Salem Ferry

The basics

The 92-foot (28-meter) long Salem Ferry has capacity for 149 passengers. Feel the wind on your face and enjoy the passing scenery from the upper and lower decks, or enjoy the comforts of the climate-controlled indoor lounge. The onboard galley serves a variety of breakfast and lunch items, such as sandwiches, hot dogs, pretzels, and snacks, as well as beverages such as juice, soda, beer, and wine.

Book your ticket ahead of time to guarantee your seat, as spots can sell out, particularly on weekends and holidays. For extra savings, book a round-trip ticket or a combo pass that includes the Salem Trolley.

Things to know before you go

• Bring a jacket or sweater, and sun protection if you plan to sit outside.
• Credit card transactions are sometimes not possible at sea, so make sure you have cash to make purchases from the galley.
• Pets are permitted onboard but must be leashed or kept in a carrier.
• Ferry passengers receive discounted transfers to the Harbor Islands Ferry and the BHC Water Taxi.

How to get there

The Salem Ferry departs Boston from Long Wharf and arrives in Salem at the Blaney Street Wharf. There’s plenty of free parking at the Blaney Street Wharf. In Boston, it’s best to take public transportation as parking can be expensive in the area. The nearest MBTA subway (the T) stop is Aquarium.

When to get there

The Salem Ferry runs from mid-May through the end of October, with at least four departures a day. In high season, more departures are sometimes added.

Salem Trolley

The Salem Trolley is a 1-hour narrated tour that stops at 14 different sites in the historical town. Top attractions include the Salem Witch Museum, the Peabody Essex Museum, the Witch Dungeon Museum, the Old Burial Point and Witch Trial Memorial, and the House of the Seven Gables. Tours run from April through October.

Ways to explore

Book your ticket in advance to guarantee your seat, as spots can sell out on this comfortable, quick seasonal ferry, particularly on weekends and holidays. For extra savings, book a round-trip ticket or a combo pass that also includes a Salem Witch Trials tour. Take in the coastline views as you cruise between Boston and Salem, plus purchase snacks and beverages from the onboard cash bar. The ferry runs from late May through Halloween and offers a uniquely scenic way to travel between two of Massachusetts' most historic coastal cities.

Accessibility

The ferry boarding and seating are accessible to people using wheelchairs, but the restrooms are not.

Age limits

Kids love this short boat ride between Boston and Salem.

What to pack

Camera and battery pack, light sweater or jacket

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, hat and sunscreen if seated outdoors

Not allowed

Large suitcases

Amenities

Restrooms, cash bar, indoor and outdoor seating

Address 

The Salem Ferry departs Boston from Long Wharf and arrives in Salem at the Blaney Street Wharf. There’s plenty of nearby parking in Salem, but it’s best to take public transportation to the waterfront in Boston.

Driving

If departing from Boston, take State Street east to Atlantic Avenue. Head south to Milk Street, where the iHarbor Parking Garage is located. From here, walk to the Long Wharf departure point. In Salem, there is ample free parking directly at the wharf.

Public transportation

In Boston, take the MBTA Blue Line metro to the Aquarium stop, which is located just steps from Long Wharf. There are no public transportation options for reaching the departure wharf in Salem.

Best times to visit

Take the ferry at midday to enjoy the warm breeze from the outdoor decks, where unobstructed views await.

Best days to visit

Ferries are most crowded on weekends, so make the trip on a weekday for more space on board.

Best months to visit

The ferry runs from late May to Halloween; ride in summer when the sea is calmer, and departures are less likely to be cancelled due to inclement weather.

Special events

The month of October is the peak of the Halloween season, when you can spot costumed passengers riding the ferry to and from Salem.