Here’s everything you need to know about taking a ferry from Cape Cod to Martha’s Vineyard as you plan your trip for 2023.
The Steamship Authority’s Martha’s Vineyard ferry goes from Woods Hole terminal in Cape Cod to Oaks Bluff in Martha’s Vineyard. This Martha’s Vineyard ferry is 45 minutes long. A round-trip ticket costs $20.00 for adults and $10.50 for active military or kids (5 to 12yrs).
Round-trip car tickets on the Steamship Authority’s Martha’s Vineyard ferry start at $128 in the off-season and bicycles or surfboards at $8. The ferry is the best way to get to Martha’s Vineyard. Ferry trips are also a great way to get out on the water and enjoy the salt air!
The Steamship Authority is the biggest boat of the four companies that provide Martha’s Vineyard ferry trips.
ferry to martha’s vineyard
The other Martha’s Vineyard ferry companies are:
- Hy-Line Cruises: Operating between Hyannis Harbor in Cape Cod and Oak Bluffs in Martha’s Vineyard.
- Island Queen: Operating between Falmouth, in Cape Cod and Oak Bluffs.
- Falmouth-Edgartown: Operating between Falmouth and the Edgartown Harbor in Martha’s Vineyard.
In this complete guide, we will break down everything you need to know about the Martha’s Vineyard ferry, from prices to schedules; no rock will be left unturned!
Let’s begin!
How long is the ferry ride from Cape Cod to Martha’s Vineyard?
Depending on the ferry terminal you choose, a ride from Cape Cod to Martha’s Vineyard takes between 35 minutes to 1 hour.
Here are the specific travel times for the Martha’s Vineyard Ferry by the ferry terminal.
- Woods Hole terminal to Oak Bluffs or Vineyard Haven – 45 minutes. (Steamship Authority)
- Hyannis to Oak Bluffs – 1 hour. (Hy-Line Cruises)
- Falmouth to Oak Bluffs – 35 minutes (Island Queen)
- Falmouth to Edgartown – 1 hour. (Falmouth-Edgartown Ferry)
How much is the Martha’s Vineyard Ferry from Cape Cod?
You could pay as low as $20 (round-trip) per adult to as high as $65 to ride on one of the ferries.
Here’s a breakdown of the current ferry ticket prices (July 2021).
| FERRY | Adult (13yrs and over) |
Child (5 – 12 years) |
Child (4yrs and under) |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| One-Way | Round-trip | One-Way | Round-trip | – | |
| Steamship Authority | $10 | $20.00 | $5.25 | $10.50 | Free |
| Island Queen | $19 | $27 | $12 | $16 | Free |
| Hy-Line Cruises | $36 | $70 | $23 | $43 | Free |
| FERRY | Adult (13yrs and over) |
Child (6 – 12yrs) |
Child (5yrs and under) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Falmouth-Edgartown (One Way ticket) | $50 | $31 | Free |
How often does Martha’s Vineyard Ferry run?
The Steamship Authority ferries run to Martha’s Vineyard all year-round. Their ferry, M/V Martha’s Vineyard, arrives at Vineyard Haven at least 20 times every day from 6. am to 9.45 pm.
As for the Oak Bluffs dock, the ferries only run from May to October at a lesser frequency. The schedules change with time, make sure to check website for current departure times.
Island Queen’s Ferry Schedule
Island Queen’s M/V Island Queen sails from Falmouth Harbor to Oak Bluffs between May and October.
During summers (Jun 18 to Sept 12), the ferry sails every day from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, at least seven times.
During the spring and fall, the ferry only sails about three to five times per day.
Learn more about the Island Queen’s schedules here.
Hy-Line Cruises Schedule
Hy-Line Cruises is also a seasonal (May to October) ferry service company.
Their ferry, Lady Martha, sails between the Hyannis and Oak Bluffs terminals.
Hy-Line’s most frequent trips are six runs between Jul 15 to Sept 6, from 8:00 am to 7:25 pm.
Check out the Hy-Line’s schedules here.
Falmouth-Edgartown Ferry Schedule
The Falmouth-Edgartown is the only ferry that sails to Edgartown Harbor from Falmouth, Cape Cod.
It’s yet another seasonal ferry operating through the spring and summers. In the busiest months (June to September), the Pied Piper ferries five times to Edgartown from 8:30 am to 7:00 pm.
Explore Falmouth-Edgartown schedules here.
Which are the best ferry companies to go to Martha’s Vineyard?
The best ferry company to go to Martha’s Vineyard depends on your needs.
For Vineyard Haven, you would go with the Steamship Authority. If you’re going to start with Oak Bluffs, Hy-Line Cruises or Island Queen are your ideal choices. When you want to go to Edgartown, you will take the Falmouth-Edgartown ferry.
Of course, there are more considerations like the price and facilities.
All factors considered, the Steamship Authority is the best ferry company to go to Martha’s Vineyard.
Here’s why:
- Their ferries are available all year round from 6:am to 9:45 pm.
- They have the most frequent departures in a day, sometimes 15 minutes apart.
- They have the lowest fare rates to Martha’s Vineyard.
- It’s the only ferry that carries vehicles to Martha’s Vineyard.
- You get real-time status updates on parking availability on their website.
Can you take your car on Martha’s Vineyard Ferry?
You can take your car to Martha’s Vineyard using a Steamship Authority ferry. Prices range from $66 to $270 according to the time of the year, the day of the week, and your car’s length.
Here are the charges for carrying your car on a Steamship Authority ferry to Martha’s Vineyard.
| Car Length in feet (ft) |
Period | One Way | Round-trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 17’ | May 15, 2022, to Sept 14, 2022 (Monday to Thursday) |
$101 | $202 |
| Under 17’ | May 15, 2022, to Sept 14, 2022 (Friday to Sunday) |
$125 | $250 |
| Under 17’ | Sept 15, 2022, to Oct 31, 2022 | $98 | $196 |
| Under 17’ | Nov 1, 2022, to Dec 31, 2022 | $66 | $133 |
| 17’ but less than 20’ | May 15, 2022, to Sept 14, 2022 (Monday to Thursday) |
$111 | $222 |
| 17’ but less than 20’ | May 15, 2022, to Sept 14, 2022 (Friday to Sunday) |
$135 | $270 |
| 17’ but less than 20’ | Sept 15, 2022, to Oct 31, 2022 | $108 | $216 |
| 17’ but less than 20’ | Nov 1, 2022, to Dec 31, 2022 | $76 | $136 |
If you plan to take your car, you will need to make a reservation in advance.
Learn more about Steamship Authority vehicle reservations on their official website.
Do I need a car in Martha’s Vineyard?
You don’t need a car to move around Martha’s Vineyard. The shuttle bus services, numerous car rentals, and bicycle rentals will get you through the island’s 100 square miles.
Well, most of it…
In any case, you will spend most of your time enjoying the views.
One day is not enough to explore Martha’s Vineyard. But if you’re planning a day trip to Martha’s Vineyard, start at Oak Bluffs, then explore the island.
The towns are pretty close to each other. A bus ride from Vineyard Haven to Oak Bluffs takes 5 minutes.
If your ferry is sailing into Vineyard Haven, but you want to start your trip at Oak Bluffs, you can pay only $2 for the short bus ride to Oak Bluffs.
If you decide to bring your car, it’s even better. You can stop anywhere you want and explore.
Make sure to check out the stunning gingerbread cottages, the beaches, and Martha’s Vineyard Museum!
Take a bus tour if you would like a quick trip through the island’s history, architecture, culture, and exciting facts.
At the End of the Day….
Four companies offer ferry services between Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard terminals. The Martha’s Vineyard ferry ride depends on the company you choose.
If you take a Steam Authority ferry at Woods Hole, you will arrive at Oak Bluffs in Martha’s Vineyard 45 minutes later.
If you carry your car, you will need to book your vehicle reservation in advance.
You don’t even need to carry your car to Martha’s Vineyard. There are shuttle buses, rental cars, and rental bikes to move around the island.
Want to learn more? Here are our best things to do in Martha’s Vineyard.
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