Boston's Logan Airport: The Complete Guide (2024)

Boston’s Logan Airport has a bad reputation for being confusing for those who live outside of the city, but ever since the Big Dig construction extended I-90 to the airport, it’s been much easier. This guide will give you everything you need to know about getting there, parking options, how to best pick up and drop off passengers, and amenities once you get inside.

How to Get There

There are many ways to get to Logan Airport, and it all comes down to your personal preference. You can drive, take a bus or limo service, or use public transportation.

If you’re driving from the west or south, take the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90 East) – referred to as the “Mass Pike” by locals – to exit 26. From northern points, take Route I-93 South to exit 24B and follow signs to Logan Airport.

Another option is taking Boston’s public transportation via the MBTA Blue Line Subway and Silver Line Bus from Downtown Boston. There’s also the MBTA Commuter Boat that leaves from Hull, just south of the city. For complete directions from any direction, click here.

Those living or staying outside of the city may prefer the Logan Express as transportation to the airport. There are full-service bus terminals with parking in Braintree, Framingham, Woburn and Peabody. You’ll only pay $7 a day for parking, and these buses will take you to any terminal at Logan Airport. Travel time is about 30-45 minutes, and you’ll want to allow yourself some extra time to account for any traffic that could be hit during transit.

If you are even further north or south, look for other bus transportation services. For example, Portsmouth, NH has C&J Bus line that many people enjoy taking advantage of. Other bus and limo services can be found here.

Leaving the airport: If you're leaving the airport, and you take the Silver Line from Logan Airport into the city to South Station, your transit is free. Upon arriving at South Station, you can get to many different destinations in and around the city via the Commuter Rail, Amtrak and Bus and the MBTA Red Line. Another option is to take the Blue Line, which will connect you to the Orange Line at State Street Station. This is the best way to access parts of the city including Back Bay, Fenway Park and Boston University.

Layout, Terminals, and Airlines

If you look at the interactive map, or if you’ve driven through Logan Airport many times before, you’ll see that it’s one big loop. As you drive through, make sure you pay attention to the signs, as the loops can get a bit confusing – especially if you’re driving around killing time as you wait for someone to arrive – and before you know it you’ll be heading for the exit instead of the terminal you’re looking for.

Logan Airport has flights going all over the country and world regularly. Find a full list of direct international destinations here. And its many destinations means you’ll also find most major airlines at Logan Airport. Below is a breakdown of the airlines by terminal, but keep in mind that you should always check your flight terminal before you head to the airport, as there may be cases that there are changes.

Terminal A:

  • Delta (Terminal E for International arrivals)
  • Southwest
  • WestJet

Terminal B:

  • Air Canada
  • American Airlines
  • Boutique Air
  • Spirit
  • United

Terminal C:

  • Aer Lingus
  • Alaska Airlines
  • Cape Air
  • JetBlue (Terminal E for International Arrivals)
  • TAP Air Portugal (Terminal E for International Arrivals)

Terminal E – International:

  • Air France
  • Alitalia
  • American Airlines
  • Avianca
  • Azores Airlines (SATA)
  • British Airways
  • Cabo Verde Airlines
  • Cathay Pacific
  • Copa Airlines
  • Delta
  • El Al
  • Emirates
  • Frontier
  • Hainan Airlines
  • Hawaiian Airlines
  • Iberia
  • Icelandair
  • Japan Airlines
  • JetBlue
  • KLM
  • Korean Air
  • LATAM
  • Level
  • Lufthansa
  • Norwegian
  • Porter
  • Primera Air
  • Qatar Airways
  • Scandinavian Airlines
  • Sun Country Airlines
  • Swiss
  • Tap Air Portugal
  • Turkish Airlines
  • Virgin Atlantic

Parking Options

There are plenty of parking options at and around Logan Airport for different lengths of stay, proximity to the terminals, and price points.

Most convenient is the Central Parking Garage, which is exactly as it sounds, central to Terminals A, B, C, and E and can be accessed through covered walkways as you head to and from flights. When you enter the parking garage, look out for signs to your terminal to ensure that you’re parking in the best spot. Central Parking Garage costs vary depending on the length of your stay, with daily rates at $35.

There are also a few other parking lots available for the same $35 a day rate, including the Terminal B Garage and Terminal E Parking Lots. Of course, these options are best for those traveling through these terminals.

The Economy Parking Lot starts at $26 a day and offers free shuttle bus service to all terminals, which come every 15-20 minutes and operate 24 hours a day. This is the most budget-friendly option at Logan Airport. The two-deck garage has more than 2,700 spaces and can be found at Service Road and Prescott Street. You can also follow the signs for Economy Parking as you drive through the roadway that takes you to the terminals.

There will be times where various garages and lots are filled, but you can check ahead on the parking conditions page for details on overflow lots, including driving directions to help you get there. If you’ll be parking at Logan Airport several times a year, you may want to check out the Parking PASSport Gold program, which is the airport’s premium guaranteed parking.

For all the above parking options, there are complimentary services available to those parking here, including assistance if you lose your car or need a jumpstart or air in your tires.

If you prefer to save some money but sacrifice a little convenience, there are park and fly options located off the airport’s property. One example of this is Park, Shuttle & Fly, which costs $25 a day.

Drop-Offs and Pick-Ups

For those visiting Logan Airport to simply pick someone up, head to the arrivals level of the appropriate terminal. And to drop someone off, drive up to the terminal for a brief unload and goodbye. Keep in mind that curbside parking isn’t allowed, and if you stop for more than a few minutes, law enforcement will make you move along.

The Cell Phone Lot is the best place to wait if you're too early to pick up your passenger. It’s just a few minutes away from the terminals, located at Hotel Drive and Service Road, near the airport Gulf Station.

You can also choose to use any of the Logan parking lots and garages for short-term parking if you’ll be at the airport for less than a day and you want to walk in to say goodbye or find the person you're picking up. Prices vary depending on the lot.

Dining Options

There are plenty of food options both pre- and post-security, no matter what terminal or gate you’re traveling through. These range from spots to grab a quick coffee and breakfast sandwich, like Dunkin’ Donuts and Starbucks, to sit-down meals to get a full meal and drink before your flight, such as Legal Sea Foods or Boston Beer Works.

  • Terminal A: Boston Bruins Bar, Currito, La Baguette Marche, La Baguette Marche Express, Market Kitchen, Friendly's, Dunkin' Donuts, Wendy's, Legal's Test Kitchen, Vino Volo, Harpoon Tap Room, Auntie Anne's, Starbucks, Sbarro, Fresh City
  • Terminal B: Vino Volo, Potbelly Sandwich Shop,Pei Wei, WPizza by Wolfgang Puck, Kelly's Roast Beef, Lucca, Dunkin' Donuts, Starbucks, Villa Pizza, UFood Grill, Todd English's Bonfire, Starbucks, Cisco Brew Pub, Legal Sea Foods, Peet's Coffee & Tea, Stephanie's, Legal Sea Foods, Espressamente Illy, COSI, Berkshire Farms Market
  • Terminal C: Shojo, COSI, Sam Adams Brewhouse/Remy's Express, Wahlburgers, Dunkin' Donuts, Starbucks, Camden food co., Potbelly Sandwich Shop, Boston Beer Works, Legal Sea Foods, Green Express, GoGo Stop, Lean & Green Gourmet, Burger King, Ryo Asian Fusion, Currito, Jerry Remy's Bar and Grill, Dunkin' Donuts Express
  • Terminal E: Dunkin' Donuts, Vineyard Grille, Stephanie's, Legal Sea Foods, Durgin Park, Vino Volo, Burger King, Starbucks, Sbarro, Dine Boston Restaurant, Dine Boston Cafe

Facilities and Amenities

Aside from your usual airport amenities, like much-needed free Wi-Fi, Logan Airport does have a few amenities on-site that you may want to check out.

If you’re traveling with kids, there are play areas throughout the airport. You’ll also find art exhibits and even a spa, both of which come in handy on a long layover or when your flight is delayed.

Be sure to check out the Boston Logan International Airport 9/11 Memorial, which honors the victims of September 11, 2001. This is open 24 hours a day, so you can stop by anytime.

For those looking to reflect and pray, there is also a non-denominational chapel called Our Lady of the Airways that airport staff and travelers can visit.

Once you land, you can find all car rental companies in the Rental Car Center. Just look for the signs, which are easy to spot as you exit the terminal. You’ll also see signs for ride-sharing services and taxis.

Nearby Hotels

While Logan Airport is close to the city of Boston, it’s technically located in East Boston. If you have an early flight or overnight layover, you may want to stay at a nearby hotel. The closest options, both located right on the airport’s property, are the Hilton Boston Logan Airport and the Hyatt Harborside.

Boston's Logan Airport: The Complete Guide (2024)

FAQs

Is Boston Logan airport easy to navigate? ›

Boston Logan Terminals

You'll find a list of all the airlines located at each terminal here. Logan Airport is quite large but is relatively easy to navigate. Walkways connect the terminals, and regular shuttle buses help visitors get around.

How much time do I need at Boston Logan airport? ›

Massport works with the TSA to monitor security line length and wait times. We recommend arriving two hours prior to domestic departures and three hours prior to international departures to ensure adequate time for check-in, security screening and travel to your gate.

How long does it take to go through TSA at Logan? ›

The security officers try to keep lines less than 15 minutes long, but lines can be much longer if you are not prepared! The first step in preparing for security is making sure you have your boarding pass and a government issued ID with you.

Can you walk between terminals at Boston Logan? ›

Passengers who arrive in Terminal A can connect pre-security using the pedestrian walkways between the terminals or Boston Logan's free On-Airport Shuttle bus system to connect to the other terminals. Smarte Cartes are available throughout the airport pre-security for transporting luggage.

How long does it take to walk from Terminal A to Terminal E at Boston Logan Airport? ›

Please look for Massport shuttle bus #11 at curbside on the lower level of Terminal A. 3.) Customers arriving in Terminal A can walk to Terminal E by taking the Skywalk Bridge (up the escalator from the Terminal A lobby) which is about a 5-minute walk.

What is the busiest time at Logan Airport? ›

Busiest Times: Weekdays 7:00-9:00 AM, 3:00-5:00 PM. TSA screening times vary, depending day of the week and time of day. Always allow at least 20 minutes for security, but you can do a same-day check of screening line times at: http://www.whatsbusy.com/airport.

What time should I get to Logan Airport for a 7am flight? ›

Due to expected customer volume, for flights departing Logan International Airport (BOS) between 5-8am and between 1-4pm (Eastern), please plan to arrive 3 hours prior to your flight for both domestic and international flights.

What time to arrive for a 6am flight? ›

The recommended arrival time for a domestic flight departing at 6am can vary depending on several factors. However, most airlines suggest arriving at the airport two hours before departure for domestic flights [2].

What time should I be at the airport for a 6am flight? ›

Generally speaking, most airlines advise that you arrive at the airport at least 2 hours prior to a domestic flight, and at least 3 hours prior to an international flight. That said, there are many factors to consider that will help you decide how much time you should budget for at the airport.

Can you bring food through TSA? ›

Yes, you may pack food in your carry-on or checked bag, but remember all food must undergo x-ray screening. Foods that are liquids, gels, or aerosols must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule. TSA officers make the final decision on whether certain items are permitted into the secured areas of the airport.

Is Logan Airport difficult? ›

BOSTON — Logan Airport is one of the most difficult locations to fly the friendly skies, according to a new study.

Can you bring food through security at Logan Airport? ›

Solid food items can be transported in either your carry-on or checked baggage, while liquid or gel food items larger than 3.4 oz are not permitted in carry-on baggage and should be placed in checked baggage if possible, according to the Transportation Security Administration.

Why is there no terminal D at Logan Airport? ›

Massport announced back in 2006 that Terminal D would be absorbed into Terminal C as "part of a wider effort to assist Logan's passengers to navigate throughout the airport."The initial plan called for Terminal E, the International Terminal, to be renamed Terminal D.

How early should I get to Logan for an international flight? ›

Boston Logan International Airport ranked as the 13th most important airport for for travelers to arrive early. The study suggests the perfect pre-flight arrival time should be 2 hours and 33 minutes. The airport is made up of 2,384 acres and welcomes almost 23 million visitors, making the over two-hour wait worth it.

Can I walk from terminal B to C at Logan after security? ›

The Terminal B to C Connector established a post-security connection between the terminals at Boston Logan. Along with the associated Terminal C Optimization project, it offered improved efficiency, functionality, and connectivity for passengers, tenants, and airport operators alike.

How many gates does Boston Logan airport have? ›

Facilities. Logan International Airport has four lettered passenger terminals, A, B, C, and E, and 106 gate positions in total.

Is Logan a nice airport? ›

BOSTON - A new survey of air travelers does not have good news for Logan Airport. The J.D. Power study on North American airport satisfaction has Logan fifth from the bottom, with a below-average score.

Is Logan Airport usually busy? ›

Busiest times: Airport-wide, weekdays from 5 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m; Sunday: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. International Terminal E, 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

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