How to get to Marthas Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a picturesque resort island in the Atlantic Ocean, situated off the coast of Massachusetts in the USA. This destination is renowned for its charming gingerbread cottages, sandy dunes, and an atmosphere of relaxed elegance, attracting tourists seeking a peaceful retreat. You can reach the island in various ways: by direct flight or a combination of ground transport and ferry crossing.

The quickest way to reach the beach is by air. Flights arrive directly at Martha's Vineyard Airport (MVY), which is conveniently located in the centre of the island and welcomes aircraft from major cities in the region. This option allows you to save time and avoid potential traffic congestion on the roads leading to the ferry crossings.

Travellers can also choose to fly into nearby hubs on the mainland, such as New Bedford or the neighbouring island of Nantucket. From there, you can continue your journey via local airlines or high-speed ferries, enjoying views of the New England coastline from the sky or the water.

Since Martha's Vineyard is an island, there is no direct railway service, and there is no train station here. The optimal option for train enthusiasts is to travel to major mainland stations, such as Boston or Providence, which are served by Amtrak trains.

From these transport hubs, convenient transfer buses are organised directly to the ferry terminals. Although New Bedford is geographically closer, the main railway routes pass through larger cities, where logistics to the ferry are established to be as efficient and predictable as possible.

Bus travel is a reliable and economical way to reach the ferry terminals leading to Martha's Vineyard. Comfortable coaches run regularly from Boston, New York, and Providence directly to the pier in Woods Hole; the journey time from Boston is approximately 1.5–2 hours.

This option saves tourists the hassle of finding expensive parking for a personal vehicle. Upon arrival at the port, the transfer is seamless, as buses often stop in the immediate vicinity of the ferry boarding zone.

Travelling by car requires careful planning, as you can transport a vehicle to the island only via the ferry from the port of Woods Hole. It is critically important to book a space for your car on the Steamship Authority ferry several months prior to your trip, as demand in the high season exceeds supply.

The route via New Bedford (about 96 km from Boston) is convenient for those planning to leave their car in a paid car park on the mainland and cross via a passenger ferry. It is important to remember that driving through Nantucket is impossible, as it is a separate island with no road bridge or convenient transit for automobiles.

To ensure your trip to Martha's Vineyard is perfect, we have prepared a list of useful recommendations considering local specifics.

1. Clothing and Essentials. The weather on the island is changeable due to the maritime climate. Even in summer, evenings can be cool, so be sure to bring a sweater or a windbreaker.
2. Transport. A personal car is not a necessity here. The island is famous for its excellent VTA public bus system and scenic cycle paths — renting a bicycle is often the best solution.
3. Finances. The official currency is US Dollars. Bank cards are accepted almost everywhere, but a small amount of cash is useful for tips and purchases at local markets.
4. Health. Ticks can be found in wooded areas and tall grass, so please use repellents. Do not forget sun protection cream, as the sea breeze can mask the intensity of the sun.
5. Ferry Booking. If you decide to travel with your own car, book your ferry ticket (Steamship Authority) strictly in advance. Tickets for passengers without vehicles can be purchased on the spot.
6. Etiquette. Local residents value tranquility and privacy. Loud music and noisy behaviour in residential areas and on beaches are not encouraged.

Observing these simple rules will help you enjoy the unique atmosphere of the island and avoid unnecessary hassles during your long-awaited holiday.