A car driving down the street in Gloucester (c) Photo Credit

By Car

Lynn, Peabody, Salem, Danvers, Marblehead, Essex, and Gloucester are accessible from Route 128. Note: I-95 and Route 128 North share the same loop around Boston. When I-95 and Route 128 North divide, stay on Route 128 North.

Ipswich lies off Route 1A between the “V” formed by I-95 and Route 128. Consult a map to determine the best way to reach Ipswich from your starting point.

Amesbury, Newbury, and Newburyport are just south of the New Hampshire border on I-95. Lawrence, Andover, Haverhill, and the Merrimack Valley lie farther west. Take I-93 North for Andover, North Andover, and Lawrence, and continue onto I-495 North for Haverhill.

The Salem Ferry parked at the dock at sunset

By Ferry from Boston

Board Salem Ferry at Central Wharf (New England Aquarium Whale Watch booth) for a relaxing 50-minute trip aboard a high-speed catamaran. Ferry docks at the Blaney Street Wharf on Salem’s historic waterfront. Eight round trips daily, Memorial Day-October 31. For rates and schedule, call 978-741-0220 or go to https://www.bostonharborcruises.com/salem-ferry.

Commuter Rail

By Train

The towns featured in North of Boston’s itineraries are primarily served by two MBTA Commuter Rail lines, Newburyport/Rockport or Haverhill, both departing from Boston’s North Station. Visit https://www.mbta.com for schedules and maps

An MBTA bus in Burlington, Massachusetts

By Bus from Boston

Buses for the North Shore depart from Boston’s Haymarket Station. Visit https://www.mbta.com and look at the schedules and maps for bus routes 411 through 468.

A plane taking off with Boston skyline in the background

By Air

Essex County is served by Boston Logan Airport and Manchester-Boston Regional Airport in Manchester, New Hampshire.