What to Do During a Layover at Boston Logan Airport (BOS)

A layover at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) can be the perfect chance to explore the city or relax before your next flight. How you spend your time depends on the length of your layover. This guide provides tips for activities inside the airport, as well as nearby attractions, dining, and transportation options.

Tip: Always plan to return to the airport at least 1–2 hours before your next flight to allow for security checks and possible delays.

Inside Boston Logan Airport: Dining, Lounges, and Relaxation

Even without leaving the airport, BOS offers a variety of amenities to make your layover more enjoyable.

Food & Dining at Logan Airport

Concourse A

Boston Bruins Bar
Currito
La Baguette Marche
Market Kitchen
Friendly’s
Vino Volo

Concourse B

Pei Wei
Kelly's Roast Beef
Lucca
Todd English's Bonfire
Cisco Brew Pub
Legal Sea Foods

Concourse C

Shojo
COSI
Sam Adams Brewhouse
Wahlburgers
Boston Beer Works
Jerry Remy’s Bar and Grill

Concourse E

Vineyard Grille
Stephanie’s
Durgin Park
Sbarro

Relaxation & Lounges

Classique Salon in Terminal C for beauty and grooming services
Airport Lounges – many offer pay-at-the-door access, no membership needed:
Chase Sapphire Lounge
United Club
The Lounge
American Airlines Admirals Club (ticketed passengers can access free)
Play Areas – Terminals A, B, and C offer kid-friendly spaces

Tip: Stretch your legs by walking through the terminals and explore local art displays and airport shops.

Leaving the Airport: Exploring Boston During a Layover

If your layover is 6 hours or longer, consider venturing outside the airport. Boston is easily accessible via public transit or ride-share:

Subway: Free shuttle to nearby stations; $2.40 one-way subway fare
Water Taxi: Rowes Wharf offers scenic transport along the harbor
Taxi / Ride-Share: Fast and flexible for short trips

Nearby Natural Attractions

Orient Heights Beach – 4.3 miles from BOS
Belle Isle Marsh Reservation – 3.6 miles
Constitution Beach – 2.7 miles
East Boston Memorial Park – 0.9 miles
Skyline Monument – 0.7 miles

Museums & Cultural Spots

New England Aquarium – Meet penguins, sea lions, and turtles; tickets start at $34
Institute of Contemporary Art – 3.7 miles, with art exhibits and live performances
Boston Children’s Museum – Family-friendly activities
Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) – Classic and modern art collections

Exploring Historic & Iconic Boston

Faneuil Hall Marketplace – 5.4 miles, historic buildings and local shopping
Freedom Trail – 2.5-mile path connecting 16 historic landmarks
Boston Harborwalk – Scenic walking along the waterfront

Local Dining Outside the Airport

Mario’s Restaurant – Italian, 0.9 miles
Rino’s Place – Italian, 1.4 miles
Rincon Limeno – Peruvian, 2.1 miles
Oliveira’s – Brazilian barbecue, 0.7 miles
Sam Adams Brewery – Local craft beer
Whole Belly Clams & Raw Oysters
War of the Cannolis

Layover Planning Tips

For separate airlines, retrieve and recheck luggage before heading out.

Consider luggage storage:

Rowes Wharf Water Taxi – free storage
South Station – paid luggage storage
Pack essentials in your carry-on: chargers, snacks, and entertainment

Timing Your Trip

Short layovers (1–3 hours): Stick to airport dining, lounges, and play areas
Long layovers (6+ hours): Explore downtown Boston, beaches, museums, and historic landmarks

Always leave extra buffer time for traffic, public transit, and security lines

Family-Friendly Layover Ideas

Play areas in airport terminals
Quick visits to New England Aquarium or Boston Children’s Museum
Walk along the Boston Harborwalk for outdoor fun

Layover Length, Recommended Activities

1–3 hours, Airport dining, lounges, terminal art, kid-friendly areas
4–6 hours, Short trips to nearby parks or beaches, quick museum visit
6+ hours, Explore downtown: historic landmarks, Faneuil Hall, Freedom Trail, dining experiences

Whether you stay inside Boston Logan Airport or venture out into the city, planning ahead ensures a stress-free and enjoyable layover.