Boston Ferry Map
The map of Boston illustrates how the harbor ferry system connects the historic downtown waterfront to the evolving neighborhoods of East Boston, Seaport, and the coastal towns of the North Shore. From Long Wharf, high-speed ferries provide a fast-track link to Salem and Provincetown, cutting hours off the drive through the heavily congested I-93 corridor. In Boston, the ferry is often a seasonal operation, with many routes expanding significantly during the summer to serve the Harbor Islands and historical sites like Fort Sumter-style fortifications.
More ferry routes around Boston
Logistical essentials for Boston Harbor
“Taking the ferry to Salem is the ultimate travel hack in October. While the highways are at a standstill, you’re flying across the water with a view of the skyline, arriving right in the heart of the historic district in under an hour.”
Before you use the map to plan your trip out of Long Wharf or Rowes Wharf, keep these two navigational tips in mind.
- For the high-speed ferry to Martha’s Vineyard or Provincetown, you must book your tickets in advance online, as these specialized passenger-only boats frequently sell out days before departure during the 2026 summer season.
- Many of the inner-harbor commuter ferries accept the “CharlieCard” (the MBTA subway pass), making it the cheapest way to get from the airport to downtown via the MBTA Blue Line and the water shuttle.