Getting To Nantucket | Nantucket, MA (2024)

FAQs

What is the easiest way to get to Nantucket? ›

Two ferry lines - Hy-Line Cruises and the Steamship Authority - provide convenient, year-round service from Hyannis to Nantucket. Both run high-speed passenger catamarans with a travel time of approximately one hour. The Steamship Authority also runs a traditional car-and-passenger ferry, with a 2 ¼ hour cruise time.

Nantucket is an island 30 miles south of Cape Cod in Massachusetts. Those 30 miles of ocean water make getting to and from Nantucket a bit of a logistical challenge; they are also what makes this island so special.

While cars are allowed on Nantucket, it's much easier to get around on foot, bike, shuttle or ride share like Uber. The island is small, parking is limited and the cost to bring your car by ferry is expensive, so we recommend walking, riding a bike or moped, or renting a car.

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.

The best way to get from Boston to Nantucket Island without a car is to bus and ferry which takes 4h 3m and costs $45 - $80. How long does it take to get from Boston to Nantucket Island? It takes approximately 4h 3m to get from Boston to Nantucket Island, including transfers.

Or ride in style and luxury on board our seasonal high-speed passenger-only ferry, the M/V Iyanough, which gets you to Nantucket in just one hour.

The high cost of living on Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket, known for their exclusivity and scenic beauty, is primarily driven by limited housing supply, high demand from wealthy individuals, and strict zoning regulations.

Is Nantucket worth visiting for just a day? Absolutely! In fact, Nantucket's size makes it perfect for seeing a lot in a short amount of time.

Part of what makes Nantucket so special is it's location. 14 miles long by 3-5 miles wide, the island lies 30 miles off of the coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Nantucket Sound lies between our island and the mainland, while all our other shores are bordered by the Atlantic.

The best time to visit Nantucket is during the shoulder months of March, April, September and October. You'll find the island pleasantly free of tourist hordes, and prices are more manageable, too. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, hotels and seafood restaurants capitalize on the throngs of deep-pocketed tourists.

Is Nantucket island expensive? ›

The cost of living in Nantucket, MA is 62% higher than the state average and 139% higher than the national average. Nantucket, MA housing is 340% more expensive than the U.S average, while utilities are about 1% less pricey.

Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket, two Massachusetts islands located south of Cape Cod, are leading the ranking at average rates of $474 and $421, respectively.

Brant Point is perhaps the most iconic of Nantucket Island areas. The location allows for a quick walk into the heart of town, or for leisurely strolls past oceanfront homes and Brant Point Lighthouse.

You can explore Nantucket on foot or by car or bike. In our opinion, biking around the towns of the island is a great way to discover everything that it offers. There are three rental shops just off Broad Street — Nantucket Bike Shop, Young's Bicycle Shop, and Wheels of Delight.

The nearest airport to Nantucket is Nantucket (ACK) Airport which is 2 miles away. Other nearby airports include Martha's Vineyard (MVY) (28.2 miles), Hyannis (HYA) (29.2 miles), Providence (PVD) (76.6 miles) and Boston (BOS) (89.8 miles).

HIGH-SPEED FERRY

Steamship Authority High-Speed Ferry Rates: Adult $81 round-trip, $42.50 one-way; Child (5-12) $41.75 round-trip, $21 one-way; Child (under 5) free; Bicycle $14 round-trip, $7 one-way.

Nantucket Memorial Airport is completely wheelchair accessible with accessible restrooms throughout the terminal and accessible parking spaces in both the short-term and long-term parking areas.

Sit back, enjoy the scenery, and let Seastreak ferry you from East 35th St, NYC or Highlands, NJ to Nantucket aboard our existing Martha's Vineyard route.