Quick Answer
The best overall way to get from Boston Logan Airport (BOS) to Quincy Market is via the MBTA public transit system. Take the free Massport Shuttle or Silver Line SL1 bus to the Airport or South Station MBTA stops, then transfer to the Blue Line and Green Line subways. The total cost is $2.40 and the journey takes 25-40 minutes. For direct door-to-door service, a taxi or ride-share (Uber/Lyft) takes 15-25 minutes and costs $25-$45.
By Subway & Public Transit (The Best Budget Option)
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), known as the "T," offers the most cost-effective and reliable public transit route from Logan Airport to downtown Boston. While not a single direct train, the integrated system of free airport shuttles and subways is efficient. There are two primary recommended routes, each with slight advantages.
Key Advantages: Extremely cheap ($2.40), frequent service, avoids traffic, and is environmentally friendly.
Key Disadvantages: Requires a transfer, can be crowded during rush hour, and involves stairs/elevators (challenging with heavy luggage).
| Route Option | Steps | Estimated Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Option 1: Blue Line + Green Line (Most Common) | 1. Free Massport Shuttle to "Airport" MBTA Station. 2. Blue Line Inbound to "Government Center". 3. Transfer to Green Line (any branch) to "Park Street". 4. Walk 2 mins to Quincy Market. |
30-40 mins | First-time visitors, balanced ease/cost. |
| Option 2: Silver Line + Red Line/Short Walk (Fastest Transit) | 1. Free Silver Line SL1 Bus to "South Station". 2a. Walk: 15-minute walk to Quincy Market. 2b. Subway: Red Line Inbound 1 stop to "Park Street". |
25-40 mins | Travelers with light bags, avoiding a subway transfer. |
Detailed Step-by-Step Guide (Option 1)
Step 1: Find the Free Shuttle. Follow signs for "Ground Transportation" and "MBTA" in your terminal. Look for the Massport Shuttle Bus (white and blue) or the Silver Line SL1 bus (electric, says "South Station"). Both are free from the airport. The shuttle goes to the Airport Blue Line station; the SL1 goes directly to South Station.
Step 2: Board the Blue Line. If you took the shuttle to the Airport station, purchase a CharlieCard/Ticket at the vending machine. Board any Blue Line train inbound (direction: Bowdoin). Ride 3 stops to Government Center.
Step 3: Transfer to the Green Line. At Government Center, follow signs for the Green Line. Any train (B, C, D, or E) heading inbound (direction: North Station/Lechmere) will work. It's just one stop to Park Street.
Step 4: Walk to Quincy Market. Exit Park Street station. You will be at the corner of Boston Common. Walk east (away from the park) on Tremont Street, then turn right onto Court Street. The Quincy Market rotunda will be directly ahead.
By Airport Shuttle & Bus
For those seeking a balance between cost and convenience, dedicated airport shuttles and public buses offer viable alternatives to the subway, especially for specific destinations or travelers with moderate luggage.
1. The Silver Line (SL1): This is a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service and part of the MBTA. It's free from Logan Airport and travels through a dedicated tunnel to South Station. From South Station, it's a 15-minute walk or a quick one-stop Red Line subway ride to Park Street. It has ample luggage space and is a top choice.
2. Logan Express Back Bay: While not direct to Quincy Market, the Logan Express service to Back Bay is a cheap, comfortable coach bus ($7.50 one-way). It drops you at the Hynes Convention Center/Copley Place area. From there, you can take a short taxi ride (~$10) or the Green Line subway inbound two stops to Park Street.
3. Public Buses (MBTA): Various MBTA bus routes (like the #171 from Terminal C) serve nearby neighborhoods but require complex transfers to reach downtown. These are not recommended for tourists heading directly to Quincy Market due to longer travel times and complexity.
By Private Car Service
Pre-booked private car services offer the highest level of comfort, reliability, and convenience. A professional driver will meet you at baggage claim with a name sign, assist with luggage, and drive you directly to your destination in a luxury vehicle.
Cost: This is the most expensive option, with fares typically starting around $75 - $120+ for a standard sedan, depending on the company and vehicle class. Luxury sedans, SUVs, or vans for groups will cost more.
When to Book: This option is ideal for business travelers, families with young children needing car seats, large groups, or travelers seeking a stress-free start to their vacation after a long flight. Companies like Commonwealth Limousine or Boston Car Limo are well-regarded local providers.
Booking Tip: Always book directly through the service's official website or phone line. Provide your flight number during booking so the company can track your arrival time and adjust for delays.
On Foot (Not Recommended)
We strongly advise against walking from Logan Airport to Quincy Market. While the distance is only about 3.5 miles, the route involves crossing active harbor channels via busy, narrow bridge sidewalks or through industrial areas with poor pedestrian infrastructure. There is no safe, continuous pedestrian pathway. The journey would take over an hour and be dangerous. Always use a vehicle or public transit.
Cost & Time Comparison: Logan Airport to Quincy Market
This table summarizes all options to help you decide the best fit for your budget and schedule.
| Transport Method | Estimated Cost (One-Way) | Estimated Travel Time | Key Pros | Key Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MBTA Subway (Blue/Green Line) | $2.40 | 30-40 min | Cheapest, avoids traffic, frequent | Transfers, stairs, crowded | Budget travelers, solo travelers |
| Silver Line SL1 + Walk | $0 (to South Station) | 25-35 min | Free from airport, no subway transfer | 15-min walk with bags | Travelers with light luggage |
| Taxi (Metered) | $25 - $35 + toll & tip | 15-25 min* | Door-to-door, available 24/7 | Expensive, traffic-dependent | Groups of 3-4, bad weather |
| Ride-Share (UberX/Lyft) | $25 - $45* | 15-25 min* | Convenient app, upfront pricing | Surge pricing, pickup zone walk | Tech-savvy travelers, couples |
| Private Car Service | $75 - $120+ | 15-25 min* | Luxury, meet & greet, reliable | Very expensive, requires booking | Business, families, special occasions |
| Logan Express to Back Bay + Taxi | $7.50 + ~$10 taxi | 45-60 min | Comfortable coach, cheaper than direct taxi | Two separate legs, longer total time | Travelers staying near Back Bay/Copley |
*Travel time and cost for road-based options are highly dependent on traffic conditions. Rush hour can double travel time and increase costs.
Essential Traveler Tips for Your Transfer
Beyond choosing your route, these insider tips will make your journey from Logan to Quincy Market smoother and more enjoyable.
- Get a CharlieCard: If you plan to use the MBTA more during your stay, get a reusable plastic CharlieCard at the Airport station vending machine. It offers a discount ($2.40 per ride vs. $2.90 with paper CharlieTicket/cash) and easier tap-on/tap-off.
- Download Transit Apps: The official "MBTA mTicket" app and Google Maps or Citymapper are essential for real-time schedules, service alerts, and navigation within the subway system.
- Luggage Strategy: If you have large bags and are using the T, avoid peak hours (7-9 AM, 4-6:30 PM). The Silver Line SL1 bus typically has more luggage space than the subway cars.
- Beware of "Free" Hotel Shuttles: Many downtown hotel shuttles are only for registered guests. Do not assume you can hop on one to get closer to Quincy Market.
- Location Clarification: Quincy Market is part of the Faneuil Hall Marketplace complex. Directions to "Faneuil Hall" or "Quincy Market" will get you to the same general, iconic location in downtown Boston.
- Consider a Harbor Walk (Later): Once you've dropped your bags, the walk from Quincy Market along the Harborwalk to the Seaport District or the North End is beautiful. It's not a viable option from the airport, but a great way to explore once you're settled.
FAQs: Getting from Logan Airport to Quincy Market
What is the cheapest way to get from Logan Airport to Quincy Market?
The cheapest way is to take public transit via the MBTA. Take the free Massport shuttle bus (SL1) from any terminal to the Airport MBTA Station, then board the Blue Line subway inbound towards Bowdoin. Get off at Government Center and transfer to the Green Line (any branch towards Lechmere). Get off at the Park Street station, and Quincy Market is a 2-minute walk. The total cost is just $2.40 with a CharlieCard or CharlieTicket.
Is there a direct train from Logan Airport to Quincy Market?
No, there is no single direct train. Logan Airport does not have an MBTA subway station within its terminals. The route requires a combination of a free shuttle bus (or Silver Line bus) to connect to the subway system, followed by a train transfer. The most efficient public transit route involves taking the SL1 shuttle to the Airport station, the Blue Line to Government Center, and then transferring to the Green Line to Park Street.
How much is a taxi from Logan Airport to Quincy Market?
A taxi or ride-share (Uber/Lyft) from Logan Airport to Quincy Market typically costs between $25 and $45, depending on traffic, time of day, and the exact pickup/drop-off location. The fare includes tolls and a standard airport surcharge. During peak rush hour (4-7 PM), fares can be at the higher end of this range due to surge pricing and slower traffic.
What is the fastest way to get to Quincy Market from Logan?
The fastest way is generally by taxi or ride-share (UberX/Lyft Standard), taking 15-25 minutes depending on traffic. For a budget-friendly and reliable option outside of rush hour, the Silver Line SL1 bus to South Station, followed by a short walk or Red Line subway one stop to Park Street, can take 30-40 minutes and is often faster than the Blue/Green Line transfer if you have light luggage.
How do I get from Logan to Quincy Market late at night?
After public transit closes (around 12:30 AM - 1:00 AM), your only options are taxi, ride-share (Uber/Lyft), or pre-booked private car service. Taxis are available 24/7 at designated stands outside each terminal. Ride-share apps work reliably, though wait times may be slightly longer. We do not recommend trying the subway/shuttle combination late at night due to infrequent schedules and long waits.
Is the Silver Line bus from Logan free?
Yes, the Silver Line SL1 bus from all Logan Airport terminals to South Station is free when boarding at the airport. This is because it travels through the Massport tunnel. If you board the Silver Line elsewhere in the city, the standard fare applies. This makes it an excellent, cost-effective first leg of your journey to Quincy Market.
What is the best way with lots of luggage?
If you have more than one suitcase per person, the best way is a taxi, ride-share, or pre-booked private car. While the Silver Line and subways have space for luggage, they can be crowded, and navigating stations with multiple bags is challenging. A direct car service offers door-to-door convenience. For a mid-ground option, the Logan Express shuttle to Back Bay (then a short taxi ride) can also handle luggage more easily than the subway.
Can I use a CharlieCard from the airport?
Yes, you will need a CharlieCard or CharlieTicket to pay for the MBTA subway portion of your trip. You can purchase a reusable CharlieCard or a single-use CharlieTicket at machines located at the Airport MBTA Station (after taking the free shuttle) or at the Silver Line stop at South Station. You cannot buy them at the airport terminals themselves, but you can use cash on the bus if needed to get to a station with a machine.