No car, no problem, we’ve got you covered! Salem is a very walkable city with plenty of ways to get around without using a car. Keep reading to learn our favorite ways to get to and around Salem, MA.

Getting to Salem

Arriving in Salem is easy with public transportation options, downtown parking garages, and the ability to go from home or your accommodations right to downtown with the Salem Skipper. An extension of Boston’s Bluebikes are now available in Salem, too!

MBTA Commuter Rail

Coming from Boston, Salem is a short ride away from North Station via the Commuter Rail. Additionally, the Commuter Rail connects Salem to excellent cities north of Boston, like Rockport and Gloucester. Fares and schedules vary according to the MBTA (Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority), and the most up to date schedules may be found at MBTA.com/Schedules.

Commuter Rail tickets may be purchased with cash onboard or with the mTicket mobile app for your smartphone. Once in Salem, the Commuter Rail Station is located right downtown, within walking distance to many shops, restaurants, accommodations, and attractions.

Salem Ferry

Another way to reach Salem from Boston is to hop aboard the Salem Ferry. In just under an hour, the ferry can take passengers between Salem and Boston, while offering scenic views of both cities. The ferry, Nathaniel Bowditch is equipped with enclosed and open-air seating, tables, and restrooms, making the trip a quick and comfortable one.

The ferry departs from Long Wharf in Boston, and docks in Salem at Blaney Street, both of which are within walking distance to many local attractions. The ferry runs seasonally and rates vary so be sure to check out the Salem Ferry website before planning a trip.

Driving to Salem?

If you are planning on driving into Salem, we recommend leaving the car parked for most of your visit. As such a walkable city, it will be easier to leave the car parked and walk or take the Salem Trolley to your destinations throughout your trip. Directions to Salem and parking locations and costs are available here. Note that parking costs typically increase during weekends in October. Find complete information about visiting Salem in October on hauntedhappenings.org.

Getting Around Salem

Salem Skipper

The Salem Skipper is the newest way to get around Salem! As our local rideshare service, the Salem Skipper can take you anywhere within Salem for just $2/ride (or $1 for senior citizens, middle and high school students, and people with disabilities).

To take the skipper, download the mobile app for iOS or Android, or call (844) 983-1842. You’ll be matched with a nearby driver and other passengers going a similar route to your destination. Learn more at salemskipper.com.

Bluebikes Salem

Download the Bluebikes app to easily purchase $10 adventure passes for 24-hour bike access, or opt for a single 30-minute trip for $2.95. Bluebikes offer an easy way to reach points just outside of downtown, like Pioneer Village and Forest River Park, Salem Willows, and Winter Island. Learn more at bluebikes.com.

Walking Distances

Once in Salem, you’ll be pleased to find that most everything you’d want to do is within walking distance. Downtown is about a mile wide, and any Salem attractions are located within about a 20-minute walk from each other at their farthest points. You can view a map of downtown Salem here or in the Salem Visitor Guide.

Salem Trolley

The Salem Trolley runs daily from April 1 to November 1 from 10:00 am-5:00 pm (last full tour beginning at 4:00 pm). You can stay on the trolley for an informative hour-long tour about Salem’s past and present, or you can use your ticket to hop on and off throughout the day to get around town. If you take the Salem Ferry into town consider purchasing the combination ticket that includes the Salem Trolley!

Walking Tours

To get the most out of your walk around Salem, plan on taking a walking tour. There are tours to cover a variety of topics including historical tours (like Bewitched After Dark Walking Tours pictured above), ghost tours, and even food tours. Check out which tours are available here or learn more about walking Salem’s Heritage Trail here.