Thousands of visitors flock to Cape Cod each year, drawn by its beaches, restaurants, and vacation spots. While the Cape offers many attractions, reaching it by car often involves significant travel delays. Long drives, heavy traffic, and the need to cross the aging Cape Cod Canal bridges can create frustrating journeys. However, travelers have several alternative methods to reach the peninsula without using a personal vehicle, including ferries, trains, and airplanes.
Key Takeaways
- Ferry services offer direct routes to Provincetown from Boston and Plymouth.
- Seasonal train service, the CapeFLYER, connects Boston to Hyannis on weekends.
- Airlines provide seasonal flights to Cape Cod Gateway Airport and Provincetown Municipal Airport.
- Avoiding a car can reduce travel stress and parking challenges on the Cape.
Ferry Services to Provincetown
Two main ferry companies offer daily routes between Boston and Provincetown during peak seasons: Boston Harbor City Cruises and Bay State Cruise Company. These services primarily operate from late spring through early fall, providing a fast and scenic way to reach the tip of Cape Cod.
Boston Harbor City Cruises operates its fast ferry service from Long Wharf in Boston, located near the New England Aquarium. The journey to MacMillan Pier in Provincetown typically takes about 90 minutes. Passengers can purchase tickets online and receive a digital QR code for boarding. It is recommended to arrive 30 minutes before departure.
Fast Ferry Quick Facts
- Travel Time: Approximately 90-95 minutes from Boston to Provincetown.
- Departure Points: Long Wharf (Boston Harbor City Cruises) and 200 Seaport Blvd (Bay State Cruise Company).
- Arrival Point: MacMillan Pier in Provincetown.
Onboard, passengers can choose between outdoor seating on the upper decks for views of the Boston skyline and harbor, or indoor seating on lower and middle decks. Indoor areas offer large windows, news broadcasts on TVs, a full-service bar for refreshments, and restrooms. Crew members are available at concierge desks to assist passengers.
"In good weather and water conditions, passengers can sit outside on the upper decks and get stunning views of the Boston skyline, Boston Harbor, its islands and Provincetown, but expect some blustery winds if you sit up here."
Service Schedules and Weather Considerations
Boston Harbor City Cruises begins daily service in mid-May, increasing frequency from early June to early September. Service gradually slows in September and concludes in late October. Special schedules are often available for holidays and long weekends.
The company provides email and text alerts for anticipated rough sea conditions. Passengers are notified if services are delayed or canceled. They also have the option to reschedule their travel to avoid choppy waters. During rough conditions, the crew offers assistance to passengers experiencing seasickness, including ginger chews and sick bags. The open-air upper deck may also be closed for safety.
Provincetown's Location Advantage
Provincetown is located at the very tip of Cape Cod, making it the longest drive from the mainland. Traveling by boat offers one of the most efficient ways to reach this popular destination, especially for LGBTQ+ visitors. The central location of MacMillan Pier allows quick access to the town's walkable core, including Commercial Street and Bradford Street, which are lined with shops, lodging, and restaurants. A car is often not needed for getting around once in Provincetown.
Bay State Cruise Company Services
Bay State Cruise Company also provides fast-ferry service between Boston and Provincetown. Their Boston dock is situated at 200 Seaport Blvd. This ferry journey takes approximately 95 minutes to reach MacMillan Pier in Provincetown.
According to Bay State's 2025 schedule, consistent daily service runs from mid-May through late October, with at least three round trips per day. From late October to early December, service is available once each way on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, with these trips lasting about 100 minutes.
For travelers from the South Shore, Captain John Boats offers a 90-minute fast ferry service between Plymouth and Provincetown. This ferry departs from State Pier at 77 Water St. in Plymouth and also arrives at MacMillan Pier.
Bus and Train Travel to Cape Cod
For those preferring land travel without driving, bus and train services offer additional options. These services connect various parts of the mainland to Cape Cod and facilitate travel within the peninsula.
Bus Services
Bus companies such as Peter Pan and Plymouth and Brockton provide routes to Cape Cod. The Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority (CCRTA) also offers public transit services that connect passengers throughout the Cape. These services are ideal for visitors who want to avoid driving entirely and prefer to rely on public transportation for local movement.
The CapeFLYER Train Service
The CapeFLYER is a seasonal train service that operates on summer weekends, from Memorial Day through Labor Day. This service runs from South Station in Boston to Hyannis in Barnstable. It is a partnership between Keolis, the MBTA, the CCRTA, and MassDOT.
The CapeFLYER operates on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at set times. Round-trip tickets for a 1-to-3-day trip cost up to $40. Special services are available for long holiday weekends, including Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day.
CapeFLYER Amenities
- Free Wi-Fi access.
- Onboard café car.
- Ability to bring pets and bicycles at no extra charge.
Tickets can be purchased at the MBTA ticket counter in South Station, directly from the train conductor, or through the MBTA's mTicket app. A key advantage of the CapeFLYER is its use of a lift railroad bridge over the Cape Cod Canal, which means trains do not compete with car and truck traffic when crossing.
The train makes several intermediate stops on its route, including Braintree, Brockton, Lakeville, Wareham Village, Buzzards Bay, and Bourne stations. Passengers can board or alight at any of these stops, providing flexibility for travelers heading to different parts of the Cape.
Air Travel to Cape Cod
For the fastest travel, air services offer seasonal flights to Cape Cod. Airlines like CapeAir, American Airlines, and JetBlue provide services to the region.
Cape Cod Gateway Airport in Hyannis is the primary airport for the area, receiving seasonal flights from various airlines. Cape Air also offers flights to Provincetown Municipal Airport, providing a direct air link to the northern tip of the Cape.
Connecting to Island Ferries
Once on Cape Cod, travelers planning to visit Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket by boat have convenient shuttle options. The Steamship Authority and Hy-Line Cruises offer free shuttle services to connect passengers from the train station in Hyannis to their respective ferry docks. This ensures a smooth transition for those continuing their journey to the islands.
For local travel on the peninsula, ride-shares, taxis, and CCRTA buses are available. These options provide flexibility for visitors whose final destinations are not within walking or cycling distance of their arrival point.
