Quick Answer
The best overall way to get from Logan Airport to most parts of Cambridge is by taking the MBTA public transit (the “T”). Combine the free Silver Line SL1 bus from any terminal with the Red Line subway at South Station. The total cost is only $2.40, and the journey takes 50-75 minutes. For a direct, door-to-door option, a taxi or rideshare (Uber/Lyft) costs $35-$55 and takes 20-40 minutes, depending on traffic.
Option 1: Public Transit (MBTA) – The Best & Cheapest Way
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), known as the “T,” offers the most cost-effective and reliable route from Logan Airport (BOS) to Cambridge. This method involves a seamless, free transfer from a bus to the subway. It’s highly recommended for solo travelers, couples, and anyone with manageable luggage.
Step-by-Step Guide: Silver Line + Red Line (Recommended Route)
- Find the Silver Line SL1 Bus: Follow signs for “Ground Transportation” and “MBTA Silver Line” in your terminal. The SL1 bus stops are located on the lower level outside each baggage claim area. Buses run every 8-12 minutes.
- Take the Free Ride to South Station: The Silver Line SL1 from Logan Airport is FREE until you exit at South Station. Enjoy the dedicated bus tunnel. The ride takes about 15-20 minutes.
- Transfer to the Red Line at South Station: Get off at the final stop, South Station. Inside, follow signs for the Red Line (heading towards “Alewife”).
- Purchase a CharlieTicket or CharlieCard: You’ll need to pay your fare here. Use the vending machines to buy a CharlieTicket (paper card) or a reusable CharlieCard if available. Tap your card/ticket to enter the subway gates.
- Board the Red Line to Cambridge: Take any train on the Red Line (all go to Cambridge). Key stops in Cambridge include:
- Kendall/MIT (for MIT and Kendall Square)
- Central Square
- Harvard Square (for Harvard University)
- Porter Square
- Davis Square
Alternative MBTA Route: Blue Line + Transfer
For destinations in East Cambridge, you can take the free Massport Shuttle #22 or #33 from any terminal to the Airport Station on the Blue Line. Take the Blue Line inbound to Government Center, then transfer to the Green Line (towards Lechmere) or walk/transfer further to your destination. This route is less direct for most of Cambridge.
| Route | Steps | Total Cost | Estimated Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silver Line + Red Line | SL1 Bus → South Station → Red Line (to Alewife) | $2.40 (Free bus + Subway fare) | 50-75 mins | Most travelers, budget-conscious, going to Central/Harvard/Kendall |
| Blue Line + Green Line | Free Shuttle → Airport Sta. → Blue Line → Gov't Center → Green Line | $2.40 | 60-80 mins | Destinations near Lechmere Station, East Cambridge |
Option 2: Logan Express Bus to Back Bay + Transit
The Logan Express service provides a comfortable, non-stop coach bus from Logan to the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston. From there, you can take a short subway or rideshare ride into Cambridge. This is a good mid-ground option if you have more luggage than you'd want on the subway but don't want to pay for a full taxi.
How It Works:
- Pickup: Board the Back Bay Logan Express at any terminal (look for signs). Buses depart every 20-30 minutes.
- Ride: Non-stop ride to the Back Bay Station (at the Hynes Convention Center). Travel time is 20-35 minutes, depending on traffic.
- Cost: Fare is $3.00 when purchased online, or $7.75 cash on board.
- To Cambridge from Back Bay:
- By Subway: Walk to the nearby Copley Station (Green Line) or Back Bay Station (Orange Line). Transfer to the Red Line (via Park Street or Downtown Crossing) to reach Cambridge. Additional fare ($2.40) required.
- By Rideshare/Taxi: A short Uber/Lyft or taxi ride from Back Bay to Central Cambridge costs about $15-$25 and takes 10-15 minutes.
Analysis: Total door-to-door time is similar to the Silver Line route (60-80 mins), but can be more comfortable. Total cost ranges from ~$5.40 (bus + subway) to ~$30 (bus + Uber). Ideal for those staying near Back Bay or with heavy bags.
Option 4: Private & Shared Shuttles
Shared shuttle vans (like Go Boston Shuttle) and private car services offer pre-booked transportation. This is less common for the short Logan-Cambridge trip but can be valuable for large groups or corporate travel.
- Shared Shuttles: You share a van with other passengers heading to various destinations. Costs ~$25-$40 per person to Cambridge. Must be booked in advance. Travel time can be lengthy due to multiple stops.
- Private Car Service: A chauffeur meets you at baggage claim. Companies like Commonwealth Limo offer sedans and SUVs. Prices start around $80-$120+ one-way. Ideal for business travel or special occasions.
Verdict: For most individuals/families, a taxi or rideshare is simpler and often cheaper than a pre-booked shuttle. Private cars are a luxury premium.
Cost & Time Comparison: Logan Airport to Cambridge
Use this table to quickly compare all your options for a trip to Harvard Square, Cambridge.
| Transport Method | Estimated Cost (One Way) | Estimated Travel Time | Key Advantages | Key Drawbacks | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MBTA (Silver Line + Red Line) | $2.40 | 50-75 min | Extremely cheap, reliable, avoids traffic | Multiple transfers, stairs/lifts with luggage, not 24/7 | Budget travelers, solo/couples with light bags |
| Logan Express + Transit | $5.40 - $30 | 60-80 min | More luggage space, comfortable coach | Still requires a second leg of travel | Travelers with medium luggage, going near Back Bay |
| UberX / Lyft Standard | $35 - $65 | 20-40 min | Door-to-door, pay via app, trackable | Price surges, dependent on traffic | Groups of 3-4, those with heavy luggage, convenience seekers |
| Taxi (Flat Rate) | $35 - $55 + tip & toll | 20-40 min | Fixed price, immediate pickup, pay by cash/card | Can be more expensive than rideshare off-peak | Late-night arrivals, during rideshare surges |
| Private Car Service | $80+ | 20-40 min | Luxury, meet-and-greet, guaranteed | Very expensive | Business travel, special events |
Winner for Budget: MBTA Public Transit ($2.40).
Winner for Speed & Convenience: Taxi or Rideshare (20-40 min, door-to-door).
Traveler Tips & Insider Experience
Navigating with Luggage
- MBTA with Bags: All Silver Line buses and Red Line trains are accessible with low floors and dedicated spaces for luggage/wheelchairs. However, stations like Harvard and Central have escalators and elevators that can be busy. Avoid rush hour if you have large suitcases.
- Consider a Porter: For a fee, Skycap Porter Service at Logan can help you with bags to the curb or even to the Silver Line stop.
Money-Saving & Practical Advice
- Download the “MBTA mTicket” App: Purchase subway/bus fares on your phone before you arrive. Saves time at the vending machine.
- Check Rideshare Prices BEFORE Exiting: Once you request a ride, you have a short window to get to the pickup zone. Check Uber/Lyft prices while waiting for your luggage to decide.
- Traffic is Real: Between 4-7 PM on weekdays, the tunnels and bridges into Cambridge can be severely congested. A 20-minute ride can become 60+ minutes. The subway is immune to this.
- Late-Night Arrivals (After 1 AM): The MBTA subway and Silver Line do not run 24 hours. Your only practical options are taxi or rideshare. The taxi flat rate is often the best value at this time.
For International Travelers
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout Logan Airport. Connect to “Logan WiFi” to look up directions or order a rideshare. U.S. cellular networks can be accessed immediately upon landing for most travelers with global roaming.
FAQs: Getting from Logan Airport to Cambridge
Is there a direct train from Logan Airport to Cambridge?
No, there is no single direct train. Logan Airport does not have a direct rail link. The most seamless public transit route involves taking the free Silver Line SL1 bus (which runs in a dedicated tunnel, like a train) to South Station, then transferring to the Red Line subway to Cambridge.
What is the cheapest way from Logan to Cambridge?
The absolute cheapest way is via MBTA public transit. Taking the free Silver Line SL1 bus to South Station and then paying the $2.40 subway fare on the Red Line gets you to most of Cambridge for a total of only $2.40.
How much is a taxi/Uber from Logan to Cambridge?
A taxi has a regulated flat rate of $35-$55 to Cambridge (plus toll and tip). An Uber or Lyft typically costs between $30 and $65, with prices fluctuating based on demand and traffic. During peak surge times, rideshares can exceed taxi prices.
How long does the subway/bus take from Logan to Harvard Square?
The combined Silver Line SL1 bus and Red Line subway journey takes approximately 50 to 75 minutes from terminal to Harvard Square station. This includes waiting time for the bus and train.
What’s the best option for a family of 4 with luggage?
For a family with luggage, a taxi or a larger Uber/Lyft (like UberXL) is often the best balance of cost and convenience. Splitting the flat-rate taxi fare (~$55) four ways is reasonable. The MBTA is possible with manageable luggage but can be stressful with multiple children and suitcases during busy times.
Is the Silver Line bus from Logan really free?
Yes. The Silver Line SL1 bus from all Logan Airport terminals to South Station is completely free of charge. You only pay when you transfer to the subway (Red Line) or another bus at South Station. There is no need to tap a ticket when boarding the SL1 at the airport.
What should I do if I arrive at Logan very late at night?
If you arrive after the MBTA subway and Silver Line stop running (around 1 AM), your only consistent options are taxi or rideshare. The taxi flat rate is your most predictable and reliable choice. Pre-booked private car services are also a guaranteed option but are more expensive.
Is the Logan Express bus a good option for Cambridge?
It can be, but it's not direct. The Logan Express to Back Bay is a comfortable coach, but you'll then need to take a second vehicle (subway or rideshare) into Cambridge. It’s a good option if you have more luggage than you’d like on the subway and don’t mind the extra leg or cost (~$15-30 total).