Exploring the Best Ways to Get to the Cape by Land

Travel by Land, Sea or Air are what make the Cape an ideal place for family vacations, a romantic weekend getaway, a destination event, or a conference. The Cape offers a wide range of vacation offerings from world-class hotels, Airbnb, motels, camping, to short-term rental cottages and vacation homes. No matter one’s budget there are places to stay and ways for getting to the Cape by Land, Sea, or Air.

We have put together a comprehensive travel list to get to Cape Cod by Land, Sea, or Air. As Cape Cod continues to grow as a popular year-round destination place new travel options and expanded schedules continue to emerge. Many modes of transportation are seasonal, and it is best to check the website links for up-to-date travel information. We will update information as it becomes available.

Getting to the Cape by Land

Driving

Driving to the Cape is the easiest way to get to the Cape by Land. The Cape is a short distance from Boston and most New England States. The two main routes to the Cape are via the Bourne or Sagamore Bridge. It is easy to hop in the car for a quick weekend getaway or a day at the beach. Of course, if you don’t have a car or are flying to one of the major airports you can always rent a car or try a zip car. Traffic can be heavy during peak hours, and it is recommended to check an app such as Waze to plan your drive.

Motorcycle and Bikes

If Motorcycling or biking is your thing, please check all safety measures before planning your trip. While a motorcycle license follows the regulations of the Registry of Motor Vehicles and rules of the road, a traditional bike is not recommended to cross the 2 bridges. The Army Corps of Engineers has put together a guide for safe bicycle riding along the Cape Cod Canal. Bikes are great ways to get around the Cape once you have crossed the bridges and it may be fun to throw your bike on a car rack until you reach your destination.

Buses

If you don’t have a car or don’t like to drive, you can still get to the Cape by Land. Several buses and ride services can transport one to the Cape. Below are links to available bus lines that are available depending on your starting point.

If you are starting at Logan Airport, the Plymouth and Brockton Bus Line picks up at most terminals and will take the passenger to Hyannis,
Falmouth, and Woods Hole. In addition, there is also service from T.F.Green Airport near Providence to these destinations.

If you are in the suburbs, coming from another major city, or can get to
South Station in Boston, Peter Pan Bus offers many bus routes directly to Hyannis, Falmouth, Provincetown, Woods Hole, and other Cape Cod points including Steamship Authority ferry terminals to get to the Islands.

Perhaps you prefer a more luxurious mode of public transportation to get to the Cape by land the Cape Bus offers a premium level bus experience with professionally trained drivers transporting riders between Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, and Boston/Logan Airport.

Train

Lastly, another easy way to get to the Cape by Land is to take the Cape Cod Flyer. This option is available seasonally from about Memorial Day through Labor Day. The MBTA (Massachusetts’ public transportation system) offers a train line service called the Cape Flyer from South Station to Wareham Village, Buzzard’s Bay, and Hyannis.

Getting to the Cape by Sea

Ferry Options

Some ferries bring visitors to the Cape directly from the Mainland in both Boston and Plymouth. The ferry can be taken for a day trip or an extended stay.

Ferry from Mainland to Provincetown

Daily commuter service is offered from Boston to Provincetown from May through October on the Provincetown Fast Ferry. If you are seeking a luxury fast ferry Boston Harbor Cruises offers round trip rides from Boston to Provincetown mid-May through early October. If you plan to start a trip from Plymouth,

Captain Johns Boat offers daily service from Plymouth to Provincetown from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Ferry service from the Cape to the Islands

The two main islands to visit during a Cape Cod venture are Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard. Ferry service is offered from the mainland via Harwichport, Woods Hole, and Hyannis to these vacation enclaves.

The three major ferry lines include 1) the Freedom Ferry which offers service from Harwichport direct to Nantucket mid-May through October. 2) Hyline Cruises offers high-speed and traditional ferry options with daily service at various ports on Cape Cod to the islands of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, as well as inter-island routes. 3) Visitors can also rely on the Steamship Authority
to get to and from the mainland at Woods Hole and Hyannis to both islands and lastly 4) during the months of May through October travelers can take the Island Queen from Falmouth starting in May through October.

Getting to the Cape by Air

Getting to the Cape by Air can be a bit more complicated than Getting to the Cape by Land or Sea directly. There are flight options available to the two nearby mainland airports with connecting options to the Cape.

For example, an option would be to take a major airline to Logan Airport or TF Green Airport in Providence and then take a connecting flight to the Cape. Some airlines also may offer occasional direct flights to the Cape from major airports. Jet Blue seasonally provides such service from both Boston and New York to Hyannis. In addition, Cape Air flies from Logan to Hyannis

If you are considering getting to the Cape by Air, limited airline service is also a small regional Cape airport at Provincetown Municipal Airport (PVC), BarnstableAirport (HYA), Nantucket Memorial Airport (ACK), and Martha’s Vineyard Airport (MVY).

Final Thoughts for Getting to the Cape by Land, Sea and Air

The Cape is a great place to visit and there are many great options for getting to Cape Cod by Land, Sea, and Air. Car and bus service work well all year round while a few other transportation modes may be subject to seasonal demand. To learn how to get to the Cape by Land, Sea or Air be sure to explore the many transportation modes mentioned above. Many of the schedules are subject to change so please be sure to check regularly. We will update this list if new modes become available as well. Once you figure out how you will be getting to the Cape – by Land, Sea or Air,you will be one step closer to an amazing visit.

Now that you have decided on your way of getting to the Cape, use our Event Calendar to find local happenings or more Activities.