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Getting
Here
There are lots
of stories of people who were born on the Vineyard and who, throughout
their entire lifetimes, never left the island. There's a good
reason for that - it's just too hard to get back on. Actually,
to a first-time visitor who's trying to coordinate ferry reservations
with house rental dates, it could very well seem that way. But in
fact, there is a method to all the madness - hopefully this will
help.
Steamship Authority
Parking
If
you're planning on departing from Woods Hole in the summer, you'll
have to park in one of several Steamship Authority parking lots in
Falmouth. Allow at least an extra hour to park and get on the boat.
Traffic Updates
Call
Smart Routes (number) for updates on traffic. They'll even advise
you which parking lot to use. 1610AM also gives you radio updates.
AIR
TRAVEL
Contact a travel agent for connecting flights to Martha's Vineyard
or contact the following airlines directly:
Cape Air
www.flycapeair.com, 1-800-352-0714
US Airways Express
www.usairways.com, 1-800-428-4322
If you have your own plane, visit the Martha's Vineyard Airport
online, www.mvyairport.com.
TRAIN TRAVEL
Amtrak's Acela Express runs between Washington, D.C., and Boston,
with a stop in Providence, R.I.
From Boston, take a bus or rent a car to continue your trip to the
Steamship Authority ferries at Woods Hole on Cape Cod (http://web1.steamshipauthority.com/ssa/),
a year-round ferry service to Martha's Vineyard.
From Providence, take a bus, taxi, or rent a car to continue your
trip to the Vineyard Fast Ferry (vineyardfastferry.com) at Quonset
Point, R.I., which operates from May to October.
Train Info:
http://www.trainweb.org/kin/
http://www.amtrak.com/trains/acelaexpress.html
BUS TRAVEL
Bonanza Bus Lines serves New England and offers transportation from
Boston, Providence, and New York to Woods Hole. For schedules and
rates, go to www.bonanzabus.com,
or call 1-800-556-3815.
FERRY SERVICES
The Steamship Authority, Woods Hole, MA http://web1.steamshipauthority.com/ssa/
Year-round service
Passenger and vehicle
Island Queen, Falmouth, MA
islandqueen.com
Seasonal (May to October)
Passengers only
Hy-Line Cruises, Hyannis, MA
hy-linecruises.com
Seasonal (May to October)
Passengers only
Vineyard Fast Ferry, Quonset, RI vineyardfastferry.com
Seasonal (May to October)
Passengers only
Island Queen
FALMOUTH, Massachusetts
The Island Queen is a passenger-only ferry that runs between Falmouth
and Oak Bluffs on Martha's Vineyard. It operates this year from
May 28 through Oct. 11, 2004. Passenger reservations are not needed,
but it is recommended that passengers arrive 30 minutes before departure.
There are two parking lots; the main lot is adjacent to the pier.
For driving directions, schedules, parking and passenger rates, visit
http://www.islandqueen.com/directions_to_island_queen.htm
Vineyard
Fast Ferry
QUONSET, Rhode Island
The Vineyard Fast Ferry, a passenger-only ferry that runs between
Quonset RI and Oak Bluffs on Martha's Vineyard, is operating
this year from May 26 through Oct. 11, 2004. Advance reservations
are recommended.
The Vineyard Fast Ferry is conveniently located about 15 miles from
TF Green Airport in Providence and the Amtrak station.
For driving directions, park and ride information, schedules and
rates, visit http://www.vineyardfastferry.com/index.html
Hy-line Cruises
HYANNIS, Massachusetts
Hy-line Cruises has a passenger-only ferry that runs between Hyannis
and Oak Bluffs on Martha's Vineyard. This year, it operates
from May 7 through Oct. 28, 2004. Passenger reservations are recommended;
call (888) 778-1132 or (508) 778-2602.
For driving directions, schedules, parking and passenger rates,
visit http://www.hy-linecruises.com/mvSeasonal.shtml
Steamship Authority
WOODS HOLE, Massachusetts
The Steamship Authority operates a fleet of ferries year-round,
servicing the islands of Martha's Vineyard (from Woods Hole)
and Nantucket (from Hyannis).
Vehicle reservations should be made well in advance for the busy
summer season. Passenger-only reservations are not necessary; tickets
are on sale at all terminals.
It is recommended that all passengers and vehicles arrive ready
to board at least 30 minutes before scheduled departures. Steamship
Authority attendants (in uniform) are at your assistance; follow
their instructions.
Public restrooms, an ATM, and visitor guides such as Vineyard Visitor
are available at the Woods Hole terminal.
The travel time between Woods Hole and Martha's Vineyard is
about 45 minutes. Restrooms and snacks are available on the ferries.
Note: For those who prefer to park their vehicles on the mainland,
The Steamship Authority offers a shuttle service to and from Park
and Ride lots. See Park and Ride info at http://web1.steamshipauthority.com/ssa/parkingwh.cfm
For schedules, rates, and reservation information, visit http://web1.steamshipauthority.com/ssa/
Driving Directions to Steamship Authority terminal in Woods Hole
From NYC:
Take Route I-95 north through Connecticut and Rhode Island, and
exit in Providence at Route I-195.
Follow Route 195 and exit at 22A to Route 25, traveling southeast
to Cape Cod and over the Bourne Bridge. From the Bourne Bridge,
follow Route 28 to Falmouth and Woods Hole. Allow at least 6 hours
travel time; approximately 260 miles.
From Boston:
Take Route 3 south to the Sagamore Bridge and Route 6 towards Buzzard
Bay. Cross the Bourne Bridge and follow Route 28 to Falmouth and
Woods Hole. Or take I-93 south to Route 24 South until it intersects
with I-495. Follow I-495 South, which becomes Route 25, to the Bourne
Bridge. Allow at least 2 hours travel time; approximately 75 miles.
From Western Massachusetts:
Follow the Mass Turnpike east to exit 11A (Route I- 495). Follow
495 south to Cape Cod and cross the Bourne Bridge. From the Bourne
Bridge follow Route 28 to Falmouth and Woods Hole.
Note: The distance between the Bourne Bridge and Woods Hole, where
you board the Steamship Authority ferry to Martha's Vineyard
is 18 miles; depending on the time of day or year, it's at
least a 30-minute drive.
To get the Steamship Authority ferry updates, tune your radio
to 1610 AM.
Gas Stations En Route to Woods Hole/Steamship Authority Terminal:
There is a CITGO station on Route 28 soon after you exit the rotary
from the Bourne Bridge. Approximately two miles farther is a Mobil
station and mini mart.
In Falmouth at the first traffic light there is a CITGO station
and mini mart on the left. Continuing on to Woods Hole, there is
a Mobil station on the right side before the Palmer Lot, the Steamship
Authority's park and ride. If you miss all of these, there
is a Gulf station farther along on Route 28, just before a blinker.
Eateries En Route to Woods Hole/Steamship Authority Terminal:
Look for fast foot shops along Route 28. In Woods Hole, there is
a variety of restaurants and delis. In season, there are ice cream
shops and hot dog stands in the vicinity of the terminal.
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