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Ferry travel in Massachusetts is an easy and fun adventure

Massachusetts > State > Getting Around > Ferries

Ferry travel from mainland Massachusetts to locations on Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket and elsewhere is a handy and inexpensive way to visit these vacation treasures. Ferries stay busy especially during the summer but many also operate in the winter. Some allow cars and trucks. Departing and arriving on a ferry is a fun excursion all by itself.

ma ferries
Aerial Boat - Island Queen - Falmouth, MA
Island Queen

75 Falmouth Heights Road Falmouth, MA, 02540 Phone: 508-548-4800

A ferry wonderful way to get to the Vineyard

How fortunate that when the oceans formed - and before air travel - special places remained that could only be reached by ferry. And fortunate too that a journey on the Island Queen between Falmouth, MA on Cape Cod and Oak Bluffs on Martha’s Vineyard is so pleasurable a start to your journey. Easy to reach, affordable, and accommodating from the time you park your car until you step aboard and off again on the other side, the ferry runs scenic Vineyard Sound on a 35 minute cruise inspired by sun, sky and salt air. Passengers only are welcome along with their bicycles, kayaks, paddle boards and pets. Sailing from May through October, no passenger ferry reservations are required.
Pilgrim Belle Cruises Plymouth MA
Pilgrim Belle Cruises

Mayflower II, State Pier, 77 Water Street Plymouth, MA, 02360 Phone: 508-747-3434

A quick trip across the bay to a Cape Cod paradise

Take the express ferry between Plymouth Harbor and Provincetown and get there in half the time it takes by car. Your ship is under supervision of a licensed captain using the latest marine navigational and communications equipment and inspected by the US Coast Guard. Every creature comfort is aboard from the spacious sundeck, a complete galley with food and beverage service, to the fully enclosed cabin for cooler and wetter sails. A narrated tour of historic Plymouth Harbor starts your journey followed by a fast, comfortable ride across Cape Cod Bay. With the extra time you saved, explore Provincetown’s unique shops, fabulous restaurants and galleries filled with the work of Capes Cod’s renowned artists. Then head out to the National Seashore and spend the afternoon relaxing and exploring this sandy paradise.
Whale Watch Tours 500x250 - Captain John Whale Watch & Fishing Tours - Plymouth, MA
Captain John Boats

10 Town Wharf Plymouth, MA, 02360 Phone: 508-746-2643

Fast Ferry to Provincetown - June thru September 2017

Spend the day in Provincetown - getting there is easy and so much fun when you travel on the Captain John Boats Fast Ferry from Plymouth to Provincetown. Enjoy view of historic Plymouth Harbor and Cape Cod Bay. There’s so much to do once you dock at MacMillian Wharf in Provincetown: Pilgrim Monument, Lighthouses, Dune Tours, Bike Tours, Beaches, Art Galleries, Antique Shops,Restaurants and more!
The passenger fast ferry leaves Plymouth at 10:00 am and arrives in Provincetown at 11:30 am. The passenger fast ferry leaves Provincetown at 4:30 pm and arrives back in Plymouth at 6:00 pm.
Hi-Speed Ferry 500x250 - Block Island Ferry - Narragansett, RI
Block Island Ferry - High-Speed

304 Great Island Road Narragansett, RI, 02882 Phone: 401-783-7996 Toll-Free: 866-783-7996

Visit Newport and Block Island on the Ferry!

Travelers don't need to choose between visiting Block Island and Newport this summer! The Block Island Ferry has added hi-speed ferry service from Fall River, MA to Newport, RI that moves on to Block Island. Glide comfortably through the water while you enjoy a treat from the snack bar as you head to Newport. Choose to hop off there and visit magnificent mansions, dine by the water or stroll around town. Stay on the boat, and move on to Block Island where the shopping, dining and beaches give you a taste of easy-going island life. Will it be Newport, Block Island or both? Check our website for schedules, ticket purchases and reservations.
Marthas Vineyard Ferry Island Queen
Boston-Provincetown Ferry

Bay State Cruise Company, 200 Seaport Blvd. Boston, MA, 02210 Phone: 617-748-1428

Daily, seasonal passenger ferry service from Boston to Provincetown. Crossing take about one and one-half hours. Season is May to October. Ferry does not transport motor vehicles.
Boston-Provincetown Ferry

Bay State Cruise Company, 200 Seaport Blvd. Boston, MA, 02210 Phone: 617-748-1428

Daily, seasonal passenger ferry service from Boston to Provincetown. Crossing take about one and one-half hours. Season is May to October. Ferry does not transport motor vehicles.
Harwich Port-Nantucket Ferry

Freedom Cruise Line, 702 Main Street Harwich Port, MA, 02646 Phone: 508-432-8999

Daily, seasonal passenger service from Harwich Port to Nantucket. Crossing time is one hour and 15 minutes. Season is late May to early October. Ferry accommodates passengers, bicycles, most pets. Ferry does not transport motor vehicles.
Salem to Boston Ferry

Blaney Street in Salem to Long Wharf North in Boston Salem to Boston, Phone: 617-770-0040

Service between Salem Wharf at Blaney Street and Long Wharf North in Boston The trip, which takes 55 minutes aboard the high-speed catamaran,Nathaniel Bowditch, is relaxing, fun and informative. Cruise directors provide narration about Salem, Marblehead, and Boston harbors. Snacks and beverages for sale. Rest rooms on board. Daily service operates June 11 to October 31, 2011. Schedule and fares at www.salemferry.com.
Woods Hole-to-Martha’s Vineyard Ferry with the Steamship Authority

1 Cowdry Road Woods Hole, MA Phone: 508-477-8600

Year-round service from Woods Hole to the town of Oaks Bluffs on Martha’s Vineyard and the town of Vineyard Haven on Martha’s Vineyard. Ferry transports motor vehicles. Trip between Woods Hole and Martha’s Vineyard takes 45 minutes, Advance vehicle reservations are required and can be booked online or by phone or in person at the Woods Hole and Martha’s Vineyard ticket offices. Offices are located in the Vineyard Haven terminal year-round and during the summer at the Oak Bluffs terminal. Passengers traveling to Martha’s Vineyard without a vehicle may purchase tickets at the terminals on the day of sailing.
Information: https://www.steamshipauthority.com/
Hyannis-Nantucket Ferry

Hy-Line Cruises, Ocean Street Dock Hyannis, MA, 02601 Phone: 800-492-8082

Company operates one year-round ferry and three seasonal ferries. Ferries do not transport motor vehicles. Ferries include:
High-Speed Ferry Service to Nantucket (year-round);
High-Speed Ferry Service to Martha's Vineyard (May 1 to October 31);
Traditional Ferry Service to Nantucket (May 21-October 16);
Traditional Ferry Service to Martha's Vineyard (May 27-October 16);
High-Speed Ferry Service between Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket (June 11 to September 10).
Salem to Boston Ferry

Blaney Street in Salem to Long Wharf North in Boston Salem to Boston, Phone: 617-770-0040

Service between Salem Wharf at Blaney Street and Long Wharf North in Boston The trip, which takes 55 minutes aboard the high-speed catamaran,Nathaniel Bowditch, is relaxing, fun and informative. Cruise directors provide narration about Salem, Marblehead, and Boston harbors. Snacks and beverages for sale. Rest rooms on board. Daily service operates June 11 to October 31, 2011. Schedule and fares at www.salemferry.com.
Martha’s Vineyard Ferry

Vineyard Fast Ferry, Quonset Point,1347 Roger Williams Way North Kingstown, RI, 02852 Phone: 401-295-4040

Seasonal passenger ferry from Quonset Point to Oak Bluffs on Martha’s Vineyard. Crossing takes about 90 minutes. Company also offers shuttle services to/from the Providence Airport and the Amtrak Station. Dockside parking and online reservations. Ferry does not transport motor vehicles.
Ferries to Boston Harbor Islands

Depart from Long Wharf North and from Hingham Shipyard Boston and Hingham, MA Phone:

Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park includes 34 islands and mainland parks. The islands in Boston Harbor are accessible by ferry from wharves in downtown Boston and Hingham. Park is open mid-May to early October. Ferries run from Boston to Georges Island, Boston to Spectacle Islands, and Hingham to Georges Island. Ferry service runs from mid-May to early October, but the schedule is divided into spring, summer and fall sections.
Fees: Adults, $17; seniors over age 64, students and active military, $12;, children age 3-12, $10; family four pack, $43. All Prices are Round Trip
Cuttyhunk Ferry Company, Inc.

66B State Pier, South Bulkhead New Bedford, MA, 02740 Phone: 508-992-0200

The M/V Cuttyhunk carries up to 149 passengers between New Bedford and Cuttyhunk Island in one hour. Schedule changes seasonally. Fare: Adult, one way, $20; round trip, $30; child, one way, $15; round trip, $20. Information: http://www.cuttyhunkferryco.com/Pages/AboutFerry.htm
Martha’s Vineyard from New Bedford, New Jersey and New York City

SeaStreak Martha’s Vineyard NB 49 State Pier New Bedford, MA, 02740 Phone: 866-683-3779

Seasonal passenger ferry from New Bedford to Oak Bluffs and Vineyard Haven on Martha’s Vineyard. Crossing takes about 90 minutes. Company also offers shuttle services to/from the Providence Airport and the Amtrak Station. Dockside parking and online reservations. Ferry does not transport motor vehicles. Seasonal May – October. Information: 866-683-3779 or visit www.seastreak.com

Summer passenger ferry from New Jersey and New York City to Oak Bluffs on Martha’s Vineyard. Call or online reservations. Ferry does not transport motor vehicles. May – October. Information: 800-262-8743 or visit www.seastreak.com