Ferry Falmouth to Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket

Question

Can you take your car on the ferry to Martha’s Vineyard? If so, what is the cost? What are the sites that you should definitely see within a day on Martha’s Vineyard? On another day trip can you take your car to Nantucket on a ferry coming from Falmouth also for a day trip

Answer

Yes, you can take your car on the ferry to Martha’s Vineyard from Falmouth. The Steamship Authority operates the ferry service between Falmouth and Martha’s Vineyard, and they offer both passenger and car ferry options. However, the cost of taking a car on the ferry can be quite expensive, especially during peak seasons like summer. As of recent prices, a round-trip car fare is typically around $100-$150, depending on the size of the vehicle and the time of year. Passengers are usually charged separately, with adult fares ranging from $17-$20 one-way.

It's a good idea to book your ferry tickets in advance, especially if you plan to bring a car, as these spots can fill up quickly, particularly during the summer months. You can check the Steamship Authority website for the most up-to-date pricing and schedule information.

What to See on Martha’s Vineyard for a Day Trip:

Martha's Vineyard offers a lot to see in a single day, especially if you plan your trip around the island’s highlights. Some of the must-see spots include:

Edgartown: A charming town known for its cobblestone streets, white-picket fences, and historic homes. Don’t miss the iconic Edgartown Lighthouse and the beautiful waterfront.
Oak Bluffs: Known for its colorful Victorian "gingerbread cottages" and lively atmosphere. The Flying Horses Carousel, one of the oldest carousels in the U.S., is also a fun stop here.
Chappaquiddick Island: Just a short ferry ride from Edgartown, this quiet, beautiful island offers lovely beaches and nature reserves, including the Mytoi Japanese Garden.
Vineyard Haven: The main port town, offering a mix of quaint shops, galleries, and restaurants. You can take a walk around the harbor or enjoy some local seafood.
South Beach: A beautiful, long stretch of sandy beach on the southern tip of the island. It’s perfect for a relaxing stroll or to just enjoy the view.

For a short day trip, you can plan to visit a few of these areas, enjoy some local food, and take in the island’s charming atmosphere. Renting a bike or using the island’s public bus system can help you get around quickly and easily. If you’re looking to maximize your time, consider renting a car on the island or booking a guided tour.

Can You Take Your Car to Nantucket for a Day Trip from Falmouth?

Unlike Martha's Vineyard, it is not possible to take a car on the ferry from Falmouth to Nantucket. The Steamship Authority operates a passenger-only ferry between Falmouth and Nantucket, so cars are not allowed on that route. However, there are other options if you need a car on Nantucket:

Renting a Car on Nantucket: Once you arrive on Nantucket, you can rent a car, bike, or scooter to get around the island. Nantucket has a small, walkable downtown area, but renting a vehicle is ideal if you want to explore more remote parts of the island, like Madaket or Cisco Beach.
Bikes and Taxis: Many visitors choose to rent bikes for the day or take a taxi around the island. Nantucket has an excellent network of bike paths, making it easy to explore by bike.

The ferry ride to Nantucket from Falmouth takes around 1 hour, and the passenger fares are usually around $40-$50 one-way for adults. The ferry runs frequently, especially in the summer months. It’s a lovely ride with views of the water and the island in the distance.

What to See on Nantucket for a Day Trip:

Even without a car, there’s plenty to see and do in a day on Nantucket:

Nantucket Town: The charming downtown area is filled with cobblestone streets, boutique shops, and restaurants. You can also visit the Whaling Museum, which highlights Nantucket’s history as a whaling hub.
Siasconset Village: Known for its scenic beauty, this village on the eastern shore of Nantucket is perfect for a stroll. The 'Sconset Bluff Walk offers breathtaking views of the ocean and coastline.
Nantucket Beaches: Visit some of the island’s beautiful beaches like Jetties Beach or Surfside Beach. Many of them are located close to town and offer stunning views of the Atlantic.
Nantucket Lightship Basket Museum: A unique museum dedicated to the island’s famous lightship baskets, which are handwoven on Nantucket and are a staple of the island’s artisan heritage.

Although it’s not possible to take a car from Falmouth to Nantucket, you can still enjoy a wonderful day trip by exploring the island’s beautiful sights, history, and shops.

Hope this helps with your trip planning! Enjoy your time exploring both Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket!