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.
Getting to and from BOS
Beware of Boston’s traffic
BOS sits approximately two to four miles from downtown Boston, but traffic can be problematic. The major Sumner Tunnel Restoration Project, which previously caused significant delays, has reached substantial completion with no further weekend closures required; remaining maintenance is scheduled for off-peak hours. If you’re planning on a taxi or ride service, factor in extra time, especially during rush hour.
Getting to BOS via car can be tricky and confusing, even for seasoned locals. Case in point: An Uber driver nearly missed a turn on the way to drop me off once.
How to get to and from BOS on public transportation
The Silver Line (SL1) is your best public transportation option, scoring big points for convenience and budget. It’s free for trips starting at BOS, with pickup spots at all terminals, and takes about 20 to 30 minutes (depending on traffic) to reach South Station in central Boston.
If you’re heading to BOS, you’ll pay standard bus fare, but at less than half the cost of a cup of coffee, it’s the best deal in town.
Tips for ride service pickup and drop-off
Uber and Lyft are the two ride service companies permitted to operate at BOS. Drop-offs are a bit complex: For Terminals A, C, and E, drivers will bring you to Central Parking during most hours (curbside drop-offs are allowed between 4:00–11:00 a.m.); Terminal B drop-offs happen at the Terminal B Ride App area. Accessibility exceptions apply. Pick-ups from BOS 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 the official BOS website ahead of time.
How to prepare for your trip to BOS
Download the FlyLogan app
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 premium 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).
Get the lay of the land at BOS
BOS has four terminals (A, B, C, and E), each with its own ticketing, baggage claim and ground transportation services.
Check your airline’s terminal assignment on the FlyLogan app or BOS website before departure, as airlines occasionally change terminals. JetBlue is one of the main carriers in Terminal C, and international passengers fly into and out of Terminal E.
Security line services
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).
The layout at BOS 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.)
Get ready to walk
If you’re traveling with kids or have a tight connection, here’s an important heads-up: You might be doing lots of walking at BOS, more than a mile in some cases. Come prepared with extra time and comfy shoes, and be ready to get your step count in.
The good (and bad) news about the international terminal
If you’re an international passenger at BOS, the good news is that the international passenger terminal (E) recently completed a major modernization. The project added four new gates, bringing 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): While Terminals B, C, and E are connected post-security, Terminal A remains separate airside. This means if you’re connecting from an international flight to a Terminal A departure (or vice versa), you’ll need to exit security and re-clear, which requires a lengthy, often confusing trek. 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.
Airport lounges: The best of BOS
Airline lounge options for United, American, and Delta
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. (Heads up: It has limited hours, so be sure to check the Delta website or the BOS app or website ahead of time to avoid showing up to a closed lounge.)
Located in Terminal E near Gate E13 and overlooking the Boston Harbor, the beautifully designed space is a nod to the maritime heritage of Boston. 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.
Visit the Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club
Delta passengers aren’t the only lucky loungers at BOS. Another new standout is Chase’s 11,640-square-foot stunner, one of the most stylish lounges I’ve had the pleasure of spending time in. Located in the connector between gates 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 wellness rooms with massage chairs and showers (free and bookable on site) and a nursing suite, an especially nice touch for parents.
The lounge is available to Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders, who can bring in up to two guests. Priority Pass cardholders can enter too, but with a catch: They get one complimentary visit per calendar year, with subsequent visits charged. You can also pony up for a day pass, subject to capacity.
They’re pricey, but considering how much you’ll get out of it, it’s well worth the splurge.
Bring the littles to the Kidport
With a kid-sized replica of the airport control tower slides and other fun amenities, this child-friendly spot is nirvana for both little 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.
Visit the first airport chapel
Opened in 1951, the “Our Lady of the Airways” chapel is the first airport chapel in the US Originally built for use by airport employees, it was expanded in 1965 to seat 250 people. Located pre-security on the Arrivals level of Terminal C, the 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.
Lots of options for local cuisine
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, head to 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 locally made products, head to Berkshire Farms Market in Terminal A (near Gate A6), where you can also snap up some souvenirs.
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.
