Boston-Cape Cod Ferry Service

Boston-Cape Cod ferry services are a quick, comfortable, and affordable transportation option for traveling between Boston and Cape Cod.

The Boston-Cape Cod ferries sail between Boston and Provincetown.

I'm not sure why, but quite a few folks seem to think there's also a ferry service from Boston to Hyannis. Not true!

Have a look at this map and you'll see why ...

The yellow marker indicates Hyannis Harbor.

As you can see, a ferry from Boston would have to travel around the entire "arm" of Cape Cod to get to Hyannis.

Given the distance, time and navigation hazards involved in sailing from Boston to Hyannis, no ferries serve that route.


Operating Season for The Boston to Provincetown Ferry

Winter on the Atlantic Ocean can bring some incredibly nasty wind and waves.

I suspect that's why the ferries between Boston and Cape Cod only operate from May to October.



About the Ferry Boats



Two companies run Boston-Provincetown ferries:

On Saturdays, Baystate Cruises also offers a slower "excursion ferry". Cruise time from pier to pier is about 3 hours.

Fares: Round-trip fares on the fast ferries average $83 for adults, and $62 for children.

The excursion ferry fare is $46 for adults, round trip. Children 12 and under cruise free.

For full schedules, current fares, and reservations, visit Baystate Cruise Company's website and Boston Harbor Cruise's website.


Is the Boston-Cape Cod Ferry a Good Option for You?

As much fun as it is to come to the Cape by ferry, it's not the right choice for everyone.

To decide whether taking the ferry is the best option for you, there are a few things to consider:

1. Where the Ferry Docks in Cape Cod

The Boston-Cape Cod ferry docks in Provincetown, at the far northern tip of the Cape.

If you'll be staying any distance from Provincetown, you need to consider how far you're willing to travel to reach your ultimate destination on the Cape.

Which Cape Cod towns are close enough to Provincetown to make the Boston-Provincetown ferry a convenient choice?

Truro, Wellfleet, and Eastham - for sure.

They're all under a half-hour drive from the ferry pier.

Orleans is a bit farther away ... but not too much. About 45 minutes, give or take, depending on traffic.

If you're staying anywhere else on the Cape, you'll have a long way to travel after you dock in Provincetown.

2. The Boston-Cape Cod Ferry is "Passengers Only"

Neither cruise line transports vehicles. Bicycles are allowed on board (for a small extra charge).

So if you want a car for your stay on the Cape, you'll need to rent one in Provincetown.

The good news is - Provincetown is a super-easy town to get around without a car. When you step off the ferry at McMillan Wharf, you'll be right in the heart of the action.

And if you want to go beyond downtown, just hop on the shuttle. It'll take you to the beach or nearly anywhere you'd like to go around town, for just a few dollars.

3. Delays Happen

Are your travel plans extremely time sensitive? If you absolutely, positively have to be to the Cape or back to Boston by a specific time, then the ferry might not be your best choice.

As with any other mode of public transportation, delays happen with the ferries, too. (Usually it's because of high winds and rough seas. The ferries won't make the trip under dangerous conditions.)

So when you plan to travel on the ferry, be sure to consider alternate Boston-Cape Cod transportation, too. Just in case!