Flying Into Boston: My Experience at Logan Airport
If you’ve flown into major U.S. airports like JFK or O’Hare, you know the drill: endless terminals, confusing signs, and that “why is my Uber three parking garages away?” panic. That’s why Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) felt like such a pleasant surprise. For a big city, Logan is small, clean, and blissfully easy to navigate.
I’ve flown into Logan a couple of times now, and each time I’ve left thinking: more airports should be like this.
Easy Arrivals
Logan has four main terminals (A, B, C, and E), all circling a central roadway. It’s compact enough that you don’t feel like you’re trekking a mile between baggage claim and the exit, but big enough to have everything you need.
Parking and pickups are straightforward thanks to the Central Garage between Terminals A and E. If you’re renting a car or meeting a ride, you won’t waste time hunting for the right lot.
The Rideshare Secret
Here’s the tip I wish I’d known before my first trip: if you’re using Uber or Lyft, don’t just wander out the front door. After grabbing your luggage, take the elevator up to the 4th floor and follow the “Ride App” signs. That’s where the designated rideshare pickup zone is. It’s clearly marked, but knowing this shortcut keeps you from dragging your bags around in circles.
From there, you’re usually just a 15–20 minute drive into downtown Boston — unless traffic decides otherwise (this is Boston, after all).
Getting Downtown: Your Options
Logan is so close to the city that you’ve got choices:
Uber/Lyft/Rideshare: My go-to. Quick and painless once you know the 4th floor trick.
MBTA Blue Line: If you want the budget option, the T gets you downtown in about 20 minutes for just a couple of dollars.
Rental Car: All the agencies are consolidated at the Rental Car Center. Free shuttles run constantly from every terminal.
Parking: If you’re driving in, Logan’s Central Garage makes things simple, and there are EV charging stations too.
Food & Lounges
Logan may be compact, but it still has plenty of food options to grab a bite before or after your flight. You’ll find New England classics like Legal Sea Foods (chowder is always a safe bet) alongside quick-serve chains for when you’re rushing.
If you’re flying business or just want to escape the bustle, each terminal has at least one airline lounge — Delta Sky Club, American Admirals Club, United Club, and even a few international lounges in Terminal E.
Final Thoughts
Boston Logan is one of the easiest big-city airports I’ve flown through. It’s clean, compact, and efficient — the kind of place where you land, grab your bags, head to the 4th floor rideshare zone, and you’re in the city before you know it.
It doesn’t have the chaos of New York or the sprawl of Chicago, and that’s a win in my book. Whether you’re flying in for a weekend in the North End or a weeklong New England road trip, Logan makes the arrival part stress-free — and that’s not something I can say about many airports.
