Boston Logan Airport Ground Transportation Guide: All Your Options, Compared
Getting to or from Boston Logan: Silver Line, Blue Line, Logan Express, water taxis, cabs, rideshare, rental cars and car services compared side by side.
Boston Logan sits unusually close to the city it serves, just across the harbour from downtown. That short distance is a gift, but it comes with tunnels, bridges and some famously busy roads. The best way in or out depends on your luggage, your group size, the hour and how much you value predictability over price. Here is how the main choices stack up.
Rail and bus: the budget-friendly routes
Silver Line SL1. This bus route stops at every terminal and runs to South Station, where you can join the Red Line or catch commuter and intercity trains. It has dedicated lanes for part of the journey, and boarding at the airport has in recent years been offered without a fare, though it is worth confirming current MBTA policy before you travel.
Blue Line. A free Massport shuttle links the terminals to Airport Station, where Blue Line trains head under the harbour to downtown stops such as State and Government Center. It is often the quickest option at rush hour because trains avoid the road tunnels entirely.
Logan Express. Massport's scheduled coaches connect the airport with Back Bay and with park-and-ride sites in the suburbs. They suit travellers coming from outside the city who would rather leave the car in a cheaper lot.
Local MBTA buses. A few routes serve East Boston, Chelsea and nearby communities. They are slower, but handy if your destination is close to the airport rather than downtown.
On the water
Few airports let you finish the trip by boat. A shuttle bus runs from the terminals to the Logan dock, where water taxis and scheduled ferries cross to the downtown waterfront and other harbour points. In good weather it is a memorable arrival, and it sidesteps tunnel traffic. Services and timetables vary by season, so check them before you land.
Door-to-door options
- Taxis wait at stands outside each terminal around the clock. They charge by meter, accept cards, and can provide accessible vehicles on request. Allow extra time and money when traffic is heavy.
- Rideshare pickups are concentrated at designated points, mainly in the central parking garage, so expect a short walk after collecting your bags. Surge pricing can make late nights or busy weekends noticeably more expensive.
- Rental cars are collected from a consolidated rental facility reached by a dedicated shuttle bus. Driving makes sense for trips beyond the city, less so for a downtown hotel where parking is costly.
- Pre-booked car services offer a fixed arrangement, a driver who tracks your flight and help with luggage, which many business travellers and families prefer.
Side-by-side comparison
| Option | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Silver Line / Blue Line | Solo travellers, light bags, rush hour | Stairs and transfers with heavy luggage |
| Logan Express | Suburban trips, long-stay parking | Fixed timetables |
| Water taxi / ferry | Waterfront hotels, scenic arrival | Weather and seasonal schedules |
| Taxi | Late flights, families, lots of luggage | Traffic-dependent cost |
| Rideshare | App users, flexible pickups | Walk to pickup zone, surge pricing |
| Car service | Groups, business trips, early departures | Needs booking in advance |
Practical tips
Check the MBTA and Massport websites shortly before your trip, since routes, fares and pickup points change from time to time. Give yourself generous margins on departure days, especially on Friday afternoons and around holidays, when the tunnels fill up fast.
