Quick Answer
The fastest way from Logan Airport (BOS) to Back Bay is by taxi or ride-share (15-30 min, $35-$55). The cheapest way is via public transit: Silver Line + Subway (45-70 min, $2.40). For a balance of speed, cost, and convenience, the Silver Line to South Station, then Commuter Rail to Back Bay Station is a top recommendation for many travelers.
Option 1: Public Transit (MBTA) – The Budget Choice
Boston's MBTA system offers a cost-effective, albeit multi-step, route to Back Bay. It's a great option for solo travelers or those with light luggage.
Step-by-Step Guide: Silver Line + Subway
- Find the FREE Massport Shuttle: Outside baggage claim at any terminal, follow signs for "Massport Shuttles" or "Subway". Board Route 22, 33, or 55. All go to the Silver Line station.
- Ride to Silver Line Way: The shuttle ride takes 5-10 minutes. Get off at the "Silver Line Way" station.
- Board the Silver Line SL1: Wait for the SL1 bus (destination: "South Station"). This part of the trip is FREE. The ride to South Station takes 15-20 minutes, using a dedicated tunnel part of the way.
- Transfer at South Station: This is the key transfer point. You have two main options to reach Back Bay:
- Option A (Subway): Enter South Station subway hub. Take the Red Line (inbound toward Alewife) for ONE STOP to "Park Street". Transfer to the Green Line (B, C, D, or E branch inbound) and ride 2 stops to "Arlington" or 3 stops to "Copley". (Total subway fare: $2.40).
- Option B (Commuter Rail): From South Station's main concourse, take any Framingham/Worcester Line train. The next stop is Back Bay Station (3-5 minute ride). This is often faster and easier than the subway if your timing aligns with the schedule. Fare: $2.40 - $7.25 depending on zone and time. Check the MBTA Commuter Rail schedule.
| Route | Total Time | Total Cost | Best For | Challenges |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silver Line -> Red Line -> Green Line | 50-70 min | $2.40 | Ultimate budget, frequent service | Multiple transfers, stairs, crowds |
| Silver Line -> Commuter Rail | 40-60 min | $4.80 - $9.65* | Speed & comfort, minimal walking | Infrequent schedule (every 30-60 min) |
*Includes free Silver Line leg + Commuter Rail fare.
MBTA Fares & Payment (2024)
You'll need a CharlieCard (reusable plastic card, best value) or a CharlieTicket (paper ticket) to pay subway fares. You can purchase these at machines at South Station or Airport shuttle stations. Cash is accepted on buses, but not for subway transfers. The standard one-way subway fare is $2.40 with CharlieCard/CharlieTicket. Official MBTA fare information.
Option 2: Taxi & Ride-Share (Uber/Lyft) – Door-to-Door Convenience
For direct, no-hassle service, taxis and app-based ride-shares are the most popular choice.
Taxis
- Where to Find: Designated taxi stands are located outside each terminal's baggage claim area. A dispatcher is usually present.
- Cost: Metered fare. Expect $30 - $45 to most Back Bay locations, plus tolls (~$2.50-$6.00) and a 15-20% tip. An airport access fee is included in the meter.
- Payment: All taxis accept credit cards.
Uber & Lyft
- Where to Find: Designated Ride-App Pickup Zones are in Central Parking (between Terminals B and C, and also near Terminal E). Follow signs. Do not request a ride until you are at the pickup zone.
- Cost: Varies by demand (surge pricing). Typically $25 - $50 for UberX/Lyft Standard. Often slightly cheaper than a taxi, but not always.
- Pro Tip: During peak arrival times, check both apps. Wait times can exceed 15 minutes. For a fixed price, consider Uber Black or Lyft Lux.
Option 3: Private Shuttle & Car Service – For Groups or Luxury
Pre-booked services offer reliability and comfort, ideal for families, groups, or business travel.
Shared & Private Shuttles
Companies like GO Boston Shuttle or SuperShuttle (shared van) offer door-to-door service. You may share the van with others, making stops. Prices start around $25-$40 per person. Book in advance online.
Private Sedan or SUV
Services like Boston Chauffeur or Commonwealth Worldwide provide a dedicated car and driver. Your driver will meet you at baggage claim with a sign. Prices are fixed and range from $80 to $150+ depending on vehicle size and service level. Excellent for stress-free travel with lots of luggage.
Option 4: Can You Walk from Logan to Back Bay?
No. Do not attempt to walk. Logan Airport is situated on a harbor island, separated from downtown Boston by the Boston Harbor and extensive highway systems (I-90, I-93). There are no safe, legal pedestrian pathways connecting the airport to the city. The distance is over 4 miles and would involve crossing active runways, taxiways, and high-speed limited-access highways—it is extremely dangerous and illegal. Always use motorized transportation.
Cost & Time Comparison: Logan Airport to Back Bay
| Method | Avg. Total Time | Avg. Total Cost (per person) | Transfers / Steps | Best Suited For | Our Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Transit (MBTA Subway) | 50-70 min | $2.40 | 3 (Shuttle, Bus, 2x Subway) | Solo travelers, budget backpackers, light luggage | 🎯 CHEAPEST |
| Public Transit (MBTA Commuter Rail) | 40-60 min | $4.80 - $9.65 | 2 (Shuttle, Bus, Train) | Those near South Station or Back Bay Station, avoiding subway crowds | ⚡ BEST BALANCE (Speed/Cost) |
| Ride-Share (UberX/Lyft) | 15-30 min | $25 - $50 | 0 (Door-to-Door) | Couples, groups of 3-4, those with luggage, bad weather | 🚀 FASTEST / MOST CONVENIENT |
| Taxi | 15-30 min | $35 - $55 (incl. tip & tolls) | 0 (Door-to-Door) | Immediate departure, those preferring traditional service | Reliable & Available |
| Private Car Service | 20-35 min | $80 - $150+ | 0 (Door-to-Door) | Families, business travel, large groups, special occasions | Luxury & Reliability |
| Shared Shuttle Van | 30-60 min* | $25 - $40 | 0 (But multiple stops possible) | Solo travelers wanting a pre-booked ride | Budget Pre-Booked Option |
*Time can vary significantly based on other passengers' drop-off locations.
Traveler Tips & Local Advice for a Smooth Trip
- Download Essential Apps: Before you land, download the MBTA mTicket app (for Commuter Rail tickets) and the Uber/Lyft apps. Ensure your payment method is set up.
- Navigating with Luggage: If you have large suitcases, the Silver Line bus (low-floor) is manageable, but the Green Line subway (older trains, narrow aisles, stairs) is very challenging. Consider taking the Silver Line to South Station and then a taxi/ride-share for the final leg.
- Rush Hour (Weekdays 7-9 AM & 4-7 PM): Road traffic is heavy. Your taxi/ride-share trip could take 45+ minutes. During this time, the Silver Line (with its dedicated tunnel section) can be surprisingly competitive in terms of total time.
- Late-Night Arrivals: Public transit runs less frequently after midnight. The Silver Line SL1 runs 24/7, but wait times can be 30+ minutes late at night. Taxis and ride-shares are your most reliable option after 1 AM.
- Back Bay Stations Clarification: "Back Bay" is served by both the Back Bay Commuter Rail Station (on Dartmouth St) and the Green Line Subway Stations (Arlington, Copley, Hynes). Check which is closer to your final hotel or destination.
- Free Wi-Fi: Logan Airport offers free Wi-Fi ("LoganWifi"). Use it to book your ride-share or check transit schedules as soon as you land.
Data Source: Times and fares are based on 2024 data from the MBTA, Massport, and real-user reports. Fares are subject to change.
FAQs: Getting from Logan Airport to Back Bay
What is the cheapest way to get from Logan Airport to Back Bay?
The cheapest way is using public transit: take the FREE Massport Shuttle (Route 22, 33, or 55) from any terminal to the 'Silver Line Way' station, then board the Silver Line SL1 bus to 'South Station'. From there, transfer to the Red Line subway (inbound towards Alewife) for one stop to 'Park Street', and finally transfer to the Green Line (B, C, D, or E Branch) inbound to 'Arlington', 'Copley', or 'Hynes Convention Center' stations in Back Bay. The total cost is just the MBTA subway fare of $2.40 with a CharlieCard or CharlieTicket.
What is the fastest way to get from Logan Airport to Back Bay?
The fastest way, especially with luggage or during off-peak hours, is by taxi or ride-share (Uber/Lyft). The direct drive takes 15-30 minutes depending on traffic. Ride-share pickups are at designated zones in Central Parking. During rush hour (7-9 AM, 4-7 PM), the Silver Line + Subway combo can sometimes be equally fast as it uses dedicated bus lanes part of the way, avoiding road congestion.
Is there a direct train from Logan Airport to Back Bay?
No, there is no single direct train. Logan Airport does not have a heavy rail (subway) station on-site. The most direct public transit route involves a free shuttle bus to the Silver Line (a Bus Rapid Transit service), then a subway transfer. The closest direct rail service to Back Bay is the Commuter Rail from South Station, but you still need to get to South Station from the airport first via the Silver Line.
How much is a taxi from Logan to Back Bay?
A metered taxi from Logan Airport to Back Bay typically costs between $30 and $45, not including tip (15-20%) and potential tolls ($2.50-$6.00 for the Sumner or Ted Williams Tunnel). The final price depends heavily on traffic, your exact destination in Back Bay, and time of day. There is a standard airport fee of approximately $3.25 added to the meter. Always ensure the meter is running.
Can I walk from Logan Airport to Back Bay?
Walking is not feasible or safe. The distance is over 4 miles across multiple highways and bridges with no pedestrian walkways. The only pedestrian path off the airport premises involves a circuitous and dangerous route. Always use public transit, taxi, or ride-share.
Where do I catch the Silver Line bus at Logan Airport?
The Silver Line SL1 bus does not pick up directly at airline terminals. First, take a FREE Massport Shuttle Bus (look for signs for 'Massport Shuttles' or 'Subway' outside baggage claim). Take Route 22, 33, or 55. All three routes will stop at 'Silver Line Way' station where you disembark and board the Silver Line SL1 bus to South Station. Shuttles run 24/7, every 5-10 minutes.
Is the Silver Line from Logan Airport free?
Yes, but only from the airport to South Station. When you board the Silver Line SL1 bus at 'Silver Line Way' station (after the free shuttle), your ride to South Station is free. However, when you transfer from South Station to the Red Line subway (or any other MBTA service), you must pay the standard fare ($2.40). The return trip from the city back to the airport on the Silver Line is not free.
What's the best way with lots of luggage?
With more than one large suitcase per person, public transit becomes challenging due to stairs, crowds, and bus boarding. The best options are: 1) Taxi or Ride-share: Door-to-door service. 2) Private Shuttle/Car Service: Pre-booked for guaranteed space. 3) If using transit, take the Silver Line SL1 (low-floor buses with luggage areas) to South Station, then a taxi from there to avoid multiple subway transfers with bags.