Do you need a car on Martha’s Vineyard? Getting around Martha’s Vineyard can be simpler than most first-time visitors expect when you know your options and a few important tips.
Continue reading for a complete Martha’s Vineyard transportation guide covering ferries, buses, bikes, rentals, rideshare, and the scenic drives worth the detour.
CONTENTS — In this article, you will learn about getting around Martha’s Vineyard (along with important tips and best scenic routes), including:
Do You Need a Car on Martha’s Vineyard?
Do you really need a car on Martha’s Vineyard?
The island is just under 100 square miles with no traffic lights and one main road running east to west with a handful of scenic routes branching off it. No town is more than 30 minutes from any other by car.
You’ll find a public bus system that connects every town on the island, but the right choice between car, bus, and bike depends on what kind of trip you want.
So the honest answer is: maybe.
Beyond budget, it depends on three things. Where you are staying, what you want to do, and how much you care about sticking to a schedule.
For a trip based in one town (Oak Bluffs or Edgartown), the bus and a bike will cover most of what you need. For a trip that includes Aquinnah, the up-island beaches, and remote trailheads, bring a car or rent one on-island.
I’ve done both: short stays and day trips on the Vineyard without a car, and longer stays in Aquinnah with one.
You can skip the car if:
- You are staying in Oak Bluffs or Edgartown and plan to stick mostly to those towns.
- You are comfortable relying on the VTA bus for longer trips (it works, but runs on island time).
- You plan to rent bikes and ride the paved path between Oak Bluffs and Edgartown.
- You are visiting for a day trip and staying in the ferry town.
You need a car if:
- You want to explore Aquinnah, Menemsha, or the up-island beaches and trails. (It’s a long bus ride.)
- You are staying in Chilmark, West Tisbury, or Aquinnah, where there’s no walkable town center and limited bus service.
- You’re traveling with small children, heavy beach gear, or anyone with mobility issues.
- You want to hit multiple towns in a single day without waiting for a bus.
- You’re visiting in the off-season, when bus routes run on reduced schedules and Uber/Lyft availability drops.
Let’s take a closer look at your options.
Bring or Rent a Car on Martha’s Vineyard?
Bringing your own car to the island adds some friction. You’ll be limited to certain ferries, availability, and added ticketing fees. Plus, parking in Oak Bluffs and Edgartown can be limited in summer, especially during the day.
Even so, for a long stay, it may be worth it.
You can pack your luggage in the trunk and you won’t have to worry about navigating with heavy bags in tow.
Getting around Martha’s Vineyard is easier when you have a home base. If you’re planning an overnight stay, use the map below to find hotels, rentals, and activities near the part of the island you’ll be exploring. You can zoom in on a specific town and filter by price to narrow it down.
That said, you’ll find several car rental agencies in Vineyard Haven and Oak Bluffs offer daily and multi-day rentals. This saves the hassle and cost of a car reservation on the ferry while still giving you wheels when the bus won’t cut it.
Most rental companies on the island require you to be at least 21, though drivers under 25 may pay a surcharge. You’ll need a valid driver’s license and a credit card in the driver’s name for the deposit. (Debit cards are sometimes accepted, but usually only if you’re 25 or older and may require a higher deposit.)
Expect to pay around $90–100/day in summer. If you decide to rent a car, book early. Inventory on the island is limited and peak weekends go fast.
Martha’s Vineyard Ferry Tips: Steamship Authority vs. Hy-Line
Two ferry companies serve Martha’s Vineyard from the mainland: The Steamship Authority and Hy-Line. They leave from different ports, cost different amounts, and serve different purposes.
Here’s how to choose which is right for you.
Martha’s Vineyard Ferry Comparison
| Steamship Authority | Hy-Line Cruises | |
|---|---|---|
| Departs From | Woods Hole (Falmouth) | Hyannis |
| Cars? | Yes. (It’s the only ferry that carries vehicles.) | No. Passengers only |
| Crossing Time | About 45 min. | About 1 hour (high-speed) |
| Destinations | Vineyard Haven year-round; Oak Bluffs added in summer | Oak Bluffs (May–October) |
| Cost | About $11 one-way walk-on ($22 round-trip); $231+ round-trip for a standard car (higher in peak summer; varies by season) | $39 one-way ($74 round-trip) |
| Reservations | Required for cars in summer, strongly recommended in shoulder season. Walk-ons never need one. | Not required, but recommended to guarantee a seat. |
| Bonus | — | Seasonal inter-island ferry to Nantucket (mid-June to mid-September) |
Prices and options listed are current as of spring 2026. Check with providers for the latest rates.
Top Martha’s Vineyard Ferry Tips
These Martha’s Vineyard ferry tips will help you save time and money, regardless of which ferry you take.
Steamship Authority Tips
- Booking: Book directly through the Steamship Authority website. Make car reservations as soon as your dates are set. Summer vehicle space goes fast. You can also buy walk-on tickets through the SSA eFerry mobile ticket system or at the terminal.
- Arrival Time: Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure and expect a boarding queue, especially in summer when traffic and lines build quickly.
- Parking: Parking in Woods Hole is very limited, so use the Steamship Authority’s off-site parking lots with shuttle service to the terminal. In summer, arrive 45–60 minutes early (longer on peak weekends). Main lots: Palmer Avenue in Falmouth; Thomas B. Landers in East Falmouth; Cataumet on Route 28A.
- Parking Fees: Expect to pay about $25/day for off-site parking in peak season.
Hy-Line Cruises Tips
- Booking: Book summer and weekend sailings ahead of time directly through the Hy-Line website. Popular departures can sell out during peak season. Tickets are digital.
- Arrival Time: Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure, especially on busy summer weekends.
- Parking: Parking in Hyannis is generally easier than Woods Hole, with both nearby lots and off-site shuttle parking available. Main off-site lot: 183 Iyannough Road in Hyannis.
- Parking Fees: Expect to pay around $20/day for off-site parking and more for terminal-adjacent lots.
Flying to Martha’s Vineyard
You can also fly into Martha’s Vineyard Airport (MVY), right in the center of the island. Cape Air runs year-round flights from Boston, Hyannis, New Bedford, and Nantucket.
In summer, you’ll find seasonal service from JetBlue, Delta, and American. The flight from Hyannis is about 15 minutes. It’s a good option if you want to skip the ferry or you’re coming from farther away.
Expect to pay around $200+ one-way from Boston.
MV Bus Routes: The VTA System (Better Than You Think)
The Vineyard Transit Authority runs bus routes connecting every town on Martha’s Vineyard, which makes getting around Martha’s Vineyard convenient.
The buses are clean, the drivers are friendly, and rides are currently fare-free through the 2026 season, funded by Massachusetts’ Fair Share Amendment.
For getting around Martha’s Vineyard without a car, the VTA is the backbone. The fare-free program may not last forever, so check vineyardtransit.com for the latest.
Here are the main routes.
VTA Bus Routes
| Route | Where It Goes | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Edgartown to Vineyard Haven | Main east-west route; runs frequently |
| 2 | West Tisbury to Vineyard Haven via Old County Rd | More scenic inland route |
| 3 | West Tisbury to Vineyard Haven via State Rd | More direct inland route |
| 4 | West Tisbury to Chilmark and Menemsha via North Rd | Seasonal Menemsha access |
| 5 | West Tisbury to Chilmark and Aquinnah via South Rd | Main route to Aquinnah; about 50 minutes |
| 6 | Edgartown to West Tisbury via the airport | Connects mid-island; useful for airport connections |
| 8 | South Beach (Katama) | Summer only beach shuttle |
Routes listed are current as of spring 2026. Check with provider for the latest rates.
But there’s a reality check: the VTA runs on island time.
Buses are not always on schedule, and service thins in the evening and drops significantly in the off-season.
For daytime trips between the three main towns (Vineyard Haven, Oak Bluffs, Edgartown) though, the bus works well and saves you a parking headache.
All VTA buses have bike racks, so you can combine bus and bike travel. All buses are also wheelchair accessible.
Martha’s Vineyard Bike Rentals and Scooter Options
Biking is one of the best ways to get around Martha’s Vineyard, especially between Oak Bluffs and Edgartown.
The paved bike path along State Beach runs about 6 miles between the two towns, with water on both sides for most of the ride.
It is flat, scenic, and the single most popular cycling route on the island.
You’ll find Martha’s Vineyard bike rental shops clustered near the ferry terminals in Vineyard Haven and Oak Bluffs. Expect to pay about $25–35 per day for a standard bike, $50–70 for an e-bike. Most shops also rent kids’ bikes, trailers, and tag-alongs.
Here are your rental options by type.
Bike, E-Bike, and Scooter Rentals
| Option | Best For | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard bikes | Flat routes between towns | About $25–35/day | Manageable for casual riders on level ground. The hills to Aquinnah and Chilmark are not. |
| E-bikes | Riding beyond Oak Bluffs–Edgartown | About $50–70/day | Worth the upgrade if you’re heading into Chilmark or up to Aquinnah. Motor assist makes the hills manageable. |
| Scooters / mopeds | Covering more ground without a car | Varies by shop | A few shops rent them. No car reservation needed on the ferry. Helmets are required on Martha’s Vineyard. |
Prices listed are current as of spring 2026. Check with providers for the latest rates.
One caution: the roads outside of the bike paths are narrow and shared with cars. State Road between Vineyard Haven and Aquinnah has no dedicated bike lane and gets truck traffic.
Also, Oak Bluffs now restricts rental mopeds to solo riders, and new licensing rules may be coming. Check before you rent.
Experienced cyclists handle it fine. Families with young riders should stick to the paved paths.
Uber, Lyft, and Taxi on Martha’s Vineyard
Rideshare options on Martha’s Vineyard exist but do not work the way they do on the mainland. That’s because Uber and Lyft are available in summer, but the pool of drivers is small.
Wait times of 15–30 minutes are normal. Late at night or in bad weather, you might not find a ride at all.
Here are a few tips for Martha’s Vineyard transportation by rideshare and taxi if you decide to go that route:
- Summer only. Uber and Lyft availability drops sharply after Labor Day. In the off-season, assume rideshare is not available.
- Taxis. Several local taxi companies operate year-round. Fares are higher than rideshare but availability is more reliable. Pre-book for airport-style trips, such as ferry terminal pickups, early morning departures.
- Peak hours. Rides are hardest to get on Friday and Saturday evenings in summer when everyone is heading to dinner or coming back from the bars in Oak Bluffs.
- Cost. A ride from Vineyard Haven to Edgartown runs about $20–30 by taxi. Rideshare may be slightly less. Tips are standard.
The bottom line is, don’t plan your entire Martha’s Vineyard transportation strategy around Uber. It works as a supplement, not a replacement for a car or the bus.
Best Scenic Driving Routes on Martha’s Vineyard
If you do bring a car (or rent one for a day), these drives are the reason.
The island is small enough that you can loop the whole thing in two hours, but the point is to go slowly, pull over often, and let the scenery set the pace.
The Up-Island Drive: Vineyard Haven to Aquinnah
Take State Road west from Vineyard Haven through West Tisbury and Chilmark to Aquinnah. The road starts in town and gradually opens into farmland, stone walls, and rolling hills.
Past Chilmark, the road narrows and the views widen.
The whole drive takes about 30 minutes without stops, but plan an hour or more.
You might want to stop at the Chilmark General Store for a sandwich, pull over at the Allen Farm sheep pasture, and finish at the Aquinnah Cliffs overlook.
The Edgartown-West Tisbury Road
This back road connects Edgartown to the middle of the island through some of the prettiest countryside on Martha’s Vineyard.
The road passes horse farms, conservation land, and the turnoffs for Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary and Polly Hill Arboretum.
This route has less traffic than State Road and is a quieter, prettier drive.
The North Shore Loop: Vineyard Haven to Oak Bluffs via East Chop
Instead of taking the direct road between Vineyard Haven and Oak Bluffs, swing north through the East Chop neighborhood. The road runs along the bluff with water views across Vineyard Sound.
The East Chop Lighthouse sits at the point.
The whole detour adds 10 minutes and will reward you with the best harbor views on the island.
Menemsha at Sunset
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This is more of a scenic destination than a route for the drive, but well worth it.
Take North Road from Chilmark to the Menemsha harbor turnoff. The last stretch of road drops down to the water, and the harbor appears in front of you.
The scene includes fishing boats, shingled shacks, and the sun heading straight for the horizon.
You’ll want to park early, because everyone on the island knows about the Menemsha sunset.
Final Thoughts on Getting Around Martha’s Vineyard
Getting around Martha’s Vineyard takes a little planning but not much stress. The island is small, the roads are quiet, and every mode of transport has a sweet spot.
The bus handles the main towns. A bike covers Oak Bluffs to Edgartown. A car unlocks up-island and the remote beaches. And the drives past stone walls, farm fields, and harbors become a meaningful part of the trip.
The middle ground is this: Walk on the ferry, rent a bike your first day, and add a car rental for a day or two if you want to explore the western end of the island. That combination covers everything without overthinking it.
FAQs about Getting Around Martha’s Vineyard
Do you need a car on Martha’s Vineyard?
It depends on your trip. If you are staying in Oak Bluffs or Edgartown and sticking to those towns, you can get by with the VTA bus and a bike. If you want to visit Aquinnah, the up-island beaches, or remote trailheads, you need a car. A good middle-ground strategy is to walk on the ferry and rent a car on-island for one or two days.
How much is the Martha’s Vineyard ferry?
The Steamship Authority charges $11 one-way for adult walk-on passengers and $231+ round-trip for a standard car in shoulder season (higher in peak summer). Hy-Line Cruises from Hyannis charges $39 one-way for the high-speed ferry. There is no traditional Hy-Line ferry to Martha’s Vineyard.
Is there Uber on Martha’s Vineyard?
Uber and Lyft are available on Martha’s Vineyard during summer, but the driver pool is small. Expect wait times of 15–30 minutes. Availability drops sharply in the off-season. Local taxi companies operate year-round with more reliable availability. Do not plan your entire transportation around rideshare.
Can you bike around Martha’s Vineyard?
Yes, with some caveats. The paved bike path between Oak Bluffs and Edgartown is flat and easy. The roads to Aquinnah and Chilmark are hilly and shared with car traffic, with no dedicated bike lanes. E-bikes make the up-island rides more manageable. Martha’s Vineyard bike rentals are available near the ferry terminals in Vineyard Haven and Oak Bluffs for about $25–35 per day.
About Jackie Gately, editor-IN-CHIEF
I'm Jackie Gately, your travel confidante and the creative force behind Enjoy Travel Life, awarded the "Best Casual-Luxury Lifestyle Blog (USA)" in Travel and Tourism by LUXlife Magazine for four consecutive years. With 25 years of published expertise, I'm a seasoned writer, editor, and photographer curating inspiring travel guides and lifestyle tips for empty nesters. I hope to kindle your spirit of exploration, encouraging you to overcome obstacles and turn your dreams into reality. Learn to minimize your pre-travel angst and maximize the joy of exploration with insights from my experiences. Let's make every adventure a celebration of this exciting phase of life! Follow my social channels for more inspiration.
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