Salem Ferry
A good number of Salemites who commute to Boston hop on the rail and ride down to North Station each morning. Others spend their time in the parking lot that is route 128 and 93 or money cutting over the Tobin bridge or through the Ted Williams Tunnel. But from May to November there is another option.
Salem Ferry the Bowditch
As a person who has to travel to Boston more often come June 1st, I’ve been looking at taking the Salem Ferry once in a while. The Salem Ferry is a 92-foot high-speed catamaran with a capacity of 149 passengers. It makes the trip between Salem and Boston in 45 minutes that’s about 10 minutes longer than the commuter rail but if you are going to the financial district your overall trip may be shorter.
As with any method of transportation the Salem Ferry has it’s pros and cons. Aside from a season opening fire a few years back, some of the obvious cons are price, weather and schedule.
The price of a round trip ferry ride is $24 ($20 off season) commuters can get a 10 ride pass (one week) for $54. Compared to the commuter rail which is $163 a month the ferry costs $53 dollars MORE!
If you are a 9 to 5 worker you would have to take the boat at 7am getting you to Long Wharf at 7:55 (that’s 10 minutes longer than they claim it takes, maybe it’s the “new math”). Then heading out of Boston there is a 5:10 or 7:10. It’s like they missed the obvious departure times. For this to be worthwhile to the commuter it should depart Salem around 8am and arrive in Boston around 8:45 then for the evening commute depart around 6 and arrive in Salem around 6:45.
Is the Salem Ferry only for tourists?
It looks like the schedule and time isn’t very conducive for the daily Salem to Boston commuter but what about tourists?
The Boston dock for the Salem ferry is centrally located at Long Wharf, right near the Aquarium, Faneuil Hall, the North End and plenty of other tourist locations, hotels and restaurants. If you are a tourist going to Boston you will no-doubt find yourself near they ferry so it’s quite convenient. Let’s face it, taking a boat through the harbor islands and up along the coast is much more fun than the MBTA’s Orange line to North Station then a commuter train through Everett, Chelsea and Lynn on your way to Salem. Sure it costs a few bucks more but when you get off the boat in Salem you are right by the House of Seven Gables, a big attraction for Salem tourists.
Splitting the difference
If you are someone who prefers a more enjoyable commute but can’t fathom a 7am departure, maybe splitting the difference is the way to go. Why not take the train in to Boston in the morning and then decompress with a leisurely cruise home? We forgot to mention one of the Salem Ferry’s strong points – their on board bar. What would be better than soaking up the late afternoon rays, enjoying the ocean scenery as you zip away from Boston sipping on an adult beverage? Looks like for us Salemites taking the ferry once in a while could be the best of both worlds.
The Salem Ferry opens for service on May 22 with its summer schedule going into effect on June 20. Tickets can be purchased at the ferry or online. Visit salemferry.com for schedule and other info.
The 7 AM morning boat seems to be quite busy during ferry season. There are also many people who appear to be commuting getting off the boat at 6.
With many businesses offering either summer hours or an 8-4 or 8-5 schedule, I think 7 probably works better than 8. Perhaps splitting the difference would make sense. 7:30? My bet is that 8 is too late for many.
I would have to agree with Geoff- I know when I worked in Boston I had to be at my job in Back Bay at 8:30 so taking the 7am ferry would not be a problem. Granted a little earlier then the 7:29 (now 7:25am ) train I would catch but on a nice summer morning worth the time and view. I think the 9am start time tends to be at businesses outside of Boston- but do know some in the city that don’t require you to be in until 9am.
But I think you do make a good point that maybe it is geared more towards the tourist.
I just wanted to add that now the MBTA monthly boat pass will be valid on the 7:10 am Salem Ferry to Boston and the 5:10 and 7:10 ferries back to Salem from Boston. I am getting one for July and look forward to trying the ferry for a while!
I plan on taking the salem comnter boat round trip June 22 for 2 seniors. Is it cheaper to get the tickets on line ,also are there senior dicounts? Thank you Elaine