Salem officials urge visitors to use rail and ferry for Halloween

The City of Salem is asking residents and tourists to leave their cars at home this Saturday, October 31, as it hosts Halloween celebrations for its 400th anniversary. Mayor Dominick Pangallo expects record attendance due to high visitor numbers throughout October. The administration advises travelers to arrive via the MBTA Commuter Rail or the Salem Ferry because central streets will close to traffic and parking availability will be scarce.

The Newburyport/Rockport Line will operate with extended service from North Station, with trains departing every 40 minutes. The ride to Salem takes approximately 30 minutes. A single ticket costs $8, while a discounted fare is $4. A $10 weekend pass allows unlimited travel on the Commuter Rail on Saturday and Sunday. Riders traveling from Chelsea, Lynn, or Swampscott can board directly on the same line. The final train from Salem to Boston departs at 11:14 p.m., and bicycles are prohibited on trains to Salem during the holiday weekend.

The Salem Ferry, operated by Boston Harbor City Cruises, offers a maritime alternative for a fare of approximately $40. The crossing takes slightly less than one hour and arrives at the Blaney Street terminal. October 31 marks the final day of the ferry's seasonal operation. Travelers must book in advance and verify the final return departure time before leaving.

Drivers who must travel by car should arrive early. Downtown streets will close to all traffic by noon, though closures may begin earlier if crowds grow large. The city anticipates heavy congestion on Routes 114 and 1A, as well as delays on Route 128. A free satellite parking lot at 108 Jefferson Avenue is available on Saturdays and is a five-minute walk from the center. Vehicles parked in resident-only zones face a $75 fine and potential towing. The MBTA station garage will stop accepting entry at 6 p.m. and will not allow exits until 11:30 p.m.

MBTA bus routes 450, 455, and 465 will follow detours on Saturday. Route 455 will not stop at Salem Depot, and the Salem Depot busway will close at 6 p.m. Routes 451 and 456 do not operate on Saturdays.

The evening program concludes with a drone show over the North River at 10:10 p.m., visible from the MBTA platform or Washington Street. City officials request that visitors leave by 10:30 p.m. when police and public works begin clearing streets. This timing allows pedestrians to reach the station in time for the final train. Violations such as drinking in the street, littering, or vandalism carry triple fines of up to $300. Weapons, including those worn as costumes, are not permitted. The Salem police department can close any street at any time for safety, and residents can download the MySalemMA app for real-time alerts.