Facility Overview
The Plymouth Park & Ride Lot at Exit 13 (formerly Exit 5) is a vital regional transportation nexus and rest facility operated in conjunction with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) and the Massachusetts Visitor Information Center. Located directly off Route 3 in Plymouth, Massachusetts, this spacious, paved open-air surface parking facility accommodates approximately 200 vehicles. Because the lot is an open surface area with no overhead clearance bars, height barriers, or multi-story structures, it is fully suitable for standard passenger sedans, large pickup trucks, full-size SUVs, passenger vans, and vehicles equipped with roof racks or cargo carriers. Clear lane markings, designated accessible spaces, and ample turn radiuses ensure straightforward maneuverability for both daily commuters and regional travelers.
Prime Location & Nearby Attractions
Situated right at the gateway to historic Plymouth and Cape Cod, this travel plaza serves as an ideal jumping-off point for sightseeing, recreation, and commercial activities. Adjacent to the lot is the official Massachusetts Visitor Information Center, offering regional maps, brochures, restrooms, and travel assistance. Historic Downtown Plymouth and Plymouth Harbor—home to iconic attractions such as Plymouth Rock, the Mayflower II, Pilgrim Memorial State Park, and bustling waterfront dining—are just a short 7-minute drive (approximately 3.5 miles) to the northeast. Plimoth Patuxet Museums is located roughly 4 miles south, while local retail destinations, including The Grove at Plymouth (formerly Shops at 5) and multiple dining options along Long Pond Road, are only 2 to 3 minutes away.
Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity
Ingress and egress are exceptionally convenient, with direct access ramps connecting to Route 3 at Exit 13 (South Street / Long Pond Road corridor). This strategic highway positioning allows motorists traveling north toward Boston or south toward the Sagamore Bridge and Cape Cod to slip off and on the highway with minimal local street delay. In addition to highway access, the plaza serves as a prime public transit hub. The Plymouth & Brockton Street Railway Co. (P&B) operates direct, frequent daily motorcoach service from this lot to Boston South Station and Boston Logan International Airport (BOS). Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority (GATRA) local bus routes also connect passengers to downtown Plymouth, local medical centers, and neighboring transit stops.
Facility Amenities & Key Features
- Open-air surface parking accommodating approximately 200 vehicles
- No vertical clearance limitations, permitting high-roof vans, lifted trucks, and roof-racked vehicles
- On-site Massachusetts Visitor Information Center featuring clean public restrooms, tourist displays, and area literature
- Designated ADA-compliant accessible parking stalls close to the center and bus boarding areas
- Direct intercity coach connections via Plymouth & Brockton (P&B) to Boston Logan Airport and downtown Boston
- High-visibility lighting throughout the lot for early-morning and late-evening security
- Free commuter and park-and-ride parking for carpoolers and transit riders
Ideal For
- Daily commuters taking the Plymouth & Brockton express coach into Downtown Boston or South Station
- Airline travelers heading to Boston Logan International Airport seeking a seamless park-and-ride solution without downtown parking rates
- Carpoolers, vanpoolers, and rideshare meetups connecting along the Route 3 corridor
- Tourists and road trippers stopping for regional information, maps, and travel resources on the way to Cape Cod or Plymouth attractions
Visitor & Driver Tips
Commuter parking at this state-managed facility is typically free of charge, making it a very cost-effective alternative to airport and downtown garage tariffs. However, because spaces are claimed on a first-come, first-served basis, spaces can fill early on peak weekday commute mornings and holiday weekends. Commuters riding the P&B bus to Logan Airport should arrive at least 20 to 30 minutes ahead of scheduled coach departure times to secure a space, purchase tickets, and comfortably load luggage. Always lock your vehicle, conceal any visible valuables, and confirm bus schedules ahead of time during inclement weather or major holidays.
