How to get from Boston Airport to Salem MA

April Dwyer

Travel/Copy Writer - 10+ years with private, NGO and startups | Adventure Seeker/World Explorer

October 9, 2023

Known for a rather dark past and where thousands of visitors flock each Halloween, Salem has a lot more to offer beyond its spooky history. While you might come to discover the stories of witches, you’ll also find streets filled with brightly painted and interesting buildings, set against an unbeatable backdrop of the shores of Boston.

If you are planning on travelling directly from Boston Logan Airport to Salem MA, there are several transport options available to suit all needs and budgets including taxi or private transfer, bus, ferry, train and subway. The fastest and most convenient options are to take a taxi directly from your airport terminal or to book a private transfer in advance. The journey by car takes around 30 minutes in light traffic and a local taxi will cost an average of $47 (€45) for up to 4 passengers. If you’re up for an adventure and want to make a start on your sightseeing, another alternative is to take the ferry from Logan Airport Ferry Terminal to Long Wharf (North) where you can take another ferry all the way to Salem. This option will cost $38.75 (€37) per traveller and take around 1 hour and 15 minutes, excluding wait times.

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.

Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi Learn more

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS

OPTION	PRICE	DURATION	AVAILABILITY
Welcome Pickups	€125	30min	24/7	Book
Book
Taxi	€44.70	30min	24/7
Bus	€26.2	75min	06:39–22:30
Bus and train	€20	42min	05:20–23:50
Train	€20	70min	05:13–23:50
Ferry	€74	75min	10:50–20:10

How to get from Boston Airport to Salem MA by taxi

The fastest and most convenient way to get from Boston Airport to Salem MA is by taking an airport taxi. Taxis are available 24/7 and fares are calculated using a taximeter. Getting from the airport to Salem by taxi will take around 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Taxi fare from Boston Airport to Salem MA

All taxis from Boston Airport are metered and fares are calculated by distance travelled. The first 1/7 mile is charged at $2.60 (€2.50) and then each mile thereafter is charged at $2.80 (€2.70). The approximately 15-mile taxi journey from Logan Airport to Salem costs $47.25 (€44.70) for up to 4 passengers, including the $2.25 (€2.15) airport surcharge, but may vary if a longer route is taken due to traffic conditions.

For a set fare that won’t increase no matter how bad the traffic is, a private airport transfer from Boston Airport directly to your destination in Salem can be pre-arranged with Welcome Pickups.

Cost

$47.25 (€44.70)

Trip Duration

30 Min.

The journey can take anywhere between 30 and 45 minutes depending on the time of day and traffic conditions.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis are available from Boston Airport 24/7.

Where do I take a taxi from at the airport?

Taxis are available from the Arrivals level of each terminal, while at Terminal C, the taxi rank is located on the ground level of the Central Parking Garage.

Convenience

Taking a taxi from Boston Logan Airport to Salem MA is super fast and convenient, especially if you are travelling with more than one item of luggage and value speed and comofrt. And if you are travelling in a group, it can be just as economical as taking the train but without the hassle.

Editor’s Note

Tips, tolls and the airport surcharge fee of $2.25 (€2.15) will be added to your final fare.

Useful Tips

A good guide for tipping your driver is 15–20% of your trip fare.

Luggage for each passenger is included in the fare price.

All Boston taxis should accept credit card and cash payments but it is always best to confirm before starting your journey.

How to get from Logan Airport to Salem by bus

To take the bus from Boston Logan Airport to Salem MA, you’ll first board the Logan Express bus service from outside your terminal to Peabody which takes 40 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. From there, take the 435 local bus service from the Northshore Mall @ Entrance F bus stop, travelling for an average of 30 minutes before reaching Salem Station.

The total train journey from Boston Airport to Salem takes 1 hour and 15 minutes, with a wait of up to 30 minutes in between bus services.

How much is the bus from Boston Airport to Salem?

Tickets for the Logan Express bus from Logan Airport to Peabody can be purchased online at a discounted rate of $9 (€8.50) per person. They can also be purchased on the day from the terminal or on board the bus for $12 (€11.50) per person. From Peabody, the one-way journey to Salem station per person costs $1.70 (€1.60) and tickets can be paid for in cash or card using the onboard fare boxes. The total journey cost from Boston Airport to Salem by bus is $13.70 (€13.10) per person.

Cost

$13.70 (€13.10)

Trip Duration

75 Min.

The Logan Express and the 435 bus service run once per hour. The scheduling for each service allows a 30 minute connection time at Peabody.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The Logan Express service leaves at every hour at quarter past the hour between 04:15 and 01:15 the next day, 7 days a week. The service stops at every terminal. The 435 bus service from Peabody runs between 06:39 and 22:30 during the week, 08:41 and 22:27 on Saturdays and 10:02 and 18:44 on Sundays.

Where do I take the bus from Logan Airport to Salem MA?

The Logan Express bus to Peabody collects passengers from each terminal, starting with Terminal A. Follow the signs to ‘scheduled buses’ outside of the baggage collection area of each terminal. The bus will drop passengers off at 91 Essex Center Drive in Peabody at the Northshore Mall. From there, walk 5 minutes to the Northshore Mall @ Entrance F bus stop to find the 435 bus to Salem.

Convenience

Taking a bus from Logan Airport to Salem is the most comfortable and direct public transport option for solo travellers or small groups that don’t want the hassle of taking luggage on the subway or Commuter Rail, at an affordable price.

If your flight arrives on a Sunday, keep in mind that the connecting 435 bus service from Peabody to Salem runs at a reduced timetable on that day. Alternatively, consider booking a Welcome Pickups transfer and have someone meet you at Arrivals to help you with your luggage and transport you directly to the door of your desired destination in Salem.

Timetables

Logan Airport - Peabody Bus

Logan Express Bus Timetable

Peabody - Salem Bus

Route 435 Bus Timetable

Editor’s Note

The 435 bus service from Peabody runs at a reduced timetable on Sundays so be sure to plan your journey accordingly with your flight times.

Useful Tips

Make sure to allow enough time to purchase your Logan Express ticket before boarding as buses leave on schedule.

The Logan Express stops at every terminal, starting with Terminal A.

The Logan Express is wheelchair accessible.

How to get from Logan Airport to Salem MA by bus and train

Travelling by bus and the Commuter Rail from Logan Airport to Salem MA is very straightforward with only one connection between the airport and Salem, and a total journey time of 42 minutes, excluding wait times.

As there is no direct bus route from the airport, you must first take the free airport shuttle bus from your terminal to the Airport Station. From there you can catch the Silver Line 3 (SL3) bus to Chelsea which takes just 8 minutes. At Chelsea Station, travel outbound on the Newburyport/Rockdale Line to Salem which takes 19 minutes.

How much is the bus and train journey from Logan Airport to Salem?

The Massport shuttle bus from each of the terminals to the Airport Station is free so you only need to cover your journey cost from the station onwards. Tickets, called CharliTickets, for your bus journey to Chelsea Station cost $2.40 (€2.30) per person and can be purchased from one of the ticket vending machines at Airport Station.

Salem Station is located in Zone 3 on the Commuter Rail network. A one-way ticket from Chelsea Station to Salem costs $8 (€7.70) bringing the total journey cost per traveller to $10.40 (€10).

Cost

$10.40 (€10)

Trip Duration

42 Min.

The Massport Airport Shuttle has 6 different routes that run at different times throughout the day, servicing different terminals. The shuttle runs every 5-6 minutes and can take up to 15 minutes to reach the Airport Station depending on which terminal you are departing from.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The SL3 service between the Airport Station and Chelsea runs between 04:33 and 01:09 during the week, 05:10 and 01:01 on Saturdays and 06:08 and 01:03. The Newburyport/Rockport Line from North Station runs between 05:35 and 23:50 on weekdays and 06:30 and 23:50 on weekends.

Where do I take the bus from?

The Massport airport shuttle collects passengers from the lower level of each terminal at the curbside and drops off at the Airport Station. At the Airport Station, board the Silver Line (SL3) bus towards Chelsea. Once at Chelsea, follow the signage to the Commuter Rail and board the Newburyport/Rockbury Line outbound.

Convenience

This option is faster than taking the subway and with only one connection, you won’t have to worry about dragging your luggage through the ‘T’ and rushing to catch connections.

Timetables

Massport Free Shuttle Timetable

Airport Shuttle Routes

Airport - Chelsea Station

Silver Line 3 (SL3) Timetable

Chelsea Station - Salem

Newburyport/Rockport Line Timetable

Editor’s Note

There are no ticket vending machines at Chelsea Station so be sure to purchase a separate ticket for your Chelsea to Salem journey from the Airport Station.

Useful Tips

Download the mTicket App to purchase tickets online for all transport options ahead of your journey to save time once you arrive.

Single-journey subway and Commuter Rail tickets are called CharlieTickets.

CharlieTickets are valid for all subway and bus journeys but are not transferable to the Commuter Rail. You will need a separate additional ticket for this part of the journey.

How to get from Boston Airport to Salem MA by train

There is no direct train route when travelling by train from Boston Airport to Salem so you will need to make a couple of line changes. The total train journey takes 70 minutes, excluding wait times.

First, take the free Massport airport shuttle bus from any terminal to the Blue Line Airport Station. From here, take the subway toward Bowdoin for 7 minutes until you reach State Station, then change to the Orange Line, heading towards Oak Grove for just 2 minutes, disembarking at North Station. Lastly, change to the Commuter Rail on either the Newburyport or Rockport Lines, until you reach Salem – about 30 minutes later.

How much is the train from Boston Airport to Salem?

The airport shuttle to the MBTA Blue Line at the Airport Station is a free service. The cost per traveller for the subway journey from the Airport Station all the way through to North Station is $2.40 (€2.30) per passenger and CharlieTickets can be purchased from fare vending machines at the station.

From North Station, you can purchase a Commuter Rail ticket from a ticket booth or a fare vending machine with either cash or a card. A one-way ticket for each traveller to Salem (Zone 3) costs $8 (€7.70), bringing the total journey cost to $10.40 (€10).

Cost

$10.40 (€10)

Trip Duration

70 Min.

The Massport airport shuttle has 6 different routes that run at different times throughout the day, servicing different terminals. The average wait time for the shuttle is 5-6 minutes. The wait time for the subway from the airport to North Station is 5–12 minutes.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The Blue Line from the Airport to State Station runs from 05:13 to 00:40 from Mon to Sat and 06:12 to 00:36 on Sundays. The Orange Line between State Station and North Station runs from 05:33 to 00:48 Mon to Sat and 06: 17 to 00:47 on Sundays. The Newburyport/Rockport Line from North Station runs between 05:35 and 23:50 on weekdays and 06:30 and 23:50 on weekends.

Where do I take the train from?

The free Massport Airport shuttle bus collects passengers from the lower level of each terminal at the curbside. Once at the Airport Station, board the Blue Line towards Bowdoin, stopping at State Station. Follow signage for the Orange Line and board the train heading northbound towards Oak Grove. Disembark at North Station and connect with the Commuter Rail, taking the Newburyport/Rockport Line Outbound towards Newburyport.

Convenience

The frequency of trains running on the Newburyport/Rockport Line changes throughout the day between every 25 minutes and up to one hour wait time. For a hassle-free alternative where you don’t have to worry about meeting train connections, book a private transfer and your driver will meet you at the Arrivals Hall to help you with your luggage and swiftly take you to your precise destination.

Timetables

Massport Free Shuttle Timetable

Airport Shuttle Routes

Airport Station - State Station

Blue Line Timetable

State Station - North Station

Orange Line Timetable

Newburyport/Rockport Line

MBTA Commuter Rail Timetable 2023

Editor’s Note

Timetables change seasonally between the warmer and cooler months so be sure to check the train times before travelling.

Useful Tips

The Boston subway is known as the "T".

Depending on which terminal you are arriving at, the free airport shuttle bus can take up to 15 minutes to arrive at the Blue Line Airport Station.

There are luggage racks available on the airport shuttle bus.

Taking the ferry from Boston Airport to Salem MA

If you’re looking for a way to take in the sights on your journey from Logan Airport to Salem, then the ferry is certainly the most entertaining of your transport options.

From the airport, take the Massport airport shuttle (Route 66) to the Water Transportation Dock. From there you can take a 10-minute ferry ride to Long Wharf (North) where you’ll hop aboard the 50-minute ferry to Salem.

How much is a ferry ticket from Boston Airport to Salem?

The Massport shuttle from each airport terminal to the Water Transportation Dock is free of charge. The short journey across the harbour between the Logan Airport Ferry Terminal and Long Wharf (North) costs $9.75 (€9.30) per person. From Long Wharf to Salem, tickets cost up to $29 (€27.70) per person and can be purchased online with Boston Harbor City Cruises. This brings the total journey cost for each traveller to $38.75 (€37).

Cost

$38.75 (€37)

Trip Duration

75 Min.

The ferry from Logan Airport to Long Wharf operates at random times throughout the day. The first service to Long Wharf leaves at 10:50 and the last service is at 20:10.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The Salem ferry is seasonal and only operates in the warmer months between May and October 31st. The ferry operates 4 times a day Sunday to Wednesday between 09:30 and 17:30 and 5 times a day from Thursday to Saturday between 09:30 and 22:30. Be sure to check the Boston Harbor City Cruises website for an up-to-date timetable.

Where do I get the ferry from?

The Route 66 Massport airport shuttle bus collects passengers from the lower level of each terminal at the curbside and transports them to the Water Transportation Dock where you’ll find the Logan Airport Ferry.

From the Logan Airport Ferry Terminal, take the ferry to Long Wharf (North) and disembark. From Long Wharf, board the ferry to the Salem Ferry Terminal on Blaney Street.

Convenience

If you are not in a hurry, the ferry is a great transport option that will allow you to relax and take in some of Boston’s sights along the way. If you travelling alone, the ferry is slightly cheaper than taking a taxi, although much pricier than the train or bus. If you are travelling in a group, then this option will cost a lot more than taking a taxi directly to Salem but you will get to enjoy the views along the way.

Timetables

Logan Airport Ferry Timetable

Logan Airport to Long Wharf

Long Wharf Ferry Timetable

Long Wharf to Salem Ferry Schedule

Editor’s Note

Be sure to board the ferry 30 minutes prior to departure.

Useful Tips

Food and drinks are available for purchase on board from Long Wharf to Salem.

Grab a seat on the outdoor viewing deck to make the most of the Boston and Salem scenery.

Welcome Pickups transfer

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

DAYTIME

€125.0

NIGHTTIME

€150.0

Same price as a regular taxi from the line

PRICES FOR

Sedan Car

4 pax, 4 pieces of luggage

Book Welcome Pickups transfer

Frequently asked questions

How can I get from Boston Airport to Salem MA?

There are a number of different ways you can make the journey from Boston Airport to Salem including taxi or private transfer, bus, ferry, train and subway.

Travelling by car is the only direct route from the airport to Salem, it is also the fastest with a travel time of around 30 minutes. Taking the Logan Express from the airport and connecting with the local bus at Peabody is convenient for the budget-conscious who have extra luggage as it collects passengers from right outside the terminal and only costs $13.70 (€13.10) per traveller, with a travel time of 1 hour and 15 minutes, excluding wait times.

Bus, train and subway routes are the most cost-effective options and can get you from the airport to Salem for as little as $10.40 (€10) per person, with a travel time between 45 and 70 minutes, excluding wait times.

While not the cheapest option, the ferry is a fun alternative for those who are looking for a relaxing journey while taking in some of the sights. The journey will cost $38.75 (€37) per person and takes more or less 75 minutes, excluding ferry waiting times.

What’s the distance from Logan Airport to Salem MA?

The distance from Logan Airport to Salem is approximately 24 km (15 mi) – easily covered by car in about 30 minutes under average traffic conditions.

Is there a direct train from Boston Airport to Salem?

There is no direct train between Boston Airport and Salem. Passengers travelling by train need to take an airport shuttle bus from any terminal to the Airport Station where they can connect with the Blue Line on the subway. From there, they need to travel to State Station, change to the Orange Line and then continue to North Station. At North Station, passengers need to change to the Commuter Rail on the Newburyport/Rockdale Line which will take them to Salem.

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