| Cover | Feb. 26, 2021 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Feb. 26, 2021 |
| Current Fiscal Year End Date | --12-31 |
| Entity File Number | 001-35155 |
| Entity Registrant Name | BOINGO WIRELESS, INC. |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001169988 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 95-4856877 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 10960 Wilshire Blvd. |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | 23rd Floor |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Los Angeles |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 90024 |
| City Area Code | 310 |
| Local Phone Number | 586-5180 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | true |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $0.0001 par value |
| Trading Symbol | WIFI |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
