Arriving on an International Flight at Logan: Customs, Baggage Timing and When Your Driver Should Meet You

If you land at Boston Logan on an international flight, plan on roughly 45 to 90 minutes between touchdown and the curb. It can be 2 hours or more during busy banks of arrivals. Your driver should not be sent to the curb the moment you land. Instead, message or call your driver once you have your bags and are walking out of the customs exit. Below is what actually happens after you land, how long each step tends to take, and how to coordinate a smooth pickup.

Why international arrivals at Logan work differently

All international flights at Logan arrive at Terminal E, and every international passenger must clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) before leaving the airport. That includes U.S. citizens, returning residents, visitors and travelers connecting onward on a domestic flight.

That is the key difference from a domestic arrival. On a domestic flight you walk off the plane, collect your bag and meet your ride. On an international flight, you have three extra stages to get through: passport control, baggage claim and customs inspection. Each one has its own wait, and none of them is fully in your control.

For that reason, a pickup time based on the "scheduled arrival" on your ticket is almost always too early. A pickup based on when you actually come out of customs is much more reliable.

The arrival timeline, step by step

1. Deplaning and the walk to passport control (5 to 20 minutes)

How long this takes depends on where your gate is and how many passengers are leaving the aircraft. A large wide-body jet takes longer to empty than a regional one. Passengers seated at the back or in the middle of the cabin should expect a longer wait.

2. Passport control with CBP (10 to 60+ minutes)

This is the most variable step. A few things can shorten it:

• Global Entry. Approved members use a dedicated lane or kiosk, and their processing is generally quick.
• Mobile Passport Control (MPC). CBP offers this free app for eligible travelers, and it is available at Boston Logan. You submit your information on your phone after landing and use the MPC lane. Check the CBP website for eligibility and current features, since requirements and app features can change.
• Automated Passport Control (APC) kiosks. Massport and CBP introduced these kiosks in Terminal E so that eligible travelers can enter passport details themselves before meeting an officer.

If none of these apply to you, you will join the standard line. When several long-haul flights land close together, this line can be long. A ground delay at Logan can also bunch flights up and make waits worse.

3. Baggage claim (10 to 30 minutes)

Bags sometimes come out quickly if you were among the first through passport control, but with a full flight, the carousel can take a while to start. If you checked a bag, you must collect it before going through the final customs check, so this step cannot be skipped.

4. Customs inspection and the exit (5 to 20 minutes)

After you have your bags, you hand your declaration to a CBP officer. Most travelers are waved through. A smaller number are selected for additional questions or a bag inspection, which adds time. Bringing food, plants, or large amounts of cash or goods is the most common reason for extra screening, so declare honestly and check CBP's guidance before you pack.

5. Walking to your pickup point (5 to 15 minutes)

Once you are through the doors, you still need to reach your ride. If you have heavy luggage, small children or limited mobility, allow more time here.

Realistic planning window

These are planning estimates based on how these steps typically unfold, not guarantees. Real waits on the day depend on staffing, the number of flights and weather.

When should your driver meet you?

The best approach is to avoid fixing a meeting time in advance. Instead:

1. Book with your flight number. This lets your car service track the actual landing time rather than relying on the schedule. If your flight is early, late or diverted, the pickup adjusts.
2. Confirm your meeting point before you fly. Rules for where cars can stop and wait at Logan are set by Massport and can change, so ask your dispatcher exactly where you will meet your driver. You can also read our guide to the Boston Logan Airport pickup location.
3. Message your driver when you have your bags. At that point you are only a few minutes from the exit, which is when the driver needs to be ready.
4. Share a working phone number. If you are using a foreign SIM, check roaming or connect to airport Wi-Fi so you can send a quick text. Many travelers also get a U.S. eSIM before they leave.

This approach avoids two common problems: the driver waiting for an hour while you are stuck in a customs queue, or you walking out and then waiting for a car that has not arrived yet.

Choosing the right vehicle for an international arrival

International travelers usually carry more luggage than domestic ones. Consider the vehicle before you book:

• Sedan or town car: Good for one or two travelers with a couple of bags. Our town car service suits business travelers who want a calm start after a long flight.
• SUV or minivan: A better choice for families, groups of four or more, or travelers with oversized bags, skis or sports gear. If you are landing with a group, a minivan taxi service Boston travelers can book ahead helps everyone and all their bags travel together in a single vehicle.
• Children under the legal age or size limit: Tell us when you book so a car seat can be arranged. See our page on Boston taxi with car seats.

Tips for specific situations

Late-night and early-morning arrivals. Overnight flights often land in the early hours, when fewer services are running and public transport is limited. A pre-booked ride removes the guesswork. Our related guide on red-eye and early-morning Logan pickups covers this in more detail.

Elderly or less mobile travelers. Long walks and long lines are tiring after an international flight. Ask your airline about wheelchair assistance when you book your flight, and tell your driver so they can plan for extra time. Our guide to stress-free pickups for elderly family members has more advice.

Connecting flights. If you are continuing on a domestic flight, you must still clear customs at Logan first, and you may need to recheck your bags. Allow generous connection time.

Delays and diversions. Weather, ground stops and air traffic can change landing times. Tracking your flight number means you do not need to call and rebook if things slip.

What to have ready at the CBP counter

• Your passport (and any visa or travel authorization required for your nationality)
• Your completed customs declaration, either on the form or via an app such as MPC where eligible
• The address of where you will be staying in the United States
• Your return or onward ticket, if requested
• A charged phone with your driver's number saved

Entry requirements depend on your nationality and travel purpose and can change, so check the official CBP website before you travel.

Quick checklist before your flight

• Booked your ride with your flight number and the number of passengers and bags
• Confirmed the pickup meeting point with your dispatcher
• Saved your driver's or dispatcher's phone number
• Set up Mobile Passport Control or Global Entry if you are eligible
• Added a car seat or larger vehicle to your booking if needed
• Read CBP guidance on items you must declare

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to get through customs at Logan?

It varies by day and time. A common planning range is 45 to 90 minutes from landing to the curb, with longer waits during busy periods. Global Entry and Mobile Passport Control can reduce the time.

Should my driver wait at the airport when my flight lands?

Usually not. It is more efficient for your driver to track your flight and then be ready when you tell them you have collected your bags and are heading out.

What if my flight lands early or late?

If your ride is booked with your flight number, we can follow the actual arrival time and adjust accordingly.

Do I need to go through customs if I am connecting to a domestic flight?

Yes. International passengers must clear CBP at Logan before continuing, so allow extra time between flights.

Which terminal do international flights use at Logan?

All international flights arrive at Terminal E.

Can I book a ride for a large group or lots of luggage?

Yes. Tell us how many passengers and bags are traveling and we will suggest a suitable vehicle.

Book your Logan arrival ride

Boston Airport Express has served travelers since 2005 from our base in Cambridge, with dispatch available 24 hours a day. To arrange a pickup for your international arrival, call 617-499-1919 or book online.