Just 65 mi (105 km) along the north shore and 75 mi (121 km) along the southern shore, Cape Cod is an incredibly accessible destination for those traveling without cars. Whether travelers prefer public transit, cycling adventures, Uber, Kayak, or a bit of all four, Cape Cod is the beachside destination for them.

Its relatively small size, incredible landscape, and respectable public transit are why Cape Cod is perfect for those without a car. There’s no need to wait in some of the worst traffic jams in Massachusetts just to get into the cape when you really don’t need a car at all to explore there.

Starting The Adventure

Getting into the Cape by car is the most common method but anyone familiar with the traffic jams that result from such an endeavor will understand why travelers should consider alternatives. Busses can’t dodge the traffic jams but at least the traveler isn’t the one dealing with it. Trains are the fastest option, though travelers need to make sure they have access to their stations.

Train

Most travelers looking to enjoy Cape Cod are trying to do so during the summer months making CapeFLYER an excellent choice. Running from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day from South Station to Hyannis, with stops in Brockton, Braintree, Wareham Village, Middleborough/Lakeville, Buzzards Bay, and Bourne, travelers will have a chance to easily access the Cape while also dodging the traffic.

For those landing at Logan Airport, they can take the Silver Line Route SL1 from your terminal to South Station at zero cost where they can connect to the CapeFLYER.

Bus

Peter Pan busses offer a variety of options for accessing the Cape. Travelers can start at Logan Airport, South Station, or a variety of other destinations and be dropped off at their choice of Cape starting destination. Perhaps not as quick as the train, Peter Pan busses offer a wider variety of starting points and drop-off locations that travelers can take advantage of as well as the choice of one-way and round-trip Peter Pan is a great choice for getting around the Cape.

Related: Looking For A Summer Destination? Try Massachusetts' Nantucket Island

Transit Options

Once travelers reach the Cape the next challenge becomes navigating the seaside towns, stunning beaches, and inspiring architecture. The Cape is not incredibly large so navigating it via rented bicycle is quite doable even if it isn’t every traveler's cup of tea. Uber is an obvious option, but it isn’t that cost effect and kind of flirts with crossing the line of navigating the Cape without a car. The public buses along the Cape are a great choice and an affordable one. It's hard to beat two dollars per ride or six dollars for a day pass. If you are feeling extra adventurous another option is Kayaking around the waterways of Cape Cod.

Bike Rentals

The Cape has more than a few bike rental destinations but here are three that are worth checking out. Canal Cruisers Bicycles and Buzzards Bay Bikes are located right at the threshold of the Cape in Buzzards Bay making them great destinations for grabbing the bike to start your journey with. Dennis Cycle Center is located in South Dennis towards the center of the Cape but is also a highly rated shop for travelers to rent a bicycle from.

Public Transit Routes/Methods

The Cape Cod Regional Transportation Authority (CCRTA), offers affordable and versatile transit options for its passengers on the Cape. Running Monday through Saturday, travelers can make use of the CCRTA as a cheap traveling option to jump between destinations along the Cape. The obvious absence of the Sunday may be a problem but can be planned around.

Uber

Well, this option is fairly self-explanatory. Travelers to Cape Cod equipped with a smartphone and access to the Uber application should have no problem navigating the Cape, however, this is the far more expensive choice even though it is quite convenient.

Related: 10 Best Beaches In Cape Cod

Kayaking

This option may seem a little off, but it is totally doable. Cape Cod is home to some of the best kayaking locations along the east coast and also has plenty of shops that rent kayaks to travelers. Travelers may not be able to get as far as easily as they could using other means of transportation, however, it is quite the adventurous means of exploring the Cape.