How To Navigate Logan Airport

Traveling in and out of the city of Boston by airplane is very common for millions of people each year. However, getting to and from Boston's Logan Airport can be a bit tricky. Below, you will find four tips that will help you better navigate the busy area, which can sometimes be confusing with its winding entrances and exits. Whether you are getting ready to take off or you're picking up a friend or family member, these tips are sure to help get you where you need to be -- on time and with less stress.

Driving to Logan Airport has become much easier since the Big Dig was completed. There are plenty of signs that will guide you in the right direction, and a tunnel will put you straight at the airport's entrance, leaving little room for you to get lost. Upon arriving at the airport, you'll need to choose whether you are going to "arrivals" or "departures." There are clear signs that tell you which direction to go in for each.

Knowing which terminal you need to go to is crucial when traveling to Logan Airport. While everything is listed on signs, trying to read those signs while driving in can be stressful, and if you miss a turn, you will be forced to drive in a winding pattern until you can get back to where you need to be. Not only is this frustrating, but it can take up a great deal of time.

Terminal A
-Delta*
-Southwest

Terminal B
-Air Canada
-American Airlines*
-American Airlines Shuttle
-PenAir
-Spirit
-United
-Virgin America

Terminal C
-Alaska Airlines
-Cape Air
-Emirates
-JetBlue*
-Sun Country Airlines

Terminal E
All International Travel
-Air Lingus
-Aeromexico
-Air France
-Alitalia
-American Airlines*
-British Airways
-Cathay Pacific
-Copa Airlines
-Delta*
-El Al
-Emirates*
-Hainan Airlines
-Iberia
-Icelandair
-Japan Airlines
-JetBlue*
-Lufthansa
-Porter
-SATA
-Swiss
-Thomas Cook Airlines
-Turkish Airlines
-Virgin Atlantic
-WOW Air

*These airlines may arrive at or depart from different terminals. Please check with the airline.

Once you know which terminal you need to go to, you can follow the signs at the airport to get where you need to go. If you are parking, you'll want to follow the signs to "Central Parking," the "Terminal B Garage," "Terminal E Parking Lots," or "Economy Parking."

Once you know which terminal you need to get to, you will need to have a plan.

If you are picking up passengers, things can be a bit more tricky. If you plan on waiting inside the airport, you will need to park your car in one of the aforementioned parking areas. If you are just waiting for passengers to get through baggage claim, you may want to find yourself a spot in the airport's "cell phone lot." Here, you are allowed to wait for about 30 minutes. Have your friend or family member call you once they get their bags, and you can start heading to the terminal to pick them up. Many feel as though the cell phone lot is off the beaten path, but it should only take you about 10 minutes to get to the terminal, and you're already at the airport, which sets many minds at ease.

Keep in mind, picking up passengers curbside requires you to be relatively quick. Law enforcement is strict when it comes to not allowing standing cars in the area. The designated areas are meant for loading only, so your passengers should be waiting for you when you pull up. Some people are able to hang out for about five minutes before being told to move, so timing really is key here.

If you need to wait longer than 30 minutes, you can try finding a parking spot in the South End or in the Seaport district (near the I-90 East on-ramps). Once the expected flight has landed, you can head on over to the airport. The timing should work out fairly well, but if you are worried, just wait until the passengers have gotten their luggage before you head over.

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If you are dropping off passengers, you can go to the designated curbside areas to unload. You won't be able to stay there too long, so say your goodbyes in advance. The area is heavily patrolled by law enforcement, in place for your safety and to ensure that traffic keeps moving. If you want to enter the terminal with your friend or family member, you can drop off the passengers with their luggage curbside, and then follow the signs to nearby parking garages or lots.

Note: These lots can be expensive, and can fill up quickly, so leave yourself enough time to find a spot, and be prepared to spend about $20 for three hours.

If you'd prefer not to drive in to Logan Airport, you may take advantage of the Logan Express. This is a bus service with five hubs around the city. You can take a bus from Woburn, Braintree, Peabody, Framingham or the Back Bay directly to Logan Airport for $5 to $12 one-way per passenger, depending on which location you choose. The daily parking rate is $7 at the Logan Express locations. These bus rides can take 30-45 minutes, so you need to tack on the additional time to ensure you arrive at the airport well before your flight is scheduled for take off.

You may also take a taxi, limo or other car service to Logan Airport.

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