower level with a marked taxi stand. Uber/Lyft pickups are at designated zones — the Uber and Lyft apps will guide you to the exact spot for your terminal.

Take the Blue Line if: You are heading to the North End, Beacon Hill, or connecting to the Green/Orange lines. Take the free shuttle to Airport station first.

Take a taxi if: You want door-to-door service without app hassle. Prices are predictable and taxis are always available.

Use Uber/Lyft if: Prices are not surging and you prefer paying by app. Check the estimated fare before requesting.

Book a transfer if: You are arriving late at night, traveling with family, have lots of luggage, or want a guaranteed fixed price without surge surprises.

Take the water taxi if: You are heading to the waterfront area in summer and want a scenic 7-minute ride across the harbor.