Cape Cod Travel: Getting to Cape Cod and the Islands

icons

Getting to Cape Cod by Car

U.S. Route 6 (the Mid-Cape Highway) cuts all the way across Cape Cod, crossing the Sagamore Bridge and connecting Bourne with Provincetown. Keep in mind that the traffic on the Sagamore and Bourne Bridges is often backed up for miles on summer weekends and holidays.

Getting to Cape Cod by Bus

There are several bus lines connecting Boston and Providence with Cape Cod. These bus lines run to several destinations on U.S. Route 6 (the Mid-Cape Highway). If you’re travelling by bus on a summer weekend or holiday, be prepared to spend time stuck in traffic near the bridges.

Getting to Cape Cod by Ferry

The Cape Cod High-Speed Ferry transports passengers back and forth between Boston and Provincetown. Each leg of the journey clocks in at just 90 minutes, which makes it the fastest way to travel from Boston to the Outer Cape.

Getting to Cape Cod by Plane

There are a handful of public and private airports on Cape Cod and the surrounding islands, including Barnstable Municipal Airport (HYA), Provincetown Municipal Airport (PVC), Nantucket Memorial Airport (ACK), and Martha’s Vineyard Airport (MVY). Cape Air, headquartered in Barnstable, operates many flights to and from the Cape.

Getting to Cape Cod by Train

During the summer, the Cape Flyer connects Boston South Station and the Hyannis Transportation Center. The train ride takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes from end to end and lets you skip the weekend and holiday traffic on the bridges.

How to visit Nantucket Island

Every day, ferries depart from Hyannis, Harwich Port, and New Bedford for Nantucket Island. You can also reach the island by plane. Cape Air operates a permanent connection between Boston and Nantucket Island, as well as a seasonal connection from New York JFK.

How to visit Martha’s Vineyard

Every day, ferries depart from Woods Hole and New Bedford for Martha’s Vineyard. You can also reach the island by plane. Cape Air operates a permanent connection between Boston and Martha’s Vineyard, as well as a seasonal connection from New York JFK.

Getting to Cuttyhunk(Elizabeth Islands)

During the winter months, you can take the ferry from New Bedford, Massachusetts on Mondays, and Fridays with departure at 9 am  and returning at 2 pm. The island also has two small airstrips that have not been in-use for over 6 years. The strips are 500 feet and 1500 feet, respectively.