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A 90-minute Boston-Cape Cod ferry ride cuts miles, and perhaps hours of travel time, off a bus or car trip between Boston and Provincetown.
The Basics
The Boston-Cape Cod ferries sail a direct route between Boston and Provincetown.
For some unknown reason, quite a few folks seem to think there's also a ferry from Boston to Hyannis. Not true!
Have a look at this map, and you'll see why there's no Boston-Hyannis ferry route:
As you can see, a boat would have to go all the way around the entire "arm" of Cape Cod to get to Hyannis.
Given the distance, time, and navigation hazards involved, no company has taken on that challenge.
Winter on the Atlantic Ocean can bring some incredibly nasty wind and waves.
That's why the ferries between Boston and Cape Cod only operate from May to early December.
* 2020 Operating Season *
Boston Harbor Cruises: June 26 - September 7, 2020
Baystate Cruise Company: June 22 - October 12, 2020
Two companies operate on the Boston-Cape Cod route:
and
The Boats: Both cruise companies offer big, comfy catamaran-style boats with "fast ferry" service.
Length of Trip: Total cruise time is about 90 minutes, pier to pier.
Schedules: Both companies offer 2-3 departures and returns daily. Additional sailings are usually offered on holiday weekends.
Fares: Fares vary by company. From $90+ round trip for adults, $80+ for seniors, children's fares vary by company and child's age.
See: Reviews and reservations
More Info: Boston Harbor Cruises - (877) 733-9425, website; Bay State Cruise Company - (877) 783-3779, website
Click here to read about my favorite Boston sightseeing discount passes. Some Cape Cod attractions are included, too!
As much fun as it is to cruise to Cape Cod, it's not the right choice for everyone.
So, is a Boston-Cape Cod ferry your best transportation option?
Here are a few important things to consider:
1. Distance from the Provincetown Pier to Your Destination
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.
Which towns are near enough to make the Boston-Provincetown ferry a convenient choice?
If you're staying anywhere else, you'll have a long way to travel after you dock in Provincetown.
2. "Passengers Only" - No Cars Allowed
Neither cruise line transports vehicles. Bicycles are allowed on board (for a small extra charge).
So if you want a car to use while you're here, 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 boat and onto the pier at McMillan Wharf, you'll be right in the heart of the action.
Want to go beyond downtown? 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. Stuff Happens
Are your travel plans time sensitive?
Delays and cancellations do happen. Usually it's because of high winds and rough seas.
If you absolutely, positively must get to the Cape or back to Boston by a specific time, then consider a different mode of transportation.
Related Pages:
Nantucket Ferries
Martha's Vineyard Ferries
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