As you probably know, Cape Cod’s traffic can get a little hectic. If you’re trying to get to the Cape on a Friday evening or leave on a Sunday afternoon, you’re bound to encounter some slowdowns as you approach the Sagamore and Bourne bridges, extending your travel time.

However, there’s a third bridge that many visitors don’t even think about: the Cape Cod Canal Railroad Bridge. No, you can’t drive over this bridge, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make it part of your travel plans.

The CapeFLYER is a train service offered by the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority that allows you to bypass the Cape’s traffic. Here’s everything you need to know about taking this train between Boston and Hyannis this summer.

CapeFLYER Route

The CapeFLYER has a very straightforward route, making it very easy to develop a plan. There’s very little guesswork because it only stops in a few locations.

The train runs between South Station in downtown Boston and the Hyannis Transportation Center near Hyannis Harbor, making stops in Braintree, Brockton, Middleborough, Wareham, Buzzards Bay, and Bourne along the way. You can get on the train at any station and continue to or from the Cape.

As a bonus, Boston’s South Station is a short bus ride from Logan International Airport, so if you’re flying into the area for your Cape Cod vacation, the train provides an easy way to reach the Cape.

The Train Schedule

The CapeFLYER is seasonal and only runs on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. This service begins on Memorial Day weekend and continues through Labor Day, though, so it’s available throughout the peak season.

The first train of the week leaves South Station on Fridays at 5:42 PM. It then arrives in Hyannis at 8:20 PM. That train then turns around and departs Hyannis at 8:45 PM before returning to Boston at 11:10 PM.

On Saturdays and Sundays, a train leaves Boston at 7:45 AM and gets to Hyannis at 10:18 AM. The train then departs Hyannis at 6:10 PM and arrives in Boston at 8:35 PM on those days.

The On-Board Experience

People who take the CapeFLYER love the experience because it’s comfortable and stress-free. It also allows you to see the sights instead of driving and worrying about traffic.

There’s free Wi-Fi on the CapeFLYER, so you can hang out and catch up on some emails or watch videos on your phone.

There’s also a special bike car, which is free for ticket holders. This car makes it easy to take your bike to the Cape, so you can check out the Cape Cod Rail Trail on your travels.

Luggage storage is available, too. You’ll surely have a suitcase or two on your vacation, so the self-service luggage storage option will make your life easier.

The train has a cafe car where you can grab a drink or snack to pass the time. A selection of Cape Cod Beer is available if you want to start your vacation a little early.

For comfort and a stress-free experience, it’s tough to beat everything the CapeFLYER has in store for you this summer.

The Cost of a Trip

How much your journey on the CapeFLYER will cost depends on when you travel and the option you select.

In June, all basic tickets are $10 for the entire round trip, a deal you can’t beat. For the rest of the season, round-trip tickets are $40 between South Station, Braintree, or Brockton and Hyannis, $35 between those stations and Bourne, and $8 for tickets leaving from anywhere else along the line.

Kids 11 and under are also free throughout the season.

In 2024, the CapeFLYER has added a first-class section. A first-class ticket includes a complimentary drink, a leather reclining seat, and a footrest.

In June, first-class round-trip tickets are $30 between South Station, Braintree, Brockton, and the Cape, and $28 for all other tickets. In the summer, first-class seats are $55 to Bourne and $60 to Hyannis.

Booking Your Tickets

One of the best things about the CapeFLYER is that you don’t have to reserve a specific day. The train never fills up, and there are additional cars on holiday weekends, so your ticket is open-ended, and there will always be space.

All you have to do is grab your ticket and show up at one of the stations to take advantage of these train cars’ convenience and comfort. From there, you’re ready to take the Cape’s third bridge to your Cape Cod vacation rental and enjoy the rest of your holiday in style..