Bringing Your Car To Martha's Vineyard | Madison Inn (2024)

One of the top questions I’m asked is whether or not to bring a car to the island. It’ complicated. If you are here for one or two days, I suggest leaving the car behind and explore using other transportation methods. However, if you have young children or are traveling with older people, I recommend a car, so you’re able to see and appreciate the scenic beauty of the island without the hassle of multiple bus transfers and lengthy town walks.

To take your car:

The Steamship Authority in Woods Hole Massachusetts is the only ferry bringing cars to Martha’s Vineyard. The cost is $180.00 or higher (depends on the size of the vehicle) round trip to travel from Woods Hole to the Vineyard. Additional charges per person will apply for any passengers over 2 ($17.00 rt). Also, you must have a reservation for your car during the high season. There are times when standby is allowed, though getting the next ferry is not guaranteed. Boats sellout frequently during the high season, especially on the weekends. Additionally, you will need to cope with traffic and parking issues once you get here during July and August—the rest of the year, it’s workable.

Or leave it on the Mainland:

The Steamship Authority has many satellite parking lots, the main one being Palmer Ave in Falmouth ($12-15 per calendar day). A free shuttle is available to the Woods Hole boat every 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the time of year. Walk-on passengers are ($17 round-trip adults; $9 round-trip children 5-12; $9 round-trip bicycles).Please note that there is no parking available at the Woods Hole ferry terminal. To get real-time information about parking lot availability, call 508-457-7275. Otherwise, for reservations and general information call 508-477-8600.

No car? No worries!

Once you get to the Vineyard, there are plenty of transportation options depending on your needs. We have taxis, a public bus system, Uber, car rentals, bikes, even motorized bikes.Just a little public service announcement.Mopeds are available for rent on the Vineyard for around $60-100 a day, BUT the roads are narrow; the cars are big and are forever trying to pass you because Mopeds are only allowed to go 25 miles an hour. We do NOT recommend mopeds. However, you are all adults; you can make the call.

Bringing Your Car To Martha's Vineyard | Madison Inn (2024)

FAQs

Bringing Your Car To Martha's Vineyard | Madison Inn? ›

To take your car:

Can you bring a car to Martha Vineyard? ›

Autos, mopeds, and bicycles are available for rent. If you choose to bring your own car to Martha's Vineyard, you must contact the Steamship Authority ferry to arrange for advanced vehicle reservations, which sell out frequently in the winter and early spring for the summer months, at 508-477-8600.

Where do you leave your car when you go to Martha's Vineyard? ›

Parking for Martha's Vineyard Travelers

You will need to park in one of our off-site parking lots located in Falmouth or Cataumet. During the summer season and holiday weekends, we experience high passenger and automobile traffic volume.

Is parking difficult in Martha's Vineyard? ›

Parking on-island can be difficult, especially during the high season. Sometimes it's best to simply take a break from the car and enjoy the slower pace of life the island offers.

Is it easy to drive on Martha's Vineyard? ›

Obeying the Rules of the Road on Martha's Vineyard

There are also many private roads, these roads are not intended for through traffic and are marked, so keep an eye out for “private road” signs. The island is very relaxed and driving is generally slow and courteous.

Are there Ubers on Martha's Vineyard? ›

Is there Uber or Lyft on Martha's Vineyard? Yes, Uber and Lyft are available on Martha's Vineyard. However, there are a few things you should know about using these rideshare services on the island.

How long does it take to drive around Martha's Vineyard? ›

Taking a Martha's Vineyard tour by car usually won't take too long since the island is very small. It's only about 22 miles long by 9 miles wide, so it takes about 45 minutes to drive from one end to the other.

How walkable is Martha's Vineyard? ›

All three of the main port towns (Vineyard Haven, Oak Bluffs, and Edgartown) are easily walkable. And since both Vineyard Haven and Oak Bluffs have ferries that service the towns May - October (Vineyard Haven, year round), your own two feet might just be all the transportation you need for your visit!

Is Nantucket or Martha's Vineyard better? ›

Martha's Vineyard is the larger of the two islands and is also far busier. Its population swells to over 200,000 in summer, so you could run into some crowds. Nantucket is smaller and doesn't get as busy. If you're looking to relax and hit up a secluded trail or beach, it's worth considering.

Is it worth it to go to Martha's Vineyard? ›

If you're considering a trip to Martha's Vineyard, you may be wondering if it's worth the effort. The answer is a resounding yes! This charming island off the coast of Massachusetts is a popular summer vacation destination for good reason. First of all, Martha's Vineyard is absolutely beautiful.

What is the busiest time on Martha's Vineyard? ›

High season on the island is in summer, with the most visitors by far coming in July and August. During this time, reservations of any kind can be tricky to come by and beaches will be busy.

Is Martha's Vineyard alcohol free? ›

A few towns on Martha's Vineyard are dry by choice or tradition (no alcohol can be sold or served), but at most establishments lacking a liquor license, you're welcome to bring your own wine or beer. If in doubt, call ahead. One town, Vineyard Haven, also known as Tisbury, made the switch from dry to wet in 2010.

Can you drink tap water on Martha's Vineyard? ›

Martha's Vineyard is fortunate to have high quality drinking water. Unlike municipal tap water, which has rigorous testing requirements, bottled water has no rules about testing for biological, chemical, or radioactive contaminants.

Is one day enough for Martha's Vineyard? ›

A day trip to Martha's Vineyard will allow to you experience the many distinctive towns and areas this island offers. Martha's Vineyard transit authority runs buses, so there's no need for a car. For $7, a day pass will take you throughout the island on varying routes, and you can hop on and off as you please.

How long is the car ferry to Martha's Vineyard? ›

The trip between Woods Hole and Martha's Vineyard takes 45 minutes, and bicycles and pets are welcome. The ferry has refreshments, restrooms and WIFI.

Can you get to Martha's Vineyard without taking a ferry? ›

You can only get to Martha'sVineyard by ferry or by plane — there is no bridge! From New Bedford in Southeastern Massachusetts. The fast ferry service from New Bedford takes 50 minutes, and pets and bicycles are permitted; WIFI and refreshments are available.

Is Martha's Vineyard accessible by road? ›

You can only get to Martha'sVineyard by ferry or by plane — there is no bridge! From New Bedford in Southeastern Massachusetts. The fast ferry service from New Bedford takes 50 minutes, and pets and bicycles are permitted; WIFI and refreshments are available.

Does the ferry from Hyannis to Martha's Vineyard take cars? ›

Ferries depart from Falmouth Harbor, Woods Hole and Hyannis Harbor to Martha's Vineyard, and ferries to Nantucket depart from Hyannis Harbor. While the Woods Hole to Martha's Vineyard ferry can accommodate cars, there's no need to take a car.

Can regular people go to Martha's Vineyard? ›

Some of the best sights on Martha's Vineyard are open to the public, and don't cost a thing! If you're looking to explore the Island, these are some of the best spots to have on your list: Making the trek out to Aquinnah can take a bit of time, whether you have a car, or are taking the bus.

What kind of transportation is on Martha's Vineyard? ›

The Vineyard Transit Authority (VTA) offers year-round, island-wide public transportation, with service to and from both the Steamship Authority's Vineyard Haven and Oak Bluffs Terminals. Please visit the Vineyard Transit Authority for schedule, route and fare information.

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