Boston Layover Guide (BOS)
What are you looking for in BOS?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money
Logan International Airport (BOS) is the main international airport in Boston, United States. It is found about 6.5 km (4 mi) from Downtown Boston. The airport has nonstop services to worldwide destinations across all continents. Boston is one of the oldest cities in the United States. It is known for its contribution to history, economy, institutes of education and technology.
Can you leave Boston Airport (BOS) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
It's possible for certain travelers to visit Boston during a layover but others require a visa depending on nationality. (more info).
Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing
Boston Organized Tours
Boston Fenway Park
Explore the historic grounds of Fenway Park which has the nickname, “America’s Most Beloved Ballpark.” It is home to the Boston Red Sox. This century-old Boston monument has an air of enchantment since it is one of the most fabled sports complexes in the United States. Experienced and knowledgeable tour guides will provide an entertaining, one-hour walking tour of Fenway Park, which will leave you inspired to learn more about Red Sox history and its appeal to fans of baseball. The stadium has a museum celebrating baseball World Champions and Red Sox legends. » book this tour
Whale Watching Cruise from Boston
Hop on board this 3-hour cruise for the opportunity to spot whales off the coast of Boston. This is an exclusive chance to see Humpback Whales, Finback Whales, Minke Whales, and White-Sided Dolphins up close from the deck of the ship. High-speed catamarans are the fastest and get you to the whales in little time. The catamarans also feature 3 outside decks for optimum viewing capability. All this means you get to spend more time actually whale watching. If you need a break, you’ll find climate-controlled cabin space with cushioned seating, tables, state-of-the-art sound and video systems, and a galley offering snacks and beverages for purchase. » book this tour
Harvard: 70-Minute Hahvahd Tour
Harvard was founded in 1636 making it the oldest university in the United States. This tour is an offer to see the university has a worldwide fame and is considered as one of the world’s leading academic centers. Thes walking tour of the campus is free and led by a student guide who shares history, Harvard lore, and insights with enthusiasm. This makes it fun and educational. The tour starts at the heart of Harvard Square and takes you to major Harvard landmarks including Johnston Gate, the John Harvard Statue, Memorial Hall, and Widener Library. » book this tour
Boston Things to do / Sightseeing
Boston Waterfront
The Boston waterfront offers spectacular views of the city skyline, and it’s for free! The Harborwalk is 75.6km stretching from East Boston to the Neponset River. See the best views by starting near the New England Aquarium and following the walk to the front of the John Joseph Moakley United States Courthouse. Since it is protected along the harbor, take advantage of visiting this place while it is open to the public.
Time required: An hour.
Airport to here: It takes an average of 25 minutes to get here by shuttle. .
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
The Boston Museum of Fine Arts is one of the leading art museums in the United States.Its collections of Impressionist paintings, ancient Egyptian treasures, Asian and Persian fine arts, and works from ancient Greece and the Middle East are quite admirable. Its latest achievement is the construction of an entire American Wing house, integrated in sequential order, rare collections of American paintings, furniture, decorative arts, folk art, glassware, and design which date as far back as pre-Columbian art to the Modernist eras. A 12th-century lacquered-wood sculpture of a Buddhist Bodhisattva and Korean painted screens, the ivory and gold statue of the Minoan Snake Goddess from 1500 BC, and a statue of the Egyptian pharaoh Mycerinus and his queen from 2548-2530 BC can be located here and thus makes the museum one of a kind.
Time required: 2 hours.
Airport to here: It’s a 10 minutes drive from the airport to here or a recommended subway transport may take 30 minutes.
Boston Common and Public Garden Swan boats
This is America’s oldest park and the start of the Freedom Trail. In this large green space, which is frequently used by locals all year-round, are several monuments and the Central Burying Ground of 1756. You can rent skates to use on the Frog Pond from November through mid-March and also enjoy the spring blossoms and fall foliage colors that reflect on its surface. It is a wonderful sight to watch youngsters splash about in the wading pool in summer.
Time required: 3 hours.
Airport to here: It only takes 5 minutes to get here by taxi or 20 minutes by subway. You could take almost 35 minutes to get here by bus.
Freedom Trail
The Freedom Trail leads you into 16 of the city’s principal historic monuments and sites.The trail will lead you to the Old Granary Burying Ground (where Paul Revere, Samuel Adams, and John Hancock are buried), King’s Chapel Burying Ground which happens to be Boston’s oldest cemetery with the graves of Governor John Winthrop and two Mayflower passengers, Old South Meeting House, which is where the ringing speeches of patriots spawned the Boston Tea Party, and the Old State House. You certainly can’t let the opportunity to be here elude you.
Time required: An hour or more.
Airport to here: It takes just 5 minutes to reach here by taxi or 25 minutes by bus.
The New England Aquarium
The New England Aquarium is a major attraction for animal lovers and families. The huge circular tank gives you the opportunity to watch marine life while you take a walk around the aquarium. There are over 70 penguins here and you can also learn about and touch stingrays at the Shark and Ray Touch Tank. The aquarium also offers whale watching excursions and operates an IMAX theater.
Time required: An hour or more.
Airport to here: It takes just 5 minutes to get here by taxi or 25 minutes by bus.
Charles River Esplanade
The Charles River Esplanade is approximately 4.8km with a leafy path that offers views of Cambridge from the Boston side of the Charles River. You could also check out the Hatch Memorial Shell for events while walking or jogging past this splendor.
Time required: 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Airport to here: It usually takes 5 minutes to get here by taxi or 28 minutes by subway.
Samuel Adams Boston Brewery
The intelligent and friendly tour guides at the Samuel Adams Boston Brewery give you a chance to view the brewery process first-hand, then,you can sample specialty malts and smell whole-leaf noble hops. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn about the Sam Adams: brewer, and patriot who happens to be the cousin of President John Adams.
Time required: 2 hours.
Airport to here: It usually takes 10 minutes to get here by taxi.
Old North Church
The Old North Church is known to be one of the most visited historic sites in Boston. It quickly rose to fame in 1775 when Robert Newman (the church sexton) and Vestryman Captain John Pulling, Jr ascended the steeple with two lanterns. The lights were a signal from Paul Revere that the British were coming by sea across the Charles River. “One by land, two by sea.” This event ignited the American Revolution.
Time required: An hour.
Airport to here: It takes 5 minutes to get here by taxi or 30 minutes by bus.
Things to Do in Boston Airport (BOS)
Relaxing and Sleeping
Airport Lounges and Relaxing
The airport has many lounges. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online
Hotel and Sleeping
There are several hotel options at a convenient distance to the airport. » view all or book an airport hotel online
Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
There are places of convenience within the airport with rocking chairs for relaxation.
WIFI/Internet and SIM Card
WIFI/Internet: Free WiFi is available, connect to the “LoganWifi” network.
SIM/eSIM Card: There are many shops within the airport that sell SIM cards. » Find out where and how to buy SIM card/eSIM in our Boston Airport (BOS) sim/eSim page.
Transportation to/from airport
Taxi: Taxi services are found at the arrival area from each of the airport terminals.
Train: The MBTA offers Blue Line Subway services and Silver Line Bus Rapid Transit service to and from Downtown Boston. (more info).
Bus: There are several bus options to the city and back to the airport. (more info).
Shuttle: There are Airport hotel shuttle services.
Car rentals: Multiple car rental options are available at the car rental center in the airport and online. » view available cars or rent a car now online
Parking: There is spacious parking available and it is possible to book a parking space in advance.
Luggage Storage & Lockers
Luggage storage is not available inside the airport. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).