Boston’s Logan Airport is a few miles east of Boston centre and is well serviced by public transport. The airport has four terminals, but all International flights arrive at Terminal E and jet-lagged tourists will find the terminal small and easy to navigate. This guide will detail how to travel from Logan Airport to: Downtown, Harvard, MIT and Cambridge by public transport.

TIP: It is wise to check the departure terminal on your exit from Boston as not all international flights depart from terminal 4.

Directly opposite and through the automatic doors there are a few platforms for buses to hotels, the metro and car rentals. All bus stops are very clearly signposted and tourists will find that drivers are happy to provide guidance if needed. There are also two cash machines next to the automatic doors, which accept foreign cards, if small change is required. This is advisable for individuals using public transport or taxis from the airport.

Fenway Park the most famous baseball ground

For those wishing to head to Downtown Boston via public transport it is advisable to get a free shuttle bus to the Airport Metro Station (which is commonly referred to as the ‘T’ or ‘Subway’). The Airport Metro Station is on the blue line, which goes straight to downtown Boston. This line also intersects with all other metro lines, which enables tourists to reach all major districts of Boston easily.

Boston Public Garden and the swan boats

The Airport Shuttle bus runs a loop service connecting Terminal E with the Metro Station and then car rental pick-up stop. To catch the Airport Shuttle bus head out of the automatic terminal doors (which are directly opposite the arrival doors) and directly take a left. Look out for buses numbered 33, 55 and 66, which all stop at Terminal E and then head directly to the Airport Metro station. These buses run a frequent 24-hour, free service.

The Old State House of Boston

On arrival at the Airport Metro Station there are simple to use ticket machines. Tourists can purchase single/return journey tickets to a selected destination or re-useable ‘Charlie Cards’.

Tip: For tourists looking to use public transport for the duration of their stay it is advisable to purchase a Charlie card and simply top this up as/when needed.

For trains to Boston, simply head through the barriers and over the bridge to the far platform and catch trains running to Bowdoin. There are free metro maps available from the station and also on platforms. These are useful for planning routes before getting on busy trains. The MBTA website also has a helpful journey planner for those wishing to plan their journey in advance: www.MBTA.com

For those wishing to head to Harvard via public transport it is advisable to get a free shuttle bus to the Airport “T” Metro Station.

Historic Harvad unviversity

On arrival at the Airport Metro Station, simply head through the barriers and over the bridge to the far platform and catch trains running to Bowdoin. Take three stops on the blue line and get off at State, change to the orange line, (follow directions for trains heading to Forest Hills) for one stop to Downtown Crossing and then make one further change to the red line (follow directions for trains heading to Alewife) for five stops. Get off at Harvard stop.

Cambridge has a large Portuguese community

On arrival at the Airport Metro Station, simply head through the barriers and over the bridge to the far platform and catch trains running to Bowdoin. Take three stops on the blue line and get off at State, change to the orange line, (follow directions for trains heading to Forest Hills) for one stop to Downtown Crossing and then make one further change to the red line (follow directions for trains heading to Alewife) for three stops. Get off at Kendall/MIT stop.

On arrival at the Airport Metro Station, simply head through the barriers and over the bridge to the far platform and catch trains running to Bowdoin. Take two stops on the blue line and get off at the Aquarium. For a novel way to arrive in North End, see the section “Arriving by water from Logan Airport”

For tourists who want simple, non-stop transport to the Back Bay area of Boston it is advisable to get the Logan Express. This costs $5.00 for a one-way journey. The service runs every 20 minutes from 6 am until 10 pm.

Boston City hall

It is important to note that only cards are accepted and passenger with cash only will not be able to travel. To catch the Logan Express head out of the automatic terminal doors, (which are directly opposite the arrival doors) and look for the Logan Express bus stop. The Logan Express stops at two spots in Back Bay: Copley Square and then at the Hynes Convention Centre. Bus drivers are happy to give guidance, but tourists should plan ahead at peak times.

For tourists staying in the North End dockside, Quincy Market or Boston Inner Harbor areas there is a water taxi, which can provide a novel way arrive in style in good weather. This also makes for spectacular views of the Boston skyline.

 

For information on water taxi routes and rates, see the MBTA website: www.mbta.com/schedules_and_maps/boats.