Vineyard Haven, Martha's Vineyard: The Complete Town Guide (2026)
The complete guide to Vineyard Haven, Martha's Vineyard's year-round port town. Main Street shopping, Black Dog Tavern, Owen Park, and ferry terminal.
Take a bus ride from the town of Vineyard Haven to the town of Edgartown, on the island of Martha’s Vineyard. The Martha's Vineyard Transit Authority (VTA) is a public authority on the island. The VTA provides year-round public transit service to the six towns of Martha's Vineyard: Aquinnah, Chilmark, Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, Tisbury and West Tisbury. The VTA's transportation services consist of both fixed route and paratransit services (known as the Lift). Fixed route service varies throughout the year, depending on the seasonal travel demand. The VTA's peak season of operation typically runs from May to October, with fourteen routes that travel Island-wide. This bus ride will take you between two towns.
VTA Route 13: Vineyard Haven to Edgartown
The VTA (Vineyard Transit Authority) Route 13 connects Vineyard Haven and Edgartown, the two most popular towns for visitors arriving by ferry. The ride takes approximately 25-30 minutes depending on stops and traffic, and runs every 30-40 minutes during peak summer season.
The bus departs from the Church Street terminal in Vineyard Haven, just a short walk from the Steamship ferry dock. Along the route, you'll pass through the Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road corridor, with views of farms, ponds, and the island's interior landscape.
Fares and Practical Tips
VTA buses are affordable: single rides cost just $1.25 per town, or you can buy a day pass for unlimited travel across all routes. Buses have bike racks (first come, first served) and are wheelchair accessible. In summer, the buses run from approximately 6:30 AM to 11:45 PM. Winter service is reduced but still connects the main towns daily. No reservation needed. Just wave down the bus at any marked stop, or flag the driver between stops (the VTA allows "flag stops" on most routes). This is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to explore the island without a car.
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Continue Exploring Martha's Vineyard
Island Tip of the Day · Timing
Visit Edgartown on a Tuesday or Wednesday. Same beautiful town, maybe 30% of the weekend crowds. Most restaurants have availability without reservations.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is provided for general guidance only and was accurate at the time of writing. Beach conditions, hours, prices, lifeguard schedules, ferry fares, and business operations change frequently and without notice. Ocean swimming carries inherent risks including rip currents, undertow, and cold water shock. Always verify current conditions with official local sources before your visit. MV Vacation assumes no responsibility for any loss, injury, or inconvenience resulting from the use of this information. Swim only where lifeguards are on duty, supervise children at all times near water, and follow all posted safety signs.
