Getting There and Away: Martha's Vineyard

Air Travel

Airports and Airlines

Flying to Martha's Vineyard offers the quickest route, especially from distant locations. Martha's Vineyard Airport (MVY) is the island's main airport, offering regional services.

Major Airport & Airlines:

Martha's Vineyard Airport (MVY): Located in West Tisbury.
Seasonal Direct Flights: American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue from major East Coast cities.
Year-Round Service: Cape Air connects MVY with Boston (BOS), Hyannis (HYA), and other regional spots.

International Flights & Transfers

No direct international flights serve MVY. International travelers must fly into a major U.S. Hub airport first.

Connections and Facilities:

Connect to MVY via a domestic flight from hubs like Boston (BOS) or New York (JFK/LGA).
Seasonal flight availability and price fluctuations: Prices are highest during summer (June-August). Booking in advance is recommended.
Transfer Options: Taxis, rideshare (Uber/Lyft - seasonal), public bus (VTA) directly from MVY to towns.

Flight Deals

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Flight Search

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Car Rental Deals

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Land Transportation

Bus & Train Connections

Peter Pan Bus Lines offers service from major cities to Woods Hole ferry terminal.
Direct routes from Boston South Station and Logan Airport to Woods Hole.
No direct train service to Martha's Vineyard. Closest Amtrak stations are in Providence or Boston.
From train stations, connect to bus service or drive to Woods Hole.

Self-Driving and Road Conditions

Driving to Woods Hole is common. Allow ample time for traffic, especially on summer weekends.
Parking lots near Woods Hole fill quickly; off-site parking with shuttles is common.
Island Roads: Generally well-maintained. Speed limits are lower (25-40 mph).
Deer are common; exercise caution, especially at dusk and dawn.

Important Travel Considerations

Island Car Travel

Bringing a vehicle to Martha's Vineyard needs an advance ferry reservation through the Steamship Authority. These sell out quickly, often months in advance for summer.

On-Island Traffic & Parking

Traffic can be heavy in towns, and parking is limited and often expensive. Many visitors opt to leave their car on the mainland.

Public Transport Alternatives

The VTA bus system and bike paths offer good alternatives to having a car on the island, saving on costs and hassle.

Sea Arrivals and Departures

Ferry Services to the Island

Ferries are the most popular way to reach Martha's Vineyard, offering scenic journeys across the water. No river transportation options or immigration procedures at seaports apply.

Main Ferry Operators:

Steamship Authority (SSA): Year-round service for vehicles and passengers from Woods Hole to Vineyard Haven.
Seasonal vehicle reservations for SSA are essential and sell out months in advance.
Passenger tickets are generally available as walk-up purchases.

Seasonal Passenger-Only Ferries

Several high-speed and traditional passenger-only ferries run seasonally from other locations.

Additional Ferry Options:

Hy-Line Cruises: From Hyannis to Oak Bluffs (seasonal).
Island Queen: From Falmouth to Oak Bluffs (seasonal).
Seastreak Ferry: From New York City and New Bedford to Oak Bluffs/Vineyard Haven.

Departure Information

No specific exit fees or taxes apply when departing Martha's Vineyard, whether by ferry or air. Any standard airport fees are typically included in your airfare.

Departure Procedures:

Ferry: Arrive at least 30-60 minutes prior to scheduled departure.
Vehicle Ferry: Adhere strictly to check-in times (30-60 minutes before departure) to keep your reservation.
Air: For domestic flights from MVY, arrive 1 to 1.5 hours before your flight.

Facilities & On-Island Connections

Ferry terminals are within walking distance of town centers and directly served by the Martha's Vineyard Transit Authority (VTA) bus system. Taxis and bike rentals are also available near terminals.

Terminal Amenities:

Martha's Vineyard Airport and ferry terminals offer basic waiting areas and restrooms.
Some terminals include small snack bars or cafes.
Seating is available at all departure points.

Vehicle Ferry Reservation Alert

If bringing a vehicle, book your Steamship Authority ferry reservation months in advance.
Vehicle spots sell out very quickly, especially for summer travel.
Consider traveling without a car to avoid reservation stress.

Eliminate parking challenges on the island.
The VTA bus system and bikes are good for island exploration.

Local Transportation

Public Transportation: VTA Buses

The Martha's Vineyard Transit Authority (VTA) bus system is a good way to travel across the island. It serves all major towns and connects to popular attractions.

VTA Details:

Comprehensive system connecting Vineyard Haven, Oak Bluffs, Edgartown, and up-island towns.
Route maps and schedules are available at ferry terminals, on buses, and on the VTA website.
Fare Options: Single ride ($1-$3), Day Pass ($8), 3-Day Pass ($15), 7-Day Pass ($25).

Taxis and Ride-Sharing

For direct trips or when public transport is less convenient, taxis and ride-sharing services are available.

Services & Safety:

Taxis: Marked with company names, found at ferry terminals, airport, and major town centers.
Typical Fares: Often fixed rate per trip or zone-based, not always metered. Confirm fare with driver.
Ride-sharing: Uber and Lyft operate seasonally (mainly summer). Availability and wait times vary.

Car Rental

Book well in advance, especially for summer. Major companies (Hertz, Budget) are at MVY. Parking is limited and expensive in towns.

Motorcycle & Scooter

Available from local businesses. Motorcycle rentals need a valid endorsement; scooters may need a regular driver's license.

Bicycle Rentals

Numerous shops in major towns. Daily rates $25-$50. Includes helmet and lock. Great for exploring the island's bike paths.

Walking and Cycling

Pedestrian-Friendly Areas

Martha's Vineyard is a good place for walking, offering scenic routes and pedestrian-friendly areas. All town centers are highly walkable.

Walkable Spots:

Town centers (Vineyard Haven, Oak Bluffs, Edgartown) have sidewalks and crossings.
Scenic walking paths include Oak Bluffs Campground's lanes and nature preserves.
Self-guided walking tours are popular using maps or online resources.

Bicycle Infrastructure & Safety

Martha's Vineyard is very bike-friendly, boasting an extensive network of paved bike paths connecting towns, beaches, and nature areas.

Cycling Information:

Bike paths are generally well-maintained and often separate from vehicle traffic.
Popular Paths: Beach Road path connects Oak Bluffs and Edgartown.
Safety: Always wear a helmet, which is often required and included with rentals.

Specialized Transportation

Tour Buses

Martha's Vineyard Sightseeing Tour (MV Tours) offers narrated bus tours covering major towns and scenic points with stopovers. Tours depart from ferry terminals.

Boat Taxis

Water taxis are available in some harbors, like Edgartown Harbor, for short distances or transfers to inner harbor destinations.

Accessibility

The VTA bus system is generally accessible, with ramps or lifts on most buses. Many hotels and attractions also offer accessible facilities.

Note on Unique Transport

Martha's Vineyard does not feature cable cars, funiculars, or other unique rail-based local transport systems.

Getting There and Away