You cannot drive to Nantucket Island. The island sits 30 miles off the coast of Massachusetts, and there is no bridge or causeway connecting it to the mainland. Your car will have to stay behind, or you will need to ship it separately on a car ferry — a process that takes planning and costs more than a passenger ticket.
If you are planning a road trip to Nantucket, you will drive to one of two departure ports on Cape Cod, then leave your vehicle and board a passenger ferry, or arrange to have your car transported on a separate auto ferry. The choice depends on how long you are staying, whether you need a car on the island, and your budget.
Key Takeaways
- Passenger ferries from Hyannis and Harwichport take 1 to 2.25 hours and cost $20 to $40 per person, but you cannot bring a car.
- The auto ferry from Hyannis carries vehicles and passengers but requires a reservation weeks in advance and costs $200 to $400 for a car plus passenger fares.
- Most visitors park at the ferry terminal or in nearby lots and travel as foot passengers, since Nantucket is small and walkable.
- The drive from Boston to the Hyannis ferry terminal takes about 1.5 hours; from New York City it takes 4 to 5 hours.
- Ferry schedules change seasonally, with more frequent service in summer and limited service in winter.
Driving to the Ferry Terminals on Cape Cod
Your road trip ends at one of two ferry departure points. The main terminal is in Hyannis, served by the Steamship Authority, which operates both passenger and auto ferries. The second option is Harwichport, about 20 minutes south of Hyannis, where Hy-Line Cruises runs passenger-only ferries.
From Boston, take I-93 South to Route 3 South toward Cape Cod. Follow Route 3 until it becomes Route 6 (the Mid-Cape Highway), then continue east. For Hyannis, exit onto Route 28 East and follow signs to the Steamship Authority terminal downtown. The drive is roughly 1.5 hours in light traffic. From New York City, take I-95 North toward Connecticut, then pick up I-395 North to Route 6 East on Cape Cod — plan for 4 to 5 hours depending on traffic and your starting point.
Parking at the Hyannis terminal itself is limited and fills quickly in summer. The Steamship Authority operates a remote parking lot with a shuttle service; reserve a spot in advance during peak season. Harwichport has its own lot, though it is smaller. Both terminals have daily and overnight parking available, though rates vary by season.
Passenger Ferries: The Most Common Route
Most visitors travel as foot passengers on one of the fast ferries. The Steamship Authority runs a 1-hour fast ferry from Hyannis to Nantucket year-round, with additional sailings in summer. Hy-Line Cruises operates a 1-hour fast ferry from Harwichport and a 2.25-hour slow ferry from Hyannis that is cheaper but takes longer. Passenger fares range from $20 to $40 one way depending on the ferry and season.
You do not need a reservation on most passenger ferries, but in summer weekends and holidays, ferries fill up and you may be turned away. Arriving 30 to 45 minutes early gives you a better chance of boarding. Check the ferry operator's website for current schedules and fares before you leave home, since both change seasonally and occasionally on short notice.
Once you arrive on Nantucket, you can walk most of the island, rent a car, take a taxi, or use the local shuttle bus. Many visitors find a car unnecessary for a short stay, since the main town is compact and walkable. If you plan to explore beaches or restaurants outside town, a rental car or taxi is worth the cost.
Auto Ferries: Bringing Your Car to the Island
The Steamship Authority operates the only auto ferry to Nantucket, departing from Hyannis. The crossing takes 2.25 hours, and you can stay in your vehicle or go up to the passenger deck. A car reservation costs $200 to $400 depending on vehicle size and season, plus $20 to $40 per passenger. Reservations are required and must be made weeks in advance, especially in summer.
The auto ferry runs year-round but with reduced frequency in winter. In summer, there are typically two to four sailings per day. Book through the Steamship Authority website or by phone. Cancellations happen, so check the weather forecast before you travel — ferries do not run in high winds or heavy seas.
Bringing a car to Nantucket is expensive and often unnecessary. Parking on the island is limited and costly, and the island is only 14 miles long. Unless you are staying for a week or more and plan to visit multiple beaches and restaurants far from town, a rental car or taxi is usually more practical and cheaper overall.
Ferry Schedules and Seasonal Changes
Ferry service to Nantucket is heaviest from May through October. In summer, the Steamship Authority runs multiple sailings per day on both the fast and slow ferries. Hy-Line runs frequent fast ferries from both Hyannis and Harwichport. Winter service is limited — often just one or two sailings per day — and some routes shut down entirely from November through March.
Schedules change each season, usually in May and September. Check the ferry operator's website for the current timetable before you book your road trip. Weather can also disrupt service; ferries do not run in storms, and delays are common in winter. If you are traveling in shoulder seasons (April, May, September, October), build in extra time in case your ferry is cancelled and you have to wait for the next one.
What to Bring and What to Expect
Bring a valid photo ID for the ferry, even for a day trip. If you are driving a rental car, bring your rental agreement and driver's license. The ferry terminal has restrooms, a small café, and a gift shop. Bring water and snacks if you are sensitive to motion, since the fast ferries can be rough in choppy seas.
Boarding usually begins 30 minutes before departure. Foot passengers board first, then vehicles. The ride is smooth on calm days but can be uncomfortable if the ocean is rough. The slow ferry is gentler but takes longer. Once you arrive in Nantucket, the ferry terminal is in the center of town, within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and hotels.
Cost Comparison: Passenger Ferry vs. Auto Ferry
| Option | Cost per Person | Vehicle Cost | Travel Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Passenger ferry (fast) | $20–$40 | None | 1 hour | Day trips, short stays, budget travelers |
| Passenger ferry (slow) | $15–$30 | None | 2.25 hours | Budget travelers, those with flexible schedules |
| Auto ferry | $20–$40 | $200–$400 | 2.25 hours | Week-long stays, families needing a car, exploring remote beaches |
For most visitors, the passenger ferry is the most practical choice. You save the cost of an auto ferry reservation and avoid paying for island parking. If you are staying a week or longer and plan to visit multiple beaches and restaurants outside town, the auto ferry may be worth the extra cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take my car on the passenger ferry?
No. Passenger ferries carry only people and small luggage. If you want to bring a car, you must book the auto ferry separately, which requires a reservation and costs significantly more. Most visitors leave their car at the terminal and travel as foot passengers.
Do I need a reservation for the passenger ferry?
Reservations are not required for most passenger ferries, but in summer and on weekends, ferries fill up and you may be turned away. Arriving early increases your chances of boarding. During peak season, some operators recommend arriving an hour before departure.
How far in advance do I need to book the auto ferry?
Book the auto ferry at least two to four weeks in advance during summer. In winter and shoulder seasons, you may be able to book closer to your travel date. Check the Steamship Authority website for availability and book as soon as you know your travel dates.
Can I rent a car on Nantucket instead of bringing mine?
Yes. Several rental car companies operate on the island, and renting is often cheaper than paying for an auto ferry reservation plus island parking. Rental cars are available at the ferry terminal and in town. Book in advance during summer, as availability is limited.
What happens if the ferry is cancelled due to weather?
If your ferry is cancelled, you will be rebooked on the next available sailing at no extra charge. In winter, cancellations are more common. If you have a tight schedule, travel in summer when cancellations are rare, or build in an extra day in case you are delayed.