I still remember my first trip to Cape Cod; I was excited but had no idea which airport to fly into.
I thought Cape Cod had its own major airport (spoiler: it doesn’t). Turns out, the best way to get there is by flying into a nearby city and then driving or taking a bus.
That’s why I’ve put together this guide to help you find the closest airports to Cape Cod. I’ll walk you through the best options, how far each one is, and what kind of travel time you can expect.
I’ll also share some tips to help make your trip smoother. You’ll find out which airport fits your plans best, if you want the shortest drive or the cheapest flight.
If Cape Cod is calling your name, let’s figure out the smoothest way to get there.
How Far Is Cape Cod From Major Airports?
Cape Cod is a long stretch of land in Massachusetts. It sticks out into the Atlantic Ocean like a bent arm. Since there are no major airports on the Cape, the best way to get there is to fly into a nearby city and then drive in.
Below are some cities with airports close to Cape Cod:
- Boston, MA
- Providence, RI
- Hyannis, MA
- Worcester, MA
Let’s take a closer look at each airport.
Closest Airports to Cape Cod
You can’t fly into a big airport on Cape Cod, but there are good options nearby. The right one for you depends on where you’re coming from, your budget, and how far you want to drive. Below, I’ll walk you through each of the closest airports so you can pick the one that fits your trip best:
1. Logan International Airport (BOS) – Boston, MA
Source: Massport
Distance from Cape Cod: About 70 miles (112 km) from the Cape Cod Canal.
Drive Time: 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic.
Why It’s a Top Choice
Logan International Airport in Boston is the biggest airport near Cape Cod. It has many airlines, lots of flight times, and good service. You can fly into Boston from almost any large city in the U.S. and even some international cities.
Travel Options to Cape Cod
After landing, you have a few choices:
- Rent a car and drive down. This is the most flexible option.
- Take a bus like Peter Pan Bus Lines or Plymouth & Brockton.
- Use the CapeFLYER train (summer only) from South Station in Boston.
- Book a ferry from Boston Harbor to Provincetown (seasonal).
Pros
- Many flight options
- Big airport with food and services
- Good public transport
Cons
- It can be busy and crowded
- Traffic out of Boston can be slow
- Parking is expensive
2. T.F. Green Airport (PVD) – Providence, RI
Source: T.F. Green International Airport
Distance from Cape Cod: About 57-64 miles (91-103 km) from the Cape Cod Canal.
Drive Time: Typically 1.25–1.5 hours, less traffic than Boston.
Why It’s a Good Option
T.F. Green Airport is a smaller airport in Rhode Island. It is easier to get in and out of than Logan. It also has several major airlines and affordable flights.
Travel Options to Cape Cod
- Drive a rental car to Cape Cod
- Take a bus to Hyannis or other Cape towns
- Book a private shuttle (more expensive)
Pros
- Smaller airport with faster check-in
- Less traffic than Boston
- Usually cheaper parking
Cons
- Fewer flight options than Logan
- Public transportation is limited
3. Barnstable Municipal Airport (HYA) – Hyannis, MA
Source: Flickr
Distance from Cape Cod: The only airport directly on Cape Cod (Hyannis)
Drive Time: No need to drive far, you’re already there!
Why It’s Super Close
This is the only airport actually on Cape Cod with regular flights. It’s a small regional airport in Hyannis, one of the bigger towns on the Cape.
Who Flies Here?
Cape Air offers small flights from Boston, Nantucket, and Martha’s Vineyard. It’s mostly used by people already in New England.
Travel Options
- Local taxi or ride share to your hotel
- Rent a car if you’re exploring more of the Cape
Pros
- Very close to your final destination
- Quick in and out
- No long drives after landing
Cons
- Only small planes
- Limited flights
- Can be more expensive
4. Worcester Regional Airport (ORH) – Worcester, MA
Source: Boston.com
Distance from Cape Cod: About 90 miles (145 km) from Cape Cod.
Drive Time: 2 to 2.5 hours.
A Hidden Gem
Worcester is a smaller airport that’s starting to grow. JetBlue and American Airlines sometimes offer flights here. It’s not as popular, but it might be a good choice if you find a deal.
Travel Options
- Drive a rental car to the Cape
- Take a bus to Boston or Providence, then transfer to a Cape Cod route
Pros
- Smaller airport
- Less crowded
- Sometimes cheaper
Cons
- Fewer flights
- Longer drive to the Cape
- No direct public transport to Cape Cod
5. New Bedford Regional Airport (EWB) – New Bedford, MA
Source: SouthCoastToday.com
Distance from Cape Cod: About 60 miles (96 km) from Cape Cod.
Drive Time: 1.5 hours
Small but Nearby
New Bedford is closer than Worcester and even Boston in some cases. This airport mostly handles Cape Air flights. If you’re flying from the islands or within New England, it could work well.
Pros
- Close to Cape Cod
- Easy to get through
- Less traffic
Cons
- Very limited flights
- Few airline choices
Comparing All the Airports: A Quick Look
Airport |
Drive Time to Cape |
Flight Options |
Size |
Best For |
Logan (BOS) |
1.5–2 hrs |
Many |
Large |
Most travelers |
T.F. Green (PVD) |
1.5–2 hrs |
Several |
Medium |
Smaller crowds, lower prices |
Hyannis (HYA) |
Already on Cape |
Few |
Small |
Regional flights, no drive |
Worcester (ORH) |
2–2.5 hrs |
Few |
Small |
Low-traffic, possible deals |
New Bedford (EWB) |
1.5 hrs |
Few |
Small |
Close, limited flights |
Cape Cod Airports: Which One Should You Choose?
Not sure which airport to choose? It depends on what matters most to you: flight options, drive time, crowds, or budget.
If You Want the Most Flights and Flexibility
Go with: Logan International Airport (BOS): Logan in Boston has the most airlines and flights. You’ll find more flight times, nonstop routes, and options for both domestic and international travel. It’s great if you’re coming from far away or want lots of choices.
Why choose it:
- More flights to choose from
- Easy to book connections
- Multiple ways to get to the Cape (car, bus, train, ferry)
Downside: Traffic and crowds, especially in summer.
If You Want a Small, Low-Stress Airport
Go with: T.F. Green Airport (PVD): Located in Providence, this airport is smaller and easier to get through than Logan. It still has major airlines, but fewer people and faster lines.
Why choose it:
- Easier parking
- Quicker check-in and security
- Less traffic when leaving the airport
Downside: Not as many flights or destinations as Logan.
If You’re Already in New England or Nearby
Go with: Barnstable Municipal Airport (HYA): This small airport is right in Hyannis on Cape Cod. It’s perfect if you’re flying from places like Boston, Nantucket, or Martha’s Vineyard.
Why choose it:
- Land directly on the Cape
- Skip the bridges and the long drive
- Quick arrivals and departures
Downside: Only small planes and limited flight routes.
If You’re Looking for Deals or Low Fares
Go with: Worcester Regional (ORH) or T.F. Green (PVD): These smaller airports often have better prices, especially with airlines like JetBlue or Southwest (at PVD). You may also save money on parking and car rentals.
Why choose it:
- Often cheaper than Logan
- Less hassle
- Good for budget travelers
Downside: Longer drive to Cape Cod and fewer daily flights.
If You Want to Skip Driving
Go with: Logan (BOS): It has the best public transportation options to Cape Cod. You can take a bus, the seasonal CapeFLYER train, or even a ferry; no need to rent a car.
Why choose it:
- Multiple travel choices
- Great for non-drivers
- Easy transfers from the airport
Downside: Boston traffic can be slow and tricky.
If You’re Visiting the Islands
Go with: Nantucket Memorial (ACK) or Martha’s Vineyard (MVY): These small airports are perfect if your trip includes the islands. From there, you can take a ferry over to Cape Cod.
Why choose it:
- Great for island-hopping trips
- Short flights from Boston or NYC
- Peaceful travel experience
Downside: Not ideal if Cape Cod is your only stop.
How to Drive to Cape Cod from the Airport
Most visitors rent a car and drive to the Cape. A few things to keep in mind are:
- Traffic can be heavy on weekends, especially in summer.
- Bridges (Sagamore and Bourne) are the only way onto the Cape by car.
- Check your GPS or map app for the fastest route.
- If you don’t want to drive, buses, trains, and ferries are other options.
Tips for Booking the Best Airport for Cape Cod
Choosing the right airport can save you time, money, and stress. The closest airport is not always the best choice for everyone. Factors like flight prices, travel time after you land, and the time of year can all make a difference.
- Compare all nearby airports: Check flights into Boston, Providence, Hyannis, Worcester, and New Bedford. Prices and schedules can vary a lot.
- Look at total travel time: A short flight with a long drive may not be worth it. Factor in the drive or bus ride after landing.
- Think about your final stop on the Cape: If you’re staying in Provincetown, Logan or the ferry from Boston might be best. For Falmouth, Providence could be quicker.
- Book early for summer trips: Flights to New England get expensive in peak season. Booking early can save you money.
- Watch for deals: Sign up for flight alerts. Smaller airports like Worcester and Providence sometimes have surprise bargains.
- Keep transport in mind: If you don’t plan to rent a car, pick an airport with good public transport to Cape Cod.
Conclusion
Cape Cod is a special place, and getting there is part of the adventure. Picking the right airport can make your trip smoother and less stressful.
I like to compare flight options, drive times, and costs before I book.
Sometimes, a smaller airport is worth it for the easier check-in. Other times, a bigger airport wins because it has more flights.
I also think about where I’m staying on the Cape so I can choose the airport that gets me there faster.
Once you land and start the drive, or hop on a bus, train, or ferry, you’re that much closer to sandy beaches and fresh seafood.
With a little planning, the journey can be just as enjoyable as the destination. Cape Cod will be ready to welcome you.