Cape Cod is an area where a car is a necessity (join up with friends to carpool). Public transportation is almost nonexistent and doesn't serve most areas. For those further afield, we recommend traveling to Boston or Providence, Rhode Island, by plane, train, or bus, and then renting a car.
BY AIR
Cape Cod is served by Logan Airport (BOS) in Boston; TF Green Airport (PVD) in Providence, Rhode Island; and Barnstable Municipal Airport (HYA) in Hyannis on the Cape. It is cheaper to fly into Boston or Providence since HYA is a commuter airport with few flights. The trip from Providence to the Cape is easier to navigate than the trip from Boston.
BY TRAIN
Cape Cod no longer has any rail service - the tracks are now a very nice bike trail. Amtrak's Acela Express runs along the northeast corridor between Washington, DC, and Boston. Please note that Amtrak has an abysmal on-time record.
BY BUS
Bonanza Bus Lines: Buses run from New York City, Providence, Boston, Hartford, and other cities to Hyannis. Once you are in Hyannis, cars can be rented at the Barnstable Municipal Airport (HYA). HYA is a small airport; reservations for car rentals should definitely be made in advance.
Plymouth and Brockton Street Railway Company: Buses run from Boston and Logan Airport to destinations throughout the Cape including Hyannis.
BY CAR
There may be SIGNIFICANT TRAFFIC on Memorial Day Weekend. The biggest traffic jams are usually at the infamous bridges onto the Cape, so it's best to leave yourself plenty of time. With traffic, please plan on a 6.5-hour trip from NYC, 3 hours from Boston, and 3 hours from Providence. (We'd hate to have you miss our wedding!)
Navigating the Cape is relatively straightforward: Route 6 is the main artery and runs the length of the Cape.
From on Route 6 to the Wequassett Inn: From Route 6 heading east, get off at exit 11. At the end of the ramp turn left. Go 25 yards and take your first left on Pleasant Bay Road. Proceed to the second stop sign; the entrance to the Wequassett Inn will be directly ahead.
From on Route 6 to the Cove Motel: From Route 6 heading east, get off onto Rt. 6A at the Orleans Rotary (exit 13). Follow Rt. 6A east about 1/2 mile. At the fork, bear left onto Rt. 28. The Motel is 100 yards ahead on the left, across from the Christmas Tree Shop.
From on Route 6 to the Pleasant Bay Village: From Route 6 heading east, get off at exit #11. At the end of the ramp turn left. Go 25 yards and take your first left on Pleasant Bay Road. Continue on Pleasant Bay Road until it ends at Route 28; take a right onto Route 28. After approximately one mile, Pleasant Bay Village will be on your right.
Click for directions from off-Cape:
- NYC to the Wequassett Inn
- NYC to the Cove Motel
- NYC to the Pleasnt Bay Village
- From Boston Logan Airport to the Wequassett Inn
- From Boston Logan Airport to the Cove Motel
- From Boston Logan Airport to the Pleasant Bay Village
- From TF Green Airport/Providence to the Wequassett Inn
- From TF Green Airport/Providence to the Cove Motel
- From TF Green Airport/Providence to the Pleasant Bay Village
(Please contact Eileen if you're interested in further information about how automobile tourism influenced Cape Cod roadside architecture. Her master's dissertation on the topic is available.)
