Half the pleasure of the crossing is the window seat: a coffee, the wake behind, the island growing ahead.
A boat ride on the Steamship Authority ferry to Martha's Vineyard: open water, the island coming into view, and what the crossing is like.
The Steamship Authority ferry from Woods Hole to Martha's Vineyard is how most visitors reach the island, a 45-minute crossing through Vineyard Sound that runs 365 days a year. Here's everything you need to know for 2026.
Filmed May 2024The island moves on: shops, signs and prices may differ from what you see here. The text of this guide was checked September 2026.
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Passengers (one-way): Adult $11.00, Child (5–12) $5.75, Under 5 free. Bicycle $5.25. Round-trip is double.
Cars (one-way, car + driver, under 17ft): Off-season $73.50, Shoulder $115.50–$127.00, Peak Fri–Sun $168.00 (May 15–Sep 14). Approximately 5% increase from 2025.
Foot passengers: NO reservation needed. Buy at the terminal or via the eFerry app. Arrive 30 minutes early on busy weekends.
Cars: advance reservation REQUIRED. Summer reservations opened February 3, 2026 and sell out fast. No general standby. A wait list checks for cancellations automatically.
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Year-round: Woods Hole → Vineyard Haven (45 min, up to 14+ daily sailings).
Summer (May 14–Oct 22): Woods Hole → Oak Bluffs (also 45 min). Sailings alternate between VH and OB throughout the day, so check which one before boarding.
M/V Island Home (2007): ~1,200 passengers, 76 vehicles, elevator, snack bar, Wi-Fi. M/V Martha's Vineyard (1993): ~1,274 passengers. Larger vessels have a café with beer, wine, hot food, comfortable indoor seating, and outdoor deck.
No parking at the terminal. Use off-site lots with free shuttle buses: Palmer Avenue Lot (closest), Thomas B. Landers Lot, or Cataumet overflow lot. Daily rate $25 (April through October) or $20 (winter). All shuttles are wheelchair-accessible with bike racks. Parking info: (508) 457-PARK.
Pets ride free: leashed or in carrier, not in food areas. Major vessels are fully ADA accessible with elevators. Accessibility Pass available for discounted fares.
The new $37 million Woods Hole terminal building opened on June 25, 2026: geothermal heating, modern passenger building, elevator access.
For the complete guide to reaching Martha's Vineyard without a car, including bus connections from Boston, see our car-free travel guide. Once on-island, the VTA bus is fare-free through June 30, 2027.
Island tip of the dayInsiderNo. 84 of 86New tip at midnight, island time
A 502-foot breach opened at Norton Point on January 1, 2026, cutting the sand link between Katama and Chappaquiddick: the Chappy Ferry is once again the only way across, likely for years. OSV drivers should check current beach access with the town of Edgartown.
Flying to Martha's Vineyard in 2026: which airlines serve MVY and from where (Cape Air year-round; JetBlue, Delta and American in season; Tradewind from private terminals), what parking costs, and how to get from the terminal to any town by free bus, taxi or rental car.
Thinking about a September or October visit? Good call. A friendly heads-up on what shifts after Labor Day 2026: the ferry switch to Vineyard Haven, each boat's last day, what stays open through Columbus Day, and how far room rates fall.
You can bring a rental truck to the Vineyard, but only on the Steamship Authority boat, and the booking works differently than it does for a car. What the trucks really measure, what the ferry charges in 2026, and how to reserve space.
Every way to get from Boston to Martha's Vineyard in 2026. SSA ferry, Island Queen, Hy-Line, Cape Air flights, bus, and train with verified fares.
Every ferry to Martha's Vineyard for 2026: all routes, fares, parking, SSA vehicle booking, and which ferry works best for you.
Day trip to Martha's Vineyard from Boston ($100) or NYC ($300+). Every ferry, bus, train, and flight option with 2026 fares, parking, and an itinerary.
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