Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) to Boston
The Silver Line SL1 bus picks up at every terminal and goes to South Station in about 20–30 minutes, free from the airport. The Blue Line subway, reached by a free shuttle bus, is quickest to Downtown, Government Center and the waterfront.
Best for most people: Silver Line SL1. It stops right outside each terminal, is free from the airport, and South Station connects to the Red Line and regional trains.
All the options
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Hours | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| bus MBTA Silver Line SL1 from the arrivals level of every terminal to South Station via the Seaport | about 20–30 min | every 10–15 min | free from the airport | about 05:30–01:00; check last departures | At South Station you can transfer to the Red Line free of charge. |
| subway Free Massport shuttle bus from the terminals to Airport station, then the MBTA Blue Line to Aquarium, State and Government Center | about 20–30 min including the shuttle | Blue Line every 5–10 min | about $2.40 subway fare | about 05:00–00:30 | Pay by CharlieCard, CharlieTicket or contactless card at the gates. |
| taxi Taxi stands outside the baggage claim area of each terminal | about 10–30 min depending on tunnel traffic | about $25–40 to Downtown or Back Bay, including tolls and an airport fee | 24 h | Metered; Boston taxis accept cards. | |
| ride-hailing Uber and Lyft pick-up in the Central Parking garage (follow the signs for ride app pick-up) | about 10–30 min | varies with demand | 24 h | Pick-up is not at the kerb, so allow time for the walk. | |
| ferry Water taxi or MBTA ferry from the airport ferry dock (reached by a free shuttle) to the downtown waterfront | about 10 min crossing | on demand or scheduled, depending on the operator | varies | mainly daytime and evening; check schedules | A good option for hotels on the waterfront. |
*Approximate 2026 prices and times. Services change: check the operator before you fly, especially for late arrivals.
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Tips
- Traffic in the Sumner and Ted Williams tunnels can turn a 10-minute taxi into 40 minutes at rush hour; the Blue Line avoids it.
- Massport's Logan Express buses serve Back Bay and several suburbs; check current fares and whether one stops near your hotel.
- A contactless bank card or phone works at MBTA subway gates and on many buses.
- For Cambridge, take the Silver Line to South Station and change to the Red Line.
Common questions
How much is a taxi from Boston Logan to downtown?
Expect about $25–40 to Downtown, Back Bay or the Seaport, including tunnel tolls and an airport fee, plus a tip. Taxis wait at stands outside baggage claim at each terminal and accept cards. In heavy traffic the ride can take 30–40 minutes, even though the distance is short.
Is the Silver Line from Logan Airport really free?
Yes. The SL1 Silver Line bus is free when boarding at the airport terminals, and the free ride includes a transfer to the Red Line at South Station. You pay the normal fare when going towards the airport by other lines or for other transfers.
Does public transport run from Logan Airport at night?
The Silver Line and Blue Line run until roughly 12:30–01:00 and start again around 05:00–05:30. Check last departures on the MBTA website or app. Overnight, taxis and Uber or Lyft are the main options. The MBTA app shows real-time departures, which helps with late arrivals near closing time.
How long does it take from Boston Airport to the city?
About 20–30 minutes by Silver Line to South Station or by shuttle and Blue Line to Government Center. A taxi or ride-hail can take 10–15 minutes in light traffic but 30–40 minutes at rush hour because of the harbour tunnels.
Compiled by TonyPlan from airport and transport-operator information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.