How to Get to Martha’s Vineyard from New York [2025 Guide]

How to Get to Martha’s Vineyard from New York [2025 Guide]

Planning to visit the scenic islands of Martha’s Vineyard in 2025? Whether you’re looking for a relaxing ferry journey, a speedy flight, or a scenic drive, this guide covers all transportation options from New York, with updated schedules, pricing, and insider tips.

1. Ferry Options

Seastreak Ferry (NYC/NJ → Oak Bluffs)

• Seasonal service from East 35th Street, NYC, and Highlands, NJ direct to Oak Bluffs. Journey takes around 4.5 hours, offering a comfortable, scenic ride.
• 2025 fares: About $175 one-way, $250 round-trip; higher during holidays.
• Amenities include covered waiting areas, bike racks, and seamless access to local bus transit at the MV terminal.

Rhode Island Fast Ferry (Quonset Point, RI → Oak Bluffs)

• Ideal if you drive or take train/bus to Rhode Island.
• Crossing time is approximately 1 hour 45 minutes; round-trip fares range from $99 off-peak to $119 peak; parking ~$15/day.
• Frequent schedule in 2025 with defined departure times.

Other Ferry Services

• Island Queen from Falmouth, MA → Oak Bluffs (~35 min), seasonal; parking ~$20/day.
• Steamship Authority year-round car & foot ferry service from Woods Hole, MA (only operator for vehicles).
• Hy-Line Cruises from Hyannis to Oak Bluffs (~1 hr), passenger-only, seasonal.

2. Flights

• Martha’s Vineyard Airport (MVY) handles regular and seasonal flights from New York–JFK, LaGuardia, Westchester (White Plains), and Teterboro.
  • JetBlue, Delta, American Eagle, Cape Air, and Tradewind Aviation operate regional flights.
  • In 2024–25, LaGuardia (22,260) and JFK (20,340) were the busiest MVY routes.
  • Flights take approximately 1h 14m–1h 24m from JFK/LGA.
• Tradewind Aviation offers shuttle and charter services from White Plains, with 57-minute flights to MVY.

3. Driving + Train + Ferry Hybrid

• Drive to Woods Hole, MA, park, and take the Steamship Authority ferry (vehicle or walk-on).
• Or take Amtrak to Providence, then shuttle/ferry from Quonset Point (fast ferry ~1h 45m).
• Hybrid trip (train to Boston South → bus to Woods Hole → ferry) takes 7–8 hours; cost varies widely—from ~$50 to $200+ depending on ferry and vehicle.

4. On-Island Transportation

• Once on Martha’s Vineyard, the Vineyard Transit Authority (VTA) runs bus service to all six towns year-round. Fares and passes vary seasonally; as of 2025, it’s ~$2 per town during peak season, ~$1.25 off-peak.
• Taxis, Ubers, bike rentals, and limited moped rentals are available (caution due to narrow roads).

FAQs

1. What is the fastest way to get from New York to Martha’s Vineyard in 2025?
Answer: Flying is quickest—flights from JFK or LaGuardia to MVY take about 1 hour 15 minutes, plus airport logistics. Ferries take several hours.

2. Are there direct ferries from New York City to Martha’s Vineyard?
Answer: Yes—the Seastreak ferry runs seasonally from East 35th Street, NYC, and Highlands, NJ, directly to Oak Bluffs.

3. Can I bring a car to Martha’s Vineyard from New York?
Answer: Yes—drive to Woods Hole (Steamship Authority ferry) or Quonset Point, RI (Fast Ferry). Only Steamship Authority carries vehicles year-round.

4. Which airport serves Martha’s Vineyard and what airlines fly there from NYC?
Answer: Martha’s Vineyard Airport (MVY) is served by JetBlue, Delta, American Eagle, Cape Air, Tradewind Aviation, with flights from JFK, LGA, White Plains, and seasonal service.

5. What’s the most scenic ferry route to Martha’s Vineyard?
Answer: The Seastreak route from NYC or NJ to Oak Bluffs offers panoramic ocean views and a relaxing high-speed catamaran experience.

Summary Table

Option	From	Duration (approx.)	Pros	Tips
Seastreak Ferry	NYC/NJ → Oak Bluffs	~4.5 hours	Scenic, comfortable, direct	Book early; seasonal only
RI Fast Ferry (Quonset)	Quonset Point → Oak Bluffs	~1h 45m	Quick, with parking	Travel via car or bus
Steamship Authority	Woods Hole	Drive + ferry duration	Vehicle-friendly, year-round	Reserve parking & ride
Flights (JFK/LGA)	NYC → MVY	~1h 15m + check-in	Fastest, multiple carriers	Book ahead for best rates
Hybrid (Train/Bus + Ferry)	NY → Boston/RI → MV	6–8 hours	Flexible if no car	Check schedules & fares