Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) serves Boston and the surrounding New England region. The airport sits only a few miles from downtown, but traffic and terminal changes can affect your journey. Understanding the airport layout can help you move quickly from the arrival gate to baggage claim, customs or ground transportation. This guide covers terminals, immigration, airport services and the best ways to reach downtown Boston.

Boston Logan Airport Terminal Guide

Boston Logan operates four terminals: A, B, C and E. Each terminal offers baggage claim, ground transportation, restaurants and free Wi-Fi. Terminal assignments can change, so passengers should check their boarding passes, airline apps or airport monitors after landing. Terminals B, C and E have post-security connections. Free Massport shuttle buses connect the terminals, Airport Station and the Rental Car Center.

What to Do After Landing at Boston Logan

Follow these steps after your flight arrives at BOS:

• Check your arrival terminal and gate.
• Follow the signs for baggage claim or connecting flights.
• Complete immigration and customs if you arrived on an international flight.
• Collect your checked luggage.
• Report missing or damaged baggage before leaving the airport.
• Follow the signs for public transportation, taxis, ride apps or rental cars.

Domestic passengers carrying only hand luggage can proceed directly to the terminal exit or their connecting gate.

International Arrivals and US Immigration

Most international arrivals use Terminal E, where passengers complete US Customs and Border Protection processing. Some flights may use another terminal, so confirm the latest information with your airline. International passengers usually complete the following steps:

• Passport inspection
• Customs declaration
• Baggage collection
• Customs inspection, when required
• Exit to the arrivals area
• Baggage recheck for certain connecting flights

Travelers should allow enough time for immigration, especially when several international flights arrive close together.

Global Entry and Mobile Passport Control

Eligible passengers can use programs that may reduce immigration processing time.

Global Entry

Global Entry gives approved members access to an expedited entry process when arriving in the United States. Eligible travelers can use Global Entry facilities while passing through customs in Terminal E. Passengers must apply, receive approval and complete enrollment before using the program.

Mobile Passport Control

Eligible travelers can use the free US Customs and Border Protection Mobile Passport Control app. The app allows passengers to submit their passport information, photo and customs declaration digitally. Mobile Passport Control does not replace a passport or immigration inspection. However, eligible passengers may receive access to a separate processing line when available.

Domestic Arrivals at Boston Logan

Passengers arriving on domestic flights do not need to complete immigration or customs. They can follow the signs to baggage claim or proceed directly to the exit if they only have carry-on luggage. The time needed to leave the terminal depends on:

• The arrival gate
• The distance to baggage claim
• Checked baggage delivery
• Passenger volume
• Accessibility assistance needs

Passengers with connecting flights should check their next terminal and gate before leaving the secure area.

Baggage Claim and Delayed Luggage

Airport monitors display the baggage carousel assigned to each arriving flight. Follow the signs to the baggage claim area in your terminal. The airport may deliver oversized items, such as strollers, sports equipment and large suitcases, at a separate collection point. If your baggage does not arrive:

• Contact the airline’s baggage service desk.
• Report the missing luggage before leaving the airport.
• Ask for and save the baggage claim reference number.
• Keep your boarding pass and baggage receipt safe.
• Save receipts for reasonable essential purchases.
• Follow the airline’s claim process and deadlines.

Boston Logan Airport Wi-Fi and Other Services

Free Wi-Fi

Boston Logan provides free Wi-Fi in all terminals. Travelers can use it to check transportation options, contact family members or view airline updates.

ATMs and Payments

Passengers can find ATMs and other banking services inside the terminals. Credit cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in Boston. International visitors should check foreign transaction and ATM withdrawal fees before using their cards.

SIM Cards and eSIMs

Physical SIM card options may be limited at the airport. International passengers can activate an eSIM before arriving in the United States. Travelers can also purchase prepaid SIM cards from mobile providers and electronics retailers in Boston.

Airport Amenities

The terminals offer restaurants, cafés, restrooms, accessible services and information desks. Opening hours and availability vary by terminal and time of day.

How to Get From Boston Logan Airport to Downtown

Boston Logan sits approximately three to five miles from central Boston. Travelers can choose from public transportation, taxis, ride apps, rental cars and water transportation.

• The Silver Line SL1 provides free transportation from the airport terminals to South Station. The journey usually takes around 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
• Passengers can take a free Massport shuttle from their terminal to Airport Station. From there, they can use the Blue Line to reach downtown and waterfront areas. The standard MBTA fare applies to the Blue Line.
• Taxis, Uber and Lyft provide door-to-door transportation. Prices and journey times depend on traffic, demand and the destination.
• Rental cars suit travelers planning trips outside Boston. Water transportation may provide a convenient option for passengers heading to select waterfront destinations.
• Weather, road construction and peak-hour traffic can increase travel times.

Connecting Flights at Boston Logan

Passengers making a connection should check their next terminal and gate immediately after landing. Keep these points in mind:

• Confirm whether the airline will transfer your checked baggage.
• International passengers may need to collect and recheck their bags.
• Some connections require another security screening.
• Allow enough time for immigration and terminal transfers.
• Contact the airline if a delay puts your connection at risk.

Passenger Assistance During Travel Disruptions

Delayed or Damaged Baggage

Report delayed, lost or damaged luggage to the operating airline. Keep the claim number and receipts for necessary replacement items. The airline will assess reimbursement requests according to its policy and the rules covering the itinerary.

Missed Connections

If a delay causes you to miss a connecting flight on the same ticket, contact the airline immediately. The carrier may rebook you based on the disruption’s cause and its customer-service policy. Airlines may not cover missed connections involving separate tickets.

Meals and Hotel Accommodation

US airlines do not automatically provide meals or hotel accommodation for every disruption. Assistance usually depends on the cause and the carrier’s policy. Many airlines provide meals, rebooking or hotel stays for qualifying controllable delays, such as certain staffing or mechanical problems. Weather and air traffic control disruptions may not qualify.

Passengers should review the airline’s contract of carriage and the US Department of Transportation Customer Service Dashboard.

Arriving at Boston Logan becomes easier when you understand the terminal layout and transportation options. International travelers should allow enough time for immigration and baggage collection. Domestic passengers can proceed directly to baggage claim, their connecting gate or ground transportation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which terminal handles international arrivals at Boston Logan?

Most international arrivals use Terminal E, where passengers complete US Customs and Border Protection processing.

Can I walk between the terminals?

Passengers can walk between some terminals using connecting walkways. Terminals B, C and E also have post-security connections. Free Massport shuttles provide another option for passengers carrying luggage.

Where can I buy a SIM card after arriving?

Physical SIM card options at the airport may be limited. International visitors can activate an eSIM before arrival or purchase a prepaid SIM from a mobile store or electronics retailer in Boston.

What should I do if my luggage does not arrive?

Visit the airline’s baggage service desk before leaving the airport. File a baggage report, collect the reference number and keep your boarding pass, baggage receipt and receipts for essential purchases.

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