BOS Boston Airport Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Quick Overview of Boston Logan

Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) sits on a peninsula in East Boston, just 3 miles from downtown. That proximity is both a blessing and a curse: you're close to the city, but the airport is constrained by water on three sides, which means the terminal layout is compact and the roadways can get congested.

Logan has four terminals (A, B, C, and E -- there's no Terminal D) and serves about 42 million passengers a year. It's a major hub for JetBlue and a focus city for Delta. Over 40 airlines operate nonstop flights from here, including strong international service to Europe.

Terminal Breakdown

Terminal A

Terminal A is primarily Delta territory, with both a main terminal and a satellite terminal connected by an underground pedestrian tunnel. Delta has invested heavily here, and it shows. You'll find two Delta Sky Clubs: one in the main terminal and one in the satellite concourse. This is one of the better terminals at Logan for amenities.

Terminal B

Terminal B hosts multiple airlines including American, United, Spirit, and others. It's the most airline-diverse terminal. Lounges here include the American Airlines Admirals Club and the United Club. The Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club is also in Terminal B, accessible by purchasing a day pass or with qualifying credit cards.

Terminal C

Terminal C is JetBlue's hub. If you're flying JetBlue domestically, this is your home. Cape Air also operates here, along with international carriers Aer Lingus and Etihad. The terminal features The Lounge (accessible with various credit cards and day passes) and a USO Lounge for active military.

A secure airside walkway connects Terminal C to Terminal E, which is convenient if you're connecting between JetBlue domestic flights and international departures.

Terminal E

Terminal E handles the majority of international departures and all international arrivals. Customs and immigration processing happens here. You'll find several international airline lounges including Lufthansa and Emirates. The Lufthansa Lounge is open to day-pass purchasers, making it a good option even if you're not flying Lufthansa.

Getting Between Terminals

Logan uses a combination of walkways and free shuttle buses to connect terminals.

Walking

Most terminal connections can be made on foot outside of security. The walk between adjacent terminals takes 5-10 minutes. Terminals C and E have a secure airside walkway, so you can transfer without re-clearing security.

Massport Shuttle

Free Massport shuttle buses run between all terminals every 5-6 minutes. They pick up and drop off at each terminal's arrivals level. This is the easiest option if you have luggage or if the weather is bad (Boston winters are no joke).

Getting to Downtown Boston

Silver Line Bus (Free from Airport)

The MBTA Silver Line SL1 is free when departing from Logan Airport. It picks up at every terminal and runs to South Station downtown, where you can connect to the Red Line and Commuter Rail. The ride takes about 20 minutes. This is hands-down the best budget option. Transfers from the Red Line to the SL1 heading to Logan are also free.

Blue Line Subway

Take the free Massport Shuttle to Airport station, then ride the Blue Line into the city. You can connect to the Green Line at Government Center or the Orange Line at State station. The fare is the standard MBTA subway fare (about $2.40 with a Charlie Card). Total travel time to downtown is 15-20 minutes.

Water Taxi and Ferry

This is the most scenic option. MBTA ferries run from the Logan dock to Long Wharf in downtown Boston. The ride takes about 7 minutes and costs the standard ferry fare. Check schedules as frequency varies by season.

Taxi and Rideshare

Taxis are available outside baggage claim at all terminals. Rides to downtown Boston cost $25-40 and take 15-30 minutes depending on traffic. The Sumner and Ted Williams tunnels connect the airport to the city, and they can get backed up during rush hour. Uber and Lyft operate from designated pickup areas.

Rental Cars

The rental car center is accessible via free shuttle buses from all terminals. Boston traffic is notoriously bad, and parking downtown is expensive ($30-50/day). Consider whether you actually need a car.

Airport Lounges

Logan has 13 lounges spread across its four terminals. Here are the highlights:

Terminal A

• Delta Sky Club (2 locations) - One in the main terminal, one in the satellite concourse. Standard Sky Club amenities with food, drinks, and WiFi.

Terminal B

• American Airlines Admirals Club - Full bar, food, and WiFi
• United Club - Standard amenities for United members
• Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club - Open to day pass purchasers and various credit card holders. A solid option if you don't have airline lounge access.

Terminal C

• The Lounge - Accessible with Priority Pass, various credit cards, or a day pass. Comfortable seating, food, and drinks.
• USO Lounge - For active military personnel and their families

Terminal E

• Lufthansa Lounge - Day passes available. One of the nicer lounges at Logan with hot food and premium drinks.
• Emirates Lounge - For Emirates business and first class passengers

Food and Dining

Logan has over 75 dining options, and the airport has made a real effort to bring in local Boston favorites alongside the usual chains.

Terminal A

• Legal Sea Foods - A Boston institution. Get the clam chowder. Seriously. It's won awards. Lobster rolls and fresh oysters are also excellent.

Terminal B

• Kelly's Roast Beef - North Shore legend. The roast beef sandwich on a toasted roll is iconic Boston.
• Lucca - Sophisticated Italian with freshly made pasta and seafood. Open from 5 AM until last departure.
• Cisco Brewers - Nantucket brewery with Whale's Tale pale ale, brown-butter lobster roll, and brick-oven pizza.

Terminal C

• Boston Public Market - Local vendors including Red's Best (seafood), Mother Juice (smoothies and salads), and Beantown Pastrami.
• Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse - Prime flat-iron steaks and signature spring rolls. Upscale for an airport.

Terminal E

• Legal Sea Foods - Second location for international travelers who need a last taste of Boston.
• Fox & Flight - Northern Italian-inspired dishes from award-winning chef Karen Akunowicz. Hand-crafted pasta and cocktails.

BOS2GO: Logan offers a mobile ordering program that lets you order ahead from select restaurants and skip the line. Check the Massport website for participating locations.

WiFi

Free, unlimited WiFi is available throughout all terminals. Connect to the "BOSWifi" network. There's no time limit on the connection, so you can stay online for your entire visit. Speeds can slow down during busy periods, but it's generally reliable for browsing, email, and video calls.

Sleeping at BOS

Sleeping at Logan is challenging. There are no sleep pods or dedicated rest areas.

What to Know

• All four terminals remain open 24/7
• TSA security checkpoints close overnight, typically between 10 PM and midnight depending on the terminal
• If you're past security when checkpoints close, you'll be relocated to pre-security areas
• TSA reopens between 4:30 AM and 5:30 AM
• Security guards will move you to landside areas for the night
• Most seating has armrests that prevent lying down

Better Options

• Hilton Boston Logan - Connected to Terminal A by a skywalk. The most convenient airport hotel option.
• Hyatt Regency Boston Harbor - Also on airport grounds with shuttle service
• Several other hotels are within shuttle distance of the terminals

Honestly, if you have an overnight layover at Logan, book a hotel. The combination of security checkpoint closures and uncomfortable seating makes airport sleeping here harder than at most major airports.

Layover Tips

• Short layover (1-2 hours): Stay in your terminal. Logan is compact enough that getting food and finding your gate is easy. If connecting between C and E, use the secure walkway.
• Medium layover (3-5 hours): Visit Legal Sea Foods for chowder. Check out the lounge options if you have access. The free shuttle between terminals makes exploring easy.
• Long layover (6+ hours): Take the free Silver Line SL1 to South Station and explore downtown Boston. Walk the Freedom Trail, grab a cannoli in the North End, or hit up Faneuil Hall. Give yourself 90 minutes to get back and through security.
• Overnight layover: Book the Hilton connected to Terminal A or the Hyatt on airport grounds. Don't try to sleep in the terminals.

Pro Tips

• The Silver Line SL1 is free FROM the airport. This is genuinely one of the best airport transit deals in the country.
• Boston weather can cause serious delays, especially in winter. Nor'easters can shut down operations entirely. Always check your flight status.
• There's no Terminal D at Logan. Don't waste time looking for it.
• The water taxi to downtown is a hidden gem, especially in summer. The views of the Boston skyline are stunning.
• If you're connecting between terminals, walking outside is often faster than waiting for the shuttle, especially between B and C.
• Logan is notorious for runway congestion. Departure delays of 15-30 minutes are common even in good weather.

Frequently Asked Questions