Boston & Salem: High-Speed Ferry with Skyline Views
One Hour Between Two Historic Cities
You board at Boston's waterfront or Salem's dock, spend under an hour on a high-speed catamaran crossing the Massachusetts coast, and arrive refreshed at your destination without navigating traffic or arranging ground transport. The ferry includes restroom access, an onboard galley, and open-air decks for watching the skyline and coastline pass. Round-trip travel requires purchasing two separate one-way tickets.
50m
Step-by-step itinerary
Travel between Boston and Salem by ferry
- Board high-speed ferry in Boston or Salem
- Enjoy indoor lounge and outdoor decks
- Admire views of homes, boats, lighthouses
- Purchase food and drinks onboard if desired
- Arrive at destination in under an hour
- Walk to local attractions near dock
The Experience
The ferry leaves the dock at Boston's waterfront, and within minutes you're past the New England Aquarium and out into open water. The catamaran cuts through the harbor at 33 knots—fast enough that you'll reach Salem in under an hour, but slow enough to actually see what you're passing: fishing boats, lighthouses, the kind of coastline that made Massachusetts what it is. The vessel holds 149 passengers, so it's not crowded, and there's room to move between the indoor lounge and the open decks, upper and lower, depending on whether you want wind or shelter.
Once you dock in Salem, the Peabody Essex Museum and the House of Seven Gables are a short walk away. In Boston, you step off near Quincy Market, the Old North Church, and the Aquarium. The ferry saves you the drive—no highway, no parking, no sitting in summer traffic or Halloween crowds—and it's the fastest way between the two cities if you're actually trying to see both. The onboard galley has coffee, sandwiches, beer, wine, and the basics; three restrooms are available. Boarding starts 15 minutes before departure, so you need to arrive early; late arrivals will miss the boat.
If you're doing a round trip, you'll need to buy two separate tickets—one from Boston and one from Salem—and plan your return time accordingly. The crossing itself is the kind of thing that sounds simple until you're on the water and realize how much faster it is than driving, and how much better the view is from a boat than from Route 1A.
What’s included
- Your ticket covers the high-speed ferry crossing between Boston and Salem, access to the comfortable indoor lounge and both outdoor decks (upper and lower), onboard restrooms, and the option to purchase food and beverages from the galley.
- You'll skip the summer and Halloween traffic that clogs the highway between the two cities, and the crossing takes under an hour.
- The vessel is wheelchair accessible, and strollers and service animals are permitted onboard.
Operated by Boston Harbor City Cruises
Is this one for you?Book this if you're splitting time between Boston and Salem and want to skip the drive—the ferry is the fastest route between the two cities and arrives you refreshed instead of tired from traffic.
Traveler reviews
Top questions
How long does the ferry crossing take?
Under one hour. The catamaran travels at 33 knots between Boston and Salem.
What's included on the ferry?
Your ticket covers the crossing, access to indoor lounge and outdoor decks, restrooms, and an onboard galley with food and beverages. You purchase food and drinks separately.
Can I bring a stroller or wheelchair?
Yes. The ferry is wheelchair accessible, strollers are permitted, and service animals are allowed onboard.
What if I need a round-trip ticket?
You must purchase two separate one-way tickets—one from Boston to Salem and one from Salem back to Boston. Plan your return time before booking.
When should I arrive for boarding?
Boarding begins 15 minutes before departure. Arrive early; late arrivals will likely miss the boat.
Is the ferry suitable for people prone to motion sickness?
The ferry is not recommended for guests prone to motion sickness. The crossing is on open water and can be rough depending on conditions.
What attractions are near the ferry docks?
In Boston: New England Aquarium, Old North Church, Quincy Market. In Salem: House of Seven Gables, Peabody Essex Museum.
Can infants ride for free?
No. Infants are required to have a ticket, even if they sit on a lap.
Boston & Salem: High-Speed Ferry with Skyline Views
50m · EN
from US$ 42 per person
★★★★★★★★★★4.52769 reviews