Fast travel in Castlevania: Belmont's Curse is unlocked only after a considerable amount of player progression, requiring players to reach a specific point in the game's story. Until this feature becomes available, players will need to traverse the game's world on foot.
Unlocking the Boatman
Fast travel is automatically granted upon meeting the Boatman. This encounter does not occur early in the game. The entrance to the Boatman's area is located deep within the Catacombs, which can only be accessed after defeating three specific bosses in Paris: Medusa, Joan at the top of Prison Tower, and The Fallen. Upon defeating these bosses, players will receive their respective emblems, granting access to the Catacombs.
Navigating the Catacombs involves following a path downwards, with green wall markers available as a guide. It is advisable to open pathways back to the mirror room during descent to facilitate easier returns via elevator.
The Encounter with Death
At the lowest point of the Catacombs, players will face Death in a mandatory boss encounter. This fight is designed as a guaranteed loss, with Death defeating the player almost immediately. Following a series of cutscenes, the player must guide Rose back up through the Catacombs, which involves platforming segments that require wall-jumping and avoiding spikes. This path leads back to the Death's Throat area.
Here, players will find a new door, the sole path forward. Opening this door leads to the Boatman, who will then offer his fast travel services. Once unlocked, the Boatman can transport the player to any previously visited area in Paris and the zone that becomes accessible after the fight with Death, significantly reducing travel time across the game's map.