Boston Airports Guide: Terminals, Transport, and Essential Information

Boston, the historic and cultural capital of New England, is served by one primary international airport and a smaller regional airport. Logan International Airport (BOS) is a major hub for the Northeastern United States, while T.F. Green Airport (PVD) in nearby Rhode Island serves as a popular alternative for some travelers. Understanding Logan’s multi-terminal layout and its unique transport connections to downtown is key for a smooth visit.

Logan International Airport (BOS)

Overview: Logan International Airport (BOS) is the primary airport serving Boston and the greater New England region. Located in East Boston, just 5 km (3 miles) across the harbor from downtown Boston, it’s remarkably close to the city. It is a major hub for Delta Air Lines and a focus city for JetBlue, American Airlines, and United Airlines.

Terminals: Logan has four active passenger terminals (A, B, C, and E) connected by pre-security shuttle buses and post-security walkways.

• Terminal A: Primarily serves Delta Air Lines (including Delta Shuttle) and some WestJet flights.
• Terminal B: Serves Air Canada, American Airlines, Southwest, Spirit, and most United Airlines flights.
• Terminal C: The exclusive terminal for JetBlue Airways and some Cape Air flights.
• Terminal E: The International Terminal. All overseas arrivals (except some pre-cleared flights) use Terminal E. Many international carriers also depart from here, along with some domestic flights.

Important: Always confirm your terminal with your airline. Free Massport Shuttle Buses (Route 11, 22, 33, 55, 66, 88) connect all terminals, the rental car center, and the subway station. A post-security connector walkway links Terminals A, B, and E (Terminal C is not connected airside).

Getting to and from BOS:

• MBTA Silver Line (SL1):
  A dedicated bus rapid transit (BRT) service that is FREE from the airport into the city. It runs from all terminals to South Station (a major transit hub) in about 15-20 minutes. From South Station, connect to the Red Line subway and Commuter Rail.
• MBTA Blue Line Subway:
  Take the free Massport Shuttle (Route 22, 33, or 55) from any terminal to the Airport Station on the Blue Line. The subway ride to downtown (State Street station) takes about 10 minutes. This is often the fastest way to reach the city center.
• Logan Express:
  Dedicated coach service to suburban park-and-ride lots in Framingham, Woburn, Braintree, and Peabody. Cost-effective if driving from these areas.
• Water Taxi / MBTA Ferry:
  A unique and scenic option. Take the free Massport Shuttle (Route 66) to the Logan Dock. From there, water taxis or the MBTA ferry (to Long Wharf) provide quick service across the harbor to downtown.
• Taxi:
  Available at designated stands outside each terminal. Fares are metered. A trip to downtown (e.g., Back Bay) typically costs $25-$45, plus tolls and tip, and takes 15-30+ minutes depending on tunnel traffic.
• Ride-Hailing (Uber, Lyft):
  The designated pickup areas are at the Central Parking garage (on the ground floor). Free shuttles from each terminal go directly to this pickup location. Follow signs for “Rideshare.”

Best for: All international travel and most domestic travel directly to Boston.

T.F. Green Airport (PVD) – Providence, RI

Overview: Located in Warwick, Rhode Island, approximately 105 km (65 miles) south of downtown Boston. It is marketed as an alternative to Logan, often offering lower fares and less congestion. It is a focus city for Southwest Airlines.

Terminals: One main terminal.

Getting to Boston from PVD:

• MBTA Commuter Rail: Take a RIPTA bus or taxi to the Providence Train Station, then a commuter rail train to Boston’s South Station (~1 hour).
• Bus: Peter Pan Bus Lines offers direct service to Boston’s South Station (~1 hour).
• Car: Drive via I-95 North (can take 60-90+ minutes with traffic).

Best for: Travelers to southern Massachusetts/Rhode Island or those seeking lower fares who don’t mind a 60-90 minute ground transfer to Boston.

Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) – Manchester, NH

Overview: Located in Manchester, New Hampshire, about 88 km (55 miles) north of Boston. Another low-cost alternative airport.

Terminals: One terminal.

Getting to Boston from MHT: Bus (Boston Express) to South Station (~1 hour) or driving via I-93 South (60-90+ minutes).

Best for: Travelers to New Hampshire or northern Massachusetts seeking low-cost flights.

Which Boston Airport Should You Choose?

For convenience to Boston city: Always choose Logan International Airport (BOS). The time and cost savings on ground transport almost always outweigh any potential fare savings at distant airports.

Consider T.F. Green (PVD) or Manchester (MHT) only if:

1. Your final destination is closer to those airports (e.g., you’re staying in Providence or southern NH).
2. You find a significantly cheaper flight and are willing to add 2-3 hours of total travel time and extra cost for ground transport.

Always double-check which airport you are flying into. Confusing BOS with PVD or MHT is a major logistical error.

Essential Travel Information for Logan Airport (BOS)

Terminal Strategy:

• International Arrivals: You will land at Terminal E. After clearing Customs and Border Protection (CBP), you will exit into the public arrivals hall.
• Domestic Arrivals: Check your airline to know your terminal (A, B, or C).
• Connecting at BOS: If connecting on a single ticket, your baggage will be transferred. You may need to change terminals:
  • Airside (Post-Security): Walkways connect A ↔ B ↔ E. Terminal C is not connected airside. You must exit security, take a shuttle bus, and re-clear security.
  • Landside (Pre-Security): Use the free Massport shuttle buses.

Arrival Process at BOS (Terminal E for International):

1. Disembark & Follow Signs: Follow signs for “Arrivals” and “Customs & Border Protection.”
2. Primary Inspection (CBP): Have passport, completed customs declaration (or CBP MPC app), and visa/ESTA ready.
3. Baggage Claim: Collect all checked luggage.
4. Secondary Inspection & Customs: Hand your declaration to a CBP officer. Your bags may be inspected.
5. Re-check Luggage (if connecting): Follow signs to drop bags on a conveyor belt if you have a connecting domestic flight.
6. Exit to Arrivals Hall: Proceed to ground transport.

Departure Process at BOS:

1. Arrive Early: For domestic flights, arrive 2 hours early. For international flights, arrive 3 hours early. Security lines, especially at Terminal B and C, can be very long during peak times (Monday mornings, Friday afternoons, holidays).
2. Go to Correct Terminal: Confirm with your airline.
3. Check-in & Bag Drop: Use airline kiosks or visit the ticket counter.
4. Security (TSA): Have ID and boarding pass ready. Consider TSA PreCheck or CLEAR to expedite.
5. Gate Area: All terminals have a good selection of local food and shops. Terminal C (JetBlue) is particularly well-regarded.

Ground Transport in Detail:

• Best for Most Travelers / Value: Silver Line (SL1) Bus (FREE to South Station) or the Blue Line Subway via shuttle bus (cheap fare).
• Best for Scenic Route / Avoiding Traffic: MBTA Ferry or Water Taxi from the Logan Dock.
• Best for Door-to-Door / Groups: Taxi or Ride-Hailing. Remember, ride-hailing picks up at the Central Garage, not curbside.

Money & Connectivity:

• Currency: US Dollar ($). ATMs widely available.
• Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport.

Local Tip – The “Sumner/Callahan Tunnels”:

• Road traffic to/from Logan must go through one of two harbor tunnels. Traffic here can be gridlocked during rush hours (7-9am, 4-7pm). If taking a taxi or being dropped off, always allow substantial extra time.

Bottom Line: Logan Airport is a busy but well-organized hub. Your success hinges on knowing your terminal and using public transit (Silver Line or Blue Line) to beat traffic and save money. For international arrivals, expect standard U.S. procedures at Terminal E. With its proximity to the city and multiple transit options, accessing Boston from BOS is straightforward and efficient.