You’re standing on the deck of a catamaran, wind whipping your hair, holding a cold drink as the Boston skyline shrinks into a miniature Lego set. It’s 5:30 PM on a Tuesday. While half of the South Shore is currently contemplating their life choices in a bumper-to-bumper nightmare on I-93, you’re basically on a mini-cruise. Honestly, if you haven't taken the ferry from Boston to Hingham MA, you’re missing out on the only part of a Massachusetts commute that doesn't feel like a chore.
Most people assume the ferry is just a "summer thing" or a tourist trap for people going to the Harbor Islands. They’re wrong. For folks living in Hingham, Hull, or even Weymouth, this boat is a lifeline. But it’s also a system with its own weird quirks, secret bar rules, and a massive construction project that might trip you up if you aren't paying attention in 2026.
The Reality of the Commute: Hingham/Hull Ferry Basics
Let's talk brass tacks. The MBTA ferry service from Hingham (specifically Hewitt’s Cove at the Shipyard) isn't just one straight line. It’s a bit of a "choose your own adventure" situation depending on where you need to land in the city.
You’ve got two main destinations in Boston: Rowes Wharf and Long Wharf. Rowes Wharf is where you want to be for the Financial District. Long Wharf is closer to the Aquarium, the Blue Line, and the North End. Some boats also make a pit stop at Logan Airport, which is hands-down the best way to catch a flight without paying $60 for an Uber that sits in the Sumner Tunnel for forty minutes.
The time factor:
The ride usually takes between 35 and 45 minutes. If the boat stops in Hull or Logan, tack on an extra 10 or 15. Compare that to driving. On a good day? Driving wins. On a "real" day with rain, a stalled car in the Braintree Split, or just general Tuesday vibes? The ferry wins every single time.
What it costs (The 2026 Price Tag):
A one-way ticket is currently $9.75. You can pay with the mTicket app, a paper ticket, or just tap your contactless credit card at the gate. If you’re a daily grinder, the monthly pass is around $329, which sounds steep until you calculate what Boston parking garages are charging these days. Pro tip: that ferry pass also works for the Commuter Rail (up to Zone 5), the subway, and buses. It’s the ultimate "I don't want to drive anymore" starter pack.
Why the Hingham Shipyard is Changing Right Now
If you head down to the Hingham terminal lately, you’ll notice things look a little... messy. There’s a massive $13.3 million dock improvement project going on.
They’re basically tearing out the old floating docks and installing a high-tech, fully ADA-accessible system. The MBTA says this should wrap up by Fall 2026. Until then, parking is a bit of a scavenger hunt. The main lot at the Shipyard has about 1,700 spots, but construction equipment is eating up chunks of it.
The good news? It’s still only $2 a day to park there. That’s probably the cheapest parking in the state of Massachusetts. If the main lot is packed, there’s overflow parking, but you’ll want to give yourself an extra ten minutes to hike from the further spots.
The "Bar Car" and Other Perks
Let’s be real: why do people actually take the boat? It’s not just the fresh air.
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Most of the vessels on the Hingham run—like the big 400-passenger catamarans—have a galley. In the morning, it’s all about the coffee and maybe a soggy but oddly satisfying breakfast sandwich. But the evening commute is where the magic happens. They serve beer, wine, and cocktails. There is something profoundly therapeutic about sipping a Harpoon IPA while watching the sun set behind the Custom House Tower. It turns the "decompress" time between work and home into an actual event.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Bikes: You can bring them. It’s free. Just look for the bike racks on the lower deck.
- Wi-Fi: It exists, but don't try to host a Zoom call on it. It’s fine for emails, but the ocean doesn't always play nice with signals.
- The Top Deck: Even in October, people will sit up there. Bring a windbreaker. The "sea breeze" is no joke once the captain hammers the throttle.
Comparing Your Options: Ferry vs. Greenbush Line
I get asked this a lot: "Should I just take the train?"
Hingham has two Commuter Rail stations on the Greenbush Line (West Hingham and Nantasket Junction). The train is technically a dollar cheaper ($8.75 for a Zone 6 one-way) and it’s more reliable when the weather turns truly nasty. If there’s a massive gale or ice floes in the harbor, the ferry might cancel. The train rarely does.
However, the train drops you at South Station. The ferry drops you right at the edge of the water. If your office is in the Seaport or near the Greenway, the boat is a much shorter walk. Plus, the train doesn't have a bar. Just saying.
Survival Tips for First-Timers
Don't be the person sprinting down the gangway as the crew is pulling up the ramp. It’s embarrassing, and they won't stop for you.
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- Download the mTicket app before you get there. Cell service at the dock can be spotty when 300 people are all trying to load their tickets at once.
- Watch the "Hull" vs "Direct" labels. If you accidentally hop on a boat that stops at Pemberton Point in Hull, you’re adding time to your trip. It’s a beautiful stop, but not if you’re late for dinner.
- Check the MBTA Ferry Twitter (or X) feed. They are surprisingly good at announcing delays or mechanical issues in real-time.
- The "Beth" is your friend. If you miss the boat at the Shipyard, don't just sit in your car and cry. The Beth Kitchen & Bar is right there. Grab a drink, get some tuna tartare, and wait for the next one.
Is the Ferry Right for You?
If you value your sanity more than a few extra dollars, yes. The ferry from Boston to Hingham MA is one of the few "premium" experiences left in public transit. You get a seat. You get a view. You get to breathe air that doesn't smell like exhaust fumes.
The main limitation is the schedule. It isn't a subway; it doesn't run every ten minutes. If you miss that last boat around 10:00 or 11:00 PM (depending on the season), you’re looking at a very expensive Uber ride or a long wait for the late-night bus.
Your Next Steps:
Check the current Winter 2026 schedule on the MBTA website before you head out, as times shift slightly between the summer and winter months. If you’re planning a trip to Logan, aim for a boat that leaves at least two hours before your boarding time to account for the shuttle bus from the dock to the terminals. For the best experience, grab a seat on the starboard side (right side) when leaving Boston for the best views of the harbor islands.