Massport: Boston Logan Airport & Cruise Terminal Guide
Massport is short for the Massachusetts Port Authority and is the public agency behind two of the most common ways visitors actually arrive in Boston: Boston Logan International Airport and Flynn Cruiseport Boston. If you're flying in or stepping off a cruise ship, there's a good chance Massport built the facility you just walked through.
This guide covers what Massport operates, how to get from Logan Airport into downtown Boston, what to expect at the cruise terminal, and how both connect to the rest of a Boston Sightseeing visit.
What Is Massport?
Massport is a self-funded public authority that operates Boston's major transportation and shipping facilities on behalf of Massachusetts. The Massachusetts Legislature established it in 1956 as an independent authority governed by a seven-member board, six appointed by the Governor and the Massachusetts Secretary of Transportation serving as the seventh, ex officio member. It remains financially self-sufficient today, meaning it takes no operating funds from the state budget and has no taxing authority. Its properties include Boston Logan International Airport, Flynn Cruiseport Boston, the Conley Terminal container port, Hanscom Field in Bedford, and Worcester Regional Airport out in Central Massachusetts. Closer to the water, Massport also owns the Boston Fish Pier in South Boston, still an active working seafood pier and one of the attractions covered elsewhere on this site.
For most visitors, only two of these facilities matter directly: the airport you flew into, and the cruise terminal if you arrived by ship.
A Short History of Logan Airport
Boston Logan International Airport opened on September 8, 1923, built on land reclaimed from Boston Harbor, and marked its 100th anniversary in 2023. The airport takes its name from Edward Lawrence Logan, a South Boston native, World War I veteran, and Massachusetts National Guard officer, who was honored with the naming in 1943. Massport took over the airport's ownership and operation in 1956, the same year the authority itself was created.
One detail that surprises a lot of visitors: Logan sits on only about 2,400 acres, making it one of the smallest footprints of any major U.S. airport, compared to roughly 18,000 acres at Dallas-Fort Worth or 33,000 acres at Denver. That tight footprint, wedged between East Boston neighborhoods and the harbor, is part of why the airport's transit connections into the city are so short compared to many other major airports.
Getting Into Boston From Logan Airport
Boston Logan International Airport sits just three to five miles from downtown Boston, in the East Boston neighborhood across the harbor, at One Harborside Drive, East Boston, MA 02128. Despite being that close, traffic and tunnel congestion can make a taxi ride slower than expected, so it's worth knowing the transit options Massport itself maintains.
The Massport Shuttle is a free bus that connects every terminal at Logan, currently Terminals A, B, C, and E, to Airport Station on the MBTA Blue Line, which reaches downtown Boston in about 15 to 20 minutes. Massport has ongoing modernization plans for several terminals, so it's worth confirming your specific terminal on your airline's booking before you fly. The same shuttle also stops at a water transportation dock, where private water taxi services can cross the harbor to the Seaport District or downtown in a matter of minutes, an option some travelers prefer over sitting in tunnel traffic. The Silver Line SL1 bus route also runs from the airport directly into South Station downtown, and it's free in the airport-to-city direction. For travelers headed to specific suburbs rather than downtown, Logan Express runs bus routes to park-and-ride locations in Braintree, Danvers, Framingham, Woburn, and a Back Bay stop within the city itself.
Most travelers reach downtown Boston within 15 to 30 minutes of leaving the terminal using one of these options, without needing to arrange a private transfer in advance.
A Quick Stop Near the Airport: Piers Park
If you have an hour to spare before or after a flight, Piers Park sits on the East Boston waterfront just a short ride from Logan on the Blue Line to Maverick station. Massport built the 6.5-acre park in 1995 as part of the airport's expansion, and it now offers one of the best skyline views across the harbor toward downtown Boston, along with walking paths and picnic areas. It's a quiet, low-key way to see the city from across the water before heading in.
Flynn Cruiseport Boston: Boston's Cruise Terminal
Flynn Cruiseport Boston, formerly known as the Black Falcon Cruise Terminal, is Massport's cruise facility in South Boston, welcoming close to half a million passengers a year between those beginning a cruise here and day visitors arriving on a port call. If your trip to Boston starts or includes a stop at the cruise terminal, this is where you'll step off the ship.
Boston Sightseeing runs a dedicated Cruise Terminal Hop-On Hop-Off Tour that picks up passengers directly from the cruise terminal, so you can start seeing the city's landmarks without arranging separate transportation from the port. This is especially useful for port-call passengers working with a single day in Boston before returning to the ship. For more on what's within reach of the terminal itself, our Black Falcon Cruise Terminal guide covers the surrounding area in more detail.
Walking Distance From the Cruise Terminal
Even before boarding a tour, the cruise terminal sits close enough to a few real attractions to fill an hour on foot. The Institute of Contemporary Art sits along the Seaport waterfront a short walk away, and the working Boston Fish Pier, another Massport property, is close enough to see fishing boats unload before your tour even starts.
Massport's Other Facilities
Beyond the airport and cruise terminal, Massport operates a few facilities that matter more to the regional economy than to a typical visit. Conley Terminal, also in South Boston, is the only full-service container port in New England and supports thousands of regional jobs, though it isn't set up for visitors. Hanscom Field in Bedford serves general aviation and corporate flights rather than commercial passengers. Worcester Regional Airport, about 50 miles west of Boston, offers a smaller set of commercial flights for travelers whose trip starts or ends outside the city.
Why Choose Boston Sightseeing
Whether you arrive by plane or by ship, Massport's facilities are just the starting point, and Boston Sightseeing picks up from there.
- Flexible hop-on-hop-off access: Once you've reached downtown from Logan or the cruise terminal, hop on our route to start seeing Boston's landmarks at your own pace.
- A dedicated cruise terminal pickup: The Cruise Terminal Tour is built specifically for passengers arriving through Flynn Cruiseport, with a route designed around limited port time.
- Multiple tour options for every schedule: Choose from a 90-minute Single Ride Pass up to full tour packages that cover a complete day in the city.
- Built for travelers on a schedule: Double-decker buses and mobile-friendly ticketing make it easy to fit sightseeing around a flight time or a cruise departure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Massport?
Massport, short for the Massachusetts Port Authority, is the public agency that operates Boston Logan International Airport, Flynn Cruiseport Boston, and several other transportation and shipping facilities across Massachusetts.
How do I get from Logan Airport to downtown Boston?
The Massport Shuttle connects every airport terminal to the MBTA Blue Line at Airport Station, reaching downtown in about 15 to 20 minutes. The Silver Line SL1 bus also runs directly from the airport to South Station and is free in that direction.
What is the address of Logan Airport?
Boston Logan International Airport is located at One Harborside Drive, East Boston, MA 02128. All four terminals share this same address, so specify the terminal letter separately if you're arranging a pickup or delivery.
Is there parking at Logan Airport?
Yes. Massport operates on-site parking directly at the airport, including the Central Parking Garage, the Terminal B Garage, and an Economy Parking Garage with a shuttle to all terminals. Rates change by length of stay, so check current pricing on Massport's own site before you go. Since Boston Sightseeing's tours depart from downtown rather than the airport, this is mainly relevant if you're driving to catch your own flight rather than arriving as a visitor.
Where is Flynn Cruiseport Boston located?
Flynn Cruiseport Boston, formerly the Black Falcon Cruise Terminal, is located in South Boston. It's Massport's dedicated cruise facility, serving close to half a million passengers a year.
Can I book a Boston Sightseeing tour from the cruise terminal?
Yes. Boston Sightseeing's Cruise Terminal Hop-On Hop-Off Tour picks up directly from Flynn Cruiseport Boston, making it a convenient option for cruise passengers with limited time in the city.
Does Massport operate more than one airport?
Yes. In addition to Boston Logan, Massport operates Hanscom Field in Bedford for general aviation and Worcester Regional Airport in Central Massachusetts for a smaller set of commercial flights.
Is Boston Fish Pier connected to Massport?
Yes. Massport has owned Boston Fish Pier in South Boston since 1972, and it remains an active seafood processing facility alongside its role as a visitor attraction.
Get Into Boston Fast From Logan Or The Cruise Port
Whether you land at Logan or arrive by ship at Flynn Cruiseport, Boston Sightseeing's Cruise Terminal Hop-On Hop-Off ticket picks up right at the cruise terminal and connects you to the Blue and Purple routes, covering downtown Boston and the Seaport in one ride. No need to figure out transit connections first; just board and start seeing the city.
Our Tour Packages
Single Ride Pass
$33.25
Explore Boston in 90 Minutes
Ride above the crowd and enjoy the panoramic view of Boston
- Boston City Tour Single Ride Pass
- Stop-1 to Stop-8
- Blue Route Tour
- Double-Decker Bus Tour
- 90 Minutes Tour
- 1 Day Validity
- Hop-on Hop-off Tour
- Charlestown Sightseeing Tour
Hop-On Hop-Off All Day
$41.55
Boston City Sightseeing Tour
Experience historic Boston with unlimited hop-on hop-off at your own pace.
- Stop-1 to Stop-8
- Hop-on Hop-off Boston Tour
- Blue Route Tour
- Double-Decker Bus Tour
- 90 Minutes tour
- 1 Day Validity
- Shuttle Bus Service
- Charlestown Tour
Hop-on Hop-off Boston & Charlestown Tour
$48.65
Boston & Charlestown Tour
Experience the charm of Boston & Charlestown with Boston Sightseeing at your own pace.
- Hop-on Hop-off Boston Tour
- Stop-1 to Stop-11
- Hop-on Hop-off Charlestown Tour
- Blue & Orange Route Tour
- Double-Decker Bus Tour
- Shuttle Bus Tour
- 120 Minutes Tour
- 1 Day Validity
2 Days Boston & Charlestown Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
$70.40
2 Days Boston & Charlestown Tour
Explore Boston & Charlestown with Boston's first double-decker bus at your own pace.
- Hop-on Hop-off Boston Tour
- Stop-1 to Stop-11
- Hop-on Hop-off Charlestown Tour
- Blue & Orange Route Tour
- Double-Decker Bus Tour
- Shuttle Bus Tour
- 120 Minutes Tour
- 2 Days Validity
Cruise Terminal Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
$52.00
200 Minutes Hop-on Hop-off
Get onboard from Boston Cruise terminal and explore the historic beantown with Boston Sightseeing double-decker bus.
- Hop-on Hop-off Boston Tour
- Stop 1-8, 12-15
- Blue & Purple Route Tour
- Double-Decker Bus Tour
- Shuttle Bus Tour
- 200 Minutes Tour
- 1 Day Validity
- Charlestown Tour
Boston & Cambridge City Tour
$63.00
Guided Photo & City Tour
A 3.5-hour guided shuttle tour featuring Boston’s most iconic neighborhoods, Cambridge highlights, waterfront views, and curated photo opportunities.
- Guided Boston & Cambridge sightseeing tour
- Approximately 3.5 hours
- Curated stops and photo opportunities
- Climate-controlled shuttle bus transportation
- Live local tour guide
- 45-minutes Quincy Market lunch break
- Same-day tour experience
- Double-Decker Bus Service
- Hop-on, hop-off service
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