Airport Hubs:
BOS → Downtown Boston (South Station, Financial District & Back Bay) Updated for 2026

Boston Logan Airport to Downtown Boston: 2026 Transit Guide

Distance 5 km
Fastest 15 min
From FREE ($0.00 USD)
Top Pick MBTA Silver Line SL1 (100% FREE from Airport)
Quick 10-Second Verdict:

The best transfer deal in America is the MBTA Silver Line SL1 bus rapid transit, which is 100% FREE from all Logan Airport terminals directly to South Station in 15–20 minutes (including free transfer to the Red Line subway!). Taxis and Uber/Lyft cost $30–$45 USD via the Ted Williams Tunnel, and the scenic Boston Harbor Water Taxi costs $15.00 USD.

Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) sits remarkably close to the city, only 5 km (3 miles) east across Boston Harbor. To encourage public transit and ease harbor tunnel traffic, the Massachusetts Port Authority provides free boarding on the Silver Line SL1 from all airport terminals.

All Transfer Options Compared (2026 Fares)

Transport Option Typical Time 2026 Fare Frequency Best For Booking / Info
MBTA Silver Line SL1 Bus Rapid Transit (FREE) Best Overall
15–22 min
FREE ($0.00 USD)
FREE ($0.00 USD)
 Every 8–12 min Fastest, completely free transit into Downtown Boston and the Financial District See Boarding Steps ↓
Official Airport Taxi / Uber / Lyft Door-to-Door
15–30 min
$30 – $45 USD
$30 – $45 USD (~€28 – €41)
 On demand Direct hotel drop-off in Back Bay, Beacon Hill, or Copley Square with luggage Book Private Boston Transfer

Detailed Step-by-Step Transfer Options

Option #1 Best Overall

MBTA Silver Line SL1 Bus Rapid Transit (FREE)

FREE ($0.00 USD) FREE ($0.00 USD)
Travel time 15–22 min
Frequency Every 8–12 min
Operating hours 05:30 – 00:30
Where to buy tickets No ticket needed: step aboard for free at terminal curb.
Main advantage: Completely free; dedicated underground busway avoids surface traffic; free transfer to Red Line at South Station.
Keep in mind: Can get crowded during weekday evening rush hour.

Step-by-step from arrivals:

  1. Exit the terminal baggage level and look for the Silver Line SL1 stop curbside.
  2. Step aboard the bus for free through any door (no ticket or payment required).
  3. Ride through the dedicated transit tunnel directly into South Station underground concourse.
  4. Walk out into Downtown Boston or transfer for free to the Red Line subway.
Option #2 Door-to-Door

Official Airport Taxi / Uber / Lyft

$30 – $45 USD $30 – $45 USD (~€28 – €41)
Travel time 15–30 min
Frequency On demand
Operating hours 24/7 continuous
Where to buy tickets Central Parking Garage ground level for taxis and app rideshares.
Main advantage: Direct door-to-door service; fast 15-minute trip through the Ted Williams Tunnel.
Keep in mind: Includes $3.25 Logan airport surcharge and tunnel tolls; traffic during rush hours.

Step-by-step from arrivals:

  1. Follow signs to the Ground Transportation / App Ride pickup area in the Central Parking garage.
  2. Board your taxi or meet your Uber/Lyft driver.
  3. Travel through the harbor tunnel directly to your Boston hotel.
Book Private Boston Transfer
ARRIVAL CONNECTIVITY & RIDE-HAILING TIP

Need Mobile Data at the Terminal for Uber / Lyft & Maps?

Airport Wi-Fi often drops outside the terminal curb where Uber / Lyft pickup zones are located. Install a local eSIM before your flight so you can order a ride, translate station signs, and show digital train QR tickets immediately after landing.

Get United States eSIM on Airalo →Compare United States Airport eSIM on Klook →
STRESS-FREE DOOR-TO-DOOR OPTION

Prefer a Driver Waiting at Boston (BOS) Arrivals?

Traveling with heavy suitcases, young children, or landing after midnight? Pre-book a fixed-price private airport transfer or express rail pass on Klook with instant confirmation and no meter haggling.

Check Boston Transfers & Rail Passes on Klook →View Airport & City Hotels on Klook →

Tickets, Luggage & Late-Night Arrivals

How Tickets & Payments Work

Boarding the Silver Line SL1 at any Logan terminal is completely FREE (no ticket, no tap required). At South Station, you can transfer behind faregates for free to the Red Line subway.

Traveling with Suitcases

Silver Line articulated hybrid buses feature low-floor roll-on boarding and spacious luggage racks.

Arriving After Midnight

Silver Line and Blue Line subway run until approximately 00:30–01:00 AM. Taxis operate 24/7.

Common Mistakes & Airport Scams to Avoid

  • Buying a transit pass or CharlieTicket at airport vending machines before boarding the Silver Line — boarding at Logan is 100% FREE!
  • Do not buy a CharlieTicket or subway pass at the airport if you are taking the Silver Line bus to South Station — boarding the Silver Line SL1 at any Logan terminal is 100% FREE! You only pay transit fare when traveling back toward the airport.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the bus from Boston Logan Airport really free?

Yes! The MBTA Silver Line SL1 is free when boarding at Logan Airport Terminals A, B, C, and E into South Station.

How does the Boston Water Taxi work?

Take free shuttle bus 66 to the Logan Airport Water Transportation Dock, and board a water taxi directly across Boston Harbor to Long Wharf ($15.00 USD, 10 mins).

Other Popular Destinations from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)