Airport Hubs:
BOS → Cambridge (Harvard Square, MIT & Kendall Square) Updated for 2026

Boston Logan Airport to Cambridge (Harvard & MIT): 2026 Guide

Distance 10 km
Fastest 25 min
From FREE ($0.00 USD)
Top Pick Free Silver Line SL1 to South Station + Free Red Line to Harvard
Quick 10-Second Verdict:

To reach Cambridge, the most popular way is taking the FREE Silver Line SL1 to South Station and transferring behind faregates to the Red Line subway for FREE ($0.00 USD total), reaching Kendall/MIT in 30 mins and Harvard Square in 38 mins. Taxis and Uber/Lyft cost $40–$55 USD and take 25–40 minutes.

Cambridge is located directly across the Charles River from Boston, housing world-renowned universities Harvard and MIT. The seamless free transfer between the Silver Line and Red Line at South Station makes transit extremely convenient.

All Transfer Options Compared (2026 Fares)

Transport Option Typical Time 2026 Fare Frequency Best For Booking / Info
Free Silver Line SL1 to South Station + Free Red Line Best Overall
30–40 min
FREE ($0.00 USD)
FREE ($0.00 USD)
 Every 6–10 min Students, academics, and budget travelers heading to MIT, Kendall Sq, or Harvard See Boarding Steps ↓
Uber / Lyft / Taxi Direct to Cambridge Door-to-Door
25–40 min
$40 – $55 USD
$40 – $55 USD (~€37 – €51)
 On demand Door-to-door arrival directly at campus dorms, laboratories, or hotels Check Cambridge Rideshare

Detailed Step-by-Step Transfer Options

Option #1 Best Overall

Free Silver Line SL1 to South Station + Free Red Line

FREE ($0.00 USD) FREE ($0.00 USD)
Travel time 30–40 min
Frequency Every 6–10 min
Operating hours 05:30 – 00:30
Where to buy tickets Free boarding at Logan airport; no ticket needed.
Main advantage: 100% free trip; direct subway stops at Kendall/MIT, Central Sq, and Harvard Sq; zero traffic.
Keep in mind: Requires transferring lines inside South Station.

Step-by-step from arrivals:

  1. Board the free Silver Line SL1 bus outside your terminal.
  2. Ride to South Station and get off inside the underground concourse.
  3. Do NOT exit the turnstiles: follow signs down to the Red Line platform marked "Alewife".
  4. Exit at Kendall/MIT (for MIT) or Harvard Station (for Harvard University).
Option #2 Door-to-Door

Uber / Lyft / Taxi Direct to Cambridge

$40 – $55 USD $40 – $55 USD (~€37 – €51)
Travel time 25–40 min
Frequency On demand
Operating hours 24/7 continuous
Where to buy tickets Central Parking Garage rideshare/taxi zone.
Main advantage: Direct drop-off at your Cambridge accommodation; comfortable with bags.
Keep in mind: Storrow Drive or Memorial Drive rush-hour traffic.

Step-by-step from arrivals:

  1. Head to the app pickup area in Central Parking.
  2. Travel via I-90 West and River Street directly into Cambridge.
Check Cambridge Rideshare
ARRIVAL CONNECTIVITY & RIDE-HAILING TIP

Need Mobile Data at the Terminal for Uber / Lyft & Maps?

Airport Wi-Fi often drops outside the terminal curb where Uber / Lyft pickup zones are located. Install a local eSIM before your flight so you can order a ride, translate station signs, and show digital train QR tickets immediately after landing.

Get United States eSIM on Airalo →Compare United States Airport eSIM on Klook →
STRESS-FREE DOOR-TO-DOOR OPTION

Prefer a Driver Waiting at Boston (BOS) Arrivals?

Traveling with heavy suitcases, young children, or landing after midnight? Pre-book a fixed-price private airport transfer or express rail pass on Klook with instant confirmation and no meter haggling.

Check Boston Transfers & Rail Passes on Klook →View Airport & City Hotels on Klook →

Tickets, Luggage & Late-Night Arrivals

How Tickets & Payments Work

Because you board the Silver Line for free at Logan and transfer inside the South Station turnstiles, the entire trip to Cambridge is completely FREE!

Traveling with Suitcases

South Station, Kendall/MIT, and Harvard subway stations have elevators.

Arriving After Midnight

Red Line subway runs until approximately 00:45 AM. Taxis and Uber operate 24/7.

Common Mistakes & Airport Scams to Avoid

  • Exiting South Station to street level before transferring to the Red Line — stay underground behind the faregates to transfer for free.
  • Do not buy a CharlieTicket or subway pass at the airport if you are taking the Silver Line bus to South Station — boarding the Silver Line SL1 at any Logan terminal is 100% FREE! You only pay transit fare when traveling back toward the airport.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I really take the subway to Harvard from Logan Airport for free?

Yes! Board Silver Line SL1 at Logan (free), ride to South Station, and follow signs down to the Red Line platform toward Alewife (no turnstiles to cross, so it is 100% free).

Other Popular Destinations from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)