Getting Here and Around

Year-round flight service to Nantucket from Boston and Hyannis is provided by Cape Air and Nantucket Airlines. American Airlines offers seasonal service to the island from Washington, D.C., Charlotte, NC, and New York’s LaGuardia. Jet Blue, United, and Delta also offer seasonal flights from select cities.

Arriving by ferry puts you in the center of town, and several ferry companies offer service to Nantucket from two different ports, either year-round or seasonally. You can board in Hyannis (Hy-Line, Steamship Authority) or Harwich Port (Freedom Cruise Line). The only company that carries cars is Steamship Authority; car service is very expensive, and reservations must be made far in advance.

There is little need for a car here to explore; ample public transportation and smoothly paved bike paths can take you to the further reaches with ease. The Nantucket Regional Transit Authority (NRTA) runs shuttle buses from in town to most areas of the island. Service is generally available late May–mid-October. If you're still determined to rent a car while on Nantucket, book early—and expect to spend at least $95 a day during high season. If your car is low-slung, don’t attempt the dirt roads. Some are deeply pocked with puddles, and some are virtual sandpits, challenging even to four-wheel-drive vehicles.