Not sure how to get to Salem Haunted Happenings? Located 15 miles north of Boston Salem is centrally to arrive by train, ferry, car, or broom! Find the best way to get to Salem during this year’s Halloween season with these tips:
Take the train
The easiest way to get to Salem Haunted Happenings is to take the MBTA Commuter Rail. Salem is located on the Newburyport/Rockport line and is accessible from stops in Rockport, Beverly, and Lynn, and is just 30 minutes from Boston’s North Station. If you are planning a day trip to Salem, you can always park at a neighboring “T” station and take the train right downtown.
Cruise aboard the Salem Ferry
Boston Harbor Cruises operates the Salem Ferry out of Boston’s Long Wharf (near the New England Aquarium). The ferry arrives in Salem at 10 Blaney Street, just a short walk to The House of the Seven Gables and Salem Maritime National Historic Site. It takes just under an hour to get from Boston to Salem on the water, and the trip offers scenic views of local coastlines along the way. (And if you find yourself with some extra time before your return ferry, stay on Blaney Street and relax with a beer or a signature cocktail at The Landing!)
Drive yourself
We recommend using public transportation to get to Salem Haunted Happenings, especially on busy October weekends and Halloween night, but if you prefer to drive there are garages, lots, and metered on-street parking around town. The Museum Place Garage at 1 New Liberty Street is centrally located across the street from the Salem Regional Visitor Center and the Peabody Essex Museum and the Congress Street Garage is located close to Salem Maritime National Historic Site, and the restaurants and shops along Derby Street and Pickering Wharf. Additional garages and lots are also available, and detailed parking information is available here.
If you decide to drive…
- Plan to arrive in Salem early to secure a parking spot as lots and garages do fill up
- Avoid parking in resident only/”no parking” areas to avoid being ticketed and/or towed
- Follow @hauntdhappnings on Twitter for current parking updates as you travel into Salem
Have an RV?
Motor home and RV parking is permitted at Salem Willows Park and along Fort Avenue adjacent to the Dominion Power Plant. From downtown Salem, driving northeast, Derby Street turns into Fort Avenue. The Salem Trolley runs tours to Salem Willows and can provide transportation to the downtown for the cost of their ticket prices and there is a Zagster bike station at the Willows as well. RV camping is available seasonally at Winter Island Maritime Park. Learn more and contact Winter Island here.
Ride shares & taxis
Ride shares are plentiful during Salem Haunted Happenings, and you may find a taxi to be the easiest way to get to exactly where you want to go. If you are thinking about using a taxi or ride share to travel to Salem, check with your accommodations for recommendations.
If you use a ride share service…
- Remember to confirm the color, make/model of the car, license plate number, and driver name
- Use central pick-up/drop-up locations and note that street closures and October traffic may cause delays
Walk!
If you are staying in downtown Salem, everything you’ll want to see and do in October is within walking distance from your accommodations. During October especially, it is easier to walk to your next destination than to move the car between sites.
