Quick Answer
The best overall way for most travelers is the MBTA Silver Line + Green Line: a free bus from the airport to South Station, then a subway to central BU campus (approx. 35-50 mins, $2.40). The fastest way is a taxi or rideshare (Uber/Lyft) (15-30 mins, $30-55). The cheapest way is the aforementioned public transit combo for just the subway fare of $2.40.
Option 1: Public Transit – MBTA Silver Line & Green Line (Best Value)
This is the most recommended route for budget-conscious travelers heading to the main Charles River Campus. It involves two legs: a free bus and a paid subway ride.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Find the Silver Line SL1: Follow signs for “Ground Transportation” and “Silver Line” in any terminal. The SL1 bus stops are located at the lower level outside each baggage claim.
- Take the Free Ride to South Station: Board the SL1 bus (labeled “South Station”). The ride is free from Logan Airport. It travels through a dedicated tunnel, avoiding traffic. Trip time: ~15-20 minutes.
- Transfer at South Station: Get off at the final stop, South Station. Go upstairs to the Red Line subway.
- Take the Red Line (1 stop): Take any Red Line train (in the direction of Alewife) just one stop to Park Street Station.
- Transfer to the Green Line (B Branch): At Park Street, follow signs for the Green Line “B” Branch (Boston College). Take an outbound “B” train.
- Alight at Your BU Stop:
- BU Central (Central Campus, GSU, College of Arts & Sciences)
- Pleasant Street (West Campus, Fitness & Recreation Center)
- Babcock Street (West Campus, close to Nickerson Field)
- Boston University West (Warren Towers, College of Communication)
Key Details & Tips:
- Cost: The Silver Line from Logan is free. You pay only when you tap onto the Red/Green Line at South Station. Fare is $2.40 with a CharlieCard or $2.90 with a paper ticket.
- Total Time: 35 to 50 minutes, depending on wait times for trains.
- Luggage: Silver Line buses are low-floor with luggage racks. Green Line trains (especially older ones) have high steps and can be crowded.
- Alternative Route (Fewer Transfers): Take Silver Line SL1 to Courthouse Station (instead of South Station). Walk 5 minutes to World Trade Center Station and take the Silver Line SL2 to Broadway Station, then transfer to the Red Line to Park Street. This is more complex for first-timers.
- Source: Official MBTA system maps and schedules (mbta.com).
Option 3: Shared & Private Shuttles
Shared shuttle vans offer a middle-ground between transit and private car.
Shared Ride Services (e.g., Go Airport Shuttle, SuperShuttle):
- How it Works: Book online or at counters in baggage claim. You share a van with other passengers going to various destinations.
- Cost: $25 - $40 per person to BU.
- Time: 30-60+ minutes, depending on the number of stops.
- Pros: Can be cheaper than a solo taxi for one person.
- Cons: Unpredictable wait times and longer travel duration.
Private Car Services:
Pre-book a sedan or SUV from companies like Boston Chauffeur or Commonwealth Limo.
- Cost: $80 - $120+ one-way.
- Best For: Business travelers, families, groups, or special occasions.
Option 4: Logan Express & Intercity Buses (Not Ideal for BU)
These services are designed for different destinations but are options in a pinch.
- Logan Express to Back Bay: Goes to Hynes Convention Center. From there, you'd need to walk 15-20 minutes or take the Green Line (B, C, or D) two stops west to BU Central. Cost: $7.75. Not the most direct route to BU.
- Intercity Buses (Peter Pan, Greyhound): Arrive at South Station or the new Boston Landing station (served by some carriers). From South Station, follow the public transit guide. From Boston Landing, you are in Brighton, a 15-minute walk or short bus ride (#64) to West Campus.
Option 5: Renting a Car & Driving
Generally not recommended for visitors staying at or near BU due to heavy traffic, expensive parking, and BU's excellent walkability and transit access.
If You Must Drive:
- Rental: Rental car centers are located off-airport. Take a free shuttle bus from your terminal.
- Route: Take the Ted Williams Tunnel (I-90 West) to the Massachusetts Turnpike. Exit at Cambridge/Brighton (Exit 18) and follow signs for Brighton/Cambridge. Use GPS for your specific destination.
- Parking: Street parking near BU is extremely limited and often permit-only. Visitor parking garages are expensive ($30-$50/day). Check with BU if you are visiting the university for guest parking options.
Cost & Time Comparison: Logan Airport to Boston University
| Transport Method | Approx. Cost (One-Way) | Approx. Travel Time | Convenience | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MBTA (Silver/Green Line) | $2.40 (CharlieCard) | 35-50 min | Moderate (transfers, luggage) | Budget travelers, light packers |
| MBTA Bus #171 (Weekdays Only) | $1.70 (CharlieCard) | 45-70 min | Low (slow, traffic) | Extreme budget, no subway access needed |
| Shared Airport Shuttle | $25 - $40 | 30-60+ min | Moderate-High (door-to-door, shared) | Solo travelers wanting direct service |
| UberX / Lyft Standard | $25 - $50 | 15-30 min | High | Convenience, groups of 2-4, heavy luggage |
| Taxi | $35 - $55 | 15-30 min | High | Immediate pickup, no smartphone |
| Private Car Service | $80+ | 15-30 min | Very High | Business, luxury, large groups |
Verdict: For most, the MBTA Silver/Green Line offers the best value, while Uber/Lyft offers the best balance of speed and convenience for a reasonable price.
Traveler Tips & Essential Advice
Navigation & Logistics:
- Download Essential Apps: MBTA mTicket for passes, Google Maps or Transit for real-time directions, and your preferred rideshare app.
- BU Campus is Long: It's over 1.5 miles along Commonwealth Ave. Know which stop is closest to your destination. The BU Interactive Map is invaluable.
- Free On-Campus Shuttle (BUS): Once on campus, use the free Boston University Shuttle (BUS) to get between East, Central, and West campuses, and to the Medical Campus.
Luggage & Accessibility:
- Heavy Luggage: Seriously consider a taxi/rideshare. Navigating subway stairs and crowded trains with large suitcases is difficult.
- The “T” with Strollers/Wheelchairs: All Silver Line stops and newer Green Line trains are accessible. Use the MBTA accessibility guide.
Seasonal & Timing Advice:
- Move-In Weekends (Late August): Traffic and demand for rideshares around BU are extremely high. Plan for major delays and surge pricing.
- Winter Weather: Snow can disrupt all transportation. Allow extra time. The Silver Line tunnel provides good reliability in snow.
- Late-Night Arrivals: Check the MBTA late-night schedule. After ~12:30 AM, service is sparse, making taxis/rideshares the default choice.
FAQs: Getting from Logan Airport to Boston University
What is the cheapest way to get from Logan Airport to Boston University?
The cheapest option is taking the MBTA Silver Line + Green Line. The Silver Line SL1 bus from any airport terminal is free from Logan to South Station. From there, transfer to the Green Line (B Branch to Boston College) and get off at the BU Central, Pleasant Street, or Babcock Street stations. The total cost is just the standard MBTA subway fare (currently $2.40 with a CharlieCard).
What is the fastest way to get from Logan Airport to BU?
The fastest option is typically a taxi, Uber, or Lyft, especially outside of rush hour. The drive takes 15-30 minutes depending on traffic. During peak traffic (weekdays 7-9 AM, 4-7 PM), the MBTA Silver Line + Green Line can sometimes be faster and more reliable than road traffic.
Is there a direct train from Logan Airport to Boston University?
There is no single direct train. However, you can take a free, direct bus (the Silver Line SL1) from the airport to South Station, which is a major transit hub. From South Station, you take the Red Line subway one stop to Park Street, then transfer to the Green Line (B Branch) heading west to BU. This is a seamless, all-public-transit route.
How do I get from Logan to BU late at night or early in the morning?
Between approximately 1 AM and 5:30 AM, MBTA service is limited. Your best options are: 1) Taxi or Rideshare (Uber/Lyft): Available 24/7. 2) Logan Express to Back Bay & Walk/Taxi: Not ideal for BU. 3) Pre-booked Private Shuttle: Some services operate early/late. Always check the latest MBTA schedules for early morning Sunday service, which starts later.
Can I use the MBTA Commuter Rail from the airport to BU?
Not directly. The Commuter Rail does not serve Logan Airport. You would need to take the Silver Line to South Station first to access Commuter Rail lines. For destinations near BU (like the Fenway or Lansdowne stops on the Framingham/Worcester Line), this is an extremely roundabout and not recommended route compared to the direct Silver/Green Line connection.
Where does the BU Shuttle (BUS) pick up from Logan Airport?
The Boston University Shuttle (BUS) does NOT serve Logan Airport. It is a free shuttle for students, faculty, and staff that operates around the Charles River Campus, Medical Campus, and nearby residential areas. To get from the airport to a point where you can catch the BU Shuttle, you must first use public transit, taxi, or rideshare to reach campus.
Is it easy to get to BU with a lot of luggage?
It can be challenging. The Silver Line buses are accessible with low floors and luggage racks. However, the Green Line trains (especially the older Type 7 trains) have high steps and crowded aisles. For 1-2 manageable bags, it's fine. For multiple large suitcases or during peak times, a taxi, rideshare, or private car service is strongly recommended for door-to-door convenience.
Should I buy a CharlieCard or CharlieTicket for this trip?
Yes, getting a reusable CharlieCard is highly recommended. It offers a discount on subway fares ($2.40 vs. $2.90 with a paper CharlieTicket) and free transfers between bus and subway within 2 hours. You can get a CharlieCard from the MBTA Customer Service booth at Airport Station (where the Silver Line stops) or from major subway station attendants. Load it with cash or a pass.