Logan Airport to Boston by Public Transit

If you’re traveling through Boston and lucky enough to have a 4- or 8-hour layover, you can absolutely squeeze in a quick Boston adventure.

One of the easiest and most iconic places to explore is Faneuil Hall Marketplace, right next to Quincy Market, Downtown Crossing, and the historic Freedom Trail. The best part? You can get there from Logan Airport in under 30 minutes using public transportation—no car rental, no pricey Uber surge.

Tip: If you have luggage, look to store it at the Airport to avoid having to carry it with you.

Whether you’re a solo traveler or curious wanderer killing a few hours between flights, here’s exactly how to get from the airport to the heart of Boston using the MBTA Blue Line or the Silver Line.

What You Should Plan For

Ensure you have enough buffer time to get to and from Boston Logan airport, especially in busy travel times. This would include time getting back through security at the airport. Look ahead for MBTA public transportation delays on either the Blue or Silver Line routes. It will take you approximately 30 minutes to get into Boston from Boston Logan, and the reverse path back to Boston Logan from Boston using public transportation. It will take you approximately 30 minutes to get back through security, but more if it is a busy time.

If your layover is shorter such as 4 hours, it is recommended to use the Silver Line. If your layover is longer, you could use either the Blue or Silver Line routes. The Silver Line is generally more predictable for getting back on time since it's directly at the terminal.

Give yourself at least 1 to 1.5 hours before boarding to get back to the Airport.

Depending on the weather, dress in layers. Boston weather swings fast in either direction.

Option 1: Blue Line Route

A train on the MBTA Blue Line arrives at the station, with passengers on the platform preparing to board.

Using the MBTA Blue Line is my preferred way to get into Boston using public transportation and the easiest option if you prefer fewer transfers and want to end up closest to the New England Aquarium and the waterfront - just a short 5-minute walk to Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall.

You will need a MBTA Charlie Card pass for this option, which can be purchased at Boston Logan kiosks or at the MBTA station.

A Blue Line train arrives at the Aquarium stop on the MBTA subway, with its distinctive blue and white design contrasting against the station's sleek, modern architecture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. At Logan Airport, follow the signs for "MBTA Blue Line"

   You'll hop on the free Massport shuttle bus #22 or #33 to Airport Station (Blue Line).

   You will be moving from the shuttle bus to the MBTA subway at this point.
   

2. Take the Blue Line outbound toward Bowdoin.
   

3. Get off at Aquarium Station

   This is the closest stop to Faneuil Hall - literally a quick stroll up State Street.

This option is perfect for travelers who want the easiest walking route, quick access to the Harborwalk, New England Aquarium, Quincy Market, Faneuil Hall, and the North End.

Option 2: Silver Line Route

MBTA Silver Line SL1 bus picking up passengers at Boston Logan Airport, providing convenient transit to South Station.

The Silver Line (SL1) is the most popular route because it's FREE from the airport and runs directly to South Station, one of Boston's biggest transit hubs.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. At Logan Airport, follow the signs the "Silver Line SL1"

   The bus picks up directly outside each terminal - no shuttle required.
   

2. Ride the Silver Line to South Station

   This is the last stop; you can't miss it.
   

3. Walk to a central tourist destination such as Faneuil Marketplace (about 10-12 minutes), and enjoy the Boston Greenway and Harborwalk.

   You'll cut through the Financial District and end up right at Quincy Market.

Tip: If you prefer not to walk, transfer to the Red Line (Free connection) and go one stop to Downtown Crossing - about a 6 minute walk to Faneuil Hall. Downtown Crossing has many shopping opportunities and near Chinatown.

Boston's historic South Station stands prominently against a backdrop of modern construction cranes, with a blend of classic architecture and urban development in the heart of the city.