Boston airport to the city

By the Viamo editorial team · Editor Terje Moy · Last updated July 2026 · 5 min read

Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) has a real advantage over many major US airports: it sits just a few kilometres from downtown, across the harbour, and is well served by public transport that avoids the worst of the city's notorious traffic. For most travellers without heavy luggage, public transit is genuinely the fastest and cheapest way into the city.

Silver Line SL1: the free-to-airport bus link

The Silver Line SL1 is a bus rapid transit route run by the MBTA that connects all of Logan's terminals directly to South Station in downtown Boston, running partly in a dedicated tunnel through the airport and city streets. The journey takes around 15–20 minutes, and — usefully for arriving travellers — the ride from the airport to South Station is free, since fares are only collected travelling in the other direction. From South Station, you can connect to the Red Line subway, regional and long-distance trains (including Amtrak), and numerous bus routes.

The SL1 runs frequently through the day and into the evening, making it the default recommendation for most travellers heading downtown, particularly with light-to-moderate luggage. Buses do get busy at peak times and there's limited luggage space, so travellers with large suitcases may find it a tighter fit than the subway.

Blue Line: connecting from the airport shuttle

The Blue Line subway doesn't run directly into the airport terminals, but a free Logan Express shuttle bus connects all terminals to Airport station on the Blue Line in a few minutes. From there, the Blue Line runs into downtown Boston, reaching stations like State and Government Center in around 10–15 minutes from Airport station, with onward connections to the Orange and Green Lines. This combined shuttle-plus-subway route is often just as quick as the Silver Line and is a good option if your destination is more directly served by the Blue Line or its connections.

Taxi and rideshare

Taxis and rideshare services (Uber, Lyft) operate from designated pickup areas at each terminal, and are a straightforward option, particularly for groups, late-night arrivals or heavy luggage. Journey time to downtown is typically 15–25 minutes in normal traffic, though this can extend considerably during rush hour or through the Ted Williams Tunnel at busy periods. Fares are noticeably higher than the Silver Line or Blue Line but comparable to, or sometimes less than, a taxi in other major US cities given the short distance involved.

Water shuttle

A scenic and often overlooked option, the Logan Water Shuttle (MBTA/Rowes Wharf ferry) and a separate airport water taxi service connect Logan to the Boston waterfront near the Financial District in around 10 minutes across the harbour, plus a short shuttle bus to the terminal. It's a pleasant way to arrive, particularly if your destination is in the Seaport or downtown waterfront area, though services are less frequent than the Silver Line or Blue Line and typically run during business hours rather than around the clock.

Logan Express buses to the suburbs

For travellers heading to destinations outside the immediate downtown area, Logan Express coach services connect the airport directly to several suburban park-and-ride locations around greater Boston, including Framingham, Woburn and Braintree. These are aimed primarily at commuters and travellers with cars parked at the suburban lots, but are also usable by anyone heading in that direction, running at regular intervals through the day.

Getting into the city late at night

The Silver Line and Blue Line both run into the late evening but not around the clock — check current MBTA schedules if your flight lands very late or very early, as options narrow considerably overnight. Taxis and rideshare operate 24 hours and are the reliable fallback for red-eye arrivals or departures.

Practical tips for first-timers

• Signage at Logan for the Silver Line and Blue Line shuttle connections is clear; follow "Ground Transportation" signs from any terminal's arrivals level.
• If using the subway onward from South Station or Airport station, you'll need a CharlieCard or CharlieTicket for the fare — these can be bought at station vending machines, or increasingly via a contactless card or phone tap at the gates.
• South Station is also Boston's main hub for regional and long-distance Amtrak trains, useful if you're continuing on to New York or elsewhere in the north-east — see our overview of rail travel in the USA for more on how these connections work, including Amtrak's Northeast Corridor.
• Logan's terminals are connected to each other by a free shuttle bus, useful if you need to change terminals for a connecting flight or to reach a specific ground transport pickup point.

For general guidance on booking onward journeys, see our piece on booking coaches online if you're continuing by bus rather than rail, or check our wider route guides for connections to other major US cities.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Silver Line really free from Logan Airport?

Yes — the SL1 bus from any Logan terminal to South Station does not require a fare. You only pay when travelling in the other direction, from South Station out to the airport.

What's the fastest way from Logan Airport to downtown Boston?

For most travellers, the Silver Line SL1 to South Station (around 15–20 minutes, free) or the Logan Express shuttle plus Blue Line (a similar overall time) are the fastest options, since both avoid road traffic for most of the journey. A taxi or rideshare can be comparable in light traffic but is slower and more expensive during rush hour.

How do I get from Logan Airport to the Blue Line?

A free shuttle bus connects all Logan terminals to Airport station on the Blue Line in a few minutes. From there, the Blue Line runs directly into downtown Boston.

Is a taxi from Logan Airport expensive?

It's more expensive than the Silver Line or Blue Line but the distance is short, so fares are generally lower than a comparable airport-to-downtown taxi ride in many other major cities. Expect a moderate fare and 15–25 minutes in normal traffic.