How Far is Salem from Boston? 5 Ways to Travel

There are 4 main ways to make the trip, each with different times and costs. The tram-plus-train option, considered the best, takes about 1h 18m and costs $5–11. The Line 450 bus, the cheapest, takes 2h 1m for $3–7.

A taxi offers door-to-door service in just 26 minutes for $55–70, while driving yourself covers 27.3 km in 26 minutes for $4–5, or 52 minutes via U.S. Rte 1 N. Your choice depends on your priorities—speed, cost, or convenience.

5 Ways to Travel From Salem to Boston

According to rome2rio.com, there are 4 ways to travel to Salem from Boston. Let’s have a look at them.

Understanding the Distance and Time: Why You’ll See Different Snapshots?

If you’ve ever typed how far is Salem from Boston into a planner or mapping tool, you know different snapshots can appear for the same pair of cities. That’s because:

• Route options vary. One snapshot you provided shows 52 min (22.0 mi) via U.S. Rte 1 N. Another shows 27.3 km in 26 min (for both taxi and self-drive). These represent different traffic snapshots and/or routing choices.
• Traffic and conditions matter. Even on the same day, a route may appear faster or slower. The 26-minute indication reflects a quick, low-congestion window, while 52 minutes reflects a slower period or a different route choice (U.S. Rte 1 N).
• Transit itineraries are timed to transfers. Public transit options depend on how your tram, train, or bus connects—hence the 1h 18m for the tram-plus-train combo and 2h 1m for the bus.

For planning purposes, keep both driving snapshots in mind: the quicker 26-minute, 27.3-km ride that’s possible, and the 52-minute, 22-mile U.S. Rte 1 N estimate.

Detailed Option 1: Tram + Train (Best)

Itinerary:

• Take the tram from Prudential to North Station (E)
• Take the train from North Station to Salem on the Newburyport/Rockport Line.

Total Time: 1h 18m
Cost: $5–11

Why This Option Stands Out?

• Straightforward connections: Your first leg is a tram (E) from Prudential to North Station, a major Boston hub. From there, you board the Newburyport/Rockport Line to Salem.
• Predictability: Because the train portion is a commuter rail line, the ride typically feels structured; you’re traveling along a direct rail corridor designed for city-to-suburban flow.
• Comfort and simplicity: You avoid driving, parking, and traffic variables while keeping your total trip to 1 hour and 18 minutes.

Who Should Choose Tram + Train?

• Visitors with plans centered around downtown Boston or central Salem. If you’re near Prudential and your Salem activities are within walking distance of the station, this route keeps things easy.
• Those who prefer predictable timing over driving. The 1h 18m gives you a clear planning anchor, especially if you’re coordinating check-ins, tours, or timed tickets.
• Budget-minded travelers who want to pay $5–11 and still keep the trip relatively quick and comfortable.

Practical Tips

• Transfer rhythm: The key to keeping the journey to 1h 18m is moving efficiently from tram to train at North Station.
• Luggage and comfort: The commuter rail to Salem is suitable if you’re carrying a small bag and want a relaxed ride.
• Return timing: If you plan a same-day round trip, align museum or attraction visits with train schedules so you maintain the efficiency of this itinerary.

Detailed Option 2: Line 450 Bus (Cheapest)

Itinerary:

• Take the bus from Congress St @ Haymarket Sta to Washington St @ New Derby St (Line 450).

Total Time: 2h 1m
Cost: $3–7

Why This Option Works?

• Lowest fare window: With a $3–7 cost range, this route is the budget winner among the options you shared.
• Simple boarding points: You’re boarding at Congress St @ Haymarket Sta and arriving at Washington St @ New Derby St, which drops you directly into Salem’s walkable core.

Who Should Choose Line 450?

• Travelers prioritize cost over time. If your top priority is saving money and you’re not pressed for time, the 2h 1m journey can be a fair trade-off.
• Bus-savvy riders. If you’re comfortable with surface bus routes and want a direct fare without multiple transfers, Line 450 is appealing.

Practical Tips

• Bring a podcast or book. With 2h 1m on the clock, a little entertainment makes the ride feel lighter.
• Stay flexible. Give yourself a cushion if you have timed plans in Salem, since buses can be influenced by street-level conditions.

Detailed Option 3: Taxi

Distance: 27.3 km
Time: 26 min
Cost: $55–70

Why This Option Is Attractive?

• Door-to-door convenience. You set your pickup and go—no transfers, no parking, and a straightforward arrival in Salem.
• Fast when conditions are favorable. The 26-minute snapshot reflects a quick road run.

Who Should Choose Taxi?

• Travelers with luggage or tight timelines. If you’re coordinating flights, meetings, or special events, the taxi’s predictability and directness can be worth the $55–70 range.
• Those who value comfort above all. You can make calls, relax, and arrive ready to go.

Practical Tips

• Budget check: The $55–70 range is the premium bracket among your options. Make sure the time saved aligns with your priorities.
• Pickup coordination: Choose a pickup point that’s easy for your driver to access to avoid any last-minute confusion.

Detailed Option 4: Driving Yourself

• Distance: 27.3 km
• Time: 26 min
• Estimated Cost: $4–5
• Alternate snapshot: 52 min (22.0 mi) via U.S. Rte 1 N

Why This Option Can Be Ideal?

• Control and flexibility. Stop along the way, adjust your timing, and keep a flexible schedule for your Salem plans.
• Low out-of-pocket estimate. At $4–5, your baseline cost snapshot stays modest.

Understanding the Two Driving Snapshots You Provided

• Fast snapshot: 27.3 km, 26 min — This reflects a quick run when roads are favorable.
• U.S. Rte 1 N snapshot: 52 min (22.0 mi) — This shows a longer duration and a specific mileage figure for a commonly referenced corridor.

Both are valid snapshots of the same journey. For planning, keep both in mind: you might experience a quick trip or something closer to the U.S. Route 1 N duration, depending on your departure time and route.

Practical Tips

• Route familiarity: If you prefer the U.S. Route 1 N corridor, plan around the 52-minute expectation.
• Parking plan: Have a plan for where to leave your car in Salem so you don’t lose the time you gained on the road.

Choosing the Right Option for You

Here’s a simple way to choose among the four options using the exact information you gave:

• Fastest under favorable conditions: Taxi or Drive — 27.3 km, 26 min
• Most Predictable Public Transit with Solid Total Time: Tram + Train — 1h 18m, $5–11
• Lowest Cost: Line 450 — 2h 1m, $3–7
• Driving Based on a U.S. Rte 1 N Snapshot: 52 min (22.0 mi)

If you’re asking how far Salem is from Boston, specifically in terms of driving distance and time, the two snapshots to remember are 27.3 km in 26 minutes (fast) and 22.0 mi in 52 minutes via U.S. Route 1 N (slower snapshot).

FAQs

Q. Is a day trip to Salem from Boston worth it?

Yes, a day trip to Salem from Boston can be worth it if you have specific sights in mind—like the Peabody Essex Museum (PEM), which is highly recommended, especially for families.

Q. How much does an Uber cost from Boston to Salem?

An Uber ride between Boston and Salem is about 19 miles, takes around 46 minutes, and costs roughly $47, though prices can vary with demand.

Q. How long is the ferry from Salem to Boston?

The Salem Ferry from Boston’s Long Wharf to Salem takes about 50–60 minutes, offering a scenic alternative to driving or public transit.