Quick Answer
For most travelers, the best way from Boston Logan Airport (BOS) to South Station is the free Massport Silver Line SL1 bus, which takes about 20-35 minutes and drops you directly at the South Station transit hub. For a faster, door-to-door service, a taxi or ride-share costs approximately $25-$40 and takes 15-25 minutes, heavily dependent on traffic.
- Best Overall (Balance of Cost & Convenience): Silver Line SL1 Bus (Free) → South Station.
- Fastest (Off-Peak): Taxi or Ride-Share (~$30, 15-25 mins).
- Cheapest: Silver Line SL1 Bus (Free).
- Good Alternative (Avoiding Downtown Traffic): Free Shuttle to Airport MBTA Station → Blue Line → Orange/Red Line to South Station (~$2.40, 30-45 mins).
By Public Transit: The Silver Line & Subway
Boston's MBTA system ("The T") offers the most cost-effective routes to South Station. The key advantage is the dedated, traffic-separated tunnel used by part of the Silver Line, making it reliable during rush hour.
Option A: The Direct Silver Line SL1 Bus (Recommended)
Steps: 1) Follow signs for "Ground Transportation" and "Silver Line" in your terminal. 2) Board the SL1 bus (to South Station). 3) Ride through the Ted Williams Tunnel and into the dedicated busway. 4) Disembark at South Station (last stop).
Key Details:
- Cost: FREE when boarding at Logan Airport. Tap your CharlieCard/Ticket, but $0 is charged.
- Travel Time: 20-35 minutes, depending on terminal and traffic before the tunnel.
- Frequency: Every 8-12 minutes, 5:30 AM - 1:00 AM daily.
- Pros: Free, direct, avoids street traffic in a dedicated tunnel, has luggage racks.
- Cons: Can be crowded with airport travelers and commuters, especially during peak hours.
Option B: Blue Line Subway (Alternative Route)
This is a good backup if the Silver Line is crowded or you're near Terminal A.
Steps: 1) Take the free Massport Shuttle Bus (Route 22, 33, or 55) to "Airport" MBTA Station. 2) Take the Blue Line inbound (toward Bowdoin). 3) Get off at State Street station. 4) Transfer to the Orange Line (toward Forest Hills) or Red Line (toward Alewife or Ashmont/Braintree) for one stop to South Station.
- Cost: Standard subway fare (~$2.40 with CharlieCard). The airport shuttle is free.
- Travel Time: 30-45 minutes total, including wait and transfer time.
- Pros: Often less crowded than Silver Line, faster if coming from Terminal A.
- Cons: Requires a transfer, involves more stairs/walking.
By MBTA Commuter Rail & Subway
While there's no airport train station, you can combine services for a rail-centric route. This is less common for South Station but useful if you have a Commuter Rail connection.
The Route: Airport -> South Station via Back Bay
Steps: 1) From any terminal, take the free Massport Shuttle to the Rental Car Center. 2) Walk to the adjacent Logan Airport Stop on the MBTA Commuter Rail (Newburyport/Rockport Line). 3) Take the train inbound to North Station. 4) At North Station, transfer to the Orange Line subway (toward Forest Hills) and ride 4 stops to Downtown Crossing. 5) Walk 5 minutes or transfer to the Red Line for one stop to South Station.
Analysis: This method is generally not recommended for direct travel to South Station due to its complexity (train + subway + walk). It's only practical if you arrive coincidentally when a commuter rail is departing and your final destination is near North Station. The Silver Line is far more straightforward for South Station.
| Method | To South Station? | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Silver Line SL1 | Direct | Almost all travelers to South Station |
| Commuter Rail | Indirect (via North Station) | Travelers ending near North Station |
By Airport & Intercity Bus
Beyond the local Silver Line, other bus services operate from Logan, but their utility for reaching South Station specifically varies.
1. Logan Express (Not Direct to South Station)
This premium coach service runs to several suburban locations. Important: None go directly to downtown South Station.
- Back Bay Route: Drops at Hynes Convention Center. From there, you can take the Orange Line (Back Bay Station) to Downtown Crossing and walk to South Station. Total cost: $7.75 (bus) + $2.40 (subway).
- Other Routes (Framingham, Woburn, etc.): Do not serve downtown Boston and require complex transfers; not suitable for South Station.
Verdict: For South Station, the free Silver Line SL1 is superior in cost and directness to Logan Express.
2. Intercity Buses (Peter Pan, Greyhound)
South Station is a major hub for intercity buses. If you are arriving at Logan and need to connect to a Peter Pan or Greyhound bus departing from South Station, your best bet is to take the Silver Line SL1 directly to the South Station Bus Terminal. This provides a seamless, weather-protected connection.
By Taxi, Ride-Share & Private Transfer
For direct, door-to-door service, especially with luggage, during odd hours, or in a group.
Taxis
Official Boston taxis are available at designated stands outside each terminal. The fare to South Station is approximately $25-$35, not including toll (~$2.90 for the Ted Williams Tunnel) and tip (15-20%). Travel time is 15-25 minutes but can double during rush hour (7-9 AM, 4-7 PM).
Ride-Share (Uber & Lyft)
Designated pick-up zones are at each terminal (follow signs). Pricing is dynamic:
- UberX / Lyft Standard: ~$25-$40.
- Uber Comfort / Lyft Preferred: ~$35-$50.
- UberXL / Lyft XL (for groups): ~$50-$70.
Pro Tip: Check the price on both apps. During peak demand, wait 10 minutes or walk to the Departures level for a potentially lower fare.
Private Car Service
Pre-booked services (e.g., Boston Car Service, Commonwealth Worldwide) offer a meet-and-greet with a sign. Rates are fixed, typically $65-$100+ for a sedan. This is ideal for business travel, large groups, or special occasions where reliability and comfort are paramount.
When to Choose This Option:
- Traveling with more than 2 people or excessive luggage.
- Arriving between 1:00 AM and 5:30 AM when public transit is limited.
- Have mobility challenges.
- Catching a tight train connection at South Station and cannot risk delays.
Ticket & Cost Comparison: Logan Airport to South Station
This table summarizes all options to help you decide.
| Transport Method | Approx. Cost (One Way) | Approx. Travel Time | Key Notes & Convenience | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silver Line SL1 Bus | FREE | 20-35 mins | Direct, dedicated tunnel, can be crowded. Luggage racks available. | Most travelers, budget travelers, solo travelers |
| Blue Line + Subway Transfer | $2.40 | 30-45 mins | Requires free shuttle + one subway transfer. More stairs. | Backup option, travelers near Terminal A |
| Taxi | $25 - $40 (+ toll & tip) |
15-25 mins (++ in traffic) |
Door-to-door, always available. Price is metered. | Groups of 2-4, lots of luggage, late night |
| Ride-Share (UberX/Lyft) | $25 - $40 (surge possible) |
15-25 mins (++ in traffic) |
Door-to-door, app-based, dynamic pricing. | Tech-savvy travelers, couples, small groups |
| Private Car Service | $65 - $100+ | 15-25 mins | Pre-booked, guaranteed, professional meet & greet. | Business travel, special occasions, luxury |
| Logan Express + Subway | ~$10.15 | 45-60 mins | Indirect. Coach to Back Bay, then Orange Line subway. | Travelers whose final stop is Back Bay, not South Station |
Winner for Value: Silver Line SL1. Winner for Speed/Convenience (off-peak): Taxi/Ride-Share.
Traveler Tips & Experience
Navigating South Station
South Station is a large, multi-level complex. The Silver Line SL1 bus drops you in the underground bus terminal. Follow signs for "Amtrak & Commuter Rail" or "Red Line Subway" to reach the main concourse and train tracks. Allow an extra 5-10 minutes to find your platform if you're new.
Paying for Transit: CharlieCard vs. Ticket
- CharlieCard (Reusable Card): Offers the lowest fares (e.g., $2.40 subway vs $2.90 with paper). You can get one for free at the MBTA booth at Airport Station (Blue Line).
- CharlieTicket (Paper): Available at vending machines. Slightly more expensive per ride.
- Cash on Bus: You can pay $1.70 in exact change on the Silver Line, but remember it's FREE from the airport. Just tap an empty card.
Luggage Strategy
The Silver Line has overhead racks and space for suitcases. If you have very large or heavy bags, the cost of a ride-share may be worth the hassle saved. Avoid the subway during peak commuter hours (7:30-9:30 AM, 4:30-6:30 PM) with large luggage.
Timing is Everything
Rush Hour (Weekdays 7-9 AM, 4-7 PM): Road traffic is heavy. The Silver Line's dedicated tunnel becomes a major advantage over taxis stuck in traffic. Allow at least 60 minutes for any journey to South Station during these times if you have a train to catch.
Weekends & Holidays: Traffic can be unpredictable, especially near the Seaport and downtown. Public transit schedules may run less frequently.
Connectivity & Apps
Download the MBTA mTicket app for Commuter Rail tickets and the Transit or Google Maps app for real-time bus/subway schedules and routing.
FAQs: Logan Airport to South Station
What is the cheapest way to get from Logan Airport to South Station?
The absolute cheapest way is to take the free Massport Silver Line SL1 bus from any terminal to South Station. It's part of the MBTA system and costs $0.
What is the fastest way to get from Logan Airport to South Station?
During off-peak hours with no traffic, a taxi or ride-share (Uber/Lyft) is the fastest door-to-door option (15-25 mins). During rush hour, the MBTA Commuter Rail or Silver Line + Red Line subway may be more reliable.
Is there a direct train from Logan Airport to South Station?
No, there is no single direct train. However, you can take a free shuttle bus (Massport 22, 33, 55) to the Airport MBTA Station on the Blue Line, then take the Blue Line to State Street and transfer to the Orange or Red Line to South Station. Alternatively, the Silver Line SL1 bus is a direct bus to South Station.
How do I get from Logan to South Station late at night or early morning?
The Silver Line SL1 bus and some subway lines run until about 1:00 AM. Between 1:00 AM and 5:30 AM, your only public transit option is the night bus routes, which are less frequent. For guaranteed service, a taxi or pre-booked ride-share is recommended. The Logan Flyer bus does not serve South Station directly late at night.
I have a lot of luggage. What's the best option?
While the Silver Line SL1 bus has luggage racks, it can be crowded. For heavy luggage, a taxi, ride-share, or private car service is much more convenient and worth the extra cost. The MBTA subway can be challenging with large bags due to stairs and crowds.
Can I use my CharlieCard or CharlieTicket from the airport?
Yes. The Silver Line SL1 bus from Logan is FREE when boarding at the airport terminals (you still need to tap your card, but $0 is deducted). For subsequent subway or bus transfers within a short time, the fare is reduced. You can buy a CharlieCard or Ticket at the Airport Station.
How early should I leave Logan to catch a train at South Station?
Allow 60-90 minutes minimum. This accounts for: deplaning/ luggage wait (15-30 mins), transit to South Station (20-45 mins), navigating large South Station, and Amtrak's recommended 30-minute check-in. During rush hour or if checking bags on Amtrak, allow more time.
Is the Logan Express bus a good option to get to South Station?
No, not directly. The Logan Express goes to suburban terminals (Back Bay, Framingham, etc.), not downtown South Station. To reach South Station from a Logan Express drop-off, you'd need another transfer (like the Orange Line from Back Bay). The Silver Line SL1 is a more direct public transit option for South Station.