SPECIALS
SPECIALS
Getting to Cape Cod by Land, Sea, or Air
Written by Mercy B.
Mercy writes for New England Vacation Rentals, highlighting all the amazing things you can do on Cape Cod.
Getting to Cape Cod is surprisingly simple thanks to many travel options! From scenic road trips, fun ferry rides, or easy flights, there’s sure to be a travel style that fits your preferences. Below, we break down how to travel to Cape Cod by land, sea, or air.
No matter how you arrive, New England Vacation Rentals makes settling in easy with comfortable homes close to beaches, towns, and local favorites.
In This Piece:
- By Land
- By Sea
- By Air
- Start Planning Your Cape Cod Getaway
- Frequently Asked Questions About Traveling to Cape Cod
By Land
Road Trips to Cape Cod
Driving is the most flexible and popular way to reach the Cape, especially for families, longer stays, and travelers who want to explore multiple towns. Most visitors arrive via Route 3, Route 6, I-195, or I‑495, crossing the Sagamore or Bourne Bridge onto the Cape.
Pro tip: Bridge traffic peaks on summer Fridays and Saturdays. Locals recommend crossing before 9 a.m. or after 7 p.m. to avoid long delays. Early mornings also make the drive more relaxing and scenic.
For travelers researching how to travel from Boston to Cape Cod, driving typically takes about 1.5–2 hours without traffic. From New York, the drive usually runs 4–5 hours depending on conditions.
Boston to Cape Cod Train (CapeFLYER)
If you prefer to skip traffic altogether, the CapeFLYER offers seasonal weekend service from Boston’s South Station to Hyannis. This is the only direct train to Cape Cod and a favorite with car‑free travelers and weekenders.
The Boston to Cape Cod train runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day, making it ideal for summer visits. Bikes are allowed onboard for free, which pairs perfectly with Cape Cod’s rail trails and beach paths once you arrive.
- Cost: Prices vary but start at $5 one way depending on where you originate, see chart for details .
- Route: South Station, Braintree, Brockton, Lakeville, Wareham Village, Buzzards Bay, Bourne, Hyannis
By Sea
Ferry to Cape Cod
For travelers who want the journey to feel like part of the vacation, ferries are hard to beat. Seasonal high‑speed ferries run from multiple locations in Massachusetts to Cape Cod. The most popular is the ferry from Boston Harbor directly to Provincetown, offering a smooth, scenic ride across Cape Cod Bay that only takes about 90 minutes. Other ferries include rides from Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, and Plymouth. Ferry service includes beverages, snacks, and restrooms.
Pro tip: Book ferry tickets early for summer weekends and special events so you’ll have a full day to explore the Cape.
Boston to Provincetown
- Cost: One Way, $87-102. Round Trip, $128.
- Travel Time: 90 minutes
- Cost: One way $90
- Travel Time: 90 minutes
Martha’s Vineyard to Falmouth
- Cost: One Way $19.95, Round Trip $29
- Travel Time: 35 Minutes
Nantucket to Hyannis and Martha’s Vineyard
- Cost: One Way, Nantucket to Hyannis $49.50. One Way, Martha’s Vineyard to Hyannis, $38.50
- Travel Time: Nantucket to Hyannis, 1 hour. Martha’s Vineyard to Hyannis, 1 hour
Plymouth to Provincetown
- Cost: One Way, $59-$69.
- Travel Time: 90 minutes.
By Air
Flying is the fastest way to reach Cape Cod, especially for short stays and long‑distance travelers. While most visitors think they need to fly into Boston and drive, there are a few local airports in and around the Cape that can get you closer to your final destination.
Airlines that service the Cape and nearby airports like Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket include Cape Air, American Airlines, and JetBlue.
Cape Cod Airports
- Cape Cod Gateway Airport (HYA – Hyannis):
The main airport on the Cape and the most popular option for travelers searching for flights to Cape Cod Gateway Airport or flights to Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Seasonal and year‑round service connects through Boston and New York, making Hyannis a convenient landing point for Mid‑Cape stays. - Provincetown Municipal Airport (PVC):
Ideal for Outer Cape trips, PVC offers seasonal commuter flights and dramatically cuts down travel time compared to driving across the peninsula. This is a favorite among fly‑in weekenders and Provincetown visitors.
Nearby Island Airports (Quick Connections)
Many travelers also use nearby island airports and ferries to reach the Cape:
- Martha’s Vineyard Airport (MVY)
- Nantucket Memorial Airport (ACK)
Both offer direct seasonal flights from major East Coast cities and connect easily to Cape Cod by ferry.
Start Planning Your Cape Cod Getaway!
Once you reach Cape Cod, the best vacations start with a place that feels welcoming and effortless. New England Vacation Rentals offers a carefully curated selection of homes across the Cape!
Instead of squeezing into a hotel room, you’ll enjoy space to relax and spread out, fully equipped kitchens, outdoor areas perfect for summer evenings, and local support from Cape Cod experts. Want an oceanfront rental? We’ve got those. Looking for a spot that’s pet-friendly? We have those too!
Now that you know how to travel to Cape Cod by land, sea, or air, it’s time to choose the route that fits your trip, and the rental that makes it unforgettable. Browse New England Vacation Rentals homes today and start planning a Cape Cod escape that works from the moment you arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions About Traveling to Cape Cod
What is the easiest way to travel to Cape Cod for first‑time visitors?
The easiest way to travel to Cape Cod depends on your starting point and travel style. Driving offers the most flexibility for exploring multiple towns, while the seasonal CapeFLYER train and ferry to Provincetown allow visitors to skip bridge traffic. For shorter trips, flights to Cape Cod Gateway Airport in Hyannis can save hours of travel time.
Are there direct flights to Cape Cod?
Yes. Seasonal and year‑round flights operate into Cape Cod Gateway Airport (Hyannis) and Provincetown Municipal Airport, with connections from Boston and New York. During peak season, travelers can also find NYC to Cape Cod flights and expanded schedules, making flying a convenient option for weekend getaways.
Is the ferry to Provincetown better than driving?
For many travelers, yes—especially in summer. Taking a ferry to Provincetown, Cape Cod, avoids traffic and parking challenges while offering scenic ocean views. Ferries are ideal for Outer Cape stays and pair well with walkable towns and centrally located vacation rentals.
