Ferry to Boston

Compare all available ferry crossings and secure the best deals for your journey. At Openferry, we make it easy to find and book ferry tickets to and from Boston in just a few clicks.

Because ferry travel can be seasonal, frequencies and departure times often change throughout the year. We recommend using our live search to see the most accurate schedules and information for your travel dates including:

Popular Connections: The port of Boston connects to several high-traffic destinations, including Provincetown - Boston.

Top-Tier Operators: Regular services to and from Boston are provided by leading carriers like Boston Harbor Cruises.

Amenities vary depending on the specific vessel and operator, but most ferries serving Boston feature:

Comfortable Seating: Options ranging from standard lounges to premium airplane-style seats.

Dining & Leisure: Onboard cafés and restaurants serving food and drinks.

Travel Essentials: Restroom facilities and, on longer routes, private cabins for added privacy.

Vehicle Transport: Most sailings accommodate cars, motorbikes, and campervans, allowing you to take your own transport to Boston.

Boston is currently served by 2 ferry routes operated by 1 ferry operators including Boston Harbor Cruises.

Boston is well-connected by major highways including I-90 (Massachusetts Turnpike) and I-93, making it easily accessible by car from New York (4 hours) and Providence (1 hour). Amtrak and commuter rail services offer convenient connections to Boston's South Station, just a short taxi ride from the ferry terminals. For international travelers, Boston Logan International Airport sits just across the harbor, with water taxis providing direct service to downtown. The MBTA public transportation system (locally known as 'the T') connects to the waterfront via the Silver Line and Blue Line, while those driving will find several parking garages near the ferry docks, though rates can be steep during peak seasons.

Boston stands as one of America's oldest and most character-filled cities, where colonial history and cutting-edge innovation blend seamlessly along the picturesque Massachusetts coastline. The city's network of waterways and its stunning harbor position it as a key maritime hub in New England, offering travelers arriving by ferry an impressive approach to its iconic skyline. Visitors stepping off the boat will immediately sense Boston's unique charm, a walkable metropolis where Revolutionary War landmarks stand alongside world-class museums, lively neighborhoods, and an unmistakable local pride.

Boston experiences four distinct seasons, each offering a different perspective on the city. Late spring (May-June) and early fall (September-October) deliver the most pleasant weather, with mild temperatures and lower humidity, perfect for exploring the city on foot. Fall brings spectacular foliage to Boston's parks and gardens, with the changing leaves creating a colorful backdrop for harbor cruises. Summer offers the fullest ferry schedules and outdoor dining options, though July and August can be hot and crowded with tourists. Winter brings festive holiday decorations and fewer crowds, but ferry services may operate on reduced schedules, and the occasional nor'easter can disrupt travel plans.

Boston serves as an excellent jumping-off point for exploring New England's coastal treasures by ferry. Cape Cod is accessible via a 90-minute fast ferry to Provincetown, offering travelers a chance to experience pristine beaches and charming seaside towns without battling traffic. The Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area features 34 islands and peninsulas reachable by short ferry rides (15-45 minutes), perfect for hiking, swimming, and exploring historic forts. Salem, famous for its witch trials history and maritime heritage, can be reached by seasonal ferry in under an hour, offering a scenic alternative to driving. For those seeking longer adventures, ferries connect Boston to Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard (2.5-3 hours), two of New England's most exclusive island destinations.

Boston's waterfront area offers immediate attractions for ferry arrivals, including the world-class New England Aquarium with its giant ocean tank and the adjacent Greenway with food trucks and seasonal beer gardens. History buffs can follow the 2.5-mile Freedom Trail, marked by a red line through the city, connecting 16 significant Revolutionary War sites including Paul Revere's House and the USS Constitution. The North End, Boston's Little Italy, sits just steps from the waterfront, where narrow streets lead to authentic cannoli at Mike's Pastry or modern Italian at Neptune Oyster. Fenway Park, America's oldest baseball stadium, offers tours year-round and the electric atmosphere of Red Sox games during season. For a uniquely Boston experience, the harbor walkways provide stunning views of both the city skyline and the harbor islands, particularly magical at sunset.

Boston Harbor was the site of the famous Boston Tea Party in 1773, when colonists dumped 342 chests of British tea into the water to protest taxation without representation, sparking the American Revolution. The city's distinctive accent, where locals famously 'pahk the cah in Hahvahd Yahd,' evolved partly due to Boston's early maritime connections with England and isolation from other American speech patterns. Boston built America's first subway system in 1897, with portions still in operation today, helping connect the sprawling harbor to inland neighborhoods. The harbor underwent one of America's most ambitious environmental cleanups in the 1990s, transforming from 'the dirtiest harbor in America' to an ecological success story where swimming and fishing are once again possible.