For years I’ve dreamed of visiting Martha’s Vineyard – the island just southeast of the mainland of Massachusetts rich in history. I was a little intimidated by travel to the island given there are only a couple ways on and off the island – boat or plane. I did a little research to determine how to get to Martha’s Vineyard and found a thread on TripAdvisor with excellent advice.
Rather than fly into Boston and take an hour and twenty minute shuttle or drive to a ferry, I discovered that you can fly into Providence and take the Vineyard Fast Ferry. The ferry from Hyannis {via Boston} is an hour ride while the Vineyard Fast Ferry takes and hour and a half, but I’d rather spend my time on a boat any day.
I found the information to be limited and confusing, so I wanted to share for others who may travel there.
How to get to Martha’s Vineyard via the Vineyard Fast Ferry:
- take an Uber – it was about $18 {flexible, pick up in Parking Lot D at Providence Airport}
- take a taxi {flexible, pick up at taxi stand at Providence Airport}
- take the shuttle for $15/person {timing doesn’t change if your flight or ferry arrives late}
A few more tidbits about getting to and from Martha’s Vineyard I wish we knew:
Purchase your tickets in advance. There’s not a Vineyard Fast Ferry office on Martha’s Vineyard and when you purchase via phone, you can’t print. They’ll collect your tickets or send you to the office upon return back to the Providence port.
Also, there’s no address listed for the Vineyard Fast Ferry in Martha’s Vineyard to request Uber to. While all the locals know where it is, it is helpful when requesting an Uber.
Martha’s Vineyard Fast Ferry Address:
7 Circuit Avenue Extension, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557
If you find yourself with a few extra minutes and want a waterfront lunch in Rhode Island, we enjoyed:
Tavern by the Sea was in charming Kingstown with darling shops and incredible service, but the real winner was the fresh watermelon mojito!
Iggy’s Doughboys and Chowder House appeared to be a local hit with a long line for their to go window – we opted to dine on the patio at their sister restaurant with beautiful waterfront views and no wait. It was the perfect stop between the ferry and airport.
If you have any tips, please share!
I just visited Martha’s Vineyard for the first time last month. I live in NJ so we drove to the ferry in Woods Hole, MA and took the car with us. I think the Woods Hole ferry was the only one open in the off season. I know what you mean about it being confusing. I spent a lot of time on that Steamship Authority website trying to figure things out. At least this time of year there seem to be more options. It was nice having our car on the island with us, especially since it rained most of the weekend! I am looking forward to going back next year – Martha’s Vineyard was wonderful!
Shelley
Woods Hole is definitely the way to go if you are taking a car or a “local”! I’m glad I’m not the only one that found it confusing. Sorry t hear your visit was so rainy, I thought going in early June was lovely – warm, sunny and not crowded, for your future planning. Have a beautiful day, Shelley!
We just visited Martha’s Vineyard last week. Such a beautiful place. It has been on my list for years, too. We also boarded the ferry in Woods Hole. Thank you for the tips. I’ll make a note of them in case we decide to visit again.
We crossed paths! I hope you enjoyed your time as much as we did!