Boston - Salem
Ferries to United States
Boston - Salem
Ferries to United States
Ferries from Boston to Salem are operated by 1 ferry company: Boston Harbor City Cruises. The crossing typically takes around 50 minutes. There are currently 30 weekly sailings on this route, with prices starting from as little as $26. Use our Deal Finder to compare prices and availability, and book your ferry to Salem today.
Boston to Salem ferry prices typically range from $36 to $177. The average ferry price from Boston to Salem is around $93. The cheapest fares usually start from $36. The average foot passenger ticket costs $93.
Prices may vary depending on passenger numbers, vehicle type, route, and sailing time. Please be aware that pricing data excludes service fees and is based on searches from the last 30 days. This was last updated September 26.
The cheapest tickets on the Boston to Salem ferry cost approximately $35.87.
Direct Ferries makes it easy to compare ferry tickets and prices worldwide, so you can find the best deal for your journey. Please visit our special Offers page to see current discounts on selected routes and operators. Booking early is typically the most reliable way to secure lower fares and better availability.
Yes, Direct Ferries offers a range of discounts throughout the year. Where available, senior discounts are applied automatically during the search process: simply select the relevant age range when entering passenger details.
Students and recent graduates can receive a 5% discount on ferry tickets. To claim this, register with our partner Student Beans and verify your student or graduate status. Once confirmed, you'll receive a discount code to use at checkout.
Resident discounts are available on selected routes in Spain and Italy. When applicable, choose the "Residents" option during booking and the discount will be applied automatically. Please note that you must present proof of residence or a valid ID showing the correct address at check-in.
There are around 30 weekly sailings from Boston to Salem.
Boston Harbor City Cruises provide 4 sailings daily, 30 sailings weekly. Please keep in mind that ferry timetables often increase during the high season.
The first ferry from Boston to Salem usually departs at around 09:30, with the last sailing leaving Boston Port at approximately 20:30.
Yes, day trips between Boston and Salem are very popular thanks to the short crossing time and frequent sailings. Traveling with a vehicle is a great way to explore the area at your own pace. For inspiration on the best things to do in Salem, please visit our blog.
The fastest ferry from Boston to Salem is with Boston Harbor City Cruises in 50 minutes.
The fastest ferries from Boston to Salem usually cost around $93.33.
No, ferry operators currently do not allow cars on sailings between Boston and Salem. If you wish to bring your car on the ferry, then you can use our Deal Finder to find alternative routes.
Whether you can take a campervan or caravan on the ferry depends on the operator and vessel used for your chosen crossing. Enter your travel details into our search bar to see which operators and vehicle options are available on the Boston to Salem ferry.
For more advice and travel inspiration when taking a car, campervan, or caravan, please visit our blog.
Yes, you can bring your bicycle on the ferry from Boston to Salem with Boston Harbor City Cruises. While most operators allow bicycles onboard, we recommend checking individual policies in advance to avoid any complications upon arrival at the port.
Yes, foot passengers are welcome on ferries from Boston to Salem with Boston Harbor City Cruises.
There is no cabin accommodation on the Boston to Salem ferry.
Whether an overnight ferry runs between Boston and Salem depends on the operator and timetable. Enter your travel details in our search bar to check whether an overnight option is available, along with current timetables and alternative daytime crossings. Please be aware that overnight crossings can sometimes take a little longer than daytime sailings.
Pets are currently not allowed on ferries traveling from Boston to Salem. Please use our Deal Finder to search for alternative routes that allow pet travel.
Please be aware that even where pets are not permitted on board, different regulations may apply to passengers traveling with guide dogs or assistance dogs. We recommend contacting our customer service team directly to confirm the specific rules for your preferred sailing. For general information, visit our Special Assistance Help page.
The Boston to Salem ferry is a great way to reach the historic city of Salem from Boston, operated by Boston Harbor City Cruises. The ferry sails out of Boston Harbor and up the North Shore coast before arriving at Salem's Pickering Wharf. As this is a daytime crossing, overnight cabins aren't available, but it's still worth knowing what to expect onboard, especially if you're traveling with young children.
Boston Harbor City Cruises offers comfortable indoor seating in an enclosed cabin. This is the standard option for most travelers and works well whether the sea is calm or a little choppy.
Outdoor deck seating is available and is a great way to enjoy the crossing on a clear day. You'll get good views of Boston Harbor and the surrounding coastline as you head north, with Salem's waterfront and Pickering Wharf coming into view as you approach.
There is an onboard bar and snack service offering drinks, including beer and wine, along with light snacks during the crossing. This is a popular feature on what is often a fun day trip, particularly during Salem's famous Halloween season in October when the ferry is especially busy.
Open deck areas are available throughout the crossing and are well worth visiting on a clear day. The views of Boston Harbor on departure and the scenic North Shore coastline along the way make for an enjoyable journey.
There are no dedicated play areas on this route, but the crossing is short enough that most children manage it easily. The views of the harbor and coastline along the way usually keep younger travelers entertained, and Salem itself is a popular destination for families, with plenty to see and do once you arrive.
There's a small amount of space for luggage onboard, so it's best to travel light if you can, particularly if you're visiting Salem for the day. Salem's waterfront and city center are easy to walk around from Pickering Wharf, and most of the main attractions are within comfortable walking distance of where the ferry docks.
A direct ferry service operates between Boston and Salem. While driving and rail connections via the MBTA Commuter Rail are also available, traveling by ferry is one of the most enjoyable and scenic ways to journey between Boston and Salem, with a 50-minute high-speed crossing across Boston Harbor and the North Shore compared to a longer overland journey.
As a foot-passenger-only service, the ferry is perfect for those traveling without a vehicle. Traveling by sea also offers a relaxing and scenic experience along the Massachusetts coastline, allowing passengers to arrive in Salem feeling refreshed and ready to explore this historic city.
The recommended arrival time at Boston ferry port depends on the operator you are travelling with, so passengers should check their booking confirmation in advance.
Boston Harbor City Cruises departs from Long Wharf in downtown Boston, located near the New England Aquarium and easily accessible by public transport via the MBTA Aquarium station on the Blue Line. Arriving in good time is advisable for a smooth and unhurried journey, particularly during the peak summer months and the busy Halloween season in October when passenger volumes increase significantly.
As a general guideline, we recommend arriving at least 30–45 minutes before departure to allow time for check-in and boarding. Booking is strongly recommended, particularly on weekends and during October, as sailings can sell out.
Parking is available in the vicinity of Long Wharf, with several public car parks and garages located close to the terminal. We recommend checking availability and pre-booking in advance, particularly during busier periods.
Several paid parking garages are situated a short distance from the terminal, suitable for both short and longer stays during your visit to Salem.
Pre-booking a parking space is strongly advised, as availability can be limited and demand is high during the summer months and at weekends in downtown Boston. Passengers are encouraged to consider using public transport to reach Long Wharf, as parking in the area can be expensive.
Passengers seeking accommodation near the port of Boston ahead of their journey are encouraged to consult our Accommodation page for a range of options and competitive rates. A variety of properties are available to suit different budgets and preferences.
Staying close to the port can simplify your departure considerably, allowing for a more relaxed start to the journey. We recommend booking well in advance to secure the best rates, particularly during peak periods when availability can become limited.
Boston Harbor City Cruises aim to accommodate passengers with reduced mobility wherever possible, although facilities vary by vessel. We recommend contacting your chosen operator directly for detailed guidance before travel.
Where available, vessels may offer assistance with boarding, designated seating, and crew support. Passengers requiring assistance should notify the operator well in advance so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
Boston Harbor City Cruises does not impose a strict luggage limit on this route, and passengers may bring as much luggage as they can manage themselves. However, as storage space on board is limited with no dedicated luggage area, passengers are advised to travel with manageable amounts of luggage for a comfortable journey.
Ferries to Salem from Boston arrive at Blaney Street Wharf, located on the waterfront close to Salem's historic downtown. Free parking is available at the wharf for those who have driven to Salem. From the terminal, it is a short walk or taxi ride into the city center, including the famous Salem Witch Museum, the Peabody Essex Museum, and the historic Charter Street Cemetery.
For onward travel, Salem MBTA Commuter Rail station provides connections back to Boston and other North Shore destinations. For more information, check out our port guide below.
Travel requirements vary by route, so it's important to confirm which documents you need before you travel. On most international routes, you will need a valid passport to travel from Boston to Salem, and possibly a visa or national ID depending on your nationality and the destination's entry rules.
To avoid delays at check-in, see our Check-in, Travel Documents & Tickets guide and our blog post on traveling to Europe for useful tips.
Booking your Boston to Salem ferry is very simple. Enter your departure and arrival ports along with your preferred travel date to view all available sailings and prices. You can also compare alternative routes and departure times to find the option that best suits your schedule and budget.
Look out for early-booking deals and special ticket types such as upgrades or flexi fares that allow changes or cancellations. To ensure a smooth booking process, always enter accurate passenger numbers and vehicle specifications.
The best time to book ferries from Boston to Salem is as early as possible. Booking in advance often secures lower prices, along with a wider choice of departure times, seating, and cabin options. We recommend booking at least a few weeks ahead, particularly during peak holiday seasons. Prices can vary depending on demand and availability.
If no sailings from Boston to Salem appear on your chosen date, this may be due to seasonal timetable changes, temporary schedule adjustments, or limited availability caused by high demand. We recommend checking alternative dates or nearby routes to find the most suitable option.
After completing your booking, you'll receive a confirmation email with your travel details. How your boarding pass is issued depends on the ferry operator you have booked with.
Some operators provide boarding passes at the time of booking, while others require check-in at the port terminal. Where available, online check-in can be completed through the Direct Ferries app.
Ticket desks are generally located near the terminal entrance. To prevent delays, we recommend arriving early to allow sufficient time for ticket collection and check-in.
At check-in you will need to present your booking confirmation and a valid photo ID, such as a passport or identity card. If travelling with a pet, relevant documentation like vaccination records, pet passport and insurance may also be required. Passengers using resident discounts must provide proof of eligibility.
| Season | From price |
|---|---|
| Autumn (Sep - Nov) | $36 |
| Summer (Jun - Aug) | $36 |
*Based on a one-way trip with one adult
| Ticket Type | From Ticket Price |
|---|---|
| Foot Passenger | $26 |
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| Boston - Salem Ferry Route Prices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Foot Passenger | $93 | |
| Boston - Salem Ferry Route Summary | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Cape Cod |
| Destination | United States |
| No. of Operators | 1 |
| Operators | Boston Harbor City Cruises |
| Average Price | $93 |
| Average Daily Sailings | 4 |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 30 |
| Average Sailing Duration | 50 m |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 50 m |
| First Ferry | 09:30 |
| Last Ferry | 20:30 |
| Distance | 11 Nautical Miles |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 1 September 2026.
The Port of Boston is located along Boston Harbor on the east coast of the United States and serves as a key departure point for seasonal ferry services, including the popular route between Boston and Salem, Massachusetts. Situated in downtown Boston, the port offers a scenic and convenient way to travel between historic coastal destinations.
Boston’s ferry facilities are well connected to the city’s transport network and provide an enjoyable alternative to road and rail travel, with views across Boston Harbor throughout the journey.
Address: Boston Harbor Waterfront (Long Wharf / Rowes Wharf area), Boston, MA 02110, USA
Boston’s ferry services operate from several waterfront departure points, with seasonal services to Salem typically departing from the Long Wharf or Rowes Wharf area. Boarding locations vary by operator and sailing, so passengers should check departure information in advance.
The Salem Ferry Terminal is the main ferry port in Salem, Massachusetts, providing seasonal passenger services to Boston, MA. Located on Blaney Street Wharf along Salem’s waterfront, the terminal offers a fast and scenic connection between the two historic cities.
The ferry crossing takes approximately 50–60 minutes and delivers passengers directly into downtown Salem, within walking distance of major attractions, shops and restaurants.
Address: Salem Ferry Terminal (Blaney Street Wharf), 10 Blaney St, Salem, MA 01970, USA
Salem has a single main ferry boarding point at Blaney Street Wharf. Boarding areas are assigned by sailing time, so passengers should follow on-site signage and operator instructions.
Boston is one of the oldest cities in the United States and a major cultural, historical and educational hub of New England. Known for its pivotal role in American history, world-class universities and vibrant waterfront, Boston blends colonial heritage with a modern urban lifestyle. The city is ideal for history lovers, city breaks and food-focused travel, offering walkable neighbourhoods, scenic parks and a strong sports culture.
Salem is a historic coastal town in Massachusetts best known for its connection to the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. Beyond its famous past, Salem offers charming streets, maritime history and a lively cultural scene. The town is especially popular in autumn and during Halloween season, but it remains a fascinating year-round destination for history buffs, weekend travellers and those interested in early American heritage.
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