Salem Ferry
Salem Ferry
4.5
7:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 3:30 PM
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4.5
410 reviews
Excellent
304
Very good
81
Average
20
Poor
3
Terrible
2
jyoung3381
Clifton Park, NY180 contributions
July 2022
Salem Ferry is a beautiful ride up the coast….however several years ago they greatly increased their price for tourists and lowered them for Salem Boston commuters. A far less expensive path to Salem is the commuter train from North Station. That’s my choice for future trips. The train price doesn’t screw the tourists.
Written 14 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
melwashere81
Cleveland, TX3,444 contributions
July 2022 • Couples
We decided to take the ferry as opposed to driving or riding the T. We were staying in Salem and took the first ferry into Boston which was at 7am. It was a bit Foggy and really cold out on the water which I didn't account for...so bring a jacket with you. The views of Boston from the water were breathtaking! The return trip was at 5:30pm and we were so ready to enjoy a relaxing ride back to Salem after walking around Boston all day. Staff was friendly as well. They do have snacks and some refreshments on board. Total trip takes about 55 minutes one way...well worth it!
Written 27 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2013TravelinFool
Mesquite, NV3,273 contributions
July 2021 • Couples
Not a cloud in the sky, pretty calm seas, 7/24 best day ever, 75 degrees and great narration. You would think one way would be enough but taking pictures and listening so stuff escapes.
Thanks to the crew for a wonderful experience again….
Thanks to the crew for a wonderful experience again….
Written 25 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sawdustmaker
Ashburn, VA11 contributions
Sept 2024 • Couples
We did a round trip to Salam from Boston. We left on the first trip and returned on the last. Boat and crew were professional and operated in a safe manner. They gave guided tour heading out of Boston which was interesting.
Upon arrival in Salam, we disembarked and followed the “yellow” line into town stopping at the oldest candy store first and continuing to the NPS welcome center.
Recognizing the experience would be weather specific, we had a nice day for the ride. The water was a bit choppy which meant we had a little water spray. Being September, it was a bit cool on the way back and I wished I had brought a jacket. Over all it beat driving for the cost.
Upon arrival in Salam, we disembarked and followed the “yellow” line into town stopping at the oldest candy store first and continuing to the NPS welcome center.
Recognizing the experience would be weather specific, we had a nice day for the ride. The water was a bit choppy which meant we had a little water spray. Being September, it was a bit cool on the way back and I wished I had brought a jacket. Over all it beat driving for the cost.
Written 29 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linda A
Franklin, Wisconsin, United States1 contribution
Sept 2022
We enjoyed the ferry ride from Boston to Salem, however, you could not hear any of the narration. We even told him that we can't hear him, but he kept on talking. Same thing happened on the way back! Other than that, the ride was enjoyable!
Written 27 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JacobP145
Fairfield, CT105 contributions
Sept 2021
A great round trip from Salem to Boston that allowed exploring the Boston Wharf area including Quincy Market without any hassle. A wonderful way to travel and visit. The ease of getting in and out of Boston was almost like traveling on your own private jet from one local small airport to another.
Written 23 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tim K
17 contributions
Sept 2024 • Family
This was a BEAUTIFUL way to travel from Boston to Salem on a September evening. Clear weather and smooth seas made this a delight. The crew were friendly and helpful. The sights of Boston Harbor and Massachusetts Bay were gorgeous on the 5:30 pm ferry in early September. I would highly recommend this ~50 minute ferry to travelers between Boston and Salem.
Written 9 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alex Rennie
31 contributions
July 2022 • Couples
Amazing trip from Boston to Salem. Best way to travel on a hot day. The views along the coast were fantastic. The ferry timings are well suited for a day trip to Salem from Boston.
Written 23 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Acupuncturing
Pennsylvania12 contributions
Sept 2021
Ride was clean, timely, interesting guide on the way to Boston pointed out a lot to be aware of. Easily placed near the Aquarium, in the art of a lot to do. We had a Duck Tour (it was AWESOME), but could of just spent the afternoon wandering in the area.
Written 26 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
laurenz150
San Antonio, Texas34 contributions
July 2022
We took this ferry to Boston during our Salem vacation. It was so easy and was a great addition to our trip. Much more interesting and picturesque than taking the T or ride share! On the way there they even had someone giving you some history and pointing out the sights!
Written 24 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I am traveling in June and want to do a day trip to Salem .. from where do I get the ferry from Boston to Salem and which companies run them ??
Written 9 May 2022
The ferry docks at Blaney St. in Salem. It's run by Boston Harbor Cruises and you can go to their site directly, or you can get to it through TripAdvisor.
Written 10 May 2022
How long do you have to sightsee in Salem?
Written 10 February 2020
If you want to get ferry back it leaves at certain times, only a few times a day. Check the timetable on their website. I think we arrived at 11 and left at 4ish if I remember correctly.
Written 12 February 2020
Hi, we are planning an extended weekend in Boston in late March. We would like to take a day trip to Salem, but saw that the ferry doesn't operate until closer to summer. What are some alternatives to taking the ferry? We would rather not rent a car for one day. TIA!
Written 8 February 2020
Absolutely take the "T," also known as the Commuter Rail of the MBTA. You can find weekend schedules online if you search for MBTA and look for the commuter rail. Read carefully and look at the weekend schedules for the Newburyport/Rockport Line. All Boston trains leave and arrive, upon return from Salem, at North Station, which is connected to the Boston Garden (also known as TD Bank Garden). Depending on where you are staying in Boston, you can walk to North Station or take the subway (Green Line to North Station-you can see those maps at the MBTA site, as well). The Commuter Rail is safe and comfortable. Teenagers in Salem take it to school in Boston, for example. My teenagers take it home by themselves from games at the Garden. Once you get to Salem, everything is within walking distance if you are reasonably able. Just follow the crowd up the stairs or elevator to Washington Street when you arrive, and you'll see downtown ahead of you.
Written 11 February 2020
I am from Seattle want to see Boston and Salem. Due to prices in Boston for hotels I am thinking of basing out of Salem and taking the ferry into Boston coming back in evening. I can Uber in Boston. Does this make sense?
Written 1 February 2020
First of all, you don't need to Uber in Boston; the subway system is good and is pretty cheap. As far as where to stay, others have opined but I have a few additional thoughts. C&J bus company (ridecj c0m) travels from Newburyport, MA to South Station in Boston, and the one time I looked at hotels in Newburyport they weren't expensive. If you stay there and take C&J to and from Boston, it'll take you a little bit longer than your Salem proposal but I think it'll be less expensive. I don't know where the hotels in Newburyport are relative to the bus station, so that could be an issue. Having said all that, check bostonharborcruises c0m for Salem ferry prices and add a round trip and the price of a hotel in Salem, and compare that to the round trip bus ride to Boston from Newburyport and the cost of the Newburyport hotel to help you decide. One other option to consider is MBTA commuter rail, which I believe goes from Salem to Boston's North Station. I don't take that and don't know prices, but I suspect it'd be cheaper than the ferry. Try mbta c0m for more information on that option. Good luck.
Written 2 February 2020
Are you able to take bicycles on the Salem to Boston Ferry?
Written 17 September 2019
You can buy a one-way ticket if desired. However, the same company runs a commuter ferry that may better suit your needs.
Written 18 September 2019
Do you have a place for luggage if you take the ferry after arriving at the airport? We are visiting Salem, and would like to take the ferry after we arrive in Boston.
Written 11 September 2018
Yes, but there would be no realistic opportunity to store your luggage on the ship while you're exploring the area. The ferry has a pretty tight schedule doing round-trips between Salem and Boston all day.
Written 11 September 2018
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