Boston Airport Transfers: Getting To and From Logan International

Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) sits on a peninsula in Boston Harbor, just 3 miles from downtown - making it one of the most centrally located major airports in the United States. Despite the short distance, traffic through the Sumner and Ted Williams Tunnels can add significant time during peak hours. Fortunately, Logan is exceptionally well-served by public transit, ferry, and private transfer options.

Logan International Airport (BOS)

Logan has five passenger terminals: A, B, C, E (international), and Terminal D (no longer active for commercial flights). A free shuttle bus connects all terminals and the Water Transportation Dock. Signs throughout the airport direct passengers to Ground Transportation on the lower level.

Silver Line SL1 (Free Bus to Downtown)

The MBTA Silver Line 1 is the fastest and cheapest public transit option from Logan to downtown Boston - and it is free from the airport.

Route: SL1 runs from all terminals (via shuttle if needed) to South Station on the MBTA Red and Silver Lines, with stops at World Trade Center, Courthouse, and South Station. From South Station you can connect to the entire MBTA subway system.

Cost (as of 2026): Free from Logan Airport outbound. Return trips cost approximately $1.70 by CharlieCard.

Journey time: Approximately 15–20 minutes to South Station depending on traffic in the Ted Williams Tunnel.

The SL1 runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with departures every 8–12 minutes during peak hours and 15–20 minutes overnight.

MBTA Water Ferry (Harbor Express)

For a scenic and often faster alternative, the Harbor Express ferry runs from Logan’s Water Transportation Dock (accessible from Terminals C and E via free shuttle) to Long Wharf in downtown Boston.

Cost (as of 2026): Approximately $3.50 per adult. Bikes are welcome.

Journey time: Approximately 10–15 minutes to Long Wharf, placing you steps from the Financial District and the Aquarium Blue Line station.

The ferry runs seasonally (generally April through November) and does not operate in severe weather. Check the MBTA ferry schedule before relying on it for early-morning or late-night arrivals.

Taxi

Licensed taxis depart from taxi stands on the lower level of each terminal.

Typical fares (as of 2026):

• Downtown Boston / Financial District: approximately $30–$45
• Back Bay / Copley Square: approximately $35–$50
• Cambridge (Harvard/MIT): approximately $40–$55
• Fenway area: approximately $30–$45

Fares include the Ted Williams Tunnel toll (approximately $3.50) which is typically added to the meter. Tip is customary at 15–20%.

Rideshare (Uber / Lyft)

Rideshare apps operate from designated pickup zones at each terminal’s lower level. Follow in-app directions carefully - unauthorized pickups in the taxi area are not permitted.

Typical fares (as of 2026):

• UberX to downtown Boston: approximately $25–$40 off-peak
• Surge pricing can double or triple fares during Red Sox games at Fenway, events at TD Garden, and morning rush hour (7–9am)

Private Transfer

Pre-booked private transfers meet you at arrivals with a name board, monitor your flight for delays, and offer fixed pricing. A sedan from Logan to downtown Boston runs approximately $60–$85 as of 2026. For larger groups or SUV requests, allow approximately $80–$110. Book through [/go/transfers-usa] (Kiwitaxi), [/go/transfers-usa-gettransfer] (GetTransfer), or [/go/welcome-pickups-usa] (Welcome Pickups).

Private transfers are particularly recommended for early morning arrivals (pre-5am when the Silver Line has reduced frequency) and for visitors with heavy luggage heading to outlying neighborhoods like Brookline or Somerville.

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Comparing Your Options

Method	Cost (approx.)	Journey time	Notes
Silver Line SL1	Free	15–20 min	24/7, connects to full MBTA network
Water ferry	$3.50	10–15 min	Seasonal; great for downtown hotels
Taxi	$30–$45 + tolls + tip	15–30 min	Traffic-dependent
Rideshare	$25–$40	15–30 min	Surge pricing at events
Private transfer	$60–$85	15–30 min	Fixed rate, meet-and-greet

Costs and times as of 2026. Ted Williams Tunnel traffic is the main variable.

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Tips for Smooth Boston Airport Transfers

The Silver Line is genuinely free. Unlike many airports where “free” transit requires a transfer, the SL1 from Logan to South Station costs nothing outbound. Buy a CharlieCard at South Station for connecting MBTA trips.

Avoid taxis during Red Sox home games. Fenway Park events create significant traffic through the Back Bay. If your hotel is near the park, arrange a private transfer or take the Silver Line + Green Line for maximum reliability.

Ferry for hotels near the waterfront. If you are staying in the Seaport District, North End, or near Faneuil Hall, the ferry drops you closer than any other option. Long Wharf to most waterfront hotels is a 5–10 minute walk.

International Terminal E connections. International arrivals at Terminal E access the Silver Line from the lower level without needing an inter-terminal shuttle. Customs and baggage typically adds 30–60 minutes to your arrival time.

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