It's no secret that Cape Cod is the summer getaway of choice for Bostonians, however, summer paradise comes with a cost—traffic. For urbanites who would rather read instead of navigating potential delays (or those that don't own a car), there are several hassle-free options from the city to the Cape by plane, train, bus or boat. Once you arrive, rent a bike, take a trolley or enjoy a stroll to visit the reaches of the Upper to Outer Cape Cod.
Headed to Provincetown? If you want to hit the water and enjoy the cooling mist while cruising to your long weekend, there are two fast-ferry options for the 90-minute journey. Bay State Cruise Co. (which also offers a traditional 3-hour ferry in addition to the high-speed choice) departs Boston from the World Trade Center pier, while Boston Harbor Cruises departs from Long Wharf. Both run from May through October and offer onboard cocktail bars, snack options and air-conditioned interior cabins, as well as the ability to bring your bike. The endpoint is MacMillan Pier in the heart of Provincetown, making it easy to go car-free for the weekend.
For those that want to ride the rails to the beach, the MBTA's CapeFLYER will have you kicking back with wifi and views. The train operates every weekend (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and connects South Station to Hyannis, with stops at Braintree, Brockton, Middleborough/Lakeville, Wareham Village and Buzzards Bay. No need to pack a lunch for this ride. The cafe car is stocked with upscale snacks and sandwiches, wine, soda and Cape Cod Beer. The comfortable train also features a bike car, if you're planning to take advantage of the many bike trails across the Cape. Once in Hyannis, there is easy access to and from Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, and local bus and taxi service is available upon arrival in Buzzards Bay and Hyannis to get you to your final destination.
If you're short on time, be a jetsetter and opt for a flight on Cape Air. Planes operate daily, year-round (except some island flights which are seasonal) and leave from Boston Logan Airport to Hyannis, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. Flight time is 35-minutes from Boston to Hyannis, and there's easy access to transportation once you land.
For those that prefer to stay grounded, Peter Pan Bus Lines and Plymouth & Brockton Bus depart several times daily. Peter Pan operates from South Station in Boston with stops in Hyannis and Woods Hole. There's also a Hyannis to Logan Airport daily option in summer. Plymouth & Brockton Bus has several pickup locations in Boston, including South Station, Park Square and Logan Airport. Rockport, Plymouth, Sagamore, Barnstable and Hyannis. Both offer wifi on board.
Once on the Cape, the best way to see the shore and explore is on foot, bike, ferries to the Islands, or the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority shuttle, bus and trolley service. There are 114 miles of bike paths that range from open road to twisty paths around ponds and salt marshes that make for easy riding. Rent a set of wheels from one of the many bike shops including, Holiday Cycles in Falmouth, Little Capistrano Bike Shop in Eastham & Wellfleet, and Dennis Cycling Center. Or buzz around on a scooter from Cod Scoota.
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