Salem - Boston
Ferry to Cape Cod
Salem - Boston
Ferry to Cape Cod
Fares for the Salem to Boston crossing usually range somewhere between $60* and $336*. Most travellers pay around $153* for a Salem Boston ferry ticket, and the cheapest fares on this route begin at $60*. Foot passengers can expect to pay roughly $153* on average.
Fares vary according to passenger count, vehicle type, the route itself and what time you sail. Figures come from fares searched in the previous 30 days, don't include service fees, and were last checked September 26.
There's a quick way to stack up ferry fares and operators from around the world side by side, so you can pick the crossing that best suits you. Getting in early tends to open up the widest choice of prices and sailing times.
Direct Ferries has discounts running throughout the year. Where a senior discount applies to your crossing, it's applied the moment you pick the matching age bracket in the passenger section of your search.
If you're a student or recent graduate, a 5% discount is up for grabs. Head to our partner Student Beans to confirm your status and you'll receive a code to enter at checkout.
A handful of Spanish and Italian ferry routes also offer a resident discount — choose the "Residents" option if it appears during your search and the lower fare is applied straight away. You'll usually need to show proof of address, like a residency card or certificate, when you check in.
Sailings on the Salem Boston route generally kick off from Salem at around 07:00, and the last departure of the day is usually around 19:00.
You certainly can — with a short crossing and sailings running daily, Salem to Boston is an easy day trip. Taking a vehicle, where possible, gives you the freedom to explore a bit further once you land.
No, vehicles aren't currently accepted on sailings between Salem and Boston.
Yes, Boston Harbor City Cruises takes bicycles on the Salem to Boston crossing. Most operators are happy to carry bikes, but it's always worth confirming their exact policy before you turn up at the terminal.
Yes, Boston Harbor City Cruises carries foot passengers between Salem and Boston.
Pets aren't currently permitted on ferries between Salem and Boston. Our Deal Finder can help you find a nearby route that does allow them.
Guide dogs and assistance dogs are often treated differently to general pets, even on routes where pets aren't allowed. Contact our customer service team to find out what's possible on your sailing, or check our Special Assistance Help page for more information.
Whether the Salem to Boston route has an overnight sailing depends on a mix of factors. Search with your travel dates, and we'll show you whether an overnight option exists, plus current timetables, crossing times and daytime alternatives.
Note that overnight sailings can occasionally take a bit longer than daytime crossings.
What you'll need to travel varies by route, so it pays to check ahead of your sailing. A valid passport is typically required for the Salem to Boston crossing, along with any visa or national ID required for your nationality. As rules depend on both where you're from and where you're headed, our Check-in, Travel Documents & Tickets guide is worth a read to avoid any hold-ups at check-in.
Booking couldn't be simpler — select your departure port, arrival port and travel date to see everything on offer. From there, you can weigh up alternative routes and departure times to land on the best fit.
Look for early-booking deals and flexible fare types, like upgrades or flexi-tickets, which give you room to change plans later. Double-check details such as passenger numbers and vehicle specs as you go, to keep the booking process painless.
You'll get a confirmation email the moment your booking goes through. From there, how your boarding pass turns up depends on the operator.
Some operators send the boarding pass straight away, while others want you to check in at the port. Where it's on offer, online check-in through the Direct Ferries app can save you time at the terminal.
Ticket desks tend to sit right by the ferry terminal. Building in some extra time before you sail means you won't be rushed collecting tickets and getting checked in.
Have your confirmation email and valid photo ID — a passport or identity card — ready at check-in. If a pet's travelling with you, bring their vaccination and insurance papers, and hold onto proof of address if you booked with a resident discount.
A gap in sailings from Salem to Boston on your chosen date usually comes down to something like a timetable adjustment, limited space, or a seasonal dip in service. Try a different date, or browse other options with our Route & Port finder.
Generally speaking, booking your Salem to Boston ferry sooner rather than later pays off — earlier bookings usually mean lower fares and more choice of departure times and cabins.
A few weeks' lead time is usually enough to catch a good deal, though fares can still move around depending on the season and what's left available.
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| Salem - Boston Ferry Route Prices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Foot Passenger | $153 | |
| Salem - Boston Ferry Route Summary | |
|---|---|
| Origin | United States |
| Destination | Cape Cod |
| No. of Operators | 1 |
| Operators | Boston Harbor City Cruises |
| Average Price | $153 |
| Average Pet Price | $122 |
| Average Daily Sailings | 4 |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 30 |
| Average Sailing Duration | 50 m |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 50 m |
| First Ferry | 07:00 |
| Last Ferry | 19:00 |
| Distance | 11 Nautical Miles |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 1 September 2026.
What ferry routes depart from Boston? Found on the east coast of the USA in the state of Massachusetts, Boston is one of the most popular and glamourous cities in North America. All of the ferry routes departing from Boston Port typically last around an hour and are to nearby islands laying off the east coast of the USA. What is there to do in Boston? Widely known as ‘Beantown’ after its proficiency in Baked Beans production, Boston is famed for the superb educational premises located in the city, including two of America’s most prestigious universities – M.I.T and Harvard. The large student population gives the town somewhat of an edgy, energetic vibe, and also contributes to the relatively diverse population. For those that have an active interest in history, there are also numerous museums around the city. Away from history and education, sports is a huge part of the city’s culture, with the Boston Red Sox being one of the most famous baseball teams in the world. Several films have also been set in the city, including The Departed, The Social Network and Good Will Hunting, providing a fascinating tour for movie buffs. After watching a baseball game or witnessing the film settings, Boston has an array of excellent restaurants perfect for enjoying an evening meal. Some restaurants employ deliberately surly waitresses, living up to the city’s sometimes grouchy reputation. How to get around Boston One of the most favourable aspects of Boston is the ease in which tourists can get around. It is very possible to get around the city by foot, with the major attractions located in the city centre and in relatively close proximity. For access to the port, there are several road links, as well as a train running directly to the port.
