Acorn Street in Beacon Hill, Boston

Boston Airport to City Travel Options (Logan)

By <a href="#author-bio">Stuart Bak</a>
By Stuart Bak

Baked beans, the Boston Red Sox and thr bar ‘where everybody knows your name’: Massachusetts' lively state capital offers all this and more. Known as the birthplace of the American Revolution, this is a city that’s thoroughly steeped in history. Follow the Freedom Trail to immerse yourself in 250 years of US heritage, step inside the former home of legendary revolutionary Paul Revere, and take a trip to Louisa May Alcott’s house in Concord, where her literary masterpiece Little Women was both written and set. With all this on offer, you’ll no doubt want to get to the heart of the city (and those umami, smoky platefuls of sweet-savory beans) as quickly as possible after touching down at Logan Airport. Read on for our guide to all the transit options from Logan to downtown Boston…

Boston Logan International Airport in Brief

View from plane approaching Boston's Logan Airport at night

There’s only one international airport in Boston. So the chances of getting yourself lost are fairly slim. Unless of course you accidentally boarded a flight to Boston in England, but that’s for another blog…

In-keeping with Boston’s proud history, Logan is named for local son Edward Lawrence Logan: judge, lawyer, politician and military officer. Indeed, the airport’s full name is General Edward Lawrence Logan International Airport. A bit of a mouthful, we’re sure you’ll agree, which is why it’s commonly known as plain Logan. The airport serves as the primary global gateway for Massachusetts and New England, with over 100 domestic and international routes. Around 40 million passengers pass through every year.

Best of all, Logan lies just 5km east of downtown Boston, straddling the border between East Boston and the town of Winthrop. In light traffic, the cab ride into town can take as little as 10 minutes.

So, without any further ado, here’s how to get from Logan Airport to downtown Boston.

Logan Airport to Downtown Boston by Public Transport

Red Line train in Boston

On-Airport Shuttle System

It’s likely you’ll make use of Logan’s free shuttle system, which serves all four terminals and shuttles excited new arrivals to the Rental Car Center and parking garages. The shuttle also serves the airport's subway station and water transportation dock for onward travel to downtown Boston, via Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) services.

Getting from Logan to Downtown Boston by Subway

Having shuttled your way successfully to Airport station, it’s just a hop and a skip along the Blue Line to downtown Boston. The Blue Line connects to the Green Line at Government Center station and to the Orange Line at State Street. 

Going anywhere near Back Bay, Fenway Park or Boston University? The Blue Line out of Logan is your friend. A one-way ticket costs just $2.90, and you can transfer between subway and Silver Line, Express and local bus services twice on your ticket, paying only the one-time cost of whichever service costs more.

Bunker Hill in Boston

Getting from Logan to Downtown Boston by Bus

Bus enthusiasts rejoice! There are multiple ways to get from Logan to downtown (and beyond) on four wheels. The MBTA’s Silver Line connects all terminals at Logan to South Station and beyond. Hitch a free ride on SL1 as far as South Station if you want to transfer to the subway’s Red Line here. Services SL2, SL3, SL4 and SL5 continue to other areas of Boston and a one-way ticket costs $1.70.

Alternatively, the Express buses speed visitors to downtown and beyond for $4.25 one way. There are also multiple private bus services covering much of New England and New Hampshire, from reputable companies including Concord Coach Lines, Boston Express Bus and more.

Getting from Logan to Downtown Boston by Ferry

Ok, it ain’t Venice, but arriving in Boston by sea is certainly the most scenic of all the airport transit options. Take the short trip across Boston Harbor to Long Wharf for rapid access to downtown, taking in panoramic views of the skyline from up on deck as you go. The On-Airport Shuttle connects terminals to the water transportation dock and the terminals, and a one-way ticket on the MBTA ferry costs $2.40

Top Tip: CharlieCards and CharlieTickets

Charlies are reusable cards or tickets that can be preloaded with cash and used to tap in and out of MBTA subway, bus and ferry services. They’re a good option if you plan to use public transport a fair bit while you’re in town, as there are savings to be made over buying individual tickets for every journey. CharlieTickets are particularly convenient for visitors. You can pick yours up at vending machines in the airport and most stations.

Logan Airport to Downtown Boston by Private Transfer

Happy young family walking through the airport

Cabs are readily available outside arrivals at terminals A, B and E and on the ground floor of the terminal C parking garage. It’s only around 5km from the airport to downtown Boston but travel times and prices can vary wildly depending whether you’re traveling in rush hour traffic or not. Expect to pay somewhere in the region of $40-50 one way. Ride apps like Uber and Lyft will usually cost a little less, but you’ll have to arrange these yourself and organize a suitable pick-up point.

Alternatively, make like your favorite Bond villain and charter your own pre-booked private limousine. Or hop in a water taxi: one-way tickets from companies including Red Top Boats and the Boston Water Bus start from around $15.

Logan Airport to Downtown Boston by Rental Vehicle

The Witch House in Salem, Massachusetts

Boston’s walkable downtown and excellent public transport system means you’ll have little need for your own wheels unless you’re planning out-of-town day trips to the likes of Salem, Portland and the Gilded Age mansions of beautiful Newport.

You’ll find all the usual suspects at Logan’s Rental Car Center (RCC): everything from Alamo to Zipcar. The On-Airport Shuttle whisks passengers to the RCC via routes 22, 33 and 55, with services running approximately every 5-6 minutes.

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Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Freelance travel writer

Stu caught the travel bug at an early age, thanks to childhood road trips to the south of France squeezed into the back of a Ford Cortina with two brothers and a Sony Walkman. Now a freelance writer living on the Norfolk coast, Stu has produced content for travel giants including Frommer’s, British Airways, Expedia, Mr & Mrs Smith, and now Go City. His most memorable travel experiences include drinking kava with the locals in Fiji and pranging a taxi driver’s car in the Honduran capital.

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Boston Itinerary - 3 Days in Boston for First Timers

Our jam-packed guide will help you make long-lasting memories during your short stay in Boston!
Katie Sagal
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5 Days in Boston

So, you're vacationing in Boston. Good choice! It's a city packed with history, entertainment, and things to discover. However, if you're looking for a more curated experience, or are simply bad at planning your time, never fear. We've come up with the perfect 5-day itinerary to ensure you see the most of Boston in 5 days. So, without further ado, let's get on with it! Day 1 - Going Downtown No matter where you choose to set up your home base, your first port of call when exploring the city should be Downtown. There, you'll find a lot of the historical attractions Boston has to offer, as well as its best green spaces and more multicultural offerings. You'll find the Freedom Trail there, arguably one of Boston's most famous landmarks. Take a guided tour, and explore over 200 years of Boston's history as you trace the red brick path that was so important before and during the War of Independence. With a handy guide in tow, you'll learn so much about the history of the Freedom Trail. You'll also pass many other Boston landmarks like the Common, Massachusetts State House, and the Boston Massacre Site. Another must-visit Downtown spot is the New England Aquarium! Perfect for kids and big kids alike, you can go nose-to-nose with seals, wave hello to the penguins, and much more! There are a number of great exhibitions on throughout the year, like the Amazon Rainforest exhibit, where you'll meet and greet tons of exotic creatures that call the forest home. Sports-lovers should check out Fenway Park, the home of the Boston Red Sox. You can either take a tour of the facility and learn more about the team's history, or get tickets to a game. You'll also find Chinatown, where you'll have some great photo ops, thanks to the China Trade Gate, and a wealth of food and drink options if you like a bit of Chinese cuisine. And art lovers among you simply have to visit the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Containing over 500,000 works of art, from paintings to ancient sculptures, it's a great way to soak up some culture on your first day in Boston! Day 2 - Going Back On day two of your vacation, we recommend heading to Back Bay. There's some stuff to do here, but rather than front-load your vacation with things to do, you might want to space it out, so your legs and brain get a rest. Back Bay is one of Boston's most affluent areas. As such, it has a superb selection of restaurants and bars, among other things. Trinity Church combines handpainted design with grandiose architecture similar to a European Cathedral. It's truly an awe-inspiring sight, one we recommend everyone check out at least once. Book-lovers will love the Boston Public Library, with its labyrinthine corridors of books, books, and more books. You can even get a free tour of the building, if you ask politely. Then, when it's time to eat, Back Bay has a couple of top restaurants we recommend. Uni offers high-end Japanese cuisine in a classy, contemporary setting. With authentic izakaya dishes, it's a great spot to get some grub. Or, to fulfill all your steak-ly desires, Grill 23 is an award-winning choice. It's rowdier than the likes of Uni, so bear that in mind when booking a table. And why not round out day 2 with a drink? For all your sports bar needs, The Pour House has 17 screens of sporting bliss on display, as well as a healthy helping of beers on tap. Or, for a classier tipple, head to the Lenox Hotel's City Bar, where the likes of Babe Ruth have knocked back delightful cocktails in the past. Day 3 - A Beacon of Hope On the third of your 5 days in Boston, we're all about nature as we head to Beacon Hill. This beautiful district is home to the city's best green areas, as well as some stunning eateries and great nights out. So let's talk about them. Grab breakfast at the Beacon Hill Bistro and then head to Boston Common, the country's oldest public park. There, you'll find 50 acres of green bliss, and some sights too, like Brewer Fountain Plaza. You could even take a picnic for the afternoon, if the weather's nice. Then, for even more green goodness, stroll over to Boston Public Garden, which adjoins the Common. There, you can take a ride on the iconic Swan Boats that appear in many films and TV shows, go snap a photo of the George Washington Statue, or simply wander around the lake. Looking for a keepsake to memorialize your vacation, or need to buy some presents for loved ones back home? Beacon Hill's Black Ink has many strange gifts on offer, from shot glasses to dinosaurs, weird baby toys to cat-themed chopsticks. And then, with dinner time quickly approaching, here are your dining recommendations. No.9 Park is a classy, nouveau-Italian joint with a pricey menu and a smart dress code. But, if you can afford it, you'll be welcomed into a world of sublime tastes and an exhaustive wine list. Or, if you're looking for something a little more casual, give Grotto a go. They've got the traditional Italian affair like pasta dishes, alongside steaks and much more that'll keep you satisfied right into the following breakfast. Day 4 - Across the Sea We're crossing the Charles River now, and leaving Boston for the day! Cambridge might not be considered part of Boston, but it's super close and has a load of fun things to do! All aboard! Across the water lies two of the world's most prestigious centers of learning, MIT and Harvard University. In the latter, you'll find the Harvard Museum of Natural History, which contains more than 12,000 artifacts from millions of years in the past to today. It's a fascinating trip for those of you curious about the evolution of life on Earth, and one we heartily recommend. You'll also find the Harvard Art Museums on the college's campus, which features thousands of works from the Middle Ages right through to the present day. After all that intense culture consumption, you might be needing a break. Thankfully, Cambridge Common is right by the University, where you can go, take a load off, and relax under the sun (or clouds, if it's one of those days). If you're feeling famished before your ride back to town, Alden & Harlow is a great, subterranean eatery that serves up delicious New American dishes paired with refreshing cocktails. Or, if you want to mingle with the students, Grendel's Den is a no-nonsense pub that does decent pub bites, cheap beers, and has a big patio to spread out on if the weather's good. Day 5 - Mopping up And, on the final day of your 5 days in Boston, it's time for the best of the rest. You could head to North End and Waterfront for some delicious Italian food, visit the Boston Tea Party Museum and the Paul Revere House for your daily dose of history, or just stare out at the fantastic views of Massachusetts Bay. If you're feeling arty, wander down to South End and explore the artistic community that calls it home. The Boston Center for the Arts is always a hub for creativity, with different galleries, shows, and performances in residence each week. Or, check out the Griffin Museum of Photography, which showcases works from established shot-takers, as well as rising stars in the photography world. SoWa Open Market is a great place to pick up knickknacks before you head home, or a piece of art you think will make your abode sparkle. Failing that, North End has some great entertainment, such as belly-aching laughs at Improv Asylum, or grabbing a slice at Boston's original Pizzeria (according to them), Regina Pizzeria. End the night with a trip to a speakeasy cum modern bar at Stanza dei Sigari, where you can order from the extensive cocktail menu, or go off-menu and see what they can come up with! Save on admission in Boston Sounds expensive? 5 days in Boston doesn't have to be! Go City lets you enter many of Boston's top attractions and landmarks with incredible savings versus advertised prices. It means you can do more without worrying about your bank balance!
Dom Bewley
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10+ Things to Do in Boston with Teens During Your Trip

Let’s face it – teens don’t always want to be a part of the big family vacation. The stuff they used to love as little kids just isn’t 'cool' anymore, and they're likely not as into adult attractions like art films or galleries. So... what to do? If you’re looking for things to do in Boston with teens, check out our list of the top attractions and activities, including... Boston Red Sox Game & Fenway Park Tour New England Aquarium Franklin Park Zoo Boston Museum of Science Boston Duck Tour Boston Trolley Tour and more... Catch a Game at Fenway Park Boston is a town with some major sports love going on. Take the teens out to a Boston Red Sox baseball game at Fenway Park, one of Major League Baseball’s most beloved and historic stadiums. You can also opt to tour the park, which is great fun for the whole family. You'll see all the major landmarks of this iconic ballpark, including Pesky's Pole, the Lone Red Seat, the Green Monster, and much more. Not around Boston during baseball season? Snag tickets to see the Celtics or the Bruins, both of which are a delight to watch at the TD Garden. Learn something new at the Museum of Science There's nothing that says vacations have to be pure, mindless relaxation. Why not have your teens exercise their brains in a really fun way with a visit to the Boston Museum of Science? This Boston institution is a favorite school trip destination, and it's got tons of exhibits to appeal to kids and teens of all ages. With more than 700 different interactive exhibits to explore including the Theater of Electricity, there's bound to be something (or several somethings) of interest. Check out the beloved Hall of Human Life for an in-depth, fascinating look at the human body and all its many wonders. Embark on a bike ride There are few cities in America as bike-friendly as Boston, so it’s actually a great idea for the whole family to explore the city aboard a comfortable touring bike. Whether you want to leisurely pedal around the Common (which does involve some serious hills) or along the Charles River, or feel up to braving the streets of Boston for some serious local cred, a bike ride is a perfect way to spend an afternoon. A Boston Bike Rental is a great way to give your teens some freedom - let them pedal around using the bike map included with your rental and explore on their own. Enjoy Thrill Rides Another good way to occupy restless teens is with a trip to an awesome theme park – Six Flags New England. It's a bit of a day trip from Boston, but it's worth the hours of fun and excitement they'll have. Filled with rides, slides, and tons of fun, this family-favorite theme park is sure to delight. Six Flags New England has rides geared at guests of all ages, so families with both adrenaline-junkie teens and little ones who will delight in gentler rides will find something to suit everyone. Tour the city in a unique way 🗓️ >> Check out our weekend in Boston itinerary Everyone loves the chance to explore new cities, and the combination of history and modern technology that Boston has to offer makes for some really attractive scenery. While teens may cringe at the notion of following an umbrella around on foot, there's something fun and unique about offbeat tours like a Boston Duck Tour, which is a great photo op and silly fun, or a Hop On Hop Off Trolley Tour, which provides easy flexibility for tailoring your explorations. Make special memories and take the whole family on one of these unique sightseeing tours during your next Boston trip. Get immersed in history While some of the historic homes and museums may seem a little too sedate for your teens, they'll feel history come alive in a more engaging way on the Freedom Trail Walking Tour. Hosted by tour guides in full 18th-century costume, the tour winds through historic Boston, meandering past highlights like the Boston Common, Old South Meeting House, and Faneuil Hall. Your guided Freedom Trail walking tour will provide insight and local insider information about each attraction. You could also opt to follow the trail on your own. Try making a scavenger hunt out of it! Leave a little time to shop till you drop   Everyone wants a great souvenir from their trip, and some teens may want more than a keychain to satisfy their Boston shopping desires. Fortunately for you (and perhaps unfortunately for their wallets), Boston is an amazing shopping town, offering everything and anything you could want. From the high-end boutique stores of Newbury Street to the chain offerings at Cambridgeside Galleria, there’s a shop to suit every budget. Don’t forget to check out smaller indie stories in places like Cambridge and Somerville! Save on admission to top Boston attractions with Go City® With an All-Inclusive Pass from Go City, you can visit Boston attractions for a fraction of the cost. Plus, you could save up to 50% on all your Boston must-sees. Or pick an Explorer Pass, if you've chosen your fave and have a specific bucket list you're dreaming of ticking off. ☀️ Compare Boston passes ☀️ – 🌏 Explore other destinations 🌏 – ✈️ Buy a pass ✈️  
Katie Sagal

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