For most visitors the trip to Nantucket begins at Hyannis on Cape Cod. The Steamship Authority runs a traditional ferry that carries both passengers and vehicles and takes a little over two hours, plus a high-speed passenger-only boat that makes the crossing in around an hour. Hy-Line Cruises also operates a fast passenger ferry on the same route, so there are several timetables to compare. The crossing is part of the island experience: the harbor at Hyannis falls behind, the open water of Nantucket Sound opens up and the long low shape of the island rises on the horizon, with the lighthouse at Brant Point welcoming you into the harbor. There is a famous tradition tied to that last moment. Visitors toss a few pennies into the water as the boat passes Brant Point Light, a gesture said to guarantee a return to the island. The traditional ferry has indoor seating, a snack bar and open decks, which makes it comfortable in any weather. The high-speed boats are quicker but fully enclosed and can be bumpy in rough seas.
Plan the logistics before anything else. Vehicle space on the traditional ferry is limited and reservations are required, and in summer they sell out far in advance. Most visitors leave the car on Cape Cod, because the historic town is compact, bikes and shuttle buses cover the rest, and a rental car on the island is expensive and hard to park. Passengers without vehicles can often buy tickets close to the day, but high-speed boats and busy weekends are best reserved early.
Timetables change with the seasons. In winter the sailings are fewer and the last boat home leaves earlier, which matters for day trips. Weather can cause delays or cancellations, so keep your itinerary flexible, check the operator's pages on the morning of travel and carry any essentials in your hand luggage. Parking at the Hyannis terminals is available for a fee and fills up in peak season, and a bus from Boston or the airport will drop you at the Cape ferry terminals.
Good to know
Luggage is handled on the traditional ferry, you can bring a bicycle on board for a small additional fee, and dogs are allowed on the Steamship Authority boats under their rules. Flights from Boston, Hyannis and New York are an alternative if you are short of time, but the ferry is the choice that gives the trip its sense of arrival.
Choosing between the boats
The high-speed ferry suits visitors with limited time, light luggage and good sea legs, while the traditional ferry suits families, anyone with a vehicle and those who like to walk the decks. Fares differ, and the cheapest tickets sell out first on busy dates, so compare early. Both routes arrive close to the center of town, within walking distance of many inns.
If you are returning on a Sunday or holiday weekend, book the return leg at the same time as the outbound trip, because the afternoon boats are usually the first to fill. Seasickness is rare on the traditional boat in calm weather, but those prone to it should choose a seat near the middle and watch the horizon.
What to expect
The experience
A scheduled ferry crossing from Hyannis to Nantucket Town on a traditional vehicle ferry or a high-speed passenger boat.
Best time
Take a morning boat out and an evening boat back for a day trip; book weekends and summer sailings well ahead.
How long
1-2.25 hours each way
Tips
Reserve vehicles early, check the day's weather and timetable, and leave plenty of time for parking at Hyannis.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Arriving on Nantucket the traditional way.
- Families
- The traditional boat has indoor seating and snacks, which makes the longer crossing easy with children.
- Couples
- Sit on the top deck on the way in and watch Brant Point Light slide by.
- Pair with
- Brant Point Light, the Whaling Museum and a first walk along Main Street.
- Time needed
- One to two and a quarter hours each way.
Good questions
How long does the ferry to Nantucket take?+
The traditional Steamship Authority ferry takes a little over two hours from Hyannis, and the high-speed passenger boats take around one hour.
Do I need a reservation?+
Vehicle reservations are required and fill early in summer. Passengers can often buy tickets nearer to the day, but high-speed boats and peak weekends are best booked in advance.
Should I bring a car?+
Most visitors do not. Nantucket Town is compact and walkable, bikes and shuttle buses cover the rest, and cars are expensive and hard to park on the island.
Which ferry company should I choose?+
The Steamship Authority runs both traditional and high-speed ferries, and Hy-Line Cruises runs a fast passenger boat. Compare departure times and prices for your date.
Can I make a day trip?+
Yes, with a morning boat out and an evening boat back, though winter timetables have fewer sailings and an earlier last boat.