Here's what it’s like when you take a ferry from Boston to Provincetown

Chris McLaughlin

Thu, September 18, 2025 at 9:30 AM UTC

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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The Provincetown Fast Ferry boat Salacia docked at MacMillan Pier in Provincetown. Salacia is the main ferry catamaran between Boston and Provincetown operated by Boston Harbor City Cruises.

An American flag blows in the wind at the rear of the Salacia ferry vessel between Boston and Provincetown.

A sign for Gate 4 at the Boston's Long Wharf to board the Salacia ferry vessel to Provincetown on Cape Cod.

Passengers board a Boston Harbor City Cruises ferry to Provincetown at Long Wharf.

The ticket center for Boston Harbor City Cruises located on Boston's Long Wharf. Services include ferries to Provincetown, Salem and the Boston Harbor Islands.

The eastern skyline of downtown Boston as seen from a boat on Boston Harbor.

Boats docked at the Provincetown marina and MacMillan Pier. The Pilgrim Monument is visible in the background.

A beach adjacent to MacMillan Pier in Provincetown. The Provincetown Public Library is visible in the background.

Boats docked in the marina in downtown Provincetown, Massachusetts.

MacMillan Pier in Provincetown, Massachusetts where ferry boats to and from Boston dock.

The skyline of Boston's Seaport neighborhood as seen from Boston Harbor. (File Photo)

The stone jetties in Provincetown Harbor. Seabirds amass on the breakwater.

The side of the Salacia ferry vessel, also known as the "Provincetown Fast Ferry," with service between Cape Cod and Boston.

A sign at the entrance to MacMillan Pier in Provincetown where one can board ferries to and from Boston.

Radar antennas on the top deck of the Salacia ferry vessel.

MacMillan Pier in Provincetown, Massachusetts.

A boat approaches Long Wharf from Boston Harbor.

The management office and harbormaster office on MacMillan Pier in Provincetown, Massachusetts.

Flags flutter in the wind on a pole at MacMillan Pier in Provincetown, where ferry boats dock.

An LGBTQ+ Pride flag flutters in the wind at MacMillan Pier in Provincetown.

A sign at the end of MacMillan Pier welcoming visitors to Provincetown. The Pilgrim Monument stone tower is visible in the background.

Lovells Island, one of the many Boston Harbor Islands, as seen from a ferry boat.

A FedEx cargo plane comes in for a landing at Boston Logan International Airport as seen from a boat on Boston Harbor.

A sign for Boston Harbor City Cruises by Hornblower on the Salacia Boston to Provincetown ferry vessel.

The Long Point Light Station at the entrance to Provincetown Harbor as seen from a ferry boat.

Provincetown, Massachusetts.

A ferry boat from Bay State Cruise Company departing from MacMillan Pier in Provincetown.

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.

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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.

Drag queen Pattie Gonia helps lead the Provincetown Carnival Parade as she waves to spectators.

A Carnival Parade participant at a float in an giant overflowing dress with a parasol.

The theme for the 2025 Provincetown Carnival Parade was "Summer Camp," with many revelers wearing scouting-themed outfits.

Carnival Parade participants dressed in drag on a pedal bike labeled "History Camp."

A group of Carnival Parade revelers with Cookie Monster heads lifts a female spectator.

The theme for the 2025 Provincetown Carnival Parade was "Summer Camp." Many parade participants styled themselves in intricate and captivating outfits.

A group of Carnival Parade revelers dressed in NASA space camp outfits.

A group of Carnival Parade revelers dressed as the Village People poses in the form of the band's iconic "YMCA" song letters.

Two Carnival Parade revelers dressed as the movie poster from the 1995 film "Showgirls."

A group of drag queens on a Carnival Parade float, including "RuPaul's Drag Race" alumni Tammie Brown, Tina Burner, Nina West and Ginger Minj.

A Carnival Parade reveler dressed in an oversized papier-mâché head of a snorkeling woman.

A group of Carnival Parade revelers dressed as mosquitoes, a hot dog, and a grill master.