A major hub in the northeast, Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) has in recent years become an attractive option for travelers. With more than 50 global destinations, it’s ramping up its reach thanks to a new international terminal that debuted in 2023. Major carriers including Delta and JetBlue also have scaled up their BOS routes. The airport has its quirks – some terminals don’t connect airside, for example, and passengers are likely to walk a fair bit. But in many ways, BOS is a charming extension of Boston itself. Here’s what to know for your next trip.
BOS is approximately five miles from downtown Boston. Still, traffic can be problematic (especially during road work like tunnel upgrades, which can add hours to your trip). So if you’re planning on a taxi or ride service, be sure to factor in extra time, especially during rush hour. In addition, just getting to BOS via car can be tricky and confusing, even for seasoned locals (for example, an Uber driver nearly missed a turn on the way to drop me off once).
As far as public transportation goes, the Silver Line, or SL1, which is part of the bus system, scores big points for convenience and budget. It’s free for trips that start at BOS, with pickup spots at all terminals. From there, it’s just about a 20- to 30-minute journey, depending on traffic, to South Station in central Boston. If you’re heading to BOS, you’ll have to pay standard bus fare, but at less than half the cost of a cup of coffee, it’s the best deal in town.
Uber and Lyft are the two ride service companies permitted to operate at BOS. Drop-offs are easy for departures: Drivers will bring you curbside to your specific airline. Pick-ups from BOS are a bit more complex and require a long-ish walk. Each terminal has its own pick-up area; follow the signs indicating Ride App. Even if you’re well-versed in using Uber or Lyft, I recommend checking out the step-by-step instructions on BOS’s official website ahead of time.
As far as airport apps go, the FlyLogan app does the job. It offers the requisite gate information and flight status, as well as a few handy extras. Among them: an order ahead option for many airport restaurants, a bus locator, including arrival times for on-airport shuttles, and free Wi-Fi access.
In addition, if you decide to drive to the airport, you can reserve a parking spot in advance via the app – a helpful option in busy travel times. And if you opt to drive, be sure to take advantage of the handy “Mark My Car” service so you don’t forget where you pahhhked the cahhh (sorry, I’ll show myself out now).
BOS has four terminals: A, B, C, and E, each with its own ticketing, baggage claim, and ground transportation services. Terminal A serves Delta and WestJet, while some popular budget carriers including Spirit and Southwest operate out of B. JetBlue is one of the main carriers in Terminal C, while international passengers will fly into and out of Terminal E.
All terminals offer TSA PreCheck, while CLEAR is only available in Terminals A and B. In Terminal E, Global Entry is available (and, in my experience, it’s blisteringly fast: I once cleared immigration in less than a minute).
BOS’s layout gets mixed reviews. Some passengers say it’s straightforward and easy to navigate, while others claim the opposite. In my experience, it’s been more or less ok, with a few notable exceptions. One of those: Terminals B, C, and E are connected airside – but Terminal A isn’t. That can have consequences on where you shop and eat – and perhaps whether you’ll be able to hang out with travel companions before departure.
(Case in point: On a recent flight from BOS, I was flying JetBlue while my parents were on Delta. Because those airlines are in different terminals – C and A, respectively – we lost a couple of hours of time together pre-flight.)
Another important consideration, especially if you’re traveling with kids or have a tight connection: You might be doing lots of walking at BOS (more than a mile, in some cases). So come prepared with extra time and comfy shoes – and be ready to get your step count in.
If you’re an international passenger at BOS, the good news is that the international passenger terminal (E) is its newest. It opened in 2023, adding a much-needed 33% increase in gate capacity. The upgrade also brought a long-overdue boost for the passenger experience. Design aficionados will appreciate the building’s striking, UFO-shaped design and unique “Boston Red” color that was patented by architect Luis Vidal.
Now, for the bad news, which is another major gripe about BOS among passengers (myself included): the international terminal is completely separate from the domestic terminal. As such, it requires a lengthy, often confusing trek to make connections from international destinations. This process is even more exhausting after a long-haul flight – especially if you’re traveling with little ones or passengers who have mobility issues.
On the dining front, BOS delivers with an array of options for passengers to get a taste of local cuisine, from world-famous clam chowder to Italian favorites. Passengers with big appetites should head to Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse (located at C25), a Boston-based steakhouse chain that serves up hearty portions. Lucca (B15), specializing in creative Italian dishes, is another local favorite where you won’t go hungry. For fresh seafood, including a raw bar, lobster, and fish and chips, there’s no better choice than Legal Sea Food, which has six locations at BOS (and at least one in each terminal).
Boston Public Market (C27) is a miniature version of its downtown public market, offering an array of locally sourced options, from bagels to seafood. For grab-and-go featuring local locally made products, head to Berkshire Farms Market (A6 and B20), where you can also snap up some souvenirs.
If you’re an American, United, or Delta frequent flyer (or have alliance status), you’ll most certainly take advantage of your respective airline lounge at BOS. But Delta passengers in particular are in for a treat at the nearly 21,000-square-foot BOS-E Club, which opened 2023. (Heads up: It has limited hours, so be sure to check Delta’s website or the BOS app or website ahead of time to avoid showing up to a closed lounge.)
Located in Concourse E and overlooking the Boston Harbor, the beautifully designed space is a nod to Boston’s maritime heritage. Its striking design mimics the aesthetics of a ship, with wood-and-metal elements and navy and teal tones. Capacity tops more than 400 guests, who can sip artisan cocktails and nosh on locally inspired cuisine like clam chowder.
Delta passengers aren’t the only lucky loungers at BOS. Another new standout is Chase’s 11,640-square-foot stunner, one of the snazziest lounges I’ve had the pleasure of spending time in. Located in the connector gates between B39 and B40, it’s a bit of a walk to reach, but it’s well worth it for its high-end experience.
There’s a lot to like, starting with plenty of seating and a spectacular view of the airfield. The upscale, made-to-order cuisine by award-winning Boston chef Douglass Williams is restaurant-quality. Artisan cocktails are delivered by wait staff (you can also belly up to the beautiful bar). Other perks include massage chairs and showers (free and bookable on site) and nursing rooms — an especially nice touch for parents.
The lounge is available to Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders, who are also allowed to bring in a guest. Priority Pass cardholders can enter too, but with a catch: They can only visit once per year. You can also pony up for a day pass, depending on availability. They’re pricey, but considering how much you’ll get out of it, it’s well worth the splurge.
With a kid-sized replica of the airport’s control tower slides, and other fun amenities, this child-friendly spot is nirvana for both littles ones and their parents. Another bonus: Kidport has three locations, in Terminals A, B, and C (all post-security).
I wish more airports would implement kid-friendly areas like this, as they’re a win-win for everyone involved. Kids have a blast. Frazzled parents get a break. The benefits extend onboard, too, as pint-sized passengers have burned off some energy pre-departure. Bravo on the Kidport, BOS.
Opened in 1951, the “Our Lady of the Airways” chapel is the first airport chapel in the U.S. Originally built for use by airport employees, it was expanded in 1965 to seat 250 people. That Catholic chapel remains today as a place of worship and quiet reflection for both passengers and Bostonians, who regularly attend mass led by the airport’s Catholic chaplain-priest.
The chapel isn’t easy to find: It’s tucked near baggage claim between Terminals B and C. And it’s landside, so if you want to soak up its serene, quiet environs before heading into the airport chaos, be sure to give yourself enough time to get through security.
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others.
No, there are 3 airports in Boston. These are Boston Logan Intl, Manchester and Boston Harbor SPB.
The day with the most flights departing from Boston Logan Intl Airport is generally Monday, with an average of 15 flights leaving the airport.
IATA Code | BOS |
---|---|
Serves | Boston |
Terminals | A, B, C, E |
Hub for | Condor, LOT, Delta |