🌊 Comparison of All Ferries to Martha's Vineyard (2024)
🌊 Comparison of All Ferries to Martha's Vineyard (2024)
Getting to MV by boat: price comparison, trip length and parking info b/w Steamship Authority, Island Queen, Falmouth-Edgartown Ferry, Patriot Boat Hyline and Seastreak
We’ve consolidated the most up-to-date information into this post to help you determine the correct ferry for you to get from to Martha’s Vineyard, MA by boat. Here’s the Quick Reference Guide, read on for more in-depth info.
Context and Tips for First Time Visitors
To travel to Martha's Vineyard, you have various ferry options to get to the island. Below is an organized rundown of each service.
When deciding where to travel to (Oak Bluffs, Edgartown, or Vineyard Haven - Consideration should be given to your preferred arrival point in Martha's Vineyard. Vineyard Haven, Oak Bluffs, and Edgartown are all accessible down-island locations, each only a short 10-20 minute ride via taxi or bus from one another, allowing for easy transfers should you need to reach a different town upon arrival.
All of these ferries offer the convenience of not requiring advance booking for passenger tickets, with the flexibility for you to reserve if you choose. During your journey, you can enjoy refreshments and access restrooms on any of these ferries. They are pet-friendly and provide the option of bringing bikes for an additional fee. Keep in mind that ferry operations are subject to weather conditions, and adverse weather can lead to delays or cancellations, which may not be refundable.
A tip for a smoother experience: Direct your navigation to the designated parking area rather than the ferry terminal itself. It's advisable to allocate an extra 30 to 60 minutes beyond your intended departure time for parking and boarding.
Here are additional guides that may be helpful when planning your travel:
🏨 MVacay's Big Hotels Guide: Where to Stay on Martha's Vineyard
✈️ How do I get from Boston or Logan Airport to Martha's Vineyard? (2024)
Ferry Breakdown
Steamship Authority
Departs Falmouth (Woods Hole) and Arrives in Vineyard Haven
Season: Year-Round to Vineyard Haven / 5/16-~Mid October (exact date TBD)
Adult Round-Trip Cost: $20
Duration: 45 minutes
Parking: $16 to $21 per calendar day (as of date of publishing). Offsite and require a shuttle to get from the lot to the ferry (budget at least 30 extra minutes for this). Be sure to check the morning of for which lot you should route to (either Palmer Ave or Thomas Landers - be careful not to route to the Hyannis parking lot!)
Cost to Bring a Car: if you are able to secure a car reservation in advance, the round trip price varies between $128/round trip up to $270 round trip dependent on time of year and day of the week.
Frequency: Between 14-22 trips per way, per day, depending on time of year.
Passenger Capacity: Depending on the vessel, between 500-1200 people
Other: This is the only ferry that brings cars, and cars are reservation only and can fill up months in advance. The Oak Bluffs terminal is in season only.
Island Queen
Departs Falmouth and Arrives in Oak Bluffs
Season: May 24 to October 14
Adult Round-Trip Cost: $28
Duration: 35 minutes
Parking: $20 per calendar day (cash only)
Frequency: Between 3-10 trips per way, per day, depending on time of year.
Passenger Capacity: 522 people
Other: Adjacent parking lot is first come, first served and does not take reservations.
Falmouth-Edgartown Ferry
Departs Falmouth and Arrives in Edgartown
Season: May 24 to September 5
Round-Trip Cost: $80
Duration: 1 hour
Parking: Valet parking available (Day Trip Parking $30 for same day return or Multi-Day Parking $40 per calendar day)
Frequency: Between 3-5 trips per route, per day, depending on time of year.
Passenger Capacity: 110-130 people
The Patriot Boat
Departs Falmouth, MA and Arrives in Oak Bluffs
Season: Year-round, but no service on Federal holidays
Adult Round-Trip Cost: $32 (One-way cost is $16)
Parking: $20 per calendar day at 343 Dillingham Avenue lot
Frequency: Multiple departures daily, schedule varies by day
Passenger Capacity: The water taxi can transport up to 40 people
Other: This is used mainly as a freight boat for parcels and not passengers. Freight charges apply ($10 per box, larger items $20+).
Seastreak
Departs New Bedford, MA and Arrives in Vineyard Haven
Season: Year-round weekday service
Adult Round-Trip Cost: $79
Duration: Approximately 55 minutes
Parking: Free dockside parking at New Bedford terminal
Frequency: Not specified; schedule varies
Other: Reservations recommended, especially in peak summer season.
Departs Nantucket, MA and Arrives in Oak Bluffs or Vineyard Haven
Season: April 25 to May15 to Vineyard Haven and May 16-Mid-October from Oak Bluffs
Adult Round-Trip Cost: $76
Duration: 1 hour
Hy-Line
Departs Hyannis, MA and Arrives in Oak Bluffs
Season: May 6 to October 29
Adult Round-Trip Cost: $70
Duration: Approximately 1 hour
Frequency: Varies, with 5-6 daily departures in peak summer season
Other: Reservations recommended
Departs Nantucket, MA and Arrives in Oak Bluffs
Season: May 24 to October 14
Adult Round-Trip Cost: $76
Duration: Approximately 70 minutes
Frequency: Varies, with 2-3 daily departures in peak summer season
Other: Reservations recommended
Rhode Island Fast Ferry
Departs Quonset Point, Rhode Island and Arrives in Oak Bluffs
Season: May 23 to September 29
Adult Round-Trip Cost: $99-$119
Duration: 105 minutes
Parking: $15/day dockside (no shuttle)
Frequency: 2-3 trips per day
Other: Reservations recommended, nonrefundable, only 15 minutes from Providence Airport
More Info: Rhode Island Fast Ferry
So which do we suggest?
Island Queen - for a summer day trip
Steamship Authority - for most trips or if you need a car
Rhode Island Fast Ferry - if flying or driving from out of town for a short trip
We know the above info is tricky. We’ve made a free mobile app to make your trip even easier - the MV Ferries app consolidates information about all ferries heading to and from the vineyard for real-time schedules. Download it below:
