If getting there is half the fun, then consider travelling to Martha’s Vineyard a chance to choose your own adventure. Where you take the ferry from will determine the length of the boat ride; the longest is from New York City; Quonset, RI offers an easier trip for southern New Englanders, and the shortest will be out of Woods Hole, MA. Booking passage for an automobile is also a consideration so make sure look at all options to decide what’s best.
Here is list of the most current ways to get on and off the island, as well as to various transportation hubs.
While there are lots of ferry options May-October, the ONLY year-round ferry service and the ONLY service that carries cars, motorcycles and trucks is the Steamship Authority.
The Steamship Authority operates ALL day, EVERY day from Woods Hole on Cape Cod. The trip between Woods Hole and Martha’s Vineyard takes 45 minutes and bicycles and pets are welcome. The ferry has refreshments, restrooms and WIFI.
What you need to know:
Passengers can walk onto ANY of the ferries without reservations, year-round.
You MUST make an advanced reservation for your car. You can do that on their website , or call the reservation line 508.477.8600.
Please note that parking is NOT available at the ferry terminals. The Steamship Authority website has all the information you need regarding parking, shuttles and more.
Ferries dock in the village of Vineyard Haven year-round. Mid-May through mid-October, some ferries dock in Oak Bluffs. Land in the wrong spot? No worries! Taxis and the public bus are located at the ferry terminals.
Seasonal passenger-only ferry service is provided from many additional locations in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York and Northern New Jersey. Sadly, there is NO direct ferry service from Boston.
Falmouth Edgartown Ferry from Falmouth on Cape Cod to Edgartown.
This 72 foot luxury fast ferry is the only ferry that sails into Edgartown Harbor. Cruise the waters of Vineyard Sound for a 75-minute trip to Edgartown.
Hy-line Cruises from Hyannis on Cape Cod to Oak Bluffs. This service offers both high speed and traditional ferry service from mid-Cape to Oak Bluffs. Fares, and schedules vary, and parking is available near their Hyannis Harbor ferry terminal. Pets are permitted and bicycles are allowed for an additional fee, and refreshments are available.
Martha’s Vineyard Fast Ferry from North Kingston, Rhode Island.
Fast Ferry service takes 75 minutes, bicycles and pets are permitted. There is secure dockside parking provided. WIFI, snacks and refreshments onboard. Seasonal service May thru October. Reservations highly recommended.
Island Queen from Falmouth on Cape Cod to Oak Bluffs. This scenic trip takes 30 minutes from Falmouth Harbor, pets and bicycles are permitted, refreshments are available and parking is available at the Island Queen lots in Falmouth.
SeaStreak from New York and Northern New Jersey as well as from New Bedford in Southeastern Massachusetts.
The New York to Martha’s Vineyard service takes 5 hours with no connecting stops. WIFI, bar and refreshments and 12 large screen TVs available.
The fast ferry service from New Bedford takes 50 minutes, and pets and bicycles are permitted, WIFI and refreshments are available.
Cape Air offers daily, year-round flights from Boston, and additional seasonal service from New Bedford, Hyannis and Nantucket in Massachusetts, New York’s ZYP and Westchester, New York
JetBlue provides seasonal flights direct from Boston’s Logan Airport and New York’s JFK Airport to Martha’s Vineyard.
Delta provides seasonal flights service direct from New York’s JFK airport to Martha’s Vineyard between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
