Wondering about taking the CapeFLYER train? Here's what you need to know

I'll never give up an opportunity to spend a day on the Cape with a friend.

I'm writing for the Cape Cod Times this summer. My assignment was to try out the CapeFLYER train, which runs between Boston and Hyannis on summer weekends.

The train is intended to be a convenient way to skip traffic. But for my morning trip on June 22 starting in Braintree, the train was an hour delayed at the start, with no warning. Then there was another delay once we reached the railroad bridge at the Cape Cod Canal, starting the day off with a frustration that we didn’t shake until lunch.

It was a cloudy, humid day — the kind you forget to apply sunscreen on and regret it later. We ate at the Grilled Cheese Gallery on Main Street in Hyannis, then walked to the beach. This saved the day. We spent a few hours there until the crowd came in, before walking back, getting ice cream and meandering around shops until we remembered our budgets.

The trip back was smooth and fast, though the kids on board had more energy and noise to make than one may expect during the evening. One child seemed to have a squeaky toy. The day was fun and the afternoon passed quickly, in spite of its rough beginnings. The train had lovely views and mostly ran smoothly, but the delays on the way there and the noise on the way back put a damper on the travel portion.

Here’s what you need to know based on a CapeFLYER trip from Braintree to Hyannis and back on Saturday, June 22. My fare was $10 round-trip due to a special promotion in June only.

When does the CapeFLYER run?

The CapeFLYER runs through Labor Day. It has trains running on Friday evenings, Saturdays and Sundays, according to its website.

Friday trains leave South Station at 5:42 p.m. and leave Hyannis at 8:45 p.m. Saturday and Sunday morning trains leave South Station at 7:45 a.m. The evening train leaves Hyannis at 6:10 p.m.

What stations can you get on at?

The CapeFLYER has stops at South Station in Boston, Braintree, Brockton, the Middleborough/Lakeville platform, Wareham Village, Buzzards Bay, Bourne and Hyannis.

How do you purchase tickets for CapeFLYER?

Tickets can be purchased through the conductor, South Station or through the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s (MBTA) mTicket mobile ticketing app.

To purchase tickets through the app, open the app and click ‘Buy Tickets.’ Choose your origin and destination stations, and ensure the CapeFLYER stops at them. You’ll have the option of a one-way ticket or a round trip ticket, and you can purchase through the app.

How much are tickets?

Ticket prices vary based on when you go and what stations you get on and off at. A round trip ticket from South Station to Hyannis is $40 in July and August, according to its website.

Was the train on time?

The train was scheduled to arrive at Braintree Station at 8:03 a.m. It arrived at 9:12 a.m. The riders received no information on the hour delay until on board. The conductor announced it was due to mechanical issues.

The train arrived in Hyannis at 11:53 a.m. The train ran smoothly, though it did encounter another 30-minute delay at the railroad bridge at the Cape Cod Canal due to boat traffic, which the conductor said was due to the previous delay.

Was the train crowded?

Most seats on the train were filled, but there was still room for more passengers. Despite the early time, passengers could be heard chatting through the 2-hour and 40 minute train ride.

What were the refreshments like?

The train had several food and drink options for breakfast and dinner. This included bagels, yogurt, sandwiches, salads and snack foods. Drinks included water, coffees, sodas, cocktails, beers and wine.

Can I take my dog on the CapeFLYER?

Pets are allowed on the CapeFLYER, though dogs should remain leashed. After all, your furry friends deserve some time on Cape Cod.

Can I take my bike?

Yes! There’s a separate car for people to stow their bikes, and spaces for individual bikes and bikes are free to bring along.

What else is there to know about the ride?

The CapeFLYER has storage for luggage, restrooms on board and free Wi-Fi. Passengers can sit across from their friends and take in views as they travel, including lakes, cranberry bogs and Water Wizz.

What is there to do in Hyannis?

Upon arriving in Hyannis, you can connect through a bus or ferry. However, if you want to stay local you can take a stroll through Main Street and explore small shops, restaurants and ice cream shops.

If you want to stray farther, walk through parks and along Hyannis Harbor or through its art district, filled with small art vendors. The train station is also a 20-minute walk from the beach including Veterans Park Beach.

Also in the area is the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum and the Massachusetts Air and Space Museum. Plus, there are hotels nearby for those staying overnight.

How was the return trip?

The train was at the station at least 20 minutes before it left, likely longer as many people were already on it before that. It left right on time. There were fewer passengers. The train returned to Braintree station at 8:18 pm, eight minutes later than it says on the schedule. The ride back was smooth with no delays.

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This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Lovely views, a squeaky toy, an hour delay: A CapeFLYER train trip