A Travel Guide for Getting to Martha’s Vineyard

Getting to Martha’s Vineyard Island can be a challenge but it does not have to be. If you allow some time and do some planning you can enjoy the journey.
Timing is Everything
Make your plans as soon as you can. For a car you will need Ferry Reservations from the Steamship Authority website. They are available starting in January of each year. If you are on our mailing list we will send you a notification.
The Steamship Authority has an excellent waitlist system that has replaced the old standby line. First, you make reservations as close to your ideal dates and times and then you get onto the waitlist with the date and times you prefer. Make your waitlist times. If you are too specific you may not get filled. In our experience, this works very well. Try constantly and do not be afraid to call for advice from the Authority.
If you have to have your car then there is no substitute for making early ferry reservations Take the time to make an online account and do it that way. Waiting on the phone is normally torture.
Allow plenty of time. If you rush it makes it stressful for all involved. If you get to Woods Hole early for your boat then check out the town. Walk over the bridge to the North West of the town and explore the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute. Have a relaxing meal at one of their excellent restaurants like the Lee Side or Landfall. These are just some of the restaurants along the way – from North to South
Cars are not needed for your trip to Martha’s Vineyard
You can do it all without a car. Many of our guests come to the island without one. We are in town and easy walking distance to everything in Edgartown. There are plenty of cabs that come when they are called and they use 12-15 passenger vans for the most part. The MV bus system is really good and a short walk from the house. The cost and hassle of taking a car to the island through the Steamship authority (the only way to do it) is often more money than taking a cab anywhere you want to go (rainy day in Oak Bluffs, grocery shopping, out to dinner and then maybe out to a bar.) If you have to do errands do them EARLY in the morning.
If you decide to leave the car there are at least five other ways to get to the island. I prefer the Falmouth Edgartown Ferry especially if my travel plans can avoid Cape traffic (thickest on Friday and Sunday Evenings). The “Pied Piper” offers valet parking. On arrival they come in at the Edgartown Town Dock. From there the Captain Morse House is only two blocks away and an easy walk. 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 by far the most relaxing and fun way to go.
A similar service is the Patriot that goes from Falmouth to Oak Bluffs – 508-548-2626. They run earlier and later than other choices.
The Sea Streak (was the NE Fast Ferry) from New York to Martha’s Vineyard will not be running for 2023. They blame work at home but I think it was the high ticket costs. Flying was cheaper.
For folks who want to travel by Air there are several that service the island. The price is reasonable and will allow connections from other parts of the country. Again once on the island you will really not miss a car.
There is good bus service from Logan Airport through South Station to Woods Hole. Relax and let Peter Pan Bus Lines do the driving. Allow extra time for traffic if you are returning north to the airport. Traffic can sometimes interfere with the best laid plans.
Travel Distances
- Nearest Airport – Martha’s Vineyard Airport, West Tisbury 5.7 Miles – For private planes Katama Airpark 3.5 miles
- Nearest Ferry – Passenger = Falmouth Ferry Dock Street .2 miles Car = Steamship Authority Oak Bluffs 5.9 miles
- Nearest Train – Amtrak Station in Boston 86 miles
- Nearest Beach – Lighthouse Beach and others 9 minute walk
- Nearest Golf – Vineyard Golf Club and others 3 miles
- Nearest Restaurant – Harbor View Hotel and others 4 minute walk
Links with local travel information:
- MVY – Good comprehensive website on travel
- Advice from Trip Advisor
- MVOL
- General Info – MV Onlines guide to travel to the island
Get to the Island by Mass Transportation:
Ferry
- Martha’s Vineyard Steamship Authority 508-477-8600 The most popular way to get here by foot bike or car. Large ferry boats that can take your car
Passenger only Ferry
- Falmouth Edgartown Ferry 508-548-9400 A seasonal ride from Falmouth to a block from our Edgartown front door
- Sea Streak (was NE Fast Ferry) 508-477-8600 Fast Ferry from New Jersey, New York and New Bedford to Martha’s Vineyard
- Vineyard Fast Ferry from Rhode Island 401-295-4040 Goes from Quonset, R.I. to Martha’s Vineyard – very fast 1.5 hours
- Island Queen – 508-548-4800 Ferry goes from Falmouth to Oak Bluffs (no cars)
- Patriot from Falmouth to Oak Bluffs – 508-548-2626 This is what the locals take when the other ferry’s stop running
- Air Service to MVY / Martha’s Vineyard by
Cape Air, Delta, Jet Blue or US Air – Also see kayak.com or your favorite travel website - Air Service for private airplanes – MV Airport – Katama Edgartown Airport (grass strip)
Once On Island
- MVTA Transit Bus System – website
- Taxis – website
- Bikes – We provide bikes at the house. You can also rent
- Uber & Lyft are also good on Island transportation alternatives
Car Rentals
Links with local travel information:
- MVY – Good comprehensive website on travel
- Advice from Trip Advisor
- MVOL
- General Info – MV Onlines guide to travel to the island
From Airport to the Island
Travel by air is best through Logan Airport in Boston Mass with subsequent transportation to one of three ferries that leave from Falmouth or Woods Hole.
A better solution, especially for a group, is a private limo or van depending on how many are ready for pickup.
You can also fly directly into Providence Rhode Island’s TF Green Airport
The final water part of the trip can be from any of the three ferries. Once on the island, these two options will require a the MVTA bus or a cab trip from the MV ferry terminal to the house – about $30
- Woods Hole Steamship Vineyard Haven or Oak Bluffs $8.50
- Falmouth Island Queen to Oak Bluffs $12.00
The most fun trip is via this ferry which drops you within walking distance of the house.
- Falmouth Edgartown Ferry $25.00
Limo Pricing from Airports
Boston Carriage617-828-5646 800-905-9025
1-3 Full Size Sedan $246 to 11-27 Mini-Bus $790
Tip included
Five Star Luxury Transportation 617-799-7777
$235 all inclusive Wood Hole to Logan Airport (2016)
fivestarluxurytransportation@gmail.com
Flying to MV
Delta
Estimated start date of May 26th end date of Sep 4th (end date may change to later in season)
Service to LGA (2 Flights daily) JFK (1 flight daily)
American
Estimated start date of Jun 22nd end date of Sep 5th
Service to DCA/PHL/ORD/CLT
JetBlue
Estimated start date of May 15th end date of Oct 29th
Service to JFK/LGA/BOS/HPN/DCA
Cape Air
Year Round to NYC, New Bedford and Boston Logan
TRAVEL BY AIR ADVICE
Travel by air is best through Logan Airport in Boston Mass with subsequent transportation to one of three ferries that leave from Falmouth or Woods Hole.
A better solution, especially for a group, is a private limo or van depending on how many are ready for pickup.
I have called and gotten some quotes which appear below.
The final water part of the trip can be from any of three ferries. Once on island these two options will require a cab trip from the MV ferry terminal to the house – about $30
- Woods Hole Steamship Vineyard Haven or Oak Bluffs $8.50
- Falmouth Island Queen to Oak Bluffs $12.00
The most fun trip is via this ferry which drops you within walking distance of the house.
- Falmouth Edgartown Ferry $25.00
Limo Pricing from Airports
Boston Carriage617-828-5646 800-905-9025
1-3 Full Size Sedan $246 to 11-27 Mini-Bus $790
Tip included
Five Star Luxury Transportation 617-799-7777
$235 all inclusive Wood Hole to Logan Airport (2016)
fivestarluxurytransportation@gmail.com
From Falmouth to Boston
General Info
Links with local travel information:
- MVY – Good comprehensive website on travel
- Ferry – The most popular way to get here (Auto carrier): Martha’s Vineyard Steamship Authority 508-477-8600
- Ferry – Seasonal and door to door Falmouth Edgartown Ferry 508-548-9400
- Ferry – New Jersey, New York and New Bedford to Martha’s Vineyard – very fast – 1 hour Sea Streak (was NE Fast Ferry) 508-477-8600
- Ferry – Quonset, R.I. to Martha’s Vineyard – very fast 1.5 hours: Vineyard Fast Ferry from Rhode Island 401-295-4040
- Ferry – from Falmouth to Oak Bluffs – Island Queen – 508-548-4800
- Air Service to MVY / Martha’s Vineyard by
Cape Air, Delta, Jet Blue or US Air – Also see kayak.com or your favorite travel website - Air Service for private airplanes – MV Airport – Katama Edgartown Airport (grass strip)
- MV Transit Buses – Taxis – Bikes (leave the car behind) On Island transportation alternatives – advice from Trip Advisor and MVOL
- General Info – MV Onlines guide to travel to the island
Car Rentals
DRIVING
Suggested Northern Travel Routes from the Mid Atlantic
OPTION ONE – Traveling on a Saturday with a stop before NY City
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We have stopped at the Meadowlands / Secaucus in New Jersey the last few trips I have done.
https://www.meadowlandsplazahotel.com/
40 Wood Avenue, Secaucus, NJ 07094 PHONE: (201) 272-1000 RESERVATIONS: (866) 272-0060
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There are also fine hotels in the area nearby. Simply Google them.
Suggested Eastern Travel Routes from the Mid West
You are going to end up on route 95 eventually so the only real decision is taking the George Washington Bridge or 87 over the Tappan Zee Bridge. Again the GW can be risky if there is traffic in the morning going through NY City. A weekday trip past the city will require extra time.
Suggested Southern Travel Routes from Boston and Maine
By Private Boat
Dockage and Mooring reservations can be booked through the harbormaster’s office
Edgartown Harbormaster will start accepting reservations for the upcoming season on 02/16/2022 at 10:00am EST.
508-627-4746 or email us at edgharbor@gmail.com
Dockage reservations open Wednesday 16-February-2022
Mooring reservations open Tuesday, 01-March-2022
Click here to create an account so you can make a reservation on Dockwa