How Many Airports Are in Boston? A Complete Guide to Greater Boston's Aviation Hubs

Boston has one major commercial airport located directly within its official city limits: Boston Logan International Airport (BOS). However, the broader Greater Boston metropolitan area and surrounding New England region are served by five regional commercial airports and several prominent general aviation facilities that provide convenient alternatives for regional commuters, private travelers, and budget-conscious passengers.

The Core Answer: Boston's Single In-City Commercial Airport

When travelers ask how many airports are in Boston, the answer depends on whether you mean within the city boundaries or within the surrounding metropolitan region.

If you are flying directly into the City of Boston, Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) is the sole international and commercial passenger airport operating within city limits. Located in the East Boston neighborhood, Logan Airport sits just three miles east of Downtown Boston across Boston Harbor. Managed by the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport), Logan serves as the primary gateway for New England, handling tens of millions of passengers annually across domestic and intercontinental routes.

Because of Logan's central location, most visitors heading to downtown hotels, universities in Cambridge, or financial districts land at BOS. However, because Greater Boston's highway and rail systems extend deep into eastern Massachusetts, southern New Hampshire, and Rhode Island, several regional airports serve as functional entry points to the metro area.

Boston Logan International Airport (BOS): The Primary Hub

Boston Logan International Airport covers roughly 2,400 acres and features four active passenger terminal buildings and six runways. Despite its compact footprint relative to its passenger volume, Logan offers extensive flight connectivity and comprehensive ground transit options.

• Boston Logan Intl Airport (BOS)
  
  
  • Terminal A (Delta, WestJet)
  • Terminal B (American, United, Southwest, Alaska)
  • Terminal C (JetBlue, United)
  • Terminal E (International Arrivals/Airlines)

Terminal Breakdown and Operations

Logan’s layout consists of four terminals designated A, B, C, and E (Terminal D facilities were absorbed into Terminals C and E during major modernizations):

• Terminal A: Serves as a primary hub for Delta Air Lines and its regional partners, featuring a main terminal building connected to a satellite concourse via an underground pedestrian tunnel.
• Terminal B: The largest multi-carrier terminal at Logan, housing major domestic airlines including American Airlines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Alaska Airlines. Terminal B features split north and south concourses connected by a post-security walkway.
• Terminal C: Primarily serves JetBlue, which maintains a substantial focus city operation at Logan, alongside select flights for other domestic partners.
• Terminal E: The John A. Volpe International Terminal handles all non-precleared international arrivals. It hosts foreign flag carriers—including British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, Emirates, and Cathay Pacific—as well as international departure gates for domestic lines.

Ground Transportation and Transit Connections

One of Logan's greatest advantages is its close proximity to downtown, complemented by diverse ground transportation links managed by Massport and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA):

• MBTA Silver Line (SL1): A bus rapid transit service connecting every Logan terminal directly to South Station in Downtown Boston. The outbound ride from the airport to South Station is free, providing a direct link to the MBTA Red Line subway and Amtrak intercity rail.
• MBTA Blue Line: Passengers can take free Massport shuttle buses (Routes 22, 33, 55, or 66) from any terminal to the Airport Subway Station on the Blue Line, which offers fast transit to Downtown Boston (State Street and Government Center stations).
• Logan Express: Express coach buses operated by Massport offering direct non-stop service between Logan terminals and suburban park-and-ride terminals in Braintree, Framingham, Peabody, Woburn, and Back Bay.
• Water Taxis and Ferries: MBTA ferries and private water taxis operate between the Logan Dock and various wharves along the Boston waterfront, offering a scenic and fast alternative to highway travel.
• Rideshare and Rental Cars: All rental car companies are consolidated at the Logan Consolidated Rental Car Center (ConRAC), connected to terminals via free Massport On-Airport Shuttles. Rideshare services (Uber and Lyft) pick up and drop off in designated central parking garages attached to the terminals.

Secondary Commercial Airports Serving Greater Boston

Travelers willing to drive 45 to 60 minutes outside the city core can access four secondary commercial airports. These facilities allow passengers to bypass Logan's city traffic, find lower parking fees, or access regional budget carriers.

• BOSTON LOGAN (BOS)
  
  
  • Manchester-Boston (MHT) (~50 mi North)
  • Portsmouth / Pease (PSM) (~55 mi Northeast)
  • RI T.F. Green (PVD) (~60 mi South)
  • Worcester Regional (ORH) (~50 mi West)

1. Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT)

• Location: Manchester, New Hampshire (~50 miles north of Boston)
• Best For: Travelers heading to northern Massachusetts, the North Shore, or New Hampshire.

Located just across the state line in southern New Hampshire, Manchester-Boston Regional Airport serves as a major alternative for residents living north of Route 128/I-95. The airport features a single consolidated terminal with easy parking and minimal wait times. Carriers such as Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, Avelo Airlines, and Breeze Airways operate regular domestic services out of MHT. Interstate 93 provides a straight driving path between MHT and Downtown Boston.

2. Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport (PVD)

• Location: Warwick, Rhode Island (~60 miles south of Boston)
• Best For: Travelers based in Rhode Island, the South Shore of Massachusetts, or Bristol County.

T.F. Green International Airport is one of the most accessible alternative airports in New England. It offers direct rail access to Downtown Boston via the MBTA Commuter Rail (Providence/Stoughton Line) and Amtrak Northeast Regional services directly from the InterLink transportation center connected to the terminal. Airlines like Breeze Airways, Southwest, Delta, American, and JetBlue run frequent domestic flights, along with seasonal international flights.

3. Worcester Regional Airport (ORH)

• Location: Worcester, Massachusetts (~50 miles west of Boston)
• Best For: Central Massachusetts residents and West Metrowest commuters.

Owned and operated by Massport, Worcester Regional Airport sits on a high plateau west of Worcester. ORH offers commercial passenger flights operated by carriers including JetBlue, American Eagle, and Delta Connection. While flight frequencies are lower than at Logan or T.F. Green, ORH offers low-cost terminal parking and a streamlined passenger experience for trips heading west of the city.

4. Portsmouth International Airport at Pease (PSM)

• Location: Portsmouth, New Hampshire (~55 miles northeast of Boston)
• Best For: Travelers seeking low-cost carrier routes to Florida and southern leisure destinations.

Portsmouth International Airport operates on the former Pease Air Force Base. It features a massive 11,321-foot runway capable of handling all commercial aircraft types. Commercial passenger service is primarily provided by Allegiant Air, offering non-stop flights to destinations in Florida and the Southeast.

General Aviation and Corporate Airports in Greater Boston

For private pilots, corporate flight departments, and charter passengers, flying into a major hub like Logan can introduce delays, high landing fees, and complex airspace procedures. Several dedicated general aviation (GA) airports encircle Boston.

• Laurence G. Hanscom Field (BED)
  
  
  • Bedford, MA (~20 mi NW of Boston)
  • Top corporate/charter hub in region
• Norwood Memorial Airport (OWD)
  
  
  • Norwood, MA (~15 mi SW)
  • Corporate, charter, training
• Beverly Regional Airport (BVY)
  
  
  • Beverly, MA (~20 mi NE)
  • North Shore GA & charter hub

Laurence G. Hanscom Field (BED)

• Location: Bedford, Massachusetts (~20 miles northwest of Boston)
• Management: Massport

Hanscom Field is the busiest general aviation airport in New England according to traffic counts tracked by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). It serves as the primary hub for business jets, charter operators, flight schools, and private aircraft owners in Greater Boston. Situated near the tech corridor along Route 128 and Route 3, Hanscom offers multiple Fixed-Base Operators (FBOs) providing fueling, hangar space, and concierge services for corporate travelers.

Norwood Memorial Airport (OWD)

• Location: Norwood, Massachusetts (~15 miles southwest of Boston)

Norwood Memorial Airport is a relief airport located south of Boston near Interstate 95 and Route 1. It features two paved runways, air traffic control services, and several flight operations support companies. It is heavily utilized by corporate aircraft, charter operators, and private aviation enthusiasts living in the metro-south region.

Beverly Regional Airport (BVY)

• Location: Beverly, Massachusetts (~20 miles northeast of Boston)

Serving Boston's North Shore, Beverly Regional Airport covers over 470 acres with two active runways. It caters to general aviation, charter services, corporate executive travel, and flight training operations, keeping private traffic clear of Logan's airspace over Massachusetts Bay.

Comparing Boston-Area Airports

Selecting the right airport depends on your precise destination, budget constraints, and ground transport preferences. The following table summarizes key metrics for commercial and primary general aviation airports serving Greater Boston:

How to Choose the Right Boston Airport

To determine which airport best fits your travel plans, consider the following factors:

• Where is your destination?
  
  
  • Downtown / Cambridge: Use Boston Logan (BOS)
  • North / Southern NH: Consider Manchester - Boston (MHT)
  • South Shore / RI: Consider T.F. Green (PVD)

1. Destination Within the Metro Area

• Downtown Boston, Cambridge, Back Bay, or Seaport: Boston Logan (BOS) is almost always the best choice. Taking the MBTA Silver Line or a water taxi drops you in the city center within 15 to 30 minutes, avoiding long highway drives.
• Central or Western Massachusetts (Worcester, Berkshires): Consider Worcester Regional Airport (ORH) to avoid driving through Boston traffic on the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90).
• North Shore MA or Southern NH: Compare prices at Manchester-Boston (MHT) against Logan. Driving south from Manchester on I-93 can be easier than navigating Boston tunnel traffic during rush hour.
• South Shore MA, Cape Cod, or Rhode Island: Compare T.F. Green (PVD) with Logan. Driving north from Warwick avoids the worst Boston-bound morning bottlenecks.

2. Total Travel Costs

While flight prices to BOS are often competitive due to high carrier density, ground costs can add up. Parking at Logan ranges from $30 to over $40 per day in central terminal garages. By contrast, regional airports like MHT, PVD, and ORH offer significantly lower daily parking fees, shorter walking distances from parking decks to gates, and cheaper rental car fees.

3. Traffic and Commute Times

Peak rush hours in Boston (typically 6:30 AM–9:30 AM and 3:30 PM–6:30 PM) cause heavy congestion through the Sumner and Ted Williams Tunnels connecting Logan to I-93 and I-90. If you are departing from the outer suburbs during these hours, flying out of a regional airport like Manchester or Providence can reduce travel stress.

Public Transit Options Connecting Airports to Boston

Navigating the transit system between regional hubs and Boston is straightforward if you know which lines to take:

1. From Logan Airport (BOS) to Downtown:

   
   
   
   • Silver Line 1 (SL1): Pick up outside any terminal lower level. Drops off at South Station (connect to Red Line subway or Amtrak). Free fare from airport.
   • Blue Line Subway: Take free Massport shuttle bus (Route 22, 33, 55, or 66) to Airport Station. Board Inbound train toward Bowdoin; stop at State Street or Government Center for downtown connections.
   • Logan Express (Back Bay): Direct coach bus to Copley Square/Hynes Convention Center.

2. From T.F. Green Airport (PVD) to Boston:

   
   
   
   • Walk through the skywalk to the InterLink Facility.
   • Board the MBTA Providence/Stoughton Line Commuter Rail directly to Boston’s South Station, Back Bay, or Ruggles stations.

3. From Manchester-Boston Airport (MHT) to Boston:

   
   
   
   • Requires a car rental, rideshare, or regional bus line (such as Boston Express) picking up at nearby commuter lots to connect to Boston's South Station Bus Terminal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Boston Logan the only airport in Massachusetts?

No. Massachusetts has several commercial passenger airports, including Boston Logan International (BOS), Worcester Regional Airport (ORH), Nantucket Memorial Airport (ACK), Martha's Vineyard Airport (MVY), and Cape Cod Gateway Airport in Hyannis (HYA). In addition, the state maintains dozens of public-use general aviation airports.

How far is Boston Logan Airport from Downtown Boston?

Boston Logan is located roughly 3 miles east of Downtown Boston. Depending on traffic and transit mode, travel time ranges from 10 to 20 minutes via the MBTA Silver Line or Blue Line subway, and 15 to 30 minutes by taxi or rideshare through the Ted Williams Tunnel or Sumner Tunnel.

What is the closest regional alternative airport to Boston Logan?

Distance-wise, Laurence G. Hanscom Field (BED) in Bedford is closest (~20 miles), but it serves private, corporate, and charter flights rather than scheduled commercial airlines. For scheduled commercial service, Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) in New Hampshire (~50 miles north) and Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport (PVD) (~60 miles south) are the closest major alternatives.

Can you take a train directly from Logan Airport to Downtown Boston?

There is no heavy rail terminal directly inside the Logan airport terminals. However, you can take a quick, free Massport shuttle bus to the MBTA Blue Line Airport Station, or board the MBTA Silver Line 1 bus rapid transit (which runs in a dedicated tunnel) from any terminal directly to South Station in downtown.

Which airport is best for private jet charters to Boston?

Laurence G. Hanscom Field (BED) in Bedford, MA, is the premier corporate and general aviation airport serving Greater Boston. It provides specialized Fixed-Base Operators (FBOs), executive lounges, fast highway access to the Route 128 tech corridor, and flexible operations away from commercial airline congestion.

Practical Recommendations for Travelers

• For Direct International & Domestic Connectivity: Book your flight directly into Boston Logan International Airport (BOS). It offers the highest volume of non-stop flights and fast transit into the city via the MBTA.
• For Budget-Minded Suburban Travel: If you are staying in the northern suburbs or southern New Hampshire, compare fares and parking at Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT).
• For Rail-Connected Convenience: If you are traveling to or from southern Massachusetts or Rhode Island, consider Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport (PVD) and use the MBTA Commuter Rail link.
• For Private and Corporate Aviation: Utilize Laurence G. Hanscom Field (BED) to avoid commercial air traffic congestion while keeping close access to the Boston metro area.