Airport Guide

Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)

Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) is the primary commercial airport serving New England and the primary international gateway for one of America's most historically significant and economically dynamic cities. Located on a peninsula in Boston Harbor just one mile from downtown Boston, Logan is one of the most centrally situated major airports in the United States relative to its downtown core, offering unusually convenient transit and ground transportation access.

Overview of Boston Logan International Airport

Boston Logan International Airport is managed by the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) and occupies a peninsula in Boston Harbor in East Boston, directly across the harbor from downtown Boston. The airport's location — just one mile from Boston's Financial District and directly accessible by subway — makes it one of the most conveniently located major airports in the United States.

BOS has four passenger terminals: A, B, C, and E. Terminal E serves as the international terminal. The terminals are arranged around the airfield and connected on the landside by the Logan Express shuttle and on the transit side by the Silver Line SL1 bus and Blue Line subway via shuttle bus.

JetBlue Airways has one of its largest bases of operations at BOS. American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines all have significant presences as well. The airport serves as the primary entry point into New England for transatlantic traffic, connecting Boston to Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas.

History of Boston Logan International Airport

Boston Logan International Airport has operated from its current site in East Boston since 1923, making it one of the oldest continuously operating commercial airports in the United States. The site was developed on filled land in Boston Harbor, a pattern that has continued with successive expansions on reclaimed land. The airport was named for General Edward Lawrence Logan, a Massachusetts public figure, in 1943.

Logan expanded significantly through the jet age with successive terminal buildings, runway extensions, and cargo facilities. The airport faced significant community opposition to noise and expansion proposals from East Boston residents in the 1970s and 1980s, shaping its development trajectory. JetBlue established BOS as one of its earliest and most important focus cities in the early 2000s, expanding significantly to become one of the airport's top carriers.

Terminals at Boston Logan International Airport

BOS has four passenger terminals. Terminal A is the newest domestic terminal and houses American Airlines and several other carriers. Terminal B is a two-level facility that handles JetBlue Airways and Southwest Airlines. Terminal C is a modernized mid-sized terminal used by United Airlines, Delta, and other carriers. Terminal E is the international terminal, handling all international arrivals and departures including federal inspection services for customs and immigration.

The terminals are not connected airside — passengers must exit to the roadway level and use shuttles or the Logan Connector bus to move between terminals if needed. Terminal E international arrivals connect to domestic carriers via this ground-level connection.

Airlines and Destinations at Boston Logan International Airport

JetBlue Airways is the largest carrier at BOS by seats and operates an extensive domestic network from Terminal B, along with transatlantic routes to London, Amsterdam, and Paris under its Mint business class product. American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines all operate major domestic and international operations from BOS.

Transatlantic international service at BOS is extensive, with nonstop routes to London (Heathrow, Gatwick, and City), Dublin, Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Zurich, Lisbon, Reykjavik, and other European cities. Air Canada, WestJet, and other carriers provide trans-border service to Canada. Several airlines serve Latin American destinations. BOS provides nonstop service to well over 100 destinations.

Amenities at Boston Logan International Airport

BOS offers a range of dining and retail options across its four terminals, with the quality and selection varying by terminal. Terminal A and Terminal C have both seen improvements. Terminal E (international) is functional but has more limited amenities relative to some competing international terminals. Airline lounges including American Admirals Club, Delta Sky Club, and United Club are present in their respective terminals. JetBlue operates a spacious lounge area in Terminal B.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout. Logan offers a strong selection of Boston-themed food options. Nursing rooms, interfaith prayer spaces, and pet relief areas are distributed across the terminal complex.

Ground Transportation to and from Boston Logan International Airport

Logan's ground transportation is distinctive for its multiple options. The MBTA Silver Line SL1 bus runs directly from all terminals to South Station in downtown Boston in approximately 20 minutes, connecting to the Red Line subway and Amtrak. The MBTA Blue Line subway provides an alternative connection via the Airport Station — accessed by a free shuttle bus from the terminals — reaching downtown in approximately 15 minutes.

The Logan Express bus service provides convenient connections to suburbs including Braintree, Framingham, Woburn, and Back Bay (in-city), giving travelers across the greater Boston area a direct shuttle to the airport. Water taxis also operate between Logan and various waterfront points in Boston Harbor during seasonal hours. Rideshare services, taxis, and rental cars are available on the ground level of each terminal.

Parking at Boston Logan International Airport

BOS offers on-site parking in several garages adjacent to each terminal, along with the Logan Central Parking facility connected to the terminals via shuttle. Rates are among the highest of any major U.S. airport given its central urban location and constrained site. The Silver Line SL1 (free from airport to South Station) and the Blue Line subway shuttle (Blue Line fares apply) make transit a practical and popular alternative for Boston-area residents.

Logan Express suburban bus service from Braintree and other locations provides a lower-cost option for travelers from surrounding communities. Off-airport parking operators in East Boston and elsewhere offer competitive rates with shuttle service.

Passenger Tips for Boston Logan International Airport

The Silver Line SL1 bus from Logan to South Station is free from the airport (you pay on the return trip). This makes it one of the few free airport transit connections in the U.S. and an excellent value for reaching downtown Boston. The ride takes approximately 20 minutes to South Station, where you can connect to the Red Line, Amtrak, and commuter rail.

Logan's terminals are not connected airside, so if you need to change terminals for a domestic connection, you must exit to the ground level. Allow time for this. Terminal E international arrivals can be slow during afternoon banks when multiple widebody transatlantic flights arrive simultaneously — Global Entry holders will move through customs significantly faster. Logan is susceptible to winter weather delays given Boston's harsh winters; Northeast blizzards can cause major disruptions.

Economic Role of Boston Logan International Airport

Boston Logan International Airport is a critical component of one of the most economically productive metropolitan areas in the United States. The greater Boston economy — anchored by world-class universities, healthcare, biotechnology, financial services, and technology sectors — depends heavily on the international connectivity that Logan provides. The Boston-Cambridge area houses more Nobel laureates, biotech companies, and top-tier universities than any comparable area in the world, and Logan is the primary conduit for the international research, investment, and talent flows this ecosystem requires.

Logan supports hundreds of thousands of jobs in Massachusetts and generates tens of billions in annual economic activity. Its transatlantic route network is particularly important for connecting Boston's global academic and corporate networks to European partners.

Future Development at Boston Logan International Airport

Massport is pursuing terminal modernization programs at Logan, particularly focusing on improving Terminal E's international arrivals experience and expanding concourse capacity at several terminals. The Silver Line extension to Chelsea has improved regional access. Future plans include studying expanded international gate capacity and improved connections between terminals. Logan's constrained peninsula site limits large-scale expansion and focuses investment on efficiency and quality improvements.

Role in the Aviation System

BOS is a primary international gateway for the northeastern United States. It serves as New England's main commercial airport, connecting the region's academic, biotech, and financial sectors to global markets.

Alternative Airports

Airports within approximately 60 miles of Boston Logan International Airport that may provide additional scheduled commercial, regional access.

  • BED / KBED — Laurence G. Hanscom Field
  • MHT / KMHT — Manchester-Boston Regional Airport
  • ORH / KORH — Worcester Regional Airport
  • PSM / KPSM — Portsmouth International at Pease Airport

Summary

Boston Logan International Airport is one of America's most distinctively located airports — sitting one mile from downtown in the middle of Boston Harbor, with one of the best transit connections of any major U.S. airport. For the millions of business travelers, academics, and tourists who pass through BOS each year, Logan provides access to a city of exceptional historical, academic, and economic significance, and serves as New England's irreplaceable gateway to the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to get from Logan Airport to downtown Boston?

The Silver Line SL1 bus runs directly from all terminals to South Station in approximately 20 minutes and is free from the airport. Alternatively, take a free shuttle to the Blue Line Airport Station and ride the subway to downtown in about 15 minutes.

What airlines operate at Boston Logan?

JetBlue is the largest carrier at BOS. American, Delta, and United also have significant operations. Logan offers strong transatlantic service from multiple European carriers.

Are Logan's terminals connected?

No — BOS terminals (A, B, C, and E) are separate buildings not connected airside. To switch terminals, you must exit to the ground level and use the Logan Connector shuttle bus.

Does Boston Logan have international flights?

Yes. Terminal E is the international terminal, with nonstop service to London, Dublin, Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Lisbon, Reykjavik, and many other European cities, as well as transatlantic routes operated by JetBlue's Mint service.

Official Airport Website

For the most current flight schedules, parking availability, terminal maps, and ground transportation updates, visit the official Boston Logan International Airport website.

Boston Logan International Airport Official Site