Quick Answer
The best overall way to get from Logan Airport (BOS) to most parts of Somerville is a combination of public transit: take the free Silver Line SL1 bus to South Station, transfer to the Red Line subway towards Alewife (getting off at Porter, Davis, or Harvard), and then take a connecting bus (like the 87, 88, or 89). Total cost is $2.40 (with a CharlieCard) and takes 60-90 minutes. For a faster, door-to-door service, use a taxi or rideshare (Uber/Lyft), costing $35-$55 and taking 15-45 minutes, heavily dependent on traffic.
Public Transit: Subway (The "T") & Bus â The Best Value
This is the most economical and environmentally friendly method. While it involves transfers, the system is well-signed. There are two primary routes, each starting with a different free airport connection.
| Route | Key Steps | Best For | Estimated Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Route A: Silver Line + Red Line + Bus | 1. Free SL1 Bus to South Station 2. Red Line (to Alewife) 3. Bus from Porter/Davis/Harvard | Most destinations, especially near Davis Sq. | 60-90 mins | $2.40 |
| Route B: Blue Line + Green/Orange Line + Bus | 1. Free Shuttle to Airport Station 2. Blue Line to Gov't Center 3. Transfer to Green/Orange 4. Connect to Bus | Destinations near Union Sq., East Somerville | 65-95 mins | $2.40 |
Detailed Step-by-Step: Silver Line/Red Line Route (Recommended)
Step 1: The Free Silver Line SL1 Bus. From baggage claim in any terminal, follow signs for "Ground Transportation" and "Silver Line." Board the SL1 bus (to South Station). It's a dedicated, electric bus that runs every 8-12 minutes. This leg is always free from the airport. Travel time to South Station: 15-25 minutes.
Step 2: Red Line Subway. At South Station, exit the Silver Line bus and follow signs inside the station to the Red Line (heading towards Alewife). You'll need to pay your fare here. Use a ticket vending machine. For Somerville, key stops are:
- Harvard Square: For connections to buses serving Harvard St., Beacon St.
- Porter Square: Central location, good for buses along Massachusetts Ave.
- Davis Square: The heart of Somerville, excellent bus connections and dining.
Step 3: Final Bus Connection. Somerville's neighborhoods are best served by buses. From the Red Line stops, transfer to a local MBTA bus. Key routes include:
- From Davis: Bus 87, 88, 89, 94, 96.
- From Porter: Bus 77, 83, 87.
- From Harvard: Bus 68, 69, 80, 83, 87.
Fare Payment & Tips
Purchase a CharlieCard (reusable plastic card) or CharlieTicket (paper) at the vending machines in South Station. The CharlieCard gives a lower fare ($2.40 vs $2.90). Download the MBTA âTransitâ app or use Google Maps for real-time bus/subway schedules and trip planning specific to your Somerville address.
Private & Shared Shuttles
Shared shuttle services like GO Airport Shuttle or Logan Express (to suburban hubs) do not serve Somerville directly. Your options are limited to:
- Hotel Shuttles: If staying at a Somerville hotel (e.g., Assembly Row hotels), check if they offer a free airport shuttle. This is often the most convenient option if available.
- GO Airport Shuttle (Shared Ride): You can book a shared van, but with multiple stops, it becomes inefficient for a short trip to Somerville. Cost is similar to a taxi but takes longer. Not generally recommended for this route.
Walking & Biking (Limited Practicality)
Logan Airport is located across Boston Harbor from the city. Walking is not feasible or safe. Biking is theoretically possible via the Summer Street Bridge and East Boston Greenway, but it's a complex, high-traffic route unsuitable for travelers with luggage. Bluebikes, Boston's bike-share, has stations in Somerville but not at the airport terminals. These are not viable airport transfer options.
Cost & Time Comparison: Logan Airport to Davis Square, Somerville
| Transport Method | Approximate Cost (Per Person) | Travel Time (Door-to-Door) | Best For | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Transit (Silver/Red/Bus) | $2.40 (CharlieCard) | 60 - 90 minutes | Budget travelers, solo travelers, no rush | Multiple transfers, can be crowded, not ideal with heavy luggage |
| Taxi (Metered) | $35 - $55 + tip & toll | 15 - 45 minutes | Groups of 3-4, direct service, lots of luggage | Traffic-dependent, meter can run high |
| UberX / Lyft Standard | $30 - $70+ | 15 - 45 minutes | Convenience, upfront pricing, 1-4 people | Surge pricing spikes, pick-up zone walk |
| Private Car Service | $75 - $120+ (flat rate) | 20 - 40 minutes | Business, luxury, special needs, large groups | Must book in advance, most expensive |
| Hotel Shuttle | FREE (for guests) | 20 - 40 minutes | Guests of participating hotels | Must confirm availability with hotel |
Verdict: For most, the choice is between value (Public Transit) and convenience (Rideshare/Taxi). Factor in your budget, luggage, group size, and time of day.
Traveler Tips & Local Experience
Navigate like a local with these insider insights for your trip from Logan to Somerville:
- Luggage Strategy: If you have large suitcases, avoid the bus segments if possible. Take the subway to the closest stop (Davis, Porter) and then a short, cheaper Uber/Lyft ride to your final address (often $8-$12).
- Late-Night Arrivals: Public transit winds down after 1:00 AM. If your flight lands after midnight, pre-book a rideshare or taxi in your mind. Waiting for transit might mean a very long wait for the first early morning train.
- The âCharlieCardâ Advantage: If youâll be in town for more than a day, get the plastic CharlieCard at a major subway station (like Harvard or Downtown Crossing) after you arrive. It saves money on every trip and enables free transfers.
- Traffic is Your Nemesis: Weekdays from 7-9:30 AM and 4-7 PM are brutal. Road travel can take twice as long. If you arrive during rush hour, the Blue Line subway route may be faster than any car stuck in the tunnel.
- Use Real-Time Apps: Don't rely on static schedules. Use Google Maps or the âTransitâ app for live MBTA arrival times and step-by-step navigation that accounts for delays.
- Assembly Row Tip: If your destination is the Assembly Row area (stores, restaurants), take the Orange Line from Downtown (transfer from Red at Downtown Crossing) directly to Assembly Station. It's more direct than the Red Line/bus combo.
FAQs: Getting from Logan Airport to Somerville
What is the cheapest way to get from Logan Airport to Somerville?
The cheapest way is using public transit: take the free Silver Line SL1 bus from any terminal to South Station, then transfer to the MBTA Red Line subway towards Alewife, and finally transfer to a connecting bus (like the 87, 88, or 89) depending on your exact destination in Somerville. The total cost is just the MBTA subway/bus fare ($2.40 with a CharlieCard).
What is the fastest way to get from Logan Airport to Somerville?
During off-peak traffic hours, a taxi, Uber, or Lyft is typically the fastest door-to-door option, taking 15-30 minutes. During rush hour (7-9 AM, 4-7 PM), the Blue Line subway may be more reliably fast: Take the free Massport Shuttle to Airport Station, then the Blue Line to Government Center, transfer to the Green Line to North Station or Park Street, and then connect to a bus or the Red Line towards Somerville.
Is there a direct train or bus from Logan Airport to Somerville?
No, there is no single direct train or bus. Somerville is not served directly by the subway. The journey always requires at least one transfer, and often two: a combination of airport shuttle, subway line (Blue or Red via Silver Line), and usually a final bus connection to your specific neighborhood (Davis, Porter, Union, etc.).
How do I get from Logan to Somerville late at night or very early in the morning?
Public transit options are limited late at night. The last Blue Line and Silver Line trips depart around 1:00 AM. For arrivals between 1:00 AM and 5:30 AM, your only practical options are taxi, rideshare (Uber/Lyft), or pre-booked private car service. These operate 24/7 but may have higher surcharges at night.
Is it easy to get from Logan to Somerville with lots of luggage or children?
Navigating multiple transfers on public transit with heavy luggage or young children is challenging. Stations like Government Center have escalators/elevators, but buses have limited space. For families or those with more than one suitcase, we strongly recommend a taxi, rideshare, or private car service for a less stressful, door-to-door experience, despite the higher cost.
Where do I catch the Silver Line or Massport Shuttle at Logan Airport?
Both are easy to find. Follow signs for "Ground Transportation" or "Public Transit" in your terminal. The Silver Line SL1 bus stops are located on the lower level (arrivals/baggage claim) at every terminal. The free Massport Shuttle to the Blue Line's Airport Station also picks up outside each terminal on the lower level; look for the "MBTA Blue Line" signs.
Should I buy an MBTA CharlieCard or CharlieTicket?
For a single trip, a paper CharlieTicket is fine. If you'll be in Boston for several days and using transit frequently, get a reusable plastic CharlieCard. It offers a discount ($2.40 vs $2.90 per ride) and enables free transfers between subway and bus within 2 hours. You can get one at major subway stations, but not at the airport itself.
How does traffic affect the journey from Logan to Somerville?
Traffic impact is major. Road-based options (taxi, Uber, bus) can double or triple in travel time during weekday rush hours, especially through the Sumner/Callahan Tunnels and on McGrath Highway. The subway (Blue Line) is largely immune to road traffic and is often the most reliable option during peak congestion periods.