Boston to Martha's Vineyard: 4 Ways to Reach the Island

Martha's Vineyard lies 70 miles south of Boston across Nantucket Sound. Four practical options connect them:

1. Ferry (Most Popular, Scenic)

• Operator: Steamship Authority (SSA) — only year-round vehicle/passenger service
• Departures: Woods Hole (Falmouth) — 70 min drive from Boston via I-95/I-195/Route 28
• Destinations: Vineyard Haven (main), Oak Bluffs (seasonal), Edgartown (seasonal)
• Time: 45-60 min crossing
• Cost: Passenger $18-25; Car + driver $130-200+ (reservations essential summer)
• Frequency: Hourly peak; 30 min summer

2. Flight (Fastest)

• Airport: Boston Logan (BOS) → Martha's Vineyard (MVY)
• Carriers: Cape Air (Cessna 402, 9-passenger), JetBlue (E190, seasonal), Nantucket Airlines (Cape Air affiliate)
• Time: 45 min flight; 1.5-2 hrs total door-to-door
• Cost: $150-400+ one-way; Cape Air frequent, JetBlue seasonal
• Baggage: Strict limits on small aircraft (25-30 lbs)

3. Drive + Ferry (Vehicle Freedom)

• Route: Boston → I-93 S → I-95 S → I-195 E → Route 28 S → Woods Hole
• Drive Time: 1.5-2 hrs (traffic dependent; Cape Cod Canal bridges bottleneck)
• Ferry: As above — MUST reserve vehicle space months ahead for summer
• Total: 3-4 hrs door-to-door

4. Bus + Ferry (Car-Free)

• Peter Pan / Plymouth & Brockton: Boston South Station → Woods Hole (2.5-3 hrs)
• Connect: Walk to SSA terminal → ferry to Vineyard Haven
• Total: 4-5 hrs; ~$50-80 one-way
• On-Island: VTA buses, taxis, bike rentals, tour vans

Decision Matrix

Pro Tip: If driving, consider Hy-Line Cruises fast ferry from Hyannis (1 hr from Boston) → Oak Bluffs (1 hr) — more frequent, no vehicle, easier parking.