Do I Need to Bring a Car to The Vineyard? Charlie Utz It’s a question we hear a lot. With no bridge or connected road, you can’t drive here, so travel via air or sea is the only way to arrive. For those planning to take a ferry, the Steamship Authority from Woods Hole is the only service that can bring cars, motorcycles, RVs and trucks. Visit their website for schedules, availability and to make a reservation: steamshipauthority.com So, is it necessary to bring your car here? Well, it depends. 1. Where are you planning to stay? If you are staying in one of the downtown areas of Vineyard Haven, Oak Bluffs, or Edgartown, it is possible to arrive via passenger ferry and get around on your own. All three downtowns offer safe, walkable streets as well as bike friendly roads. The towns are also easily connected by the Vineyard Transit Authority (VTA) bus system, which services all Island towns and runs daily from early morning until late into the evening. Local cab companies as well as ride share options are also available. 2. How long are you staying? If you’re only planning a day or two, leave your car on the mainland. A sightseeing tour is a great way to see most of the Island, and the VTA bus can easily get you around. 3. What activities do you have planned? If your itinerary includes travelling off the beaten path you may want to consider bringing your car, or renting a car on-Island. 4. How much stuff are you bringing? If you’re a family with young kids or you’re planning to stay a while you may be travelling with a lot of cargo. In that case we would recommend bringing a car to more easily transport your group and belongings. If you have young kids and are trying to avoid taking your car MV Baby Rent offers strollers, car seats, cribs and various other baby products for rent on-Island. 5. What is your budget? Taking your car over on the ferry isn’t cheap. In the off-season, November through March, the cost of travelling with a car starts at $110 round trip. From April through October the starting price jumps to $170 before adding in tickets for passengers. Give careful consideration to the factors above before determining which option is best for you. If you need additional information, give us a call at 508.693.0085 and we’ll help you navigate your choices. If you decide on taking your car then get in touch with the Steamship Authority as soon as you know your travel dates to make a reservation, as their summer schedule books up months in advance. If you opt to just walk on, there are many ferry services available seasonally including the Island Queen, Patriot Party Boat, and FalmouthEdgartown ferry from Falmouth; Hyline Cruises from Hyannis, the Seastreak from New York or New Bedford, or the Martha’s Vineyard Fast Ferry from Rhode Island. Note that the Steamship Authority also offers passenger tickets and is the only ferry service that operates year round. 2022 -23 Travel Guide 7 PLAN
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