United States
Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard: visitor guide
Go late May–June or September–early October: ferries run, inns cost less than July–August peak, and the islands are quieter. Skip day-tripping both in one day — pick one island, book the ferry ahead, and go car-free; bikes and shuttle buses cover most of what you want to see.
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GuideUnited States
Key facts
- Best months
- Late May–June and September–early October; July–August is peak price and crowds
- Ferry from Cape Codcheck
- Woods Hole to Vineyard Haven/Oak Bluffs (Martha's Vineyard); Hyannis to Nantucket — 35–60 min, book ahead in summer
- Passenger farecheck
- About US$20–30 one way per adult in 2026; car space costs far more and needs a reservation
- Getting around
- Bring or rent a bike; island shuttle buses run in season; cars are limited and parking is tight
- Where to stay
- Inns and rentals on-island; cheaper mainland bases are Falmouth, Hyannis and Woods Hole
- Weathercheck
- Maritime: 20–26 °C in summer, fog and wind common; winter is quiet with many closures
- Cash and cards
- Cards accepted widely; US prices shown before sales tax and tipping is expected
Key facts: tickets, hours, season
Both islands are reached by ferry or small plane; there is no bridge. Ferries run year-round from Cape Cod, with more departures and later sailings from late May to mid-October. Schedules change by season, so confirm the day before you travel.
Tickets are sold per passenger and per vehicle. Passenger fares are modest; taking a car across needs a reservation well ahead in summer and costs several times a passenger ticket. Bicycles usually travel for a small extra fee. Everything on-island — inns, rentals, restaurants, bike hire — is most expensive and most booked in July and August.
| Item | Typical 2026 estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger ferry, one way | US$20–30 | Route and season dependent (check) |
| Car on ferry, round trip | US$150–250+ | Reservation essential in summer (check) |
| Bike on ferry | Small add-on fee | Often free on some sailings (check) |
| Inn or hotel, summer | US$300–600+ per night | Peak July–August (check) |
| Inn or hotel, shoulder | US$150–300 per night | Late May–June, September–October (check) |
| Bike rental, per day | US$30–50 | Book in peak weeks (check) |
How to get there
Most visitors drive or take a bus or train to Cape Cod, then walk or roll onto a ferry. Martha's Vineyard ferries leave from Woods Hole, a short drive or shuttle from Falmouth; Nantucket ferries leave from Hyannis. Crossings are short, roughly 35–60 minutes, and run through the year with a fuller timetable in summer.
You can also fly into either island on small aircraft from Boston and New York area airports, which saves time but costs more and is more weather-sensitive. Once you are on the island, a car is optional. Bikes, seasonal shuttle buses and taxis cover the main towns, beaches and lighthouses, and parking near the busiest beaches fills early.
- Woods Hole → Vineyard Haven or Oak Bluffs (Martha's Vineyard)
- Hyannis → Nantucket
- Seasonal fast ferries from Falmouth and other Cape ports (check)
- Small-plane flights from Boston and New York area airports (check)
When to go
The best window is late May to June and September to early October. Ferries and most businesses are open, room rates sit below the July–August peak, and the roads and beaches are calmer. July and August bring warm water, full schedules and the highest prices; book lodging and car ferry space months ahead.
Spring and autumn can be foggy and windy, and some seasonal places close by late October. Winter is quiet, cold and cheap, with a reduced ferry timetable and many restaurants and inns shut. If your dates are flexible, aim for a shoulder week and keep one wet-weather day in reserve.
Nearby
The islands sit off Cape Cod, so most trips pair them with the Cape's towns and beaches. Falmouth, Woods Hole and Hyannis are practical mainland bases the night before an early ferry, and Provincetown and the outer Cape are a longer drive away.
If you are comparing island trips, the Hawaiian islands are a very different scale and climate: Maui, Oahu and Hawaii (Big Island) need flights and more days, while Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard work as a short add-on to a New England trip.
Tips
Pick one island per trip unless you have a week or more; trying to see both in a day means most of it goes on ferries and shuttles. Reserve ferry space and lodging together, and check the schedule again the day before, since fog and wind can delay sailings.
Pack layers: the water keeps the islands cooler and breezier than the mainland, and evenings are cool even in summer. Bring a bike lock if you rent, carry water on longer rides, and remember US prices are shown before sales tax, with 18–22% tipping expected at sit-down restaurants.
- Book ferry and lodging together for July–August
- Go car-free: bike, shuttle bus or taxi
- Keep a backup plan for fog-delayed ferries
- Reserve dinner in peak weeks
Questions people ask
When is the best time to visit Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard?
Late May–June and September–early October. Ferries and most businesses are open, prices are below the July–August peak and the islands are quieter. July and August are warmest but busiest and priciest; winter is cheap but many places close.
How do I get to Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard?
By ferry from Cape Cod: Woods Hole to Martha's Vineyard (Vineyard Haven or Oak Bluffs) and Hyannis to Nantucket, roughly 35–60 minutes. Small planes also fly from Boston and New York area airports. There is no bridge, and car ferry space needs booking ahead in summer.
How much does it cost to visit Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard?
Passenger ferries run about US$20–30 one way per adult in 2026, with cars costing far more. Summer lodging is often US$300–600+ a night, less in the shoulder months. Budget extra for bike hire, taxis, meals, sales tax and tipping.
Do I need a car on the islands?
No. Bikes, seasonal shuttle buses and taxis reach the main towns and beaches, and parking is limited. Bringing a car across costs several times a passenger ticket and needs a summer reservation, so most visitors leave it on the mainland.
Can I visit both islands in one day?
It is possible but rushed. Ferries and shuttles eat most of the day, leaving little time on either island. Pick one island per day, or give each a full day or an overnight if you want to see more than the main town.
What should I pack?
Layers, a windproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes and sun protection. The sea keeps the islands cooler and breezier than the mainland, evenings are cool even in summer, and fog or wind can delay ferries, so a flexible plan helps.
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check