Getting to Cape Cod

Most drivers cross the Cape Cod Canal on the Sagamore or Bourne Bridge. Ferries leave Hyannis and Woods Hole, while Boston and Providence provide the main airport approaches.

Arrival map

Boston, Providence, and the Sagamore Bridge approach to Cape Cod

This map shows the main arrival choices before the rest of the trip gets locked in. Boston is the primary approach to compare first. Providence is the helpful backup or add-on choice. The lines are planning corridors, not turn-by-turn road geometry, so use live directions before you drive.

Tap a marker to see how each town fits the drive.
Solid line is the main approach; dashed lines are alternate regional approaches.

Open driving directions →

Second Star gear guide

Road Trip Essentials

Road-trip packing list

A cleaner trunk and charged phones for the drive.

Phone mounts, coolers, emergency kits, chargers, packing pieces, and glovebox backup for scenic drives and weekend routes.

Car Phone Mounts

$19.99

Road Trip Coolers

$275.00

Car Emergency Kits

$69.95

Open road-trip guideMore picks on Second Star Guide →

Driving from Boston or New York

Route 3 reaches the Sagamore Bridge from Boston; I-195 and Route 25 reach the Bourne Bridge from Providence and points west. Check live traffic before departure because summer bridge queues can change quickly.

Ferries to Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard

Hyannis serves Nantucket and some Martha’s Vineyard routes; Woods Hole is the principal departure for Martha’s Vineyard. Verify current schedules, parking, and vehicle-reservation rules with the operator.

Flying into the region

Boston Logan offers the broadest flight choice. Providence can shorten the approach from the west. Cape Cod Gateway Airport in Hyannis has limited service, so confirm seasonal schedules before relying on it.

Arriving without a car

Boston to Hyannis by train

The CapeFLYER is a summer weekend train from South Station to Hyannis. Check the season’s dates and both directions before booking lodging or an island ferry; it is not a daily year-round train.

Boston to Provincetown by water

The Boston–Provincetown ferry arrives at MacMillan Pier, handy for a stay in town. Check seasonal sailings, baggage and weather policies, and arrange the onward trip if your lodging is outside the center.

Across the Cape by bus

Cape Cod RTA routes include the Sealine between Hyannis and Woods Hole and H2O toward Orleans. The FLEX continues through the Outer Cape to Provincetown. Check the actual timetable, connections, and last return trip; seasonal and weekend service varies.

Island ferries are separate trips

The Steamship Authority serves Martha’s Vineyard from Woods Hole and Nantucket from Hyannis. Confirm your terminal, parking shuttle and sailing; a car reservation is a separate decision from a passenger ticket.

For a smaller airport closer to your base, Cape Air’s route information includes Hyannis and Provincetown; flight frequency and seasonal service vary. Plan the connection from the airport to your lodging.

Keep arrival day close: Sandwich or Falmouth fits an Upper Cape stay, Hyannis fits a ferry departure, Chatham or Orleans fits the Lower Cape. For Provincetown, allow time for the drive beyond Eastham and Wellfleet; a late arrival is a good reason to eat close to your lodging.

Heading to Coast Guard Beach in Eastham? In summer, park at Little Creek and take the beach shuttle; the small beach lot has restricted access. Check National Seashore conditions for current shuttle service and beach access.