In order to enjoy your time on this unique island, you’ll have to figure out how to get to Nantucket. Nantucket Island is located about 30 miles south of Cape Cod, and with no bridges or roads to get there, you’ll need to take a boat or plane!
As a popular tourist destination, Nantucket is home to the most soothing environment and architectural attractions that invite people from all across the country.
To experience the stunning views of Nantucket, you can visit the island by ferry and commercial airlines. The costs and traveling time vary as per the traveling mode. But with so many options available, you can choose a budget-friendly way to travel.
In this guide, we will elaborate on all the ways of getting to Nantucket. So, keep on reading.
How to get to Nantucket Island
Since no bridges cross the sound to Nantucket, tourists have to rely on air or sea to travel. Here are some options on how to get to Nantucket that are available:
How to get to Nantucket: Travel By Ferry
One of the best ways to travel to Nantucket is through a ferry.
There are two ferry lines that provide super comfortable service all year round from Hyannis to Nantucket.
These ways on how to get to Nantucket via Ferry include:
Hy-line Cruises
If you want to experience the natural beauty and charm of Nantucket without spending a lot of time traveling, then the Hy-line cruise should be your pick. Its high-speed catamarans require approximately one hour to reach the beautiful island.
You can make a round trip from Hyannis to Nantucket and back in a little over two hours.
If you depart from Hyannis through the ferry at 6:10 am, you will arrive at the island around 7:10 am.
Departure will occur after half an hour at 7:40 am, and you will come back to Hyannis at 8:40 am.
The rates for the trip are as follows:
| Rates | Round-trip | One-way |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | $81 | $44 |
| Children (5 – 12) | $52 | $30 |
| Bicycle | $14 | $7 |
| Captain’s view | $93 | $51 |
Reservations need to be made before traveling. Pre-boarding and one-on-one assistance are available for all those who need support.
There is minimal parking space offered, though.
The Steamship Authority
Another ferry that can take you to the island within an hour is the Steamship Authority. The ferry line is known for its accessibility and comfort. For example, the terminal buildings in both Hyannis and Nantucket are wheelchair accessible.
There are secure on-site and off-site parking slots in the terminal of Hyannis for nominal fees. It also offers a car-and-passenger ferry that takes up to 2 hours and 15 minutes in cruise time.
The main passenger deck in the cruise is the M/V lyanough. It is completely accessible with a food and beverage area, together with restrooms.
It can be accessed through the transfer bridge, which allows the passengers to board the ferry. The passenger or vehicle ferries include M/V Woods Hole, M/V Eagle, and the M/V Nantucket.
All of the ferries come equipped with elevators joining the passenger decks and the vehicle deck. The elevators can also be accessed through the transfer bridge.
All those passengers who wish to employ the elevator are expected to arrive almost thirty minutes before the departure time on the ferry terminal.
When you have arrived, you have to inform a terminal agent that you wish to use the elevator for boarding.
How to get to Nantucket (with your car!)
If you want to take your vehicle to Nantucket, it is preferable to make a reservation beforehand.
However, individuals who need to travel with their cars because of their disability can speak to the supervisor.
The fare for Steamship Authority is as follows:
Children (4 and under)
| Rates | Round-trip | One-way |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | $19.00 | $9.50 |
| Children (5 – 12) | $10.00 | $5.00 |
| Free | Free | |
| Active Military | $10.00 | $5.00 |
The standard ferry fare rates for automobiles depend upon their length and the season of traveling.
Cars under 17 ft in length cost $118.00 for a round trip between January and March but $182.00 if you travel from April to May.
The other two ferries that operate to the island are:
Freedom Cruise Line
Freedom Cruise Line operates from Harwich Port Cape Cod and takes about 80 minutes to travel. It offers all the essential passenger services, including pet traveling and bicycles. However, seating is quite limited.
The rates are as follows:
| Rates | Round-trip | One-way |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | $80.00 | $50.00 |
| Children (5 – 12) | $55.00 | $35.00 |
| Infants (2 and under) | $12.00 | $8.00 |
| Bike | $15.00 | $10.00 |
Seastreak
This high-speed ferry operates from New Bedford and New York City between May and October.
You can find both valet and off-site parking at the terminal.
The port offers enterprise rentals, handicap accessibility, and bike racks as well. Here are the rates:
| Rates | Round-trip | One-way |
|---|---|---|
| Island Resident | $80.00 | $40.00 |
| Children (3 – 12) | $50.00 | $30.00 |
| Infants (2 and under) | Free | Free |
| Military | $80.00 | $40.00 |
| Bike | $20.00 | $10.00 |
How to get to Nantucket: Travel By Air
You can also travel to the beautiful island of Nantucket through the air. Many commercial airlines operate on the island.
These include:
Cape Air
The cape air offers traveling opportunities all year round from ACK to Hyannis, New Bedford, Boston, and Martha’s Vineyard.
American
The American airline operates season to season from ACK to New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, Washington, and Charlotte.
Elite Airways
Just like the American airline, Elite Airways also operate seasonally by providing its jet service to the island from White Plains.
Delta Airlines
Delta Airlines offer service to New York City from ACK. It also provides seasonal services.
JetBlue
The JetBlue airline operates from ACK to Washington-National, LGA, and JFK airports in New York City, White Plains, and Boston. It offers seasonal services only.
Tradewind Aviation
Operating seasonally from the General Aviation (FBO) building, the airline goes from ACK to Teterboro and White Plains.
United Airlines
United Airlines offers seasonal services, operating from ACK to Washington Duties, Chicago, and Newark.
Southern Airways Express
This airline operates seasonally to New Bedford, Hanscom Field, Providence, and Norwood.
Do you need a car on Nantucket Island?
You can take your car or private vehicle to Nantucket. However, it is preferable to get around the island on shuttle, bike, foot, or shared taxis such as Uber.
This is because the island is relatively small, and there is minimal space for parking. The cost to bring your vehicle to the island through the ferry is also very high.
Therefore, it is much more feasible to keep your vehicle on the ferry terminal instead of bringing it to the island.
Renting a car on the island does not cost much, and there are many options available as well.
Walking or riding a bike is recommended because you won’t have to worry about finding a parking spot or driving across the island. You can also enjoy the beautiful views and attractions of the island easily.
What is the best time of year to go to Nantucket?
Although you can visit Nantucket all year round, it is best to visit the island during the summer months including March and April or September and October as well as during the Thanksgiving and Christmas Holidays.
During these months, the island is much more peaceful because the tourist’s numbers are significantly lesser. Many people prefer to go to the island in June and July.
But in these months, the island is jam-packed with tourists, which is why everything from the ferry to the hotels is full of crowds. The pay rates for the ferry and other amenities are also manageable during these months.
Restaurants, hotels, and ferries usually capitalize on the tourist’s influx during the months of Memorial Day and Labor Day. This is why the prices reach a higher rate.
On the other hand, you can also visit the island from November to February. But the temperatures are too cold during these months. Usually, they are in-between an average of 25 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Nantucket Can Make the Perfect Summer Vacation
Nantucket Island is not only an incredibly serene island located away from the hustle of the city, but it is also a perfect summer escape. No wonder why Nantucket welcomes so many visitors every year!
So, if you are planning to spend your vacation with your loved ones in a comfortable, cozy, and peaceful manner, then you need to travel to Nantucket Island. While it takes a little bit more planning to figure out how to get to Nantucket, it’s well worth the extra logistics!
And, of course there are perks of the various ways to get to Nantucket Island, traveling by ferry is itself a fantastic experience. You’ll be able to enjoy the fresh salt air, the cool blue waters, and you might even spot a seal or the fin of a whale! Once you figure out how to get to Nantucket, you’ll be able to enjoy all the island has to offer, it’s famous for its amenities, activities, and stunning scenery! So, plan your vacation today!
