Planning a trip from Boston to Cape Cod? Many travelers wonder about the distance and the best ways to reach this popular summer destination.
The way spans roughly 70 miles, but travel time varies greatly depending on your route and transportation choice.
Whether someone is dreaming of Cape Cod’s sandy beaches, charming lighthouses, or fresh seafood, knowing the travel details makes all the difference.
Traffic, seasonal crowds, and route selection can turn a simple drive into a lengthy thrill or a smooth coastal cruise.
Smart travelers want to avoid sitting in summer traffic jams and missing precious beach time. The right planning helps visitors maximize their Cape Cod experience while minimizing travel stress.
This complete guide breaks down every travel option, timing tip, and route choice to help anyone plan the perfect trip.
So, How Far Is Cape Cod from Boston?
Cape Cod is approximately 70 to 75 miles from Boston by road, depending on your exact destination on the Cape.
If you’re heading to popular spots like Hyannis or Falmouth, expect the drive to take around 1 hour and 20 minutes under light traffic.
However, during peak summer weekends, that same trip can stretch to 2 hours or more due to congestion near the Sagamore and Bourne Bridges.
In terms of straight-line distance, Cape Cod lies roughly 62 miles (99 km) southeast of Boston. Other options include the CapeFLYER train from Boston to Hyannis in about 2 hours 20 minutes, and bus services taking 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and route.
There’s also a high-speed ferry to Provincetown (around 90 minutes) and short flights from Logan Airport. Overall, travel times vary based on your mode of transport and the season. We will look at each transportation option in detail.
Hitting the Road: Driving from Boston to the Cape
Source: Google Maps
Wondering how far is Cape Cod from Boston? The distance is roughly some miles by road, making the Boston to Cape Cod drive one of the most convenient and enjoyable ways to reach this coastal gem.
The trip starts in the urban sprawl of Boston and converts into scenic roads lined with pine forests, cranberry bogs, and historic villages.
Here Are the Important Details to Know:
- Primary Route: Take I‑93 South out of Boston, merge onto MA‑3 South, and continue to US‑6 East via the Sagamore Bridge, the most direct route to Mid-Cape towns.
- Alternate Route: Use I‑95 South to I‑495 South and cross the Bourne Bridge if traffic is heavier on MA‑3.
- Scenic Stops: Consider pausing in Plymouth or Sandwich for food, gas, or photo ops; both are charming and historic.
- Bridge Bottlenecks: Sagamore and Bourne Bridges are known for delays, particularly on Friday evenings inbound and Sunday afternoons outbound.
- Tolls: While MA-3 itself has no tolls, Boston-area exits and tunnels may include them.
- Parking on the Cape: Beach lots often require daily passes or resident permits; town centers may have metered or timed zones.
No matter if you’re planning a weekend escape or a longer summer stay, driving offers flexibility for unplanned beach stops, seafood shack lunches, and exploring scenic side roads along the Cape’s picturesque coastline.
Bus Travel from Boston to Cape Cod
If you don’t want to deal with the stress of driving or summer traffic, traveling by bus is a smart and affordable option.
It’s ideal for solo travelers, students, non-drivers, or anyone heading to central locations like Hyannis or Provincetown without needing a car.
Buses are comfortable, fairly quick, and a great way to sit back, relax, and let someone else handle the roads, especially during peak tourist months.
Main Bus Providers:
- Peter Pan Bus Lines: Major operator with multiple Cape destinations, year-round service
- Plymouth & Brockton Street Railway Co. (P&B): Reliable and frequent service from Boston and Logan Airport
- Greyhound: Limited service depending on the season, sometimes partners with Peter Pan
- Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority (CCRTA): Local shuttle services within the Cape, useful for connections once you arrive
Departure Stations in Boston:
- South Station (main hub for intercity buses)
- Logan Airport (for airport-to-Cape connections)
Cape Cod Arrival Points:
- Hyannis Transportation Center
- Woods Hole (for ferry to Martha’s Vineyard)
- Provincetown (select seasonal routes)
Ride Timings and Ticket Prices:
- Typically 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on your destination and route
- Can be longer with summer traffic or transfers
- Range from $15 to $45 one-way, based on provider and destination
- Round-trip discounts are often available
Train to the Cape? The CapeFLYER Got You Covered
Source: bostonuncovered.com
For those seeking a relaxed, scenic, and car-free way to reach Cape Cod, the CapeFLYER is an excellent seasonal train service.
Running only on weekends from Memorial From Labor Day to fall, the CapeFLYER departs Boston’s South Station and ends in Hyannis. a few key stops along the way.
It’s ideal for weekenders, families, and travelers who want to avoid traffic while still enjoying comfort, onboard amenities, and beautiful views.
- Route: Boston South Station ➤ Braintree ➤ Middleborough/Lakeville ➤ Wareham ➤ Buzzards Bay ➤ Hyannis
- Schedule: Operates Friday evenings, Saturdays, and Sundays
- Duration: Approximately 2 hours 20 minutes
- Tickets: ~$22 one-way | ~$40 round-trip
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No driving or traffic hassle | Only runs on weekends and in summer |
| Free Wi-Fi and bike-friendly | No weekday or winter service |
| Pet-friendly & family-friendly | Only goes as far as Hyannis |
| Affordable round-trip fares | Limited seats can fill up fast on holidays |
| Beautiful scenic ride through MA | Slower than a car if you’re outside peak hours |
Tip: Tickets can be purchased at the station, online, or via the MBTA mTicket app.
Additional Travel Options to Consider
If you’re not planning to drive and prefer alternate ways to reach Cape Cod, there are a few more convenient and enjoyable options beyond bus or train ideal for day-trippers, tourists without cars, or those staying near the coast.
Ferry to Provincetown
High-speed ferries provide a scenic water route from Boston directly to Provincetown on the Outer Cape. These ferries depart from Boston’s Long Wharf or Seaport and complete the trip in about 90 minutes.
Two main operators handle this route: Bay State Cruise Company and Boston Harbor City Cruises.
Passengers enjoy harbor views and spacious open-air decks for fresh sea breezes, and onboard snack bars for refreshments during the trip.
Flights via Cape Air
Cape Air operates convenient short commuter flights connecting Boston Logan Airport to both Hyannis and Provincetown.
These flights take just 30 minutes, making them perfect for business travelers or visitors planning short weekend getaways.
The airline uses small aircraft with limited baggage space, but the service offers unmatched efficiency for those wanting to reach Cape Cod quickly.
Rideshare & Car Rentals
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft offer direct travel options to Cape Cod, though availability can be limited in smaller Cape towns once travelers arrive.
Rental cars provide the most flexibility and can be picked up at Logan Airport or in Hyannis upon arrival.
This option works best for visitors planning to explore multiple Cape destinations, giving them complete mobility to visit different towns and beaches at their own pace.
Tip: For a fully car-free Cape Cod visit, combine ferry or train with local shuttle services from Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority (CCRTA)
The Bottom Line
No matter if you’re chasing salty air, weekend getaways, or a change of pace, Cape Cod is closer to Boston than you might think and easier to reach than ever.
From budget-friendly bus routes and seasonal train rides to high-speed ferries and quick commuter flights, there’s a travel style to match every preference. If you’re someone who craves spontaneity, driving might be ideal.
Prefer to relax and scroll? Hop on a bus or the CapeFLYER. And for the bold, the ferry or a short flight adds thrill to the mix.
No matter how you go, the Cape’s coastal charm awaits. Now you know the answer to the question of how far is Cape Cod from Boston, so plan your trip easily.
Choose what suits your vibe, pack light, and let the roads be part of the story.
