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Getting from Boston International Airport to City Centre

Boston, also known as the “Cradle of Modern America,” as it is where the American Revolution started. It’s history and culture can still be felt across the city, from the old cobblestone roads beneath the trees to rows of brownstones against modern structures. Whether you are in Boston to visit the celebrated Freedom Trail – 16 historical sites that are placed across the city – see a Boston sports game or if you want to try the all famous New England clam chowder, there is something for everyone in the city of Boston.

After landing at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), you have 3 different transportation options to make your way downtown; you can take a taxi cab or private shuttle, the Boston subway or the Silver Line airport bus. Taking a taxi or private transfer from Boston airport to Boston city centre is always the best way to travel as they are available 24/7 and offer door-to-door services straight to your Boston Accommodation. Your second option is to take the “T” line subway, a great way to travel as it avoids the intense Boston traffic. And lastly, your most cost-savvy option is to take the free SL airport shuttle bus to downtown.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Boston at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS
OPTION PRICE DURATION AVAILABILITY
Welcome Pickups €94 10min 24/7
Taxi €21 10min 24/7
Subway €4.60 30min 06:00–00:30
Bus €0 30min 05:30–00:30

How to get from Boston airport to city centre by taxi

Taking a taxi or private transfer from Boston international airport to downtown is a great way to avoid any hassle when travelling with children or heavy luggage, as the journey to the city centre only takes 10 minutes. Moreover, nothing is better than jumping into an air-conditioned vehicle, having your personal belongings taken care of and being driven to the door of your Boston accommodation, especially if you are new to the city.

Taxi fare from Boston airport to the city centre

Boston taxi cabs calculate their prices using a taximeter, so based on the time and distance travelled to your exact location within the city. The price of a trip to downtown Boston costs around $25 USD (€21). Please note that this price excludes any tip you wish to give to your driver and all taxi cabs leaving Boston airport need to pay an airport surcharge of €2.30 ($2.75 USD).
However, if you wish to travel at a flat rate fare, with no hidden fees, it is recommended to pre-book your Boston private shuttle online.

Cost

$25 USD (€21)

Trip Duration

10 Min.

*Rates do not vary depending on the time of day

Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 at Boston international airport

Where do I get it from?

You can find Boston airport’s official taxi ranks at each terminal on the arrivals level except at terminal C, where taxis are located on the ground level, at the central parking garage.

Convenience

Choosing a taxi for your Boston transportation service is a very convenient option as taxis are always available at BOS airport. Moreover, the travel time to downtown Boston is very short, so instead of going through the hassle of navigating your way through Boston’s public transportation, grab a cab and enjoy their door-to-door services.

Nonetheless, taking a Boston airport taxi means unforeseen fees and tolls. If you wish to travel on a fixed rate fee, you can always pre-book your Boston airport transfer online.

Editor’s Note

It is customary to tip your taxi driver in Boston; a tip of around 15% is the norm, however if your cab driver provided assistance with luggage and offered friendly conversation you can always leave a 20% tip.

Useful Tips

It is important to know that an extra $2.75 USD (€2.30) will need to be paid by the passenger as an airport toll fee.
Make sure to check that the taximeter has been reset and is running before you start your Boston airport transfer to the centre.

How to get from Boston airport to city centre by subway

A great way to travel from Boston Logan airport to Boston city centre is by taking the “T” subway using the Blue Line. Boston’s Public Transportation System is a great way to avoid the city’s heavy traffic and is also more cost-savvy than taking a taxi.

Please note that you will firstly need to take the free Massport shuttle bus (Route 22, 33, or 55 to “MBTA Blue Line”) that can easily be found outside each terminal. The bus will drop you off directly in front of the Airport Station where you can carry on your journey on the subway.

How much is a ticket on the Blue Line from Boston airport to the city centre?

As the first part of your journey is on the free Boston airport’s Massport shuttle bus, you will only need to buy a ticket for the subway. Prices vary on your final destination within the city centre however a standard one-way ticket to the closest part of downtown costs $2.75 USD (€2.30).

However, if you are planning on using Boston’s public transportation system during your stay, it is highly recommended to buy a CharlieCard, as they offer convenient prices on both the bus and the subway.

Cost

$2.75 USD (€2.30)

Trip Duration

30 Min.

There is an average waiting time of 5 to 10 minutes for the Blue Line.

Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

The Blue Line runs daily from 06:00 to 00:30.

Where do I get it from?

The Massport shuttle bus stops in front of all Boston airport’s terminals and will then drop you off directly at the airport station, where you can find the Blue Line subway.

Convenience

Taking the Boston subway line from Boston airport to downtown is a great option for those travelling on a budget as the first part of the journey is free and the second part is low cost. However, having to change over from the airport bus to the subway line can be tedious if you are travelling with children or heavy luggage, especially after a long flight. In addition to that, as the Massport shuttle bus stops operating before the subway, you might end up having to take a taxi to the airport station.

Editor’s Note

Please note that the subway times vary depending on peak and off-peak times. Peak times on weekdays are from 07:00 - 09:00 and 16:00 - 18:30 where trains arrive every 5 minutes. Off-peak and weekends trains arrive every 10 minutes.

Useful Tips

The Massport shuttle bus operates daily from 10:00 - 18:00, after these hours you will have to find your own way to the airport station, either by taxi or by bus.
It is important to know that the price of your Blue Line subway ticket is set depending on your final destination within Boston city centre.

How to get from Boston airport to city centre by bus

Another great public transportation option – and a free one too – is to take the Silver bus line from Boston international airport.
The bus is a fast transit service and serves the South Station Rail & Bus Terminal, for connections to Commuter Rail, Amtrak and to the Red line, as well as providing connections to various destinations in Boston, such as Cambridge, downtown Boston, Harvard University Massachusetts, and the General Hospital MIT.

Moreover, the Silver line SL1 is a convenient option as it provides drop-offs and pick-ups directly in front of each terminal at Boston Logan airport.

How much is a bus ticket from Boston airport to the city centre?

The Silver line shuttle bus is always free from Boston airport to the city centre.

Cost

Free

Trip Duration

30 Min.

There is an average waiting time of 10 to 15 minutes for the Silver bus line.

Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

The Silver line is available daily from 05:30 to 00:30.

Where do I get it from?

The SL1 bus picks up and drops off at every Boston Logan airport terminal.

Convenience

This Boston airport transportation option is great, especially for those travelling on a very small budget. Not only does the Silver line bus provide a free service to downtown Boston, it runs fairly frequently. Nevertheless, as it is a public transport option, you will have to find your way from the bus stop in the centre to your hotel or accommodation within the city.

Editor’s Note

It is good to know that there are no shuttle transfers needed to get to the Silver line bus and there is plenty of room to store your luggage on the bus.

Useful Tips

Please note that the Silver line bus (SL1) is is accessible for the disabled.
Make sure you are heading in the right direction when boarding the bus; to reach the city center, head towards Northwest / Alewife.

Welcome Pickups transfer

Welcome Pickups

Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line

If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in Boston. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.

Best drivers

Hand-picked english-speaking drivers

Flight monitoring

Drivers are always on time

Quality support

24/7 email & phone support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Edit or cancel transfers

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Welcome Pickups has a Net Safety Score of 99 of 100

We’ve introduced a metric indicating how safe travellers feel when using our services during the COVID-19 pandemic. After every ride, we ask each traveller to leave a review.

  • 20 minute gap between transfers

  • Regular Car Sanitisation

  • Contactless ride

  • Sanitiser in every car

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Frequently asked questions

How to get from Boston airport to downtown Boston?

There are 3 different transportation options to get from Boston international airport to the city centre; you can either take a taxi cab or private shuttle, the Boston subway or the Silver Line airport bus.

How far is Boston airport to the city centre?

Boston airport is located only 8 kilometres (5 miles) away from downtown. It only takes 10 minutes to reach by car or taxi, 30 minutes on the subway and 30 to 40 minutes by bus.

Does Boston airport have a train station?

Yes, Boston Logan International Airport has a rail line, however you will need to take a free shuttle bus from any of the airport terminals to reach the station.

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