Downtown Boston includes Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, the Freedom Trail, Government Center, and the financial district. The heart of one of America s most historic cities.

About Downtown Boston (Government Center)

Downtown Boston at Government Center is the civic heart of one of America\'s oldest and most historically significant cities. City Hall Plaza and the adjacent Faneuil Hall (\'the Cradle of Liberty\' where Samuel Adams and others debated revolution) anchor a district that has witnessed key moments in American democracy since the 1740s. The cobblestone streets of the adjacent North End — Boston\'s Little Italy — are home to the Paul Revere House, Old North Church, and some of the best Italian restaurants outside Italy.

The Freedom Trail begins near Government Center, a 2.5-mile red-brick walking path connecting 16 historic sites from the Boston Common through the North End to the Charlestown Navy Yard and the USS Constitution. This is where the American Revolution took shape — from the Old State House (site of the Boston Massacre) to the Bunker Hill Monument.

Boston\'s downtown is remarkably compact and walkable. The waterfront has been transformed from a working harbor to a vibrant district of restaurants, museums (New England Aquarium, Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum), and the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway park. The financial district, Chinatown, and the Theater District are all within a 10-minute walk of Government Center, making it an ideal base for exploring the city on foot.

Nearby Landmarks

Faneuil Hall Freedom Trail Government Center North End New England Aquarium

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost USD 25-35
Time 15-25 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost USD 15-25
Time 15-25 minutes

Uber/Lyft from designated pickup areas at each terminal

Train (MBTA Blue Line)

Cost USD 2
Time 10-15 minutes
Frequency Every 5-8 minutes

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Take free Massport shuttle (Route 22/33/55) from your terminal to Airport Blue Line station. 2. Board Blue Line inbound toward Bowdoin. 3. Exit at Government Center (4 stops, 10 min).

Logan Express Back Bay

Cost USD 3
Time 25 minutes
Frequency Every 20 minutes, 5 AM - 9 PM

All terminals, ground level

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi USD 25-35 15-25 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare USD 15-25 15-25 minutes Budget-conscious, app users
Train USD 2 10-15 minutes Budget, avoiding traffic
Bus/Shuttle USD 3 25 minutes Cheapest option

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

The Blue Line runs until approximately 12:45 AM. After that, Uber and Lyft are available at the airport (USD 15-25 to downtown). Taxis operate 24/7 from the airport taxi pool. Boston is safe for nighttime arrivals downtown. The Sumner Tunnel is faster late at night with no traffic. The free Silver Line bus from the airport connects to the Red Line at South Station until about midnight.

Luggage Tips

The Blue Line handles luggage well — Airport station has elevators. Government Center station was renovated and is accessible. The walk from Government Center to most downtown hotels is short (5-10 min). The North End's narrow streets can be tricky with large rolling luggage. The free Silver Line bus (SL1) has luggage space and connects to South Station for Amtrak connections.

Accessibility

Logan Airport is fully ADA accessible. The Blue Line has elevator access at Airport and Government Center stations. The free Massport shuttle connects all terminals to the Blue Line station. Downtown Boston is generally accessible, though the North End and Beacon Hill have cobblestones and hills. The Freedom Trail has accessible alternatives for most stops. The MBTA Silver Line is fully accessible.