MassLive hopped aboard a ferry to experience traveling back and forth from the state’s largest city to the tip of Cape Cod by boat.
There are two ferry services that run daily between Boston and Provincetown, most from late spring until early fall — Boston Harbor City Cruises (BHCC) and Bay State Cruise Company.
For our ride, MassLive opted for BHCC’s service, which docks at Long Wharf in Boston, next to the New England Aquarium.
After a 90-minute journey from Boston, the ferry docks at the centrally-located MacMillan Pier in Provincetown, providing easy access on foot to downtown and Commercial Street, lined with shops, lodging and restaurants.
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Boston-Provincetown Ferry
Provincetown is highly walkable community, so a car isn’t often a necessity for getting around and reaching points of interest.
Ferry tickets can be bought and reserved ahead of time online. Ferry riders also have the option to buy tickets on site at the ticket counter by the docks, but buying ahead of time is generally recommended.
Ticket prices may vary, such as depending on the day of the week you travel. Reduced roundtrip ticket rates are offered for day trippers.
During your ride headed in either direction, expect to see stunning views of the Boston skyline, the Boston Harbor Islands and Provincetown. However, if you sit on the open air upper decks, beware of the strong winds.
For a more climate-controlled and overall comfortable ride, seating in rows and at tables is also available indoors on the lower and middle decks.
Passengers can still observe the outdoors through large glass windows while also tuning into news broadcasts on mounted TVs indoors, grabbing refreshments and snacks from the full-service bar and asking questions to the crew at the concierge desk. Restrooms are available on board as well.
Provincetown is a hub for LGBTQ+ visitors, and among the busiest times of the year is its annual Carnival celebration in August.
For more details about getting to and from Cape Cod without driving a car, read our guide here.
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Provincetown Carnival Parade 2025
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