Ferry to Salem

Compare all available ferry crossings and secure the best deals for your journey. At Openferry, we make it easy to find and book ferry tickets to and from Salem in just a few clicks.

Because ferry travel can be seasonal, frequencies and departure times often change throughout the year. We recommend using our live search to see the most accurate schedules and information for your travel dates including:

• Popular Connections: The port of Salem connects to several high-traffic destinations, including Boston - Salem.
• Multiple Operators: Regular services to and from Salem are provided by leading carriers like Boston Harbor Cruises.

Amenities vary depending on the specific vessel and operator, but most ferries serving Salem feature:

• Comfortable Seating: Options ranging from standard lounges to premium airplane-style seats.
• Dining & Leisure: Onboard cafés and restaurants serving food and drinks.
• Travel Essentials: Restroom facilities and, on longer routes, private cabins for added privacy.
• Vehicle Transport: Most sailings accommodate cars, motorbikes, and campervans, allowing you to take your own transport to Salem.

Salem is currently served by 2 ferry routes operated by 1 ferry operators including Boston Harbor Cruises.

Salem is conveniently accessible from Boston, just 16 miles northeast by road, with the journey taking approximately 30-40 minutes by car. The MBTA commuter rail connects Salem directly to Boston's North Station with trains running roughly hourly and completing the trip in about 30 minutes. For those driving, ample parking is available near the ferry terminal, though spaces fill quickly during peak season and Halloween festivities. Local MBTA buses also connect Salem's train station to the waterfront area, making transfers seamless for public transport users.

Salem, Massachusetts offers a captivating blend of maritime heritage and mysterious allure along its historic waterfront. Known worldwide for its 17th-century witch trials, this coastal gem delivers much more than just haunted history. The city's picturesque harbor has served as a vital transportation hub since colonial times, making it an excellent destination for ferry travelers seeking to explore New England's coastal charm.

Salem enjoys four distinct seasons, with summer (June-August) bringing warm temperatures perfect for harbor cruises and outdoor exploration. Fall transforms the city into its most iconic self, with September and October offering comfortable temperatures, stunning foliage, and the famous Haunted Happenings festival. Spring (April-May) delivers blooming gardens and fewer crowds, making it ideal for a more relaxed visit. Winter brings a quieter charm with holiday decorations and lower accommodation rates, though some ferry services may operate on reduced schedules from November through March.

Salem serves as an excellent launching point for exploring Massachusetts Bay and beyond. Boston is just a 45-minute ferry ride away, offering access to its world-class museums, historic sites, and vibrant food scene. Gloucester, America's oldest fishing port, can be reached in about an hour by ferry, showcasing authentic maritime culture and fresh seafood markets. During summer months, ferry service to Provincetown at the tip of Cape Cod provides a scenic 2-hour journey to this artistic community known for its beaches and vibrant atmosphere. The seasonal routes across the harbor offer some of New England's most picturesque coastal views.

Salem's waterfront area offers immediate access to the city's famed witch trial historical sites, including the Salem Witch Museum and the House of Seven Gables, which inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne's gothic novel. The Peabody Essex Museum houses an impressive collection of maritime art and artifacts that tell the story of Salem's seafaring past. For culinary adventures, try local specialties like clam chowder and lobster rolls at waterfront restaurants like Sea Level Oyster Bar or Finz Seafood. The pedestrian-friendly Derby Street district, just steps from the harbor, features unique shops, colonial architecture, and the Custom House where Nathaniel Hawthorne once worked.

Salem was once known as the richest port in America, with its merchants pioneering trade routes to China and India that helped build the young nation's economy. The city's maritime prosperity led to it hosting America's first millionaire, Elias Hasket Derby, whose fortune came from international shipping. Salem's harbor is home to the Friendship of Salem, a replica of a 1797 East Indiaman trading vessel that visitors can board to experience life at sea during Salem's golden age of sail. Despite its witch trial fame, Salem's official nickname is actually 'The City of Peace,' derived from the Hebrew word 'shalom.'