Positioned on a peninsula jutting into the Atlantic, the primary aviation gateway for the region sits remarkably close to the urban core, offering travellers immediate views of the skyline upon arrival. Those booking a flight to Boston will find that the city is served by one major international hub, though several secondary regional airports in the surrounding states provide alternative access points for domestic routes.
Boston Logan international airport (BOS)
Boston Logan International Airport, known by its code BOS, is situated approximately 5 km east of the city centre in the East Boston neighbourhood. It is a major transatlantic hub and a primary base for JetBlue, while also acting as a significant gateway for Delta Air Lines and American Airlines. The facility consists of four passenger terminals—Terminal A, Terminal B, Terminal C, and Terminal E—which are connected by a series of shuttle buses and moving walkways to handle a vast network of international and domestic flights to Boston.
After clearing arrivals, the most efficient way to reach the city centre is via the MBTA Blue Line subway, which is accessed by a free shuttle bus from the terminals to Airport Station. The train journey takes roughly 15–20 minutes to reach State Street or Government Center in Downtown Boston. Alternatively, the Silver Line SL1 bus provides a direct, luggage-friendly link from the terminals to South Station, the city's primary transit hub, with a travel time of about 20–30 minutes depending on traffic. For a more scenic entry, the MBTA Harbor Ferry departs from the Logan Office Center dock, connecting passengers to Long Wharf in approximately 10 minutes. Taxis and ride-hailing services are readily available at designated areas outside each terminal, typically reaching the central business district in 15–25 minutes.
Manchester-Boston regional airport (MHT)
Located about 80 km north of the city in New Hampshire, Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) is a convenient alternative for travellers looking to avoid the congestion of the main international hub. This airport primarily handles domestic traffic operated by carriers such as Southwest Airlines and United Express, which has a single, easy-to-navigate terminal. It is a popular choice for visitors heading to the northern suburbs or those seeking a quieter arrival experience before commuting into Massachusetts.
To reach the city from the arrivals hall, most travellers opt for a rental car or a private shuttle service, as there is no direct rail link between this facility and the urban centre. Several private bus lines and van services operate scheduled transfers that typically take between 60 and 90 minutes to arrive at South Station or Logan International Airport. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are available, though the long distance makes these a more expensive option for a direct trip to Downtown Boston.
Rhode Island T.F. Green international airport (PVD)
Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport, identified by the code PVD, is situated approximately 95 km south of the city in Warwick, Rhode Island. While it is in a different state, it is officially marketed as a secondary gateway for the region due to its straightforward transit connections and diverse domestic flight schedule. The airport has a primary terminal building that hosts several low-cost carriers and major American airlines serving destinations across the United States.
The most practical method for reaching the city after landing is the Providence/Stoughton Line of the MBTA Commuter Rail, which can be accessed via the InterLink walkway connected to the terminal. Trains run regularly to South Station and Back Bay, with the journey taking approximately 75–90 minutes. Additionally, regional bus services depart from the airport grounds, providing connections to the Providence train station for further Amtrak services or direct routes toward Massachusetts. Driving or taking a taxi via Interstate 95 usually requires about one hour, though this can vary significantly during peak commuting times.