Major city · United States
Hyannis
Give Hyannis 2 nights as a Mid Cape base: ferries to Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard leave from here, and the Kennedy sights sit within a 20-minute walk.
Hyannis is the commercial hub of Cape Cod and the village where the Kennedy family summered. It holds the cape's main ferry docks, its regional airport and its bus and seasonal rail terminals, so most trips pass through rather than stay long. Two nights covers the harbour, the Kennedy museum and memorial, and one island day trip; add a night if you want both islands or a whale watch.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Jun–Sep for ferries, beaches and whale watches; late May and September for lower prices
- avoid Jan–Mar (many businesses closed, ferries reduced); hurricane season peaks Aug–Oct
- Airports
- HYA · BOS
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Hyannis911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Hyannis, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyHyannis is a normal working town with a busy summer crowd; the real risks are traffic, rip currents and late-night bar tabs.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportHYA Barnstable Municipal Airport (Boardman/Polando Field) (Cape Air links Boston, Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard and Provincetown…
- Getting aroundThe centre is walkable: Main Street to the harbour is about 15–20 minutes on foot.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee$3–6
- Street or quick mealBreakfast diner plate$12–20
- BeerDraft beer in a bar$7–10
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi or rideshare, Main Street to Route 132 hotels$15–25
- Metro or bus rideCCRTA bus ride$1–2
- Museum or sight ticketJFK Hyannis Museum entryAdults $12, seniors $10, ages 8–17 and students $6, under 7 free
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed (May–October), a night, per personUS$45
- Mid-range bedMotel or budget double room, a night, per roomUS$140
- High-end bedMotel or budget double room, a night, per roomUS$220
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$90 · Mid US$180 · High US$320
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- HYA Barnstable Municipal Airport (Boardman/Polando Field) (Cape Air links Boston, Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard and Provincetown; seasonal Providence and New Bedford service (check)) · BOS Boston Logan International (About 1 h 30 min by car; Plymouth & Brockton buses run to Hyannis, roughly hourly)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
Feb
Avoid
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
Mar
Avoid
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Apr
not flagged
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
May
Best*
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Jun
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Jul
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Aug
Care
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Sep
Care
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Oct
Avoid
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Nov
not flagged
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Dec
not flagged
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Best: May–Jul. Mixed: Aug–Sep. Avoid: Jan–Mar, Oct. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)), coolest Jan (−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C) low), wettest Dec (11 rain days), driest Jul (8). Averages, not a forecast.
* only part of the month (early, mid or late).
Weather and climate
Hyannis: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
10 rd
Feb
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
9 rd
Mar
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
10 rd
Apr
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
10 rd
May
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
10 rd
Jun
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
9 rd
Jul
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
8 rd
Aug
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
8 rd
Sep
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
8 rd
Oct
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
9 rd
Nov
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
10 rd
Dec
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
11 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The centre is walkable: Main Street to the harbour is about 15–20 minutes on foot. Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority buses cover the cape, with fares around $1–2 each way; the H2O route runs Hyannis–Orleans along Route 28 and the Sealine route runs west toward Woods Hole. Taxis and rideshares fill the gaps; a car helps for beaches and the mall strip.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Nantucket
goDoor to door: About 1 h by fast ferry, 2 h 15 min by traditional ferry
Steamship Authority or Hy-Line fast ferry from Hyannis Harbor
Book vehicle space weeks ahead in summer; foot passengers can usually walk on.
Martha's Vineyard (Oak Bluffs)
goDoor to door: About 1 h by catamaran
Hy-Line catamaran from Ocean Street Dock, or Steamship Authority from 65 South St
A full day; rent a bike or use the island bus from the dock.
Provincetown
goDoor to door: About 20 min by air, 1 h 15 min by car
Cape Air from Barnstable Municipal, or drive Route 6
Better as an overnight in summer than a rushed return.
Yarmouth and Dennis beaches
goDoor to door: 15–30 min
Drive Route 28 south, or CCRTA bus
Parking lots fill by mid-morning in July and August.
Boston
goDoor to door: About 2 h 15 min by rail
CapeFLYER train from Hyannis Transportation Center (seasonal), or Plymouth & Brockton bus
CapeFLYER runs roughly Memorial Day to Labor Day, Friday–Sunday.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Hyannis Harbor / Ocean Street
Walk to the island ferries, the JFK Memorial and waterfront restaurants; the most useful base without a car.
Main Street
Shops, cafés and the JFK Hyannis Museum on foot; the bus and rail terminal is at Main and Central.
Route 28 / Iyannough Road (Route 132)
Chain hotels, the Cape Cod Mall and the airport; cheaper, but you need a car or the local bus.
West Yarmouth and Hyannis Port edges
Resorts with pools and parking; a short drive from the centre.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $90–150 excl. bed
- Mid
- $150–260 excl. bed
- High
- $260+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Mid-range hotel double room1 × 2 nights × US$230 | US$460 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × US$180 | US$720 |
| Round-trip fast ferry to Nantucket or Martha's Vineyard2 × US$90 | US$180 |
| Whale watch cruise2 × US$53 | US$106 |
| Car rental, one day1 × US$90 | US$90 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × US$20 | US$40 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$160 |
| Trip total≈ US$439 per person per day, bed included | US$1,756 |
2026 estimate in US dollars; prices are shown before Massachusetts sales tax (6.25%). Flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | $3–6 |
| Breakfast diner plate | $12–20 |
| Fish and chips or a lobster roll | $18–35 |
| Draft beer in a bar | $7–10 |
| CCRTA bus ride | $1–2 |
| Taxi or rideshare, Main Street to Route 132 hotels | $15–25 |
| JFK Hyannis Museum entry | Adults $12, seniors $10, ages 8–17 and students $6, under 7 free |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Summer traffic on Route 28 and Route 132 can double short drives; allow extra time for ferry check-in.
- Ferry and whale-watch seats sell out in July and August: book ahead.
- Some hotels and restaurants close or cut hours from November to April.
- Rip currents and cold water on ocean-side beaches; swim near lifeguards.
- Hurricane season runs roughly June–November, peaking August–October: watch forecasts if you are camping or boating.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
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HyannisHyannis
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Embassy
No embassies in Hyannis; national embassies are in Washington, DC and consulates-general in Boston.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Hyannis → Nantucket, fast ferry: about $45–60 one way, about 1 h
- Hyannis → Martha's Vineyard, catamaran: about $40–55 one way, about 1 h
- Boston → Hyannis, Plymouth & Brockton bus: about $30–40 one way, about 2 h
- CapeFLYER Boston South Station → Hyannis: about $20–40 one way, about 2 h 15 min, seasonal
Say or show
- Thank you — Thank you
- Where is the ferry dock? — Where is the ferry dock?
- One ticket to Nantucket, please — One ticket to Nantucket, please
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- Where is the restroom? — Where is the restroom?
Tipping is expected: 18–22% at sit-down restaurants, $1–2 a drink, 15–20% for taxis.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Hyannis. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun–Sep for ferries, beaches and whale watches; late May and September for lower prices · avoid Jan–Mar (many businesses closed, ferries reduced); hurricane season peaks Aug–Oct · month by month →
- 2 airports and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for HYA and BOS: last bus and train departures field-checked, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: Main Street, Hyannis Harbor and Ocean Street, the Route 132 hotel strip.
- Place pages with verified hours and cutoffs (JFK Hyannis Museum, Cape Cod Maritime Museum, JFK Memorial, Cape Cod Melody Tent) and eat pages with last orders.
- Ferry and whale-watch booking fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialCape Cod Chamber of Commerce
- officialTown of Barnstable
- officialCape Cod Regional Transit Authority
- officialBarnstable Municipal Airport
- officialSteamship Authority
- officialHy-Line Cruises
- officialCapeFLYER
- officialJohn F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum
- secondaryWikivoyage: Hyannis, revision 5312901 (CC BY-SA 4.0)