Major city · United States
ProvincetownP-town
Give Provincetown 2–3 nights, not a day trip: the 2 h drive from Boston and the 90-min ferry both eat a day. Go late May–June or September–October.
Provincetown sits at the tip of Cape Cod, 97 km past the canal and 2 h from Boston by car or 90 min by seasonal fast ferry. It is a small walkable town — Commercial Street is the spine — with beaches, dunes and whale-watching offshore. Two nights covers the monument, the national seashore and a whale trip; three lets you slow down.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Late May–Jun, Sep–Oct
- avoid Jan–Mar (cold, many places shut); Jul–Aug weekends (crowds, peak prices)
- Airports
- PVC · BOS · PVD
- Nights
- 2–3
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 Provincetown911 ▾
- 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 Provincetown, 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
- SafetyProvincetown is a small, tolerant resort town and feels safe day and night; the real risks are wind and sun on the beaches, ticks in the dunes…
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.
- AirportPVC Provincetown Municipal Airport (Race Point Rd, 6 km (3.7 mi) from the centre; taxi about $7, shuttle about $2.).PVC Provincetown Municipal Airport (Race Point Rd, 3.7 mi (6 km) from the centre; taxi about $7, shuttle about $2.).
- Getting aroundThe town is compact: walk Commercial Street and Bradford Street.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee$4–6
- BeerBeer at a bar$7–10
- Museum or sight ticketPilgrim Monument and museum entry$12 adult, $9 senior, $4 child
- Budget bedHostel or shared-room bed, a night, per personUS$60
- Mid-range bedGuesthouse double room, a night, per roomUS$260
- High-end bedGuesthouse double room, a night, per roomUS$450
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$120 · Mid US$200 · High US$350
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
- PVC Provincetown Municipal Airport (Race Point Rd, 6 km (3.7 mi) from the centre; taxi about $7, shuttle about $2.) · BOS Boston Logan International (About 2.5 h by car; Cape Air flies to PVC in about 20 min; Plymouth & Brockton bus to Provincetown via Hyannis.) · PVD T.F. Green, Providence (About 2.5 h by car without traffic.)PVC Provincetown Municipal Airport (Race Point Rd, 3.7 mi (6 km) from the centre; taxi about $7, shuttle about $2.) · BOS Boston Logan International (About 2.5 h by car; Cape Air flies to PVC in about 20 min; Plymouth & Brockton bus to Provincetown via Hyannis.) · PVD T.F. Green, Providence (About 2.5 h by car without traffic.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
Feb
Avoid
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
Mar
Avoid
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Apr
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
May
Best*
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Jun
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Jul
Avoid
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Aug
Avoid
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Sep
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Oct
Best
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Nov
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Dec
not flagged
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
Best: May–Jun, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jan–Mar, Jul–Aug. 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 (12 rain days), driest Jul (9). Averages, not a forecast.
* only part of the month (early, mid or late).
Weather and climate
Provincetown: 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
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
11 rd
Feb
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
10 rd
Mar
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
11 rd
Apr
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
11 rd
May
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
11 rd
Jun
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
10 rd
Jul
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
9 rd
Aug
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
9 rd
Sep
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
9 rd
Oct
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
10 rd
Nov
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
11 rd
Dec
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
12 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 town is compact: walk Commercial Street and Bradford Street. Bicycles are the best way to reach Race Point and the Province Lands loop (rentals on Bradford Street and Commercial Street, summer only). The Provincetown/North Truro shuttle runs late May to late September between the ferry dock, the visitor centre, beaches and Highland Lighthouse. Taxis cover the airport and late nights; a rental car is only worth it for day trips off the Cape tip.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Truro and Highland Lighthouse
goDoor to door: About 30 min
Drive or shuttle north on Route 6, about 15–20 min
Pair the lighthouse with Head of the Meadow beach; shuttle stops here in season.
Wellfleet
goDoor to door: About 30 min
Drive Route 6 south, about 25 min
Oysters, ponds and the drive-in; easy half-day.
Eastham
cautionDoor to door: About 40 min
Drive Route 6 south, about 35 min
Watch the speed limit through town; the national seashore visitor centre is the draw.
Door to door: 2–3 h
Fast ferry from MacMillan Pier, 90 min, mid-May to October; or drive about 2.5 h
Too far for a return day trip; make it the leg in or out.
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.
Commercial Street (east end)
Galleries, restaurants and bars on your doorstep; noisiest at night, book early for festival weeks.
Commercial Street (west end)
Quieter stretch toward the West End, still a 10–15 min walk to the pier and centre.
Bradford Street
Parallel back street, cheaper guesthouses and inns, 5–10 min walk to Commercial Street.
Near MacMillan Pier / Lopes Square
Best if you arrive by ferry or leave early on a whale boat; luggage-friendly.
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
- $120–180 excl. bed
- Mid
- $180–300 excl. bed
- High
- $300+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Guesthouse double room1 × 2 nights × US$260 | US$520 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × US$200 | US$800 |
| Fast ferry Boston–Provincetown, one way2 × US$70 · Seasonal, mid-May to October | US$140 |
| Whale-watching trip from MacMillan Pier2 × US$75 · 3–4 h | US$150 |
| Bicycle rental, one day2 × US$35 · Summer only | US$70 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × US$20 | US$40 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$172 |
| Trip total≈ US$473 per person per day, bed included | US$1,892 |
2026 estimate in US dollars, before sales tax and tip; ferry and flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | $4–6 |
| Lobster roll | $25–35 |
| Fried clam plate | $22–30 |
| Beer at a bar | $7–10 |
| Pilgrim Monument and museum entry | $12 adult, $9 senior, $4 child |
| Provincetown Art Association and Museum entry | $7 |
| Taxi airport to centre | about $7 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Summer accommodation sells out weeks ahead and prices spike for festival weeks — book before you fix dates.
- Route 6 through Eastham has a low speed limit and is a known speed trap.
- Ferries run late spring to mid-fall only; outside that window you drive or fly.
- Off-season many restaurants and guesthouses close mid-week; check before a winter trip.
- Beach and dune trails are exposed: wind, sun and ticks — use repellent and stay on marked paths.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
ProvincetownP-town
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Embassy
No embassies in town; consulates-general are in Boston.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Fast ferry Boston → MacMillan Pier: about $70 one way, 90 min, mid-May to October
- Provincetown/North Truro shuttle: day pass, late May to late September
- Taxi PVC airport → centre: about $7
Say or show
- Thank you — Thank you
- The check, please — The check, please
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- Where is the ferry dock? — Where is the ferry dock?
US tipping: 18–22% at sit-down restaurants, $1–2 a drink, 15–20% 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 Provincetown. 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: Late May–Jun, Sep–Oct · avoid Jan–Mar (cold, many places shut); Jul–Aug weekends (crowds, peak prices) · month by month →
- 3 airports and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- An airport-to-bed path that says whether a late landing still works
- Walking clusters with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Field-verified times and fares
Sources
- officialProvincetown Tourism Office
- officialTown of Provincetown
- officialCape Cod National Seashore — Province Lands Visitor Center
- officialPilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum
- officialProvincetown Art Association and Museum
- officialCape Cod Transit — Provincetown/North Truro shuttle
- officialPlymouth & Brockton Street Railway
- officialBay State Cruise Company
- officialCape Air
- secondaryWikivoyage: Provincetown, revision 5252604 (CC BY-SA 4.0)