You cannot drive all the way to Martha's Vineyard — the island sits in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Massachusetts, and there is no bridge or causeway connecting it to the mainland.
Your car has to stop at the ferry terminal. You have three options: drive to Woods Hole in Falmouth, drive to Hyannis on Cape Cod, or drive to New Bedford. From any of those points, you board a ferry — your car goes on the boat with you, or you leave it behind and walk on as a foot passenger. The choice depends on where you're coming from, how long you're staying, and whether you actually need a car once you arrive on the island.
The drive itself is straightforward. The ferry ride takes 45 minutes to an hour. The real cost and time commitment comes from ferry reservations, parking, and the ferry fare itself — not the driving.
Key Takeaways
- Woods Hole in Falmouth is the closest ferry terminal to Martha's Vineyard and the most popular departure point, with a 45-minute crossing time.
- You can bring your car on the ferry, but you must reserve a vehicle spot in advance — they fill up weeks ahead during summer and weekends.
- Parking at the ferry terminal costs $15 to $20 per day if you leave your car behind, or you pay the ferry's vehicle fare (typically $50 to $90 one-way depending on vehicle size) if you bring it.
- The Steamship Authority runs the main ferries from Woods Hole and Hyannis; New Bedford Ferry is a smaller, less crowded alternative with lower fares.
- If you're staying less than three days or don't plan to rent a car, leaving your vehicle on the mainland and walking on as a foot passenger is usually cheaper.
Woods Hole: The Closest and Most Crowded Route
Woods Hole is in Falmouth, about 75 miles south of Boston and roughly 4 hours from New York City. It's the shortest ferry crossing — 45 minutes — and the most frequent service. The Steamship Authority runs year-round service from here, with multiple departures daily in summer and fewer in winter.
The downside is that Woods Hole is also the most popular departure point. Vehicle reservations for summer weekends and holidays book out 30 to 45 days in advance. If you show up without a reservation during peak season, you may not get a spot for your car. Foot passengers can usually board without advance notice, but vehicle passengers cannot.
Parking at Woods Hole costs $15 per day if you're leaving your car behind. If you're bringing your vehicle on the ferry, you don't need mainland parking — your car boards with you. Vehicle fares run $50 to $90 one-way depending on whether you have a sedan, SUV, or truck. Foot passengers pay $18 to $20 one-way.
Hyannis: More Parking, Longer Crossing
Hyannis is on Cape Cod, about 90 miles from Boston and roughly 5 hours from New York. The ferry crossing takes 1 hour and 15 minutes — 30 minutes longer than Woods Hole. The Steamship Authority also runs this route, with daily service year-round.
Hyannis has more parking available than Woods Hole, and vehicle reservations are somewhat easier to find, though they still fill during peak season. Parking costs $15 per day. Vehicle fares are the same as Woods Hole: $50 to $90 one-way. Foot passenger fares are also $18 to $20 one-way.
Choose Hyannis if you're coming from the Cape side of Massachusetts or if you couldn't get a Woods Hole reservation. The extra 30 minutes on the water is the trade-off for more reliable parking and slightly less crowded conditions.
New Bedford: The Budget Alternative
New Bedford is about 50 miles south of Boston and roughly 3.5 hours from New York. New Bedford Ferry runs a year-round service with a 1-hour crossing time. This is the least crowded option and typically the cheapest.
Vehicle fares from New Bedford run $35 to $60 one-way — notably lower than the Steamship Authority routes. Foot passenger fares are $12 to $16 one-way. Parking at the New Bedford terminal costs $10 per day. Vehicle reservations are easier to find because fewer people use this route.
The catch is frequency: New Bedford Ferry runs fewer departures per day than the Steamship Authority, so you have less flexibility with timing. If your schedule is flexible and you want to save money, New Bedford works. If you need multiple daily departure options, Woods Hole or Hyannis is more practical.
Vehicle Reservation and Parking Costs Compared
| Terminal | Ferry Operator | Crossing Time | Vehicle Fare (One-Way) | Foot Passenger Fare | Mainland Parking (Per Day) | Reservation Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Woods Hole | Steamship Authority | 45 minutes | $50–$90 | $18–$20 | $15 | Very difficult in summer |
| Hyannis | Steamship Authority | 1 hour 15 minutes | $50–$90 | $18–$20 | $15 | Difficult in summer |
| New Bedford | New Bedford Ferry | 1 hour | $35–$60 | $12–$16 | $10 | Easier year-round |
When to Leave Your Car Behind and Walk On
If you're staying fewer than three days, or if you plan to rent a car on the island, leaving your vehicle on the mainland usually costs less. A foot passenger ticket from Woods Hole is $18 to $20 each way. A vehicle spot is $50 to $90 each way. Parking the car for two days costs $30. That's $80 to $110 total for the car. Two foot passenger tickets are $36 to $40 — less than half the cost.
Car rentals on Martha's Vineyard run $50 to $100 per day depending on the season and vehicle type. If you're staying a week, renting is expensive. But for a weekend trip, foot passenger plus rental is often cheaper than driving your own car and paying ferry vehicle fares plus parking.
Another reason to walk on: you avoid the stress of vehicle reservations. Foot passengers board on a first-come, first-served basis and rarely have trouble getting a spot, even in summer.
How to Reserve a Vehicle Spot and Plan Your Trip
The Steamship Authority handles reservations through their website or by phone. You can reserve up to 30 days in advance for most sailings. Vehicle spots are released in batches, and popular times (Friday afternoons, Saturday mornings, summer weekends) fill within hours of becoming available. Call early in the morning on the day reservations open if you need a specific time.
New Bedford Ferry also takes reservations online and by phone, typically with more availability. You can usually book a week or two out without difficulty.
Arrive at the terminal at least 30 minutes before departure for foot passengers, 45 minutes for vehicles. Bring your driver's license and vehicle registration. If you're bringing a vehicle, have your reservation confirmation number ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I can't get a vehicle reservation?
Walk on as a foot passenger and rent a car on the island, or try New Bedford Ferry, which has more availability. If you absolutely need your own car, try a weekday departure instead of a weekend — reservations are easier to find Monday through Thursday.
Can I take my car on the ferry if I have a trailer or large vehicle?
Yes, but oversized vehicles (RVs, trailers, vehicles over 20 feet) have different rates and may require special reservations. Contact the ferry operator directly to confirm your vehicle type is permitted and to get an accurate fare quote.
How far in advance do I need to book a ferry reservation?
For summer weekends and holidays, book 30 to 45 days ahead if you're bringing a vehicle. Weekday departures and off-season travel are easier to book with less notice. Foot passengers rarely need advance notice except on the busiest summer Saturdays.
Is there a bridge or causeway to Martha's Vineyard?
No. The island is surrounded by water, and ferry is the only way to bring a vehicle there. A bridge has been proposed many times but has never been built.
What happens if I miss my ferry departure?
You lose your reservation and fare. Some operators allow you to rebook on a later sailing the same day if space is available, but you'll likely pay a rebooking fee. Arrive early to avoid this.