How to Get from Logan Airport to Downtown Boston

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) system is your key to affordable Boston travel. Logan Airport is uniquely connected via two free Massport shuttle bus routes that link to the subway network. This is the method used by locals and savvy tourists.

Step-by-Step: How to Take the "T" from Logan

1. Find the Free Shuttle: After baggage claim, follow signs for "Ground Transportation" and then "Massport Shuttle" or "MBTA". Look for the Blue Line Shuttle (Route 22/33) or Silver Line SL1 Bus.
2. Take the Shuttle:
   • To Blue Line: Board the "BLUE LINE" shuttle. It will take you to Airport Station on the Blue Line in 5-10 minutes.
   • To Silver Line: Board the SL1 (South Station) bus directly from any terminal. This is a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) route.
3. Board the Train/Bus:
   • From Airport Station (Blue Line): Take an inbound train (toward Bowdoin). Key downtown stops: Aquarium (5 mins), State Street (7 mins) (transfer to Orange Line), Government Center (9 mins) (transfer to Green Line).
   • From the Silver Line SL1: It travels directly to South Station (a major transit hub) in about 15-20 minutes, free of charge.
4. Pay Your Fare: You'll need a CharlieTicket or CharlieCard. Tap at the fare gate (Blue Line) or fare validator (Silver Line). The fare is $2.40. If you need to transfer from the Silver Line to the Red Line at South Station, the transfer is free inside the station.

Blue Line vs. Silver Line: Which to Choose?

Feature	Blue Line via Airport Shuttle	Silver Line SL1 (BRT)
Best For Destinations	North End, Waterfront, Government Center, Beacon Hill	Seaport District, South Station, Financial District, connecting to Red Line/Amtrak
Travel Time to Core	~20-30 minutes total	~20-35 minutes total
Cost from Airport	Shuttle: Free | Subway: $2.40	Entire trip to South Station: FREE
Luggage Space	Moderate (standard subway cars)	Good (larger bus with more floor space)

Pro Tip: Download the official MBTA website or a transit app like "Transit" for real-time schedules and service alerts.

For a balance of comfort, price, and direct service without multiple transfers, shuttle buses are an excellent choice, especially for those with more luggage or going to specific hubs.

A. Logan Express (Official Massport Service)

This is a dedicated, non-stop shuttle between Logan Airport and key locations in the greater Boston area. The most relevant for downtown visitors is the Back Bay and South Station routes.

• Fare: $9.25 per adult one-way. Children 17 and under ride free with a paying adult. Tickets can be bought online or on board.
• Back Bay Route: Services the Back Bay Station (145 Dartmouth St). Travel time is ~30-45 mins depending on traffic. This drops you steps from Copley Square, the Prudential Center, and is a short walk/T ride to other Back Bay hotels.
• South Station Route: Travel time ~20-35 mins. Directly connects to Amtrak, Commuter Rail, and the Red Line subway.
• Key Advantage: Free return trip. Your ticket includes a free return voucher from Back Bay or South Station to the airport.

B. Shared Ride Vans & Private Shuttles

Companies like Go Airport Shuttle offer shared or private door-to-door service. You'll find their counters in the ground transportation area of each terminal.

• Cost: Shared rides start at ~$25-$35 per person to downtown. Private vans are $60-$120+.
• How it Works: You book a ride, and the van may make a few stops to drop off other passengers heading in the same general direction.
• Best For: Groups of 3-4 where the cost becomes comparable to taxis, travelers going to areas not well-served by public transit, or those wanting a pre-booked, guaranteed ride.

The most convenient but also most expensive door-to-door option. Use this for late-night arrivals, heavy rain, or if you have excessive luggage or mobility issues.

Taxis

• Availability: Taxi stands are located outside each terminal on the lower level (baggage claim).
• Fare Structure: The meter starts at $3.00. The rate to most downtown destinations (within a defined "Rate Zone") is a fixed metered fare, typically $25 - $45+.
• Additional Costs: The Sumner/Callahan Tunnel toll ($3.50) is added to your fare. A tip of 15-20% is standard.
• Payment: All taxis accept credit cards.

Rideshare (Uber, Lyft)

• Pickup Locations: Designated rideshare pickup zones are in the Central Parking garage. Follow signs for "Rideshare" or "App-based Ride" from your terminal. You may need to take a short walk or an elevator.
• Cost: Highly variable. Expect to pay $30 to $60+ for an UberX/Lyft Standard to downtown. Prices surge significantly during rush hour (7-9 AM, 4-7 PM), bad weather, and late nights.
• Options: UberX/Lyft (standard), Uber XL/Lyft XL (larger vehicles, 30-50% more), and premium services (Black, SUV).

Comparison Verdict: For a standard trip, taxi and rideshare prices are similar, but rideshares can be much more expensive during surge. Taxis offer predictable, regulated pricing to defined zones. Always check the estimated fare on your app before confirming a rideshare pickup during peak times.

Go beyond the basics with these insights from frequent Boston visitors and residents.

• 👜 Luggage Strategy: If you have large suitcases, the Logan Express shuttle or a taxi/rideshare is far less stressful than the subway. The Silver Line bus has more floor space than the Blue Line train if you must use transit.
• 📱 Essential App: Before you land, download the "Transit" app or Google Maps. They provide real-time MBTA schedules, service alerts (for delays or shuttle changes), and step-by-step navigation integrating walking and transit.
• 🏨 Hotel Location Matters: If your hotel is in Back Bay (near Copley/Prudential), prioritize the Logan Express to Back Bay. If it's in the North End or near Faneuil Hall, the Blue Line is your best public transit bet.
• ⏰ Rush Hour (7-9 AM, 4-7 PM): Traffic into the city is heavy. Public transit (subway) becomes the unequivocally fastest option during these times, as it bypasses road congestion entirely.
• 🌉 Tunnel Tolls: Any vehicle (taxi, shuttle, rideshare) using the Sumner or Ted Williams Tunnel from the airport will have a $3.50 toll added to your fare. This is normal and expected.
• 💳 Payment: For the MBTA, you can buy a CharlieTicket from machines at Airport Station or South Station. For longer stays, consider a 7-Day LinkPass ($22.50) for unlimited travel, which pays for itself in about 9 rides.