Navigating Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) requires knowing its layout before you touch down. Located in East Boston just a few miles from downtown, BOS handles tens of millions of passengers annually across four distinct terminals. Whether you're catching a domestic hopper or an international long-haul flight, understanding how terminals connect, where to park, and how to skip traffic saves you time and stress.
The airport features four active terminals: Terminal A, Terminal B, Terminal C, and Terminal E. Unlike airports with completely isolated buildings, Terminals B, C, and E are connected airside by pedestrian walkways, while Terminal A requires a short shuttle ride or landside walk. International arrivals land primarily at Terminal E, which houses the main federal customs and border protection facilities.
Terminal Layout and Connections
Each terminal at Boston Logan serves specific airlines and offers unique amenities. Knowing your terminal assignment ahead of time prevents unnecessary terminal transfers during peak travel hours.
- Terminal A: Primarily used by Delta Air Lines and WestJet. It features two satellite buildings connected by an underground pedestrian tunnel equipped with moving walkways.
- Terminal B: Divided into separate north and south buildings. It serves American Airlines, United Airlines, Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, and Southwest Airlines.
- Terminal C: Home to carriers including JetBlue, Aer Lingus, TAP Air Portugal, and Hawaiian Airlines. It underwent significant modernizations to improve gate seating and dining options.
- Terminal E: The primary international gateway for carriers such as British Airways, Lufthansa, Emirates, Air France, and Delta's international partners. It features a major multi-story security and customs expansion.
If you arrive at the wrong terminal, don't panic. Massport operates free shuttle buses (Routes 11, 22, 33, and 55) that loop around all terminals and the rental car center 24 hours a day. Look for the blue and white shuttle buses outside lower-level baggage claim areas.
Ground Transportation and Getting Downtown
Getting from BOS to downtown Boston is notoriously fast when you choose the right mode of transit, though road traffic through the Sumner and Callahan tunnels can cause severe delays for cars.
Public Transit
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) provides the fastest and cheapest connections to the city center.
- Blue Line Subway: Head to Airport Station via free Massport shuttle bus Route 22 or 88 from your terminal. From Airport Station, a five-minute subway ride brings you directly to Aquarium, State Street, or Government Center downtown. A single fare costs just $2.40.
- Silver Line SL1 Bus: This rapid bus service connects all terminals directly to South Station in the financial district. Best of all, the Silver Line is free when outbound from the airport.
Rideshares and Taxis
App-based rideshares like Uber and Lyft pick up passengers on the upper departures level for Terminal A, and in designated ground transportation areas or parking garages for Terminals B, C, and E. Traditional yellow cabs line up outside every terminal's baggage claim area on the ground level. Expect fixed or metered rates depending on your final destination within Greater Boston.
Parking Options and Rates
Parking at BOS can be expensive, but planning ahead helps you secure a spot without overpaying. The airport offers Central Parking, economy parking, and specialized lots.
- Central Parking: Connected via skybridges to Terminals A, B, and C, this multi-story garage offers the closest access to flights. Daily rates run around $41, making it ideal for short trips or quick drop-offs.
- Economy Parking: Located off-site with dedicated shuttle service running every 15 to 20 minutes, the economy lot offers lower daily rates for longer trips.
- EV Charging: Central Parking includes dedicated electric vehicle charging stations and Tesla Superchargers on select levels.
Always check pre-booked parking rates online through the official Massport Parking Portal before you drive, as reserving a spot in advance often locks in a discounted daily rate.
Security Screening and TSA Tips
Boston Logan features advanced screening technology, including automated screening lanes in select terminals to speed up passenger throughput.
- TSA PreCheck and CLEAR: Available in all terminals. PreCheck lanes are standard, while CLEAR biometric kiosks operate in Terminals A, B, C, and E to bypass standard ID checks.
- Peak Hours: Morning banks (5:00 AM to 8:00 AM) and late afternoon business travel windows see heavy lines. Give yourself at least two hours for domestic flights and three hours for international departures.
For live security wait times and airport operational updates, consult the Official Boston Logan Airport Website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you walk between terminals at Boston Logan?
Yes, you can walk airside between Terminals B, C, and E post-security. Terminal A is isolated, so passengers transferring to or from Terminal A must exit security and take the free terminal shuttle bus or walk landside.
Is there a luggage storage service at BOS?
Due to federal security regulations, there are no public lockers or luggage storage facilities inside Boston Logan terminals. Plan your baggage logistics accordingly if you have a long layover and want to explore the city.
What is the best way to get to Cambridge from the airport?
Take the free Massport shuttle to Airport Station, board the Blue Line inbound to State Street, transfer to the Orange Line to Haymarket or North Station, and catch the Green Line or walk. Alternatively, a rideshare directly from the terminal to Harvard Square takes about 25 to 40 minutes depending on traffic.
How early should I arrive for an international flight out of Terminal E?
Arrive at least three hours before your scheduled international departure. Terminal E experiences heavy congestion during the late afternoon and evening banking hours when numerous transatlantic flights depart simultaneously.
