What is the cheapest way from Logan Airport to downtown Boston?

The MBTA Silver Line SL1 bus — it's free inbound from Logan to South Station and takes about 15–25 minutes. There's no ticket to buy; just board at your terminal.

Is the Silver Line SL1 really free from Logan Airport?

Yes. Service from Logan on the SL1 is always free inbound to South Station, and the transfer onto the Red Line subway there is free too, so much of downtown and Cambridge costs $0 from the airport.

Where does the SL1 pick up at Logan Airport?

Right outside every terminal (A, B, C and E) on the Arrivals / lower level. Buses run roughly every 10–20 minutes from about 05:25 to 01:00.

Do I need a CharlieCard for the SL1 from the airport?

No — the inbound SL1 is free, so you don't tap or pay anything. You'd only need a CharlieCard or contactless payment ($2.40) if you take the Blue Line instead, via the free Massport shuttle to Airport station.

How much is a taxi from Logan to downtown Boston?

About $25–45 plus a $2.75 tunnel toll and airport fees, versus $0 on the free SL1 that reaches the same downtown area.

What is the best way from BOS to downtown Boston?

For budget travellers the best way is the cheapest one: the free Silver Line SL1 bus to South Station in central Boston — $0, about 15–25 minutes to the city center.

How do you get from Boston Logan Airport (BOS) to downtown Boston — the cheapest way?

The cheapest way from Boston Logan Airport (BOS) into downtown Boston is the MBTA Silver Line SL1 bus, which is completely free inbound and drops you at South Station in about 15–25 minutes; the transfer onto the Red Line subway there is free too. Just board at your terminal — there's no ticket to buy. Don't grab a taxi or rideshare, which runs about $25–45 plus a $2.75 tunnel toll and airport fees for the same downtown trip.

How to find it

AIRPORTBoston Logan International Airport
01At any Logan terminal (A, B, C or E), head to the Arrivals / lower level and follow the signs for the free Silver Line SL1 bus. The SL1 stops right outside each terminal.
02Board the SL1 towards South Station — it's free inbound, so just get on, no ticket or tap. Buses run roughly every 10–20 minutes from about 05:25 to 01:00.
03Ride about 15–25 minutes (traffic-dependent) to South Station in downtown Boston. From there you can transfer free to the Red Line subway or the Commuter Rail, or walk into the Financial District and Downtown.
CITY CENTREBoston

Ticket

MBTA Silver Line SL1 — free inbound from Logan to South Station

Where to buy: No ticket needed. Inbound from the airport the SL1 is free, so you simply board at your terminal — nothing to buy.

How to pay: Just board — no tap, no fare on the inbound trip. If you continue onto the Red Line subway at South Station, that transfer is free too.

Local's trick: The SL1 is free only inbound (leaving Logan), and the transfer onto the Red Line subway at South Station is free too — so you can reach much of downtown Boston and Cambridge from the airport for exactly $0. There's nothing to buy: skip the fare machines and just board at your terminal.

Trap to avoid: Don't grab a taxi or rideshare on impulse — it's about $25–45 to downtown plus a $2.75 tunnel toll and airport fees, versus $0 on the free SL1 that drops you in the same downtown area.

All ways to downtown, compared

Option	Price	Time	Ticket
BusCheapest route	$0.00	30 min	MBTA Silver Line SL1 — free inbound from Logan to South Station
Metro	$2.40	35 min	MBTA subway one-way (Blue Line) with CharlieCard, CharlieTicket or contactless

Frequently asked

What is the cheapest way from Logan Airport to downtown Boston?: The MBTA Silver Line SL1 bus — it's free inbound from Logan to South Station and takes about 15–25 minutes. There's no ticket to buy; just board at your terminal.
Is the Silver Line SL1 really free from Logan Airport?: Yes. Service from Logan on the SL1 is always free inbound to South Station, and the transfer onto the Red Line subway there is free too, so much of downtown and Cambridge costs $0 from the airport.
Where does the SL1 pick up at Logan Airport?: Right outside every terminal (A, B, C and E) on the Arrivals / lower level. Buses run roughly every 10–20 minutes from about 05:25 to 01:00.
Do I need a CharlieCard for the SL1 from the airport?: No — the inbound SL1 is free, so you don't tap or pay anything. You'd only need a CharlieCard or contactless payment ($2.40) if you take the Blue Line instead, via the free Massport shuttle to Airport station.
How much is a taxi from Logan to downtown Boston?: About $25–45 plus a $2.75 tunnel toll and airport fees, versus $0 on the free SL1 that reaches the same downtown area.
What is the best way from BOS to downtown Boston?: For budget travellers the best way is the cheapest one: the free Silver Line SL1 bus to South Station in central Boston — $0, about 15–25 minutes to the city center.

Last verified: Jul 2, 2026. Prices and timetables change — confirm at the official transport source.