4.5 (790) · Boston · By Boston Harbor City Cruises Free cancellation
Make the most of your time in Boston or Salem, Massachusetts with this high-speed ferry service.
Travel in speed and style aboard a comfortable catamaran with your ticket, letting you visit two of Massachusetts’ most famous and historic stops.
This swift boat ride is the best and fastest way to get you where you want to go!
✓ Skip the summer and Halloween traffic✓ High-Speed Ferry to or from Salem✓ Restroom on board✓ See the stunning views of the skyline during your sail✕ Food & beverage (available for purchase on board)Itinerary
Why settle for one great Massachusetts-city when you can experience two? Take the high-speed ferry between Salem and Boston to experience two of the state’s most historic cities.
Admire rich landscapes dotted with beautiful homes, fishing boats, and lighthouses as you’re whisked away to Salem or Boston, depending on your departure location. With twin diesel engines that propel you at a top speed of 33 knots, you’ll arrive at your destination in under an hour.
This 149-passenger vessel features a comfortable indoor-lounge and outdoor lower and upper decks, where you can admire picturesque views and feel the refreshing wind on your face.
The on-board galley offers a variety of breakfast and lunch items such as sandwiches, snacks, hot dogs and pretzels, as well as beverages such as coffee, sodas, juice, sports drinks, beer, wine and top-shelf cocktails. Three restrooms are available for your convenience.
Once in Salem, you'll be in walking distance to some of the city's best attractions such as the House of Seven Gables and the Peabody Essex Museum.
In Boston, it's an easy stride from the dock to the New England Aquarium, the Old North Church, Quincy Market and much more.
For round trip, you will need to purchase two separate one way tickets - one departing from Boston and one departing from Salem.
Mobile or paper ticket accepted. One per booking
Salem Ferry Center
Long Wharf - North, Gate 5. Next to the Marriott Long Wharf and Christopher Columbus Park.
Salem Ferry Center
Ferries departing from the Salem Ferry Center will arrive at Boston Long Wharf.
Ferries departing from Boston Long Wharf will arrive at the Salem Ferry Center.
Boarding begins 15 minutes before departure. Guests must arrive early, as late arrivals will miss the boat.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Wheelchair accessible Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller Service animals allowed Public transportation options are available nearby Transportation options are wheelchair accessible Suitable for all physical fitness levels For Round Trip, you will need to purchase two separate one way tickets - one departing from Boston and one departing from Salem. Boarding begins 15 minutes before departure. Guests must arrive early, as late arrivals will likely miss the boat. Infants are REQUIRED to have a ticket. Not recommended for guests prone to motion sickness. One-Way Ticket from Salem This ticket includes One-Way service from Salem, MA to Boston only. One-Way Ticket from Boston This ticket includes One-Way service from Boston to Salem, MA only. Arrive at least 15 minutes prior to departure to ensure boarding. Purchase two separate one-way tickets for a round trip. Consider purchasing food and beverages onboard for your journey. Infants require a ticket for travel. Those prone to motion sickness may wish to take precautions. Explore attractions within walking distance upon arrival in Salem or Boston. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Product code: 3283SALEM
Activity offered by Boston Harbor City Cruises via Viator.
WizardTrip Help Center Travelers seeking efficient transportation Sightseers interested in history Families with young children Individuals with mobility considerations Avoid traffic congestion Fast and scenic ferry ride Comfortable catamaran vessel Stunning views of the Boston and Salem skylines Convenient access to attractions in both cities Onboard amenities including restrooms and a galley
Population 675,647 (2020)
Elevation 43 m
Currency United States dollar
Driving on the right
Power plugs A, B · 120 V
Emergency number 911
Capital city Washington, D.C. Average temperatures -4° Jan -3° Feb 1° Mar 7° Apr 13° May 19° Jun 22° Jul 22° Aug 18° Sept 11° Oct 5° Nov 0° Dec Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.
How long does the ferry ride take? + The ferry ride takes under an hour.
What amenities are available on board? + The vessel features a comfortable indoor lounge, outdoor decks, three restrooms, and an on-board galley offering food and beverages.
Can I purchase food and drinks on the ferry? + Yes, the on-board galley offers a variety of food and beverage items for purchase.
Is the ferry accessible for wheelchairs? + Yes, the ferry is wheelchair accessible.
Do infants need a ticket? + Yes, infants are required to have a ticket.
How do I book a round trip? + For a round trip, you will need to purchase two separate one-way tickets - one departing from Boston and one departing from Salem.
★★★★★ Viator review
Boat ride is great. It...
LorenaE, October 2026
Boat ride is great. It can be a very fast ride. We stayed inside which felt safer for me. We did step out for a bit to have an amazing view of the ocean. We did get to Salem fast since there wasn't any stopping and going like a train ride. I would definitely do it again.
★★★★★ Viator review
It was just ok. Nothing...
Pamela_M, October 2026
It was just ok. Nothing wrong but nothing great either. Our return passage was canceled days before even with confirmation with a problem the week prior. Not reliable when making plans.
★★★★★ Viator review
Nicer than the train
Sharon_V, October 2026
Ir was clean, left on time and got us there. Would have been nice if we could hear a single word of what the nice old lady was telling us about our surroundings as we cruised up to Salem.
★★★★★ Viator review
Ferry To Salem!
cassy, October 2026
This was a great way to get to Salem! The host was very informative and gave us great tips and information on Salem and the surrounding areas!
★★★★★ Viator review
The ferry was a very fun...
Carol_V, October 2026
The ferry was a very fun and scenic way to get from Boston to Salem. The boat ride is smooth and very comfortable. We stood outside on a crisp fall day and enjoyed a beautiful view of Boston as we moved out of the harbor.
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