You cannot drive all the way to Nantucket — the island has no bridge or causeway to the mainland

Nantucket is 30 miles southeast of Cape Cod and surrounded by water. There is no road connection to Massachusetts or any other state. If you want to reach the island by car, you drive to one of two ferry terminals on the mainland, then leave your vehicle behind and board a passenger ferry, or pay to bring your car on a vehicle ferry.

The two mainland departure points are Hyannis (the closest and most common route) and Woods Hole. Both are in Massachusetts. From Hyannis, the ferry ride takes 60 minutes on the fast ferry or 2 hours 15 minutes on the slower boat. From Woods Hole, the crossing is about 1 hour. You cannot drive onto the island itself.

Key Takeaways

  • Hyannis is the main ferry terminal for Nantucket, located about 50 miles southeast of Boston and accessible by car from any direction.
  • The Steamship Authority runs the only vehicle ferry to Nantucket and requires a reservation; passenger-only ferries are faster but you cannot bring a car.
  • If you bring a car on the vehicle ferry, you pay a separate vehicle fee on top of your passenger ticket, and the crossing takes 2 hours 15 minutes.
  • Parking at the Hyannis ferry terminal fills up during summer months, so arriving early or booking a parking spot in advance is necessary.
  • Once on Nantucket, you can rent a car, use taxis, or travel by bicycle — the island is small enough that many visitors do not need a vehicle.

Driving to Hyannis: The Main Route

Hyannis is the primary ferry hub for Nantucket and sits on Cape Cod. From Boston, take I-93 south to Route 3 south, which becomes Route 6 as it enters Cape Cod. Follow Route 6 to Hyannis and look for signs to the ferry terminal. The drive from Boston takes about 1 hour 45 minutes depending on traffic. From New York City, take I-95 north toward Connecticut, then pick up Route 6 east into Massachusetts and follow it to Hyannis — this route takes 4 to 5 hours.

The Steamship Authority operates the ferry service from Hyannis. They run two types of ferries: a fast ferry (60 minutes) that carries passengers only, and a slower ferry (2 hours 15 minutes) that allows vehicles. If you want to bring your car to Nantucket, you must use the slower vehicle ferry. Reservations are required year-round, and vehicle spots fill quickly during summer.

The Steamship Authority Vehicle Ferry and Costs

The Steamship Authority is the only ferry operator licensed to carry vehicles to Nantucket. A passenger ticket and a vehicle fee are separate charges. Vehicle fees vary by season and vehicle size — a standard car costs more in summer than in winter, and the price changes based on the length of your vehicle. You can check current rates on the Steamship Authority website.

Reservations must be made in advance, especially from May through October. During peak summer season, vehicle spots may be booked weeks ahead. You will need your vehicle's license plate, make, model, and length to complete a reservation. When you arrive at the terminal, you check in at the vehicle lane, and a staff member will direct you to drive onto the ferry.

The vehicle ferry departs Hyannis at set times throughout the day. The crossing takes 2 hours 15 minutes. Your car stays parked on the vehicle deck while you can move freely on the passenger decks. Once you arrive in Nantucket, you drive off the ferry and onto the island's roads.

Parking at Hyannis Terminal and Arrival Timing

Parking at the Hyannis ferry terminal is limited and fills up during summer months. The Steamship Authority operates a parking lot, but spaces are not may provide. Many visitors arrive 1 to 2 hours before departure to find a spot. If the lot is full, you may have to park on nearby streets or use a private parking facility in Hyannis.

Some travelers book parking in advance through third-party services or private lots near the terminal. This costs extra but removes the uncertainty of finding a space on the day of travel. Alternatively, you can drop off passengers at the terminal and park your car elsewhere, then take a taxi or shuttle back to the ferry if you are not bringing the vehicle to the island.

Woods Hole as an Alternative Departure Point

Woods Hole, located at the tip of Cape Cod near Falmouth, is a second ferry option. The crossing from Woods Hole to Nantucket takes about 1 hour. However, Woods Hole primarily serves Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket service from Woods Hole is limited. Check the Steamship Authority schedule before planning a trip from this terminal, as sailings may not run daily or may be seasonal.

Woods Hole is about 15 minutes closer to the Cape Cod Canal than Hyannis, so if you are coming from the north or west, the drive time may be similar. Parking at Woods Hole is also tight during summer, and the terminal is smaller than Hyannis.

Alternatives to Bringing Your Car

Many visitors leave their cars on the mainland and travel as passengers only. The fast ferry from Hyannis takes 60 minutes and is cheaper than the vehicle ferry. Once on Nantucket, you can rent a car from local agencies, use taxi services, or travel by bicycle. Nantucket is only 14 miles long and 3.5 miles wide, so a car is not necessary for many trips.

If you do not plan to explore remote parts of the island or make frequent trips to the mainland, renting a car on Nantucket may be more economical than paying to transport your own vehicle. Rental agencies are located near the ferry terminal and at the small airport. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available, though they are more expensive than on the mainland.

What to Know About Driving on Nantucket

Nantucket's roads are narrow, winding, and often congested during summer. Speed limits are low — typically 25 to 35 miles per hour in town and 45 miles per hour on main roads. Parking in Nantucket town is scarce and expensive. Many streets are one-way, and some areas restrict vehicle access entirely. If you are unfamiliar with the island, a GPS or offline map is helpful because cell service can be spotty.

Bicycles are a popular way to get around Nantucket, and the island has a network of bike paths. If you are staying in town and plan to walk or bike most places, you may not need a vehicle at all. Rental bikes are available throughout the island and cost far less than a car rental.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance do I need to book a vehicle ferry reservation?

During summer (May through October), book at least 2 to 4 weeks ahead. Off-season reservations can usually be made 1 to 2 weeks in advance. The Steamship Authority website shows availability in real time, so you can check current openings before committing to a travel date.

Can I take a passenger ferry and rent a car on Nantucket instead?

Yes. The fast ferry from Hyannis costs less than the vehicle ferry, and car rental agencies operate on the island. This option works well if you do not need a car for the entire trip or if you want to avoid the 2-hour vehicle ferry crossing. Compare the cost of the passenger ferry plus a rental car against the vehicle ferry fee to see which is cheaper for your trip.

What if I miss my ferry departure?

Contact the Steamship Authority when ready. They may be able to rebook you on a later sailing the same day, but you will lose your original reservation and may face a rebooking fee. Arriving at least 1 to 2 hours early helps prevent this problem.

Is there a bridge or causeway being built to Nantucket?

No. There are no current plans for a bridge or causeway to Nantucket. The island remains accessible only by ferry or private boat. This has been the case for decades and is unlikely to change.

Can I bring a motorcycle or RV on the vehicle ferry?

Motorcycles are allowed and charged at a lower rate than cars. RVs and large vehicles are allowed but charged by length, which can be expensive. Contact the Steamship Authority with your vehicle's exact dimensions to get a quote and check availability, as space for oversized vehicles is limited.