MBTA Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) provides the most affordable and convenient public transportation to Boston Logan International Airport (BOS). Whether you are traveling from Downtown Boston, South Station, Cambridge, Back Bay, or surrounding neighborhoods, the MBTA offers direct airport access through the Silver Line, Blue Line, buses, commuter rail connections, and ferry services.
For most travelers, the MBTA is the fastest alternative to taxis or rideshare services during peak traffic hours.
How to Get to Logan Airport by MBTA
1. Silver Line SL1 (Best Direct Option)
The Silver Line SL1 is the only MBTA route that serves all Logan Airport terminals directly.
Route
South Station ⇄ Logan Airport
Stops at Logan Airport
Why Choose SL1?
- Direct airport service
- No transfers required
- Wheelchair accessible
- Large luggage storage areas
- Connects with:
- Red Line
- Commuter Rail
- Amtrak
- Intercity buses at South Station
Travel time from South Station is typically 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic.
2. Blue Line + Free Airport Shuttle
The MBTA Blue Line does not enter the airport terminals.
Passengers should:
- Take the Blue Line to Airport Station
- Exit the station
- Board the free Massport shuttle bus to their terminal
This option is often preferred by travelers coming from:
- East Boston
- Revere
- Wonderland
- Government Center
- State Street
Airport Station is specifically designed for airport transfers and is connected to Logan terminals via free shuttle buses.
Which MBTA Option Is Best?
| Starting Location | Recommended MBTA Route |
|---|---|
| South Station | Silver Line SL1 |
| Downtown Boston | Blue Line or SL1 |
| Back Bay | Orange Line → Red Line → SL1 |
| Cambridge | Red Line → South Station → SL1 |
| East Boston | Blue Line → Airport Station Shuttle |
| Chelsea | Silver Line SL3 + transfer if needed |
| North Station | Green/Orange Line → Red Line → SL1 |
Logan Airport MBTA Connections
| MBTA Service | Airport Access |
|---|---|
| Silver Line SL1 | Direct to all terminals |
| Blue Line | Airport Station + Free Shuttle |
| Red Line | Connect via South Station |
| Orange Line | Transfer to Red Line or Blue Line |
| Green Line | Transfer to Blue or Red Line |
| Commuter Rail | South Station connection |
| Amtrak | South Station connection |
Airport Shuttle from MBTA Blue Line
Free Massport shuttle buses operate between:
- Airport Station
- Terminal A
- Terminal B
- Terminal C
- Terminal E
- Rental Car Center
- Airport Water Transportation Dock
These shuttles run frequently throughout the day.
MBTA Fare Information
| Service | Fare |
|---|---|
| Blue Line | Standard MBTA subway fare |
| Silver Line SL1 to Logan | Standard MBTA fare rules apply |
| Airport Shuttle | Free |
| CharlieCard | Accepted |
| Contactless Payment | Available on supported MBTA services |
Traveling from Logan Airport to Downtown Boston
Option 1 (Recommended)
Take Silver Line SL1 from your terminal to South Station.
Connect to:
- Red Line
- Commuter Rail
- Amtrak
Option 2
Take the free airport shuttle to Airport Station and board the Blue Line.
Good for:
- Aquarium
- State Street
- Government Center
- East Boston
- Revere
Average Travel Times
| Destination | MBTA Route | Approx. Time |
|---|---|---|
| South Station | SL1 | 20–30 min |
| Government Center | Blue Line | 20–25 min |
| State Street | Blue Line | 15–20 min |
| Back Bay | SL1 + Red/Orange | 30–40 min |
| Cambridge | SL1 + Red Line | 35–50 min |
Travel times vary with traffic and service conditions.
Advantages of Using MBTA to Logan Airport
- Budget-friendly transportation
- Direct service to airport terminals via SL1
- Frequent departures
- Accessible vehicles and stations
- Easy transfers from subway and commuter rail
- Avoids parking costs
- Convenient access to Downtown Boston
MBTA Services at Logan Airport
- Accessible boarding
- Luggage-friendly buses
- Airport information signage
- Real-time arrival displays
- Free airport shuttle buses
- Connections to rental cars
- Connections to water transportation
MBTA Tips for Airport Travelers
- Allow extra travel time during rush hours.
- If using the Blue Line, remember you must transfer to the free airport shuttle at Airport Station.
- Use the SL1 if you want the simplest one-seat ride to the terminals.
- Check live service alerts before traveling, especially on weekends or holidays.
MBTA Contact Information
| Service | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) |
| Customer Support | +1 (617) 222-3200 |
| TTY | +1 (617) 222-5146 |
| Service Area | Greater Boston & Logan Airport |
| Airport Service | Silver Line SL1, Blue Line via Airport Station |
| Main Transit Hub | South Station |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes. The Silver Line SL1 provides direct service to all Logan Airport terminals.
The Silver Line SL1 is the best choice because it serves every terminal without requiring a transfer.
No. The Blue Line stops at Airport Station, where free Massport shuttle buses take passengers to the terminals.
Yes. Free Massport shuttle buses connect Airport Station with all airport terminals, the Rental Car Center, and other airport facilities.
Yes. Board the Silver Line SL1 at your terminal for a direct trip to South Station.
Yes. The MBTA is generally the most economical way to travel between Downtown Boston and Logan Airport.
Airport Station on the Blue Line is the closest subway station, with free shuttle service to the terminals.
Yes. Silver Line buses are designed with luggage racks, and subway trains also permit luggage, subject to available space.