Although only about 17,000 people take up residence permanently on Martha's Vineyard, almost 200,000 enjoy this Massachusetts island gem during the peak season.
With its rocky coastlines dotted with lighthouses, you'll be hard-pressed to find any place more charming to spend your days. It's not surprising that many people want to experience this beach location for themselves!
Getting to this vacation hot spot doesn't have to be a daunting task. We'll take a look at all the options you have for getting to Martha's Vineyard quickly and painlessly.
Traveling by Ferry
The easiest and most popular way to get to this island is by taking a ride on one of the many Martha's Vineyard ferries that will get you from the mainland to the island.
Steamship Authority
One of the most popular ferry services to Martha's Vineyard is the Steamship Authority, which makes daily trips from its Woods Hole terminal located in Cape Cod.
This ferry not only offers the lowest fares around, but it also is the only ferry to carry its passengers year-round. If you choose to travel to Martha's Vineyard using this ferry, you can choose to depart from Vineyard Haven year-round or from Oak Bluffs if you are making your trip during the peak travel months of May to October.
Once aboard the Steamship Authority, you will find comfortable seats, clean restrooms, free WIFI, and refreshments that will make your 45-minute trip go by in a flash. You can even bring your pet along for the ride!
It is important to note that this is the only ferry you can use to transport your car from the mainland to Martha's Vineyard. If you are looking to bring your car to the island, you will need to make a reservation prior to leaving. The reservation spots for car transport fill up quickly, so make sure to book your tickets well in advance!
If you are planning on keeping your car on the mainland, you will have to park at one of the off-site parking lots as parking is not available at the Woods Hole terminal. You can inexpensively park at the Palmer Avenue lot in Falmouth, where you will then catch a complimentary shuttle to the ferry terminal.
On weekends and summer months, make sure to give yourself at least an hour before your desired departure as it can get very busy during these times!
Falmouth Edgartown Ferry
If you're looking for a ferry that leaves from Falmouth, Mass., the Falmouth Edgartown ferry is for you! This 72-foot-long seasonal ferry departs daily to the picturesque Port of Edgartown.
You'll be comfortable during this one-hour ride with refreshments to keep you satisfied and bathrooms if you need them. Pets and bikes are also allowed on board. If you are planning to use this ferry, make sure to arrive half an hour before your scheduled departure to give yourself plenty of time to board.
Hy-Line Cruises
This ferry leaves from Hyannis, Cape Cod and makes its daily journey into Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard. If you are wanting to travel to Martha's Vineyard from the mid-cape, this is the only ferry option you will have.
This high-speed ferry will get you to the island in just about an hour. Make sure to arrive at the port at least 45 minutes before your departure time and make a reservation to guarantee your seat. For convenient parking, you can park your car at the Ocean Street parking lot owned by Hy-Line Cruises for an affordable daily rate.
Island Queen
This 35-minute boat ride to Martha's Vineyard leaves from Falmouth. You can park your car right at the terminal for day trips or longer stays on the island. Pets and bikes are permitted on board for no additional charge.
The easiest way to book your ticket for the Island Queen is online. Enjoy a drink as you take in the views on this scenic trip to Martha's Vineyard!
Martha's Vineyard Fast Ferry
Are you traveling from Rhode Island to Martha's Vineyard? If so, this fast ferry can get you there in style! This high-speed ferry will bring you from Rhode Island to the shores of Martha's Vineyard in just an hour and fifteen minutes.
This ferry departs multiple times a day from the conveniently located Quonset Point, North Kingstown Rhode Island. If you choose this ferry, you can park dockside for a very reasonable daily rate of fifteen dollars.
When you choose Martha's Vineyard Fast Ferry, you will be riding in luxury. Enjoy modern comforts like air conditioning, extra leg room, and flat-screen TVs.
Choosing the Martha's Vineyard Fast Ferry will be saving hours of travel time that you can spend getting your vacation started early!
SeaStreak
This ferry runs from Northern New Jersey and New York to Martha's Vineyard. You will have access to a cash bar on this ferry and can bring your own refreshments for the five-hour trip. Free parking is available in the Highlands, New Jersey lot for those who plan on spending a few days on the island.
Although tickets can be purchased on board, it is highly encouraged to reserve your spot online. Your furry friend won't be left behind as pets are welcome on this trip!
Traveling by Train
If you don't want to drive to the ferry terminals, there are a few different train options that you can board to help get you there.
Amtrak Train
Traveling from New York to Martha's Vineyard is straightforward! Hop on the Amtrak Train in New York and take it down to Providence. From there, pick up a 25-minute shuttle provided by the Vineyard Fast Ferry that will drive you directly to the North Kingstown port.
If you are looking for year-round transportation from New York to Martha's Vineyard, there is an option for you! First, take the Amtrak to Boston's South Station. From there, either rent a car or take a Peter Pan Bus to Woods Hole, where you will find the Steamship Authority ferry terminal that will get you the rest of the way to Martha's Vineyard.
CapeFLYER
If you are starting your trip from Boston, catch a ride on this comfortable train that runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Departing from South Station in Boston, you'll enjoy WIFI, food options, and plenty of seats for anyone who is looking to get to the Hyannis terminal.
Traveling By Bus
If taking a bus is more your style, there are several bus companies you can board depending on where you are departing from and which port you would like to visit.
Peter Pan Bus Lines is a great choice if you are looking to get from South Station, Logan Airport, or New York to the Woods Hole terminal. This service runs year-round and is an excellent choice for tourists who want to visit in the off-season.
The P&B Bus Company is another bus that runs daily from South Station and Logan Airport and also from T.F. Green International Airport in Warwick, Rhode Island to ports in both Woods Hole and Hyannis.
Traveling by Air
You are not limited by traveling to Martha's Vineyard just by water or land, you can also take to the skies to get to the beautiful location!
Cape Air is one option that will get you from Boston to Martha's Vineyard via plane. This airline also offers seasonal departure locations from New Bedford, Hyannis, Nantucket, Westchester, and New York.
If you are traveling from Boston, JetBlue offers seasonal flights directly to Martha's Vineyard.
Delta shuttles passengers from LaGuardia Airport in New York. This direct flight is offered between Memorial Day and Labor Day but only on certain days of the week.
If you need a flight from Washington DC, you're in luck! American Airlines flies passengers to Martha's Vineyard from DC during seasonal trips.
If you need more flexibility in your travel itinerary, consider a private charter flight that can get you to your Martha's Vineyard vacation rental on your own schedule.
Getting to Martha's Vineyard Can Be Easy and Comfortable
Because Martha's Vineyard is an island, many people assume that it will be a challenge, but getting to Martha's Vineyard couldn't be easier. No matter what time of year, there are options that bring you from the mainland to this island.
With just a little planning, you'll soon be on your way to enjoying yourself on this idyllic coastal island.
