Best Ways to Get to Nantucket

Dreaming of a Nantucket getaway? More than 40,000 visitors make their way to Nantucket every year as the weather warms. They arrive by ferry and plane, ready to soak up Nantucket’s famous sun, sand, and entertainment.

If you’re planning an island vacation this season, Congdon & Coleman will help you arrange the perfect vacation. Here’s a helpful list of travel options for the 2018 season.

Ferries to Nantucket

There are 4 main ferry rides to the island. Below are their exact departure locations, so you can find them quickly on your mobile device when it’s time to travel to Nantucket:

Steamship Authority
141 School Street, Hyannis, MA 02601

Hy-Line Cruises
220 Ocean St, Hyannis, MA 02601

Seastreak
49 State Pier, New Bedford, MA 02740

Freedom Cruise Line
702 Rte. 28, Harwich Port, MA 02646

Steamship Authority High-Speed Ferry

This ferry speeds from dock-to-dock, Hyannis to Nantucket, for a fast trip in about an hour. This is a popular option, so reserve early.

Daily May 11 to Oct. 22

Depart from Hyannis at 8:15 a.m., 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 5 p.m., 7:30 p.m.

Hy-Line High-Speed Ferry

This is another very popular one-hour trip from Hyannis to Nantucket where early reservations are recommended.

Daily voyages

Depart from Hyannis at 6:10 a.m., 9:05 a.m., 11:55 a.m., 3:05 p.m., 7 p.m.

Seastreak High-Speed Ferry

Not quite as fast as some of the other high-speed ferries, this is a one hour and forty minute trip from the New Bedford dock to Nantucket.

Daily voyages (seasonal service)

Departs from New Bedford at 9:30 a.m., 2:50 p.m., 7:30 p.m.

Freedom High-Speed Ferry

From Harwich Port, this high-speed ferry makes a one hour and twenty minute trip to Nantucket.

Daily voyages (seasonal service)

Departs from Harwich at 8:50 a.m. and 12:20 p.m.

Steamship Authority Traditional Ferry

This is a slow, 2 hour and 15 minute trip that’s perfect for first-time visitors and families who want to experience the feeling of a leisurely Nantucket ferry ride. Affectionately known to locals as the “slow boat” the Steamship Authority’s traditional ferry service is the only option for traveling with your vehicle. Advance reservations are required well in advance so plan ahead!

Until May 22

Depart from Hyannis at 9:15 a.m., 2:45 p.m., 8 p.m.

May 23 to 28

Depart from Hyannis at 6:30 a.m., 9:15 a.m., noon, 2:45 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 8 p.m.

May 29 to June 18

Depart from Hyannis at 9:15 a.m., 2:45 p.m., 8 p.m.

June 18 to Oct. 22

Depart from Hyannis at 6:30 a.m., 9:15 a.m., noon, 2:45 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 8 p.m.

Nantucket Memorial Airport: Airline Options for Nantucket

Rather than taking a ferry ride, many people prefer to fly into Nantucket Memorial Airport, located at 14 Airport Road in Nantucket. Here are some of the fastest and most direct flights.

American Airlines - Arrives at the Main Terminal

Although they do not provide year-round service, American provides tourist-season service between Nantucket and Washington - National (DCA), Charlotte (CLT), and New York City (LGA).

Cape Air  - Arrives at the Main Terminal

This is a great option for air travel any time of year. Cape Air, also called Nantucket Air, travels between Nantucket and Boston, MA (BOS), Hyannis MA (HYA), New Bedford, MA (EWB) and Martha’s Vineyard (MVY). During tourist season, there is also service from Westchester County, NY (HPN).

Delta Airlines - Arrives at the Main Terminal

During the warm seasons only, Delta Airlines provides service from New York City (LGA).

Jet Blue - Arrives at the Main Terminal

Seasonally, Jet Blue arrives from Boston, MA (BOS), Washington-National (DCA), and New York City (JFK).

Rectrix Shuttle - Arrives at the Main Terminal

The Rectrix Shuttle airline travels year-round on a fast trip to Nantucket from Hyannis, MA (HYA).

Tradewind Aviation - Arrives at the General Aviation Building

If you’re traveling from White Plains, NY (HPN) or Teterboro, NJ (TEB) during tourist season, Tradewind Aviation is an option.

United Airlines  - Arrives at the Main Terminal

United Airlines makes trips almost daily from Newark, NJ (EWR) to Nantucket on a seasonal schedule.

Now that you know all the ways to get to Nantucket, it’s time to find that perfect vacation rental home. Download our free Feature Property Lookbook, and you’ll can start to plan our the perfect Nantucket vacation.