Join us for a scenic boat ride on the Steamship Authority (SSA) ferry, offering breathtaking views of Martha's Vineyard and the surrounding waters.
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.
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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.
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 — 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–$33. 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.
A $32–$38 million reconstruction of Woods Hole terminal targets substantial completion in May 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 free.
⛴️ Island Tip of the Day — Ferry
The Island Queen from Falmouth to Oak Bluffs is just $20 one-way (35 min). Reservations are now required — book at islandqueen.com. Passengers only, no cars.
Saturday-to-Saturday Martha's Vineyard itinerary: rental logistics, day-by-day plan from Edgartown and Chappy to Aquinnah and Menemsha sunset, farmers markets, food experiences, and sunset sail. Everything verified for 2026.
Complete 2-day car-free Martha's Vineyard weekend itinerary: Friday ferry timing, where to stay, walk-in dining, Saturday beach + Aquinnah, Sunday departure. Three budget tiers. Verified for 2026.
Complete parking guide to Martha's Vineyard: free lots, time limits, beach stickers, ferry lots, park-and-ride strategy, EV charging, and how to avoid the 4,500+ tickets written every summer.
50 genuinely free things to do on Martha's Vineyard: beaches, hikes, concerts, lighthouses, lantern festivals, and more. Every location verified, every price double-checked for 2026.
Martha's Vineyard has exactly one campground — the Family Campground in Vineyard Haven. Complete guide to sites, prices, booking, glamping options, and the Cape Cod camp-and-ferry strategy.
Complete kayak guide to Martha's Vineyard: 10 launch sites, 10 routes, 5 rental operators, shark safety, tidal current warnings & scalloping tips.
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Please note: Content on MV Vacation is compiled from publicly available sources and personal experience. Prices, hours, access rules, and business details change frequently — we do our best to keep information current but cannot guarantee it is accurate or complete at any given time. This site provides general travel guidance only, not professional advice. Always verify details directly with the business, official website, or local authorities, and use your own judgment and due diligence before acting on any information. See our full disclaimer for details.
