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Boston to Salem Ferry | Schedule and Tickets

Updated: December 22, 2023

This post provides details about how and when you can take the ferry from Boston to Salem.

We include information about the Salem Ferry schedule and ticket prices for the service.


How to Use the Salem Ferry

If you’re interested in taking a trip to Salem from Boston, this is one of the easiest and quickest ways to get there. 

The ferry departs from 1 Long Wharf in Boston, which is right next to the New England Aquarium and just a few blocks from Faneuil Hall Marketplace. 

You can expect the ferry to arrive at 10 Blaney Street in Salem, a 5 minute walk from The House of the Seven Gables. 

For details on which locations to visit while you’re here, check our list of things to do in Salem.

The entire journey takes approximately 50 minutes, and along the way you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy views of the Boston skyline from the harbor. 

There is a cash bar and light snacks available for purchase onboard.

Tickets can be purchased ahead of time if you want to avoid missing out, and they offer daily service multiple times per day during the warmer months.


Salem Ferry Schedule

The Salem Ferry is available at least 4 times every day during the warmer months of the year (May - October). 

You can expect them to depart at the following times:

  • 9:30 am
  • 11:45 am
  • 2:30 pm
  • 5:30 pm
  • 8:30 pm (Thurs - Sat from 6/23)

Of course, if you’re planning to visit Salem for the day, we recommend leaving in the morning, and 9:30 am is probably the best departure time for tourists.

The Salem Ferry departs from Salem at the following times each day:

  • 7:00 am
  • 10:30 am
  • 1:00 pm
  • 4:00 pm
  • 7:00 pm (Thurs - Sat from 6/23)

If you’re planning to take the latest ferry from Boston to Salem (8:30 pm), plan on having a place to stay, because they don’t offer return service after 7 pm.


Tickets

Ticket prices vary depending on whether you choose one-way or round trip. 

If you plan on returning to Boston, you’ll need a round trip ticket.

Round Trip Tickets

  • $45/Adults
  • $43/Seniors
  • $34/Children (3-11)

One Way Tickets

  • $25/Adults
  • $23/Seniors
  • $19/Children (3-11)

Purchase tickets or learn more.

Salem Ferry. Image source: Wikimedia user Fletcher6.

There are also ride passes and rates for commuters/residents who plan to use the Salem Ferry multiple times a week. 

Residents need to provide valid ID to receive these special rates.

Round Trip Commuter/Resident Rates

  • Salem Residents: $19/Adults | $15/Seniors | $11/Children (3-11)
  • North Shore Residents: $31/Adults | $26/Seniors | $19/Children (3-11)
  • Commuters (Mon-Fri rush hour only): $16/Adults | $8/Seniors, Children (3-11)

Ride Passes

  • Non-Commuter: $200
  • Commuter: $72

Additional fees may apply, and tickets are not refundable, so make sure you’ve planned out your trip before buying your tickets and heading out. 

Learn more about the Salem Ferry.


Ferry or Train?

Some travelers swear by the train to Salem as an alternative, and to be fair this can be a more affordable option which takes about the same amount of time as the ferry.

Another advantage of the train is that they offer extended hours, so if you decide to stay late in Salem, you can always catch a train back even if the last ferry has already left.

For more details on how to take the train, check our post covering public transportation in Boston.


Things to Do in Salem

There are a lot of interesting locations to visit in Salem, especially if you’re interested in the history of New England. 

After all, this was the site of the famed Salem Witch Trials, making it a popular destination during the Halloween season.

This list will cover some of the best locations to visit in short detail to give you a sense of where you might want to go if you decide to take the Salem Ferry from Boston. 

This is still a small town, so most attractions are within walking distance.


Salem Witch Museum

This museum depicts the actual events of the Salem Witch Trials on 13 life-size sets. 

There are also exhibits covering the ever-evolving perception of witches throughout history.

The Salem Witch Museum is open daily from 10 am - 5 pm. They also offer extended hours to 7 pm in July and August. 

During the month of October, their hours are extended to 10 pm on weekends.

TIP: Tickets are included at no extra cost with the Go City Boston Pass.


Salem Witch Trials Memorial

If you’re looking for a quiet and respectful way to remember those killed during this historic event, this memorial is a great landmark you should definitely check out.

The stone threshold of the memorial is inscribed with the words of the accused, cut off mid-sentence to represent the lives cut short.

This memorial is found just outside The Burying Point, which is where the judges involved with the trials were buried. 

It is free to visit this site, so you won’t have to worry about paying for tickets!


Salem Wax Museum / Salem Witch Village

Located just down the street from the Salem Witch Trials Memorial, these attractions are two interesting sites you might want to visit.

The wax museum is fairly small, but it features life-size figures depicting the scenes of local history, including the Salem Witch Trials. 

If you’re already going to the Salem Witch Museum, this one might not be worth it.

The Salem Witch Village is essentially an extension of the Wax Museum, and it includes a lot of different exhibits focused on the history of the town. 

They also offer haunted history tours of Salem.


Chambers of Terror

If you’re looking for more spooky activities during the Halloween season, this haunted house is an excellent location to visit, and it’s pretty close to the docks.

They also offer other fun activities and shows such as Fireside Ghost Stories!

Although most people tend to visit during the month of October, the Chambers of Terror haunted house is actually open all-year long, and they offer special events for holidays like Midwinter and Valentine’s Day.


The House of the Seven Gables

Fans of Nathaniel Hawthorne will definitely want to see this historic home, as it was literally the inspiration for his book of the same name.

This attraction has been restored to its original design from 1668, and they offer tours of the estate for those who want to get a look inside.

If you’re interested in this site, you might also want to check out Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Birthplace nearby, which is now a museum dedicated to the life and works of the famous author.


About The Author

Brian Burgess

I was born in Cambridge and have been living in the Boston area all my life. I am a graduate of Boston's Emerson College with a degree in communications with a journalism/history focus. I have been leading tours for Free Tours By Foot Boston since it was started in the city of Boston in 2012, and enjoy sharing my knowledge of Boston's rich history with not only the guests on my tours, but with everyone I meet. <a href="https://freetoursbyfoot.com/contributors/brian-burgess/" Read More...
Updated: December 22nd, 2023
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