Quick Answer
The best overall way to travel from Boston Logan Airport (BOS) to Plymouth is by pre-booked private transfer or ride-share (Uber/Lyft). It offers the best balance of convenience, speed, and reasonable cost for a door-to-door journey. The total trip takes 1 to 1.5 hours and costs between $80 and $130. The cheapest option is public transit (Silver Line + Commuter Rail) for under $15, but it takes 2+ hours and involves transfers.
Public Transit: The Budget-Friendly Combo (Train & Bus)
While there's no single direct train, a combination of subway and commuter rail is the most economical public transport method. This is ideal for solo travelers or couples with light luggage who aren't pressed for time.
The Step-by-Step Route
- Logan Airport to South Station: Take the MBTA Silver Line SL1 bus from any terminal. It's free from the airport and takes about 20 minutes. This bus drops you directly at South Station, Boston's main transport hub.
- South Station to Plymouth: At South Station, transfer to the MBTA Commuter Rail on the Kingston/Plymouth Line. The train ride to Plymouth station takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Total Journey: ~2 to 2.5 hours | Total Cost: ~$14.65 ($0 + $12.25 for a one-way Commuter Rail ticket, plus $2.40 for the subway return if you need it).
| Leg | Service | Cost (One-Way) | Approx. Time | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airport → South Station | MBTA Silver Line SL1 Bus | FREE (from Airport) | 20 min | Every 10-15 min |
| South Station → Plymouth | MBTA Commuter Rail | $12.25 | 75 min | ~Hourly (less frequent on weekends) |
Source: MBTA Official Website
Key Considerations & Alternatives
Bus Alternative: The Plymouth & Brockton Street Railway also runs buses from South Station to Plymouth. The trip is slightly longer (~1.5-2 hrs by bus) and comparable in price (~$15-20). Schedules may align better with your arrival time than the train.
Luggage: Manageable but not ideal for large suitcases. The Silver Line bus has low floors and luggage areas. The commuter rail has overhead racks and some floor space.
Final Mile: Plymouth station is about 2 miles from the historic downtown/waterfront. You may need a local taxi or ride-share for the final leg to your hotel.
Rental Car: For Ultimate Flexibility
Renting a car is excellent if you plan to explore Cape Cod, the South Shore, or other areas beyond Plymouth.
Process & Logistics
All major rental agencies (Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, etc.) have counters at Logan Airport. You take a free rental car shuttle bus from your terminal to the off-airport Rental Car Center.
Drive Route: Take the I-93 S to MA-3 S (Pilgrims Highway). It's a straightforward ~55-mile drive.
Drive Time: 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes, heavily dependent on Boston and Cape Cod traffic.
Cost Breakdown & Tips
- Daily Rental Rate: $50 - $100+ per day.
- Additional Costs: Massachusetts tolls (Fast Lane/E-ZPass), parking fees in Plymouth (some hotels offer free parking), gas, and the Logan Airport Access Fee added to your rental.
- Pro Tip: Traffic on I-93 and MA-3 can be severe on summer Fridays and holiday weekends. Factor this into your timing.
Shared Shuttle Services
A middle-ground option between public transit and private transfer, though less prevalent for this specific route.
- How it Works: You share a van with other passengers heading to the general South Shore/Cape Cod area. It makes multiple stops.
- Companies: Services like GO Airport Shuttle may offer shared rides to Plymouth.
- Cost: $50 - $80 per person. Can be more expensive than a ride-share for two people.
- Drawback: The journey time can extend significantly (2+ hours) due to multiple drop-offs.
- Best For: Solo travelers who want a guaranteed, pre-booked seat but find a private transfer too costly.
Ticket & Cost Comparison: Logan Airport to Plymouth
This table summarizes all options to help you decide the best fit for your budget and needs.
| Transport Method | Approx. Cost (One-Way) | Door-to-Door Time | Best For | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ride-Share (Uber/Lyft) | $80 - $130 | 1 - 1.5 hrs | Most travelers, families, groups of 2-4 | Best Balance of speed, cost & convenience |
| Pre-Book Private Transfer | $120 - $200+ | 1 - 1.5 hrs | Groups, luxury travel, fixed budget | Professional, fixed price, meets at baggage claim |
| Rental Car | $50-$100/day + extras | 1 - 1.5 hrs (drive time) | Travelers exploring the region | Maximum flexibility for local travel |
| Public Transit (Train Combo) | Under $15 | 2 - 2.5+ hrs | Solo/couples, budget travelers, light luggage | Cheapest Option |
| Shared Shuttle | $50 - $80 per person | 1.5 - 2.5+ hrs | Solo travelers wanting pre-booked service | Guaranteed booking, no surge pricing |
| Taxi (Metered) | $150 - $200+ | 1 - 1.5 hrs | Last resort, when other services unavailable | Immediately available at curb |
Traveler Experience & Essential Tips
Practical Advice for a Smooth Journey
- Traffic is Your Biggest Variable: If driving or using a road-based service, avoid peak times (Weekdays 7-9 AM, 4-7 PM) and summer Friday afternoons when traffic to Cape Cod is intense. What is a 1-hour trip can easily become 2+ hours.
- Have a Data Plan or Offline Maps: Navigating Boston's airport roads and the highway system is much easier with GPS. Ensure your phone is ready.
- Book in Advance for Peak Seasons: If visiting in summer (June-August) or around Thanksgiving, pre-book your rental car or private transfer well ahead of time for better rates and availability.
- Consider Your Final Destination in Plymouth: If your hotel is near Plymouth Harbor or downtown, you may face paid parking. Check your hotel's parking policy if renting a car.
- Late-Night Arrivals: Public transit options dwindle after ~11:30 PM. If landing late, your only realistic options are ride-share, taxi, or a pre-arranged car service. Factor this into your budget.
FAQs: Getting from Boston Logan to Plymouth
Is there a direct train from Logan Airport to Plymouth?
No, there is no direct train service. You must first take a bus or subway from Logan Airport to Boston's South Station, then transfer to the MBTA Commuter Rail 'Kingston/Plymouth Line' heading to Plymouth or Kingston. The total journey typically takes 2 to 2.5 hours.
What is the cheapest way to get from Logan Airport to Plymouth?
The cheapest option is combining public transit: a $2.40 subway ride on the Silver Line SL1 from Logan to South Station, followed by a $12.25 one-way ticket on the MBTA Commuter Rail to Plymouth. Total cost is under $15. However, this requires managing your own luggage and connections.
What is the fastest way to get from Logan Airport to Plymouth?
A pre-booked private transfer or ride-share (Uber/Lyft) is the fastest door-to-door option, taking about 1 to 1.5 hours depending on traffic. This avoids multiple transfers and waiting for scheduled public transport.
How much is a taxi from Logan Airport to Plymouth?
A metered taxi from Logan Airport to Plymouth is very expensive, typically ranging from $150 to $200+ one-way, not including tolls and tip. Due to this high cost, ride-share services or pre-booked private cars are generally more economical and recommended.
Can I use the Commuter Rail from Logan Airport to Plymouth at night?
Service is limited at night. The last MBTA Commuter Rail train from South Station to the Plymouth/Kingston area typically departs between 10:30 PM and 11:30 PM. If you arrive late, your only practical options are a ride-share, taxi, or pre-arranged private transfer.
Is there a bus that goes directly from Logan Airport to Plymouth?
No direct public bus exists. However, Plymouth & Brockton Street Railway Co. operates buses from Boston's South Station to Plymouth. You must first get from Logan to South Station via the Silver Line SL1 bus (free from the airport) or subway.
Is it easy to get an Uber or Lyft from Logan Airport to Plymouth?
Yes, both Uber and Lyft operate reliably at Logan Airport. You can be picked up at designated ride-share areas at each terminal. The fare to Plymouth usually ranges from $80 to $130, which is significantly cheaper than a traditional taxi. It's advisable to check the app for an estimated fare before booking.
What should I do if I have a lot of luggage traveling to Plymouth?
Public transit (subway + commuter rail) can be challenging with heavy luggage due to stairs and limited space. For ease, opt for a ride-share, private transfer, or taxi. These provide direct, door-to-door service without the hassle of carrying bags on and off multiple vehicles.