and Getting Around Town

Getting to Provincetown, MA

Planning your visit to Provincetown should be effortless. Whether you’re arriving by ferry, flight, bus, or car, this guide provides clear steps, reliable transportation options, and helpful tips for getting around town once you’re here no car required.

Arriving in Provincetown

By Ferry (seasonal)

Traveling by boat offers one of the most scenic and stress-free ways to reach Provincetown.

Fast Ferry cruising on the open ocean under a clear blue sky.

Bay State Cruise Company
Departs from Boston’s Seaport, providing a direct high-speed connection to Provincetown’s MacMillan Pier. Known for dependable service and comfortable onboard features, it’s a convenient option for travelers heading to the Outer Cape. May - October. 
Visit Bay State Cruises

City Cruises by Boston Harbor Cruises
Offering a modern fleet and a smooth, scenic crossing, City Cruises links Boston’s Long Wharf with Provincetown throughout the seasonal schedule. Passengers enjoy a relaxing ride with expansive views of Massachusetts Bay. May - October.
Visit City Cruises

Captain John Boats Fast Ferry
Sailing from Plymouth, Captain John Boats delivers a quick and efficient route to Provincetown an ideal choice for travelers coming from the South Shore. Expect an easy, pleasant journey with stunning coastal views. Ferries start in late May.
Visit Captain John Boats

Plan Ahead for a Smooth Trip

Ferry tickets often sell out quickly, particularly during summer weekends and popular events. Booking early is the best way to secure your preferred departure time. Each operator provides several fare options, including round-trip tickets and seasonal packages, giving visitors plenty of flexibility when planning their trip.

Travel Time: Approximately 90 minutes on fast ferries.

By Air

Provincetown Municipal Airport (PVC) sits right at the edge of the Cape Cod National Seashore.

A view from an airplane window showing beautiful landscape below with a large body of water and land.

Year-Round Flights by Cape Air with service from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS).

🔗 Cape Air

Seasonal Flights from the New York-area with service varying by year.

Travel Time: Around 25 minutes from Boston.

By Bus

Reliable year-round bus service connects Provincetown to major transportation hubs.

View from inside a bus, showing empty seats with yellow handrails.

Plymouth & Brockton Street Railway (P&B Bus)
Direct service from Boston South Station and Logan Airport.

🔗 P&B Bus

Travel Time: 3-4 hours depending on traffic.

By Car

If you're driving to town, plan for a 2.5-3.5 hour trip from Boston, longer during peak summer weekends.

A Cape Cod road leading toward a body of water in the distance, lined with trees and a clear sky overhead.

Parking Notes:

  • Provincetown has limited parking in the busy season.

  • Municipal lots are located at MacMillan Pier, Grace Hall, and the MPL Lot.

  • Many visitors leave the car parked for their entire stay as the town is walkable.

🔗 Town Parking Information

Travel Time: 2.5-3.5 hours from Boston.

Getting Around Provincetown

One of Provincetown’s greatest strengths is how easy it is to explore without ever needing to drive. Most visitors choose to walk, bike, or use local shuttle services.

Several bicycles leaning against a wooden fence on a sandy beach with green vegetation and a blue sky in the background.

Bike Rental Shops in Provincetown

  • Ptown Bikes
    A long-standing favorite, Ptown Bikes offers a wide variety of rentals and is located conveniently near the center of town. Their fleet includes hybrids, road bikes, and e-bikes.
    📍 42 Bradford St, Provincetown, MA

  • Arnold’s Bike Shop
    Family-owned and operated since 1937, Arnold’s offers friendly service and a large selection of bikes for every rider, including tandem bikes and kids’ models.
    📍 329 Commercial St, Provincetown, MA

  • The Bike Shack at The Provincetown Inn
    Perfect if you’re staying in the West End or near the beaches. The Bike Shack offers daily and weekly rentals right at the Provincetown Inn.
    📍 1 Commercial St, Provincetown, MA

  • Coast Provincetown
    Offering stylish cruiser bikes and gear with a boutique experience, Coast Provincetown blends fashion-forward design with the freedom to explore town on two wheels.
    📍  698 Commercial St, Provincetown, MA

  • Gale Force Bikes
    Conveniently located at the gateway to the Cape Cod National Seashore, Gale Force Bikes provides a wide selection of rentals and guided bike tours for all experience levels.
    📍 144 Bradford Street Extension, Provincetown, MA

  • Provincetown Bike Rentals
    Located just steps from the ferry terminal, Provincetown Bike Rentals makes it easy to hop off the boat and onto a bike for a seamless start to your coastal adventure.
    📍 136 Bradford Street, Provincetown, MA

Popular Trails and Scenic Routes

  • Province Lands Bike Trail
    Stretching through the heart of the Cape Cod National Seashore, this iconic 5.5-mile loop is one of Provincetown’s signature rides. The trail curves through dramatic dunes, peaceful pine groves, and around freshwater ponds, delivering unforgettable views at every turn. Expect a moderately challenging ride with rolling hills and smooth pavement.
    🔗 Province Lands Bike Trail

  • Commercial Street
    While cars are allowed, Commercial Street is truly a cyclist s domain especially in the summer months. Riding this lively waterfront street offers a unique way to experience Provincetown’s boutiques, galleries, cafés, and historic charm. Because it s a shared space with heavy pedestrian traffic, slow, courteous riding is essential.

  • Beech Forest Trail
    Tucked into a shaded corner of the National Seashore, the Beech Forest Trail is a peaceful alternative to the more open dune routes. It connects directly with the Province Lands network and is ideal for nature lovers, birdwatchers, and anyone seeking a quieter ride. Bring a lock if you want to explore the walking paths around Blackwater Pond.
    🔗 Beach Forest Trail

Shuttle & Public Transit

The local shuttle system makes navigating the Outer Cape simple. 

Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority (CCRTA)

Provincetown/Truro Flex Route (seasonal)

Seasonal Provincetown Shuttle

Rideshare & Local Transport Options

Uber and Lyft operate in Provincetown, though wait times may increase during busy summer weekends. Several local taxi services run year-round and are often the quickest option during peak demand. In warm months, pedicabs offer a fun way to get around town just confirm the fare before your ride.

Ptown Taxi Service

Ptown Pedicabs

Walking

Provincetown is compact, charming, and extremely walkable. Commercial Street is the primary pedestrian corridor. Most beaches, galleries, shops, restaurants, and guesthouses are close together. 

Biking

Cycling is one of the best ways to enjoy Provincetown and the Cape Cod National Seashore. If you don’t have a bike of your own, no problem. Provincetown is home to several rental shops offering everything from cruisers and mountain bikes to electric models.

FAQ: Getting to Provincetown & Getting Around Town

  • For most visitors, a car isn’t necessary especially if you’re staying near Commercial Street or the East/West End. Provincetown is one of the most walkable destinations in New England, with restaurants, beaches, nightlife, galleries, and shops all within close proximity. Bikes and local shuttles make it easy to reach National Seashore beaches and the Province Lands trails. 

    Tip: If you’re staying outside the center or plan to explore Truro and Wellfleet, a car or bike can be useful.

  • High-speed ferries typically operate from mid-May through mid-October. Two companies Boston Harbor City Cruises and the Bay State Cruise Company run seasonal daily service. Schedules vary each year, but most departures occur morning and late afternoon. 

    Tip: Peak weekend and holiday ferries sell out quickly. Book early during July, August, and holiday weekends.

  • Yes, ride-hailing services operate in Provincetown, but availability can vary depending on season and time of day. Wait times are generally shorter in summer and longer in the off-season or late at night. 

    Local Tip: Traditional taxi services are reliable year-round and often faster during busy periods.

  • Municipal parking lots are located at MacMillan Pier, Grace Hall, and the MPL Lot, along with additional paid lots throughout town. Parking is limited in summer, so expect competition for spaces especially during events and weekends. 

    Tip: Many visitors park their car once and rely on walking, biking, or shuttles for the rest of their stay. 🔗 Town Parking Information

    • Ferry: Approximately 90 minutes (fastest option during summer)

    • Flight: 25-30 minutes via Cape Air

    • Bus: 3-4 hours depending on traffic

    • Car: 2.5-3.5 hours, longer on peak weekends

    Tip: If you’re traveling on Fridays or Sundays in July and August, allow extra time for heavier traffic on Route 6.

  • Yes, Provincetown Municipal Airport is located within the Cape Cod National Seashore, about 2 miles from the center of town. Local taxis, rideshares, and bike paths provide easy access to accommodations. 

    Tip: If you're traveling with luggage, a taxi or rideshare is the most convenient option.

  • Provincetown’s seasonal shuttle system and bike paths make beach access simple.

    • Race Point Beach: Reachable by bike (via trail) or shuttle. 

    • Herring Cove Beach: Very bike-friendly and served by seasonal shuttles.

    • Boy Beach: From the bike stop on Province Lands Road (Route 6A), you can walk directly through the marshes and follow the shoreline south. This is the most direct option, especially when the tide is low.

    Tip: Bikes are often the fastest way to enjoy the beaches, especially on summer afternoons. 

  • The Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority (CCRTA) runs the Provincetown/Truro Flex Route and seasonal shuttles. These provide access to beaches, Truro destinations, and connections to Lower Cape routes.

    Tip: The Flex Route allows curbside pickup within a certain distance ideal if you're staying outside the main downtown areas.