Getting to and Around Ptown

There’s no doubt about it: part of the Provincetown experience is indulging in a beachside community that, even with all its dining, shopping, cultural, and entertainment attractions, is relaxing and carefree enough to feel a world away.

But while it may feel like a private paradise, Provincetown is easily accessible by land, sea, or a picturesque flight above Massachusetts Bay.

Driving to Provincetown is a fabulous opportunity for roadtrippers. P-Town is perched at the tail end of Massachusetts’ Route 6, providing a scenic ride that lets drivers trace the curve of Cape Cod. Along the way, every exit provides an opportunity to absorb the Cape’s fabled history – and legendary chowder, of course.

But if rising gas prices and a desire to “go green” are high on your radar screen, Plymouth & Brockton Street Railway Co. leaves the driving to someone else and allows for eco-friendly travel with other P-Town bound partiers. Despite the name, the Railway is actually a fleet of buses connecting Boston and Provincetown with intermediary stops at other fabulous Cape towns in between. Visit the Railway website (p-b.com) for an updated and comprehensive list of pick-up spots, stops, and associated fares.

If you’re looking for an excuse to get your feet off the ground, air travel is certainly the fastest way to get to Provincetown from major cities. Cape Air (flycapeair.com) provides year-round flights from Boston’s Logan International Airport (Terminal C) to Provincetown Municipal Airport. The flights are a breeze at only 25 minutes, and there’s always an option to fit your schedule. After all, as the largest independent regional airline in the United States, Cape Air operates nearly 850 daily flights during the peak summer season. Boston-Provincetown flights run almost hourly from 7:45am to 7:30pm.

Plus, a new partnership with major carrier JetBlue Airways has made it even easier to access Provincetown by from even more cities nationwide. Beginning in 2007, JetBlue began offering connection service to Cape Air destinations (Provincetown, Hyannis, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket) via its own flights to Boston. Whether you’re traveling from New York City, Washington DC, Pittsburgh, Denver, San Francisco or another point of origin serviced by JetBlue, this new partnership has allowed for convenient one-stop ticketing to your Provincetown vacation.

Other airports greet you with all the charm of cold, paved tarmac, but that’s not the case with Provincetown. If the birds-eye-view of the Cape Cod seacoast wasn’t enough, it’s worth noting that Provincetown Municipal Airport is located on Race Point: the outermost tip of the Cape Cod peninsula, home to Race Point Lighthouse, and a gorgeous introduction to the coastal experience. From there, it’s a quick (and cheap) 5-minute cab ride to the main Commercial Street thoroughfare of lodging, dining, boutique shopping, and nightlife.

Of course, air travel isn’t the only scenic route to Provincetown. It was the open sea, not the friendly skies, that first brought the Pilgrims to Provincetown; and while they may have moved on to settle in Plymouth, we think you’ll find that a lot has changed since 1620!

They may not sail The Mayflower, but Bay State Cruise Company (provincetownfastferry.com) does offer a fast-moving ferry (free of famine, influenza, and totally hideous buckle-shoes!) that will escort visitors from Boston Harbor to Provincetown in just 90 minutes. Fast Ferry Service aboard the Provincetown III runs daily from Friday, May 16th to Tuesday, October 14th 2008. Every day, three excursions each way provide a quick, convenient and affordable way to travel between Boston and Provincetown. During peak season, a three-hour ferry option is available on weekends for reduced cost.

Boston Harbor Cruises (www.bostonharborcruises.com) also offers fast ferry service, departing for Provincetown from Boston’s Long Wharf from May 10 – October 5.  Whichever service you choose, you’ll spend an enjoyable time on the open water. And remember, the ferry system is a two-way street (or rather, stream): even if you come directly into Provincetown via plane or car, the ferries afford a convenient opportunity for a Boston day-trip.

Coordinating your trip to Provincetown should sound easy enough; but if your vacation is designed for maximum R&R, you can always leave the planning process to someone else. Cape & Islands Travel Agency (capeandislandtravel.com) will work with you to take care of every customized facet for your visit: airfare, accommodations, insurance, group bookings, and more. While the business may be local, its global reach provides an added incentive: the Agency is experienced in coordinating group trips and international arrangements (Egypt and Southeast Asia are areas of particular expertise). They can also connect you with fabulous world cruises, including outings on gay RSVP vacations.

However you choose to travel to Provincetown, prepare yourself for the voyage of a lifetime. We’re sure you’ll agree that getting here is a fast, convenient and relaxing experience. But leaving? Why, that’s nowhere near as much fun.