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A local's guide to getting to Martha's Vineyard:Getting to Martha's Vineyard Island is always a challenge. Traffic, ferry reservations, the lines but it does not have to be all bad. This is the way I approach making my plans. First really think if you really need a car. I usually can do all I need on island without one as the traffic is pretty awful on island. There are plenty of cabs that come when they are called and the MV bus system is really good. The cost and hassle of taking a car to the island through the Steamship authority (the only way to do it) is often way more than taking a cab anywhere you want to go (rainy day in Oak Bluffs, grocery shopping etc., out to a bar.) If you have to have your car then there is no substitute for making early ferry reservations on the Steamship Authority website. Take the time to make an online account and do it that way. Waiting on the phone is normally torture. Final words: if you have to do errands do them EARLY in the morning. If you are smart and eco-friendly (imagine if you were traveling in Europe) you will decide to leave the car. As you can see below there are at least five other great ways to get here. I prefer the Falmouth ferry especially if my travel plans can avoid Cape traffic (Friday and Sunday Evenings). The "Pied Piper" as locals call it, offers valet parking, for a fee. On arrival they come in at the Edgartown Town Dock. From there the Captain Morse House is only two blocks away. We have a garden cart to carry luggage in the tool shed or a cab is easy to get . When you are ready to leave the Ferry takes you back to Falmouth and your car is ready and waiting for you. This is the most relaxing way to go. If you want to cut out the trip to Falmouth, especially if you are coming from Connecticut or New York then consider either the NE Fast Ferry from New Bedford or the Vineyard Fast Ferry from Quonset Point in Rhode Island. The disadvantage is the parking is a bit harder (drop off bags first) and you are let off in either Oak Bluffs or Vineyard Haven and will have to take a cab. The ride from Quonset can be rough so mind the weather. New for 2009 is the NE Fast Ferry service from New Jersey and New York. This is the ultimate way to travel to the island. For folks who want to travel by Air Jet Blue has started service to the island. The price is reasonable and will allow connections from other parts of the country. Again once on island you will really not miss a car. Links with information about ferrys, air travel, and other local travel information:
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