Getting to and from Logan Airport: A Practical Guide for Boston Visitors

By Toronto Free Press

Updated: October 21, 2026

Logan International Airport sits in East Boston, directly across the harbor from downtown, which means the physical distance to most hotels is short even though the route between them has to go around or under the water. That geography shapes every transit option covered below, since each one solves the harbor crossing a different way.

Which option makes sense depends mostly on how much luggage is involved, what time of day it is, and which part of Boston a visitor is headed toward first.

Subway: The Blue Line and Free Shuttle Bus

The MBTA's Blue Line subway stops at Airport Station, which connects to all terminals via a free shuttle bus that runs continuously. This is typically the least expensive way to reach downtown Boston, and the Blue Line connects directly to Government Center, putting visitors within walking distance of Faneuil Hall and the North End in well under thirty minutes from touchdown to street level, traffic permitting on the shuttle bus portion.

The tradeoff is that the subway isn't ideal for visitors with heavy luggage, since it involves a shuttle bus transfer, stairs or elevators at the station, and standard subway platforms rather than a dedicated airport rail link.

Silver Line Bus to South Station

The Silver Line's SL1 route runs directly from the airport terminals to South Station in the Financial District, operating as a bus but following dedicated transitways for part of its route. It's a practical option for visitors headed toward downtown and the Financial District, since it skips the Blue Line's shuttle bus transfer and drops passengers close to several hotel clusters.

Like the Blue Line, the Silver Line is priced as standard public transit, making it one of the more affordable ways to reach the city center from the airport.

Water Taxi Across the Harbor

A water taxi crossing the harbor is often the fastest way to reach downtown hotels or the Seaport District, since it avoids both the Ted Williams and Sumner/Callahan tunnels that carry most vehicle traffic under the harbor. Services typically run from the airport's dock to Long Wharf or Rowes Wharf on the downtown waterfront, a crossing that takes only a few minutes once underway.

Water taxi service is generally seasonal and less frequent outside the warmer months, so confirming current schedules before relying on it, especially for an early morning or late evening flight, is worth doing ahead of time.

Taxi, Rideshare, and Driving

Taxis and rideshare vehicles use the harbor tunnels to reach downtown, a route that is fast outside of peak hours but can slow considerably during rush periods when tunnel traffic backs up. Both options pick up from designated terminal curbs or a short walk to a consolidated pickup area, depending on current airport procedures.

Renting a car at Logan is a reasonable choice for visitors planning day trips outside the city, such as a visit to Cambridge or further afield, but it's generally unnecessary for a stay focused on Boston's walkable central neighborhoods, where parking is limited and expensive.

Which Terminal Do You Need?

Logan Airport is organized into several terminals, each generally handling a different mix of domestic and international carriers, and which one a visitor arrives at or departs from shapes exactly where the Blue Line shuttle bus or Silver Line stop will drop them. Terminal signage throughout the airport is clearly marked for connections to the subway, buses, water taxi docks, and rental car facilities, so the main planning task is simply knowing which terminal applies before arriving.

Visitors connecting between international and domestic flights should budget extra time for a possible terminal change, since Logan's terminals are spread across a large footprint connected by shuttle buses rather than a single unified concourse. The same free shuttle buses that connect terminals to the Blue Line station also run between terminals themselves, which makes it possible to reach any part of the airport without a taxi even when switching terminals.

Comparing Your Options

None of these options is universally best; the right choice depends on luggage, destination neighborhood, and time of day, and most visitors find it useful to have a backup option in mind in case their first choice is delayed or suspended.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest way to get from Logan Airport to downtown Boston?

The Blue Line subway with its free terminal shuttle bus is generally the least expensive option, priced as standard public transit.

Is there a direct train from Logan Airport to the city center?

Not a single direct rail line, but the Silver Line bus runs in dedicated transitways to South Station, and the Blue Line connects via a short shuttle bus from the terminals.

Can you take a boat from Logan Airport to downtown Boston?

Yes, seasonal water taxi service crosses the harbor to Long Wharf or Rowes Wharf, often faster than driving during peak traffic, though service is reduced outside warmer months.

Do I need a rental car to visit Boston from Logan Airport?

Generally no, unless day trips outside the city are planned. Boston's central neighborhoods are walkable and well served by public transit, and parking downtown is limited and costly.