Quick Answer
For most travelers, the best balance of speed, cost, and convenience from Logan Airport (BOS) to the Boston Ferry Terminal (Long Wharf) is the MBTA Blue Line subway. Take the free Massport Shuttle (Route 22, 33, or 55) from any terminal to Airport Station, board an inbound Blue Line train, and get off at Aquarium Station. The terminal is a 3-minute walk. Total cost is $2.40 and the journey takes 35-45 minutes. For the fastest option (15-25 mins), take a taxi or ride-share for $25-$45. For the cheapest option ($2.40, 45-60 mins), use the Silver Line bus + walk from South Station.
By MBTA Subway (Blue Line) â The Top Recommended Route
The MBTA Blue Line is the most straightforward and reliable public transit option, offering a direct connection from the airport to within a 5-minute walk of Long Wharf. It avoids downtown traffic and is the best choice for standard luggage.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Find the Free Shuttle: Follow signs for "Ground Transportation" or "MBTA Blue Line" in your terminal. Board the free Massport Shuttle Bus (Route 22, 33, or 55). All routes go to "Airport Station" on the Blue Line. Buses run every 5-10 minutes, 5:00 AM - 1:00 AM. (Official Schedule)
- Ride to Airport Station: The shuttle ride takes 5-15 minutes depending on terminal and traffic.
- Board the Blue Line: At Airport Station, purchase a CharlieTicket or tap your contactless card at the fare gate. Take any inbound train (direction: Bowdoin).
- Exit at Aquarium Station: Ride for 3 stops (approx. 10 minutes). Get off at Aquarium Station.
- Walk to Long Wharf: Take the exit towards "Atlantic Avenue / Central Wharf." Walk east on Atlantic Ave, then turn right onto Long Wharf. The ferry terminal is at the end. Walk time: 3-5 minutes.
Key Details & Analysis:
Why it's the best overall: It's cost-effective ($2.40), immune to road congestion, has frequent service, and involves minimal walking with clear signage. Aquarium Station is the closest stop to the ferry terminals.
Considerations: Not ideal for those with extensive mobility issues (though elevators are present) or with a very large amount of luggage during peak hours. The initial free shuttle can be crowded.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Time | 35 - 45 minutes |
| Total Cost | $2.40 (subway fare only; shuttle is free) |
| Operating Hours | Approx. 5:30 AM - 1:00 AM (check MBTA schedule) |
| Best For | Solo travelers, couples, budget-conscious tourists, avoiding traffic. |
| Luggage | Manageable for standard suitcases and backpacks. |
By Silver Line Bus & Walk â The Budget Alternative
The MBTA Silver Line SL1 is a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service that connects all terminals directly to South Station, a major transit hub. From there, you walk to Long Wharf. This is the official "mass transit" route listed by Massport and is fully accessible.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Find the Silver Line SL1: Follow signs for "Ground Transportation" and look for the Silver Line stops outside each terminal. No shuttle needed.
- Board the SL1 to South Station: Tap your fare ($2.40) upon boarding. The ride takes 20-35 minutes depending on traffic in the Seaport Tunnel.
- Exit at South Station: Get off at the final stop inside the South Station transportation building.
- Walk to Long Wharf: This is a 10-15 minute walk. Exit South Station towards Atlantic Ave/Summer St, walk east on Atlantic Ave over the bridge, and continue to Long Wharf.
Key Details & Analysis:
Pros: No transfer from terminal to bus, dedicated tunnel for part of the route reduces some traffic risk, free fare if arriving from the airport (you can transfer to the Red Line subway for free at South Station, but the walk to Long Wharf is free regardless).
Cons: The walk from South Station is longer and less scenic than from Aquarium Station. It can be confusing for first-time visitors. Subject to street-level traffic before/after the tunnel.
Verdict: Choose this if your terminal has a direct SL1 stop and you don't mind a longer walk. The Blue Line is generally more efficient for the specific destination of Long Wharf.
By Private Shuttle or Car Service â For Pre-Booked Comfort
For a seamless, pre-arranged experience, private services are available. They are cost-effective for larger groups.
- Shared-Ride Vans (e.g., GO Airport Shuttle): Book online or at counters in baggage claim. You share the van with others going to different destinations. Costs ~$20-$30 per person to downtown. Drop-off may not be precisely at Long Wharf. Travel time can be long due to multiple stops.
- Private Car Services: Companies like Boston Car Service or Blacklane offer sedans or SUVs with a meet-and-greet driver. Flat rates range from $65 to $120+ depending on vehicle class. Ideal for business travel or special occasions.
Analysis: Shared shuttles offer little advantage over a taxi/ride-share for a couple heading to a common destination like Long Wharf. Private cars are for luxury, certainty, and expense-account travel.
Ticket, Cost & Time Comparison: Logan Airport to Long Wharf
This table summarizes all options to help you decide based on your priorities.
| Transport Method | Approx. Total Time | Approx. Total Cost (per trip) | Convenience / Notes | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MBTA Blue Line (Subway) | 35 - 45 min | $2.40 | High. Free shuttle + train. Avoids traffic. | Best Overall Value |
| MBTA Silver Line + Walk | 45 - 60 min | $2.40 (Free from airport to South Station) | Medium. Direct bus but longer walk. | Cheapest Option, accessibility needs |
| Taxi | 15 - 35 min | $35 - $45+ (incl. toll & tip) | Very High. Door-to-door, always available. | Groups of 3-4, late night, lots of luggage |
| Ride-Share (UberX/Lyft) | 15 - 35 min | $25 - $50+ (highly variable) | High. Door-to-door, app-based, price surges. | Fastest Option (low traffic), 1-2 people |
| Private Car Service | 20 - 30 min | $65 - $120+ | Highest. Pre-booked, professional driver. | Business, luxury, special needs |
| Shared-Ride Shuttle | 45 - 75+ min | $20 - $30 per person | Low. Multiple stops, must book ahead. | Solo travelers on a tight budget who dislike public transit |
Traveler Experience & Insider Tips
Pro Tips for a Smooth Journey:
- Download Essential Apps: The MBTA mTicket app for transit alerts, and Google Maps/Apple Maps for real-time walking and transit directions.
- Get a CharlieCard (if you can): While contactless credit/debit cards work, a reusable CharlieCard offers a slight fare discount on bus transfers and is available at select stations (not at the airport). Ask a local or at a downtown station.
- Luggage Strategy: If you have oversized bags (e.g., from a cruise), seriously consider a taxi/ride-share. The subway is doable but can be a hassle during busy times.
- Beware of Rush Hour: Weekdays 7-9 AM and 4-7 PM. Subways are crowded but moving. Road traffic is heavy, making taxis/ride-shares slow and expensive. Stick to the Blue Line during these times.
- Check Ferry Schedules First: Before rushing, check the MBTA Ferry or Boston Harbor Cruises schedule. You may have time to take the more relaxed and cheaper subway.
- Walking from Aquarium Station: The exit leads you right to the New England Aquarium. Long Wharf is just to the north. It's a flat, scenic, and well-signed walk.
FAQs: Getting from Logan Airport to Boston Ferry Terminal
What is the cheapest way to get from Logan Airport to Long Wharf?
The cheapest way is to take the free Massport Shuttle Bus SL1 to the MBTA Silver Line at Airport Station, then ride it to South Station, and finally walk 10-15 minutes to Long Wharf. Total cost is just $2.40 for the subway fare. Walking from South Station is free.
What is the fastest way to get from Logan Airport to the Ferry Terminal?
The fastest way for most travelers is a taxi or ride-share (Uber/Lyft), taking 15-25 minutes depending on traffic, compared to 35-50+ minutes on public transit. However, during peak traffic hours, the subway (Blue Line to Government Center, then walk) can be more reliable and equally fast.
Is there a direct bus from Logan Airport to Long Wharf?
No, there is no single direct public bus. The most direct public transit route involves a free airport shuttle + the MBTA Silver Line bus + a walk. Some private shuttle services may offer direct routes, but they are less common and require booking in advance.
How do I get from Logan to Long Wharf late at night or early morning?
After public transit hours (approx. 1 AM - 5:30 AM), your only options are taxi, ride-share (Uber/Lyft operate 24/7), or pre-booked private car service. Taxis are readily available at all terminals. Expect higher ride-share surge pricing in the early morning hours.
Is the MBTA subway easy to use with luggage from the airport?
It can be challenging. The Silver Line bus is wheelchair/luggage accessible. The Blue Line subway cars have step-free access at Airport Station, but platforms and trains can be crowded. Avoid rush hours (7-9 AM, 4-6 PM) with large suitcases. For multiple or heavy bags, a taxi/ride-share is recommended.
Can I use a credit card to pay for Boston public transit from the airport?
Yes. You can tap a contactless credit/debit card or smartphone/wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay) directly on the fare reader at subway gates or on buses. This charges the standard $2.40 fare. Alternatively, you can buy a CharlieTicket from vending machines at Airport Station.
How long is the walk from the closest subway stop to Long Wharf?
From Aquarium Station (Blue Line), it's a 3-5 minute flat walk. From State Street Station (Orange/Blue Lines), it's a 7-10 minute walk. From South Station (Red/Silver Lines), it's a longer 10-15 minute walk across the Fort Point Channel.
Are there water taxis or ferries directly from Logan Airport to Long Wharf?
No, there is no direct ferry or water taxi from the airport terminals to Long Wharf. You must first get to the waterfront. However, once at Long Wharf, you can catch ferries to islands (George's, Spectacle) or to other destinations like Charlestown or the Seaport.