Martha's Vineyard Vehicle Ferry: Booking and Travel Guide

So you're planning a trip to Martha's Vineyard with your vehicle? You'll need to book a spot on the Steamship Authority ferry, which is the only vehicle ferry that connects the island to the mainland.

The Steamship Authority offers year-round service from Woods Hole to Vineyard Haven, with multiple departures daily during peak season.

You can book your ferry ticket online or by phone, and it's recommended to do so at least a week in advance to ensure availability.

The ferry ride itself takes about 45 minutes, and you'll have the opportunity to enjoy the views of the harbor and the surrounding islands.

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Booking a car ferry to Martha's Vineyard requires a reservation, especially if you're bringing a vehicle. You can book your reservation on the Steamship Authority website.

To make a reservation, start by setting up an account on the Steamship Authority website, as shown in a step-by-step video guide. It's essential to check the schedule and availability before booking to ensure you get your preferred sailing.

You'll need to provide details about your vehicle, including whether you're bringing a rental car, and if you'll have anything on your roof rack or towing anything. This information affects pricing and availability.

Enter your passenger numbers if you want to pay the fare now, or leave them blank if you prefer to buy passenger tickets at a later date.

First, you'll need to set up an account on the Steamship Authority website to book your car ferry to Martha's Vineyard.

To start, click the "Book Now" tab and choose your desired departure and return dates. You'll also need to choose the vehicle you're bringing from the drop-down menu or select "Rental car".

If you're taking a rental car, note that down, as this affects pricing and availability. Also, if you'll have anything on your roof rack or if you're towing or carrying anything on the back, such as bikes, let the website know - it affects pricing and availability.

Next, enter your passenger numbers if you want to pay the fare now, or leave blank if you want to buy passenger tickets at a later date. Click continue to see all available sailings on the ferry schedule for those dates.

Vehicle reservations are required for the car ferry to Martha's Vineyard, so don't forget to book ahead of time. If you plan to walk-on as a foot passenger, you don't need a reservation in advance.

The basic cost of taking your car to Martha's Vineyard in 2025 ranges from $170 round trip up to $340. The price varies depending on the length of your vehicle, the time of year, and whether you travel mid-week or on the weekend.

Keep in mind that the car reservation does not include passenger tickets unless you specifically add them during the booking process. You can also incur additional charges if you bring bikes or kayaks, or if you are carrying a load that extends beyond your front or back bumper.

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If you're planning a trip to Martha's Vineyard, booking your car on the ferry is a crucial step. The Steamship Authority releases reservations in batches depending on the season.

For the summer season, which runs from mid-May through mid-October, reservations typically open in late January or early February. Exact dates are usually announced around November or December. If you're planning a visit during this busy period, set a reminder on your calendar to book as soon as possible.

For the fall season, which spans from mid-October to December, reservations open in the spring. If you're traveling during this time, keep an eye out for the opening date.

In contrast, winter and spring reservations, which run from January through mid-May, open in the fall, usually around mid-October. If you're planning a trip during this time, be aware that reservations may not fill up as quickly as they do during the summer.

Here's a breakdown of when reservations open for each season:

Keep in mind that holiday weekends and peak summer dates, such as July and August, can fill up quickly. If you're planning a trip during this time, be prepared to book your reservation as soon as possible.

Most visitors to Martha's Vineyard start their Island visit aboard a ferry from New York, Rhode Island, or Cape Cod, MA.

The Steamship Authority provides year-round car and passenger ferry service to both Vineyard Haven and Oak Bluffs (seasonal), and is the only ferry service that allows vehicles to and from the Island.

You can catch a passenger-only ferry from Falmouth and Hyannis on the Cape to Oak Bluffs during the summer season.

Fast ferry service for passengers only is also available from New York, Quonset Point, RI, and New Bedford, MA.

Schedules for seasonal services typically run from Memorial Day to Columbus Day weekend.

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To ensure a smooth trip, plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time at the Woods Hole terminal, located at 1 Cowdry Road.

The terminal's check-in process is straightforward. Give your last name and time of sailing to the SSA staff at the entrance booth, and they'll direct you to a staging lane.

You'll wait in your designated lane until boarding begins. If you haven't already, you can purchase passenger tickets at the terminal or online.

Once on the ferry, staff will direct you when it's time to board, and you should drive slowly onto the ferry, pulling forward until instructed to stop.

The crossing takes 45 minutes, so make a note of where you've parked. There are multiple ways to access the passenger deck, which can be confusing, so try to keep track of the route you take.

To return to your vehicle, head down to the car deck straight away, but don't start your engine until the cars in front of you start to move off.

Is There a Best Time to Travel?

Traveling during the off-season can save you up to 50% on flights and accommodations.

The best time to visit popular destinations like Hawaii and the Caribbean is during the shoulder season, typically from mid-April to mid-June and from September to mid-December.

Off-peak travel can also result in fewer crowds and shorter wait times at attractions.

Traveling during peak season, on the other hand, can be a nightmare for those who value their personal space.

The peak season for most destinations is during the summer months, when schools are on break and families tend to travel.

If you're looking for a beach vacation, consider traveling during the winter months when the weather is cooler and the crowds are smaller.

Some popular destinations, like Europe, have a high season and a low season, with the high season typically running from June to August.

If you're on a tight budget, consider traveling during the low season, when prices for accommodations and flights are significantly lower.

To make the most of your trip to Martha's Vineyard, it's essential to arrive at the Woods Hole terminal with plenty of time to spare. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time.

The terminal is located at 1 Cowdry Road, so make sure to mark that down. You'll want to give your last name and time of sailing to the SSA staff at the entrance booth.

Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the check-in process:

Don't forget to drive slowly onto the ferry and pull forward until instructed to stop.

The dock is located at 10 Circuit Avenue Extension, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557. This is a key address to have handy as you make your way to the island.

To get to the dock, you'll want to head to Oak Bluffs Harbor at Oak Bluffs Marina. The dock is shared with the Island Queen Ferry at the intersection of Circuit Ave Extension and Seaview Ave Extension.

If you're having trouble finding the dock, you can check out the map provided by the dock's website to get a better sense of the layout.

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The Steamship Authority provides year-round car and passenger ferry service to Martha's Vineyard from New York, Rhode Island, and Cape Cod, MA.

You can take the ferry from Woods Hole on Cape Cod to either Oak Bluffs or Vineyard Haven, depending on the season.

There are also seasonal passenger-only ferry services from Falmouth and Hyannis on Cape Cod, as well as from New York, Quonset Point, RI, and New Bedford, MA.

These services typically run from Memorial Day to Columbus Day weekend, and you can find details on fares, schedules, and reservations on the ferry websites or at VineyardFerries.com.

Reservations are essential, especially during peak season and around holiday weekends, to ensure you can bring your car to the island.

Getting your stuff to Martha's Vineyard can be a challenge, but the Steamship Authority has got you covered. They operate the only ferry service that transports vehicles to the island.

You can make a reservation over the phone, in person at the terminals, by postal mail, or on the SSA website. This is especially important during peak season and around holiday weekends, when advance reservations are essential.

The ferry departs from Woods Hole on Cape Cod and arrives at either Oak Bluffs or Vineyard Haven, depending on the season. The island sits about 7 miles off the coast of Massachusetts, and there's no bridge connecting the Vineyard to the mainland.

The Steamship Authority ferries can typically carry between 35-58 cars each per trip.

In total, the SSA transports between 1,330 and 1,400 vehicles per day.

Martha's Vineyard has several ferry services that make it easy to get to the island.

Most visitors start their island visit on a ferry from New York, Rhode Island, or Cape Cod, MA, with the Steamship Authority being the only ferry service that transports vehicles to and from the island.

Year-round, the Steamship Authority ferries carry passengers and vehicles from Woods Hole on Cape Cod to either Oak Bluffs or Vineyard Haven, depending on the season.

In the summer, passenger-only ferry service is available from Falmouth and Hyannis on the Cape to Oak Bluffs, with fast ferry service also available from New York, Quonset Point, RI, and New Bedford, MA.

The Island Queen Ferry is a scenic option from Falmouth Harbor, taking just 30 minutes to get to Martha's Vineyard.

You can also take the Martha's Vineyard Fast Ferry from Quonset Point, Rhode Island, which takes about 75 minutes and offers amenities like WIFI, food service, and a full bar onboard.

The Steamship Authority ferries can typically carry between 35-58 cars each per trip, transporting between 1,330 and 1,400 vehicles per day.

Advance reservations are essential for the Steamship Authority, especially during peak season and around holiday weekends, so be sure to plan ahead.

For access to every ferry schedule from every port servicing Martha's Vineyard, visit VineyardFerries.com or check the individual ferry websites for schedules, fares, parking, and driving directions.

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