How To Take A Trip From Boston To Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is an island located about seven miles off the southern coast of Cape Cod in Massachusetts.  With a land area of just over 87 square miles, it's the 58th largest island in the United States.

However, it's the largest "true" island on the East Coast.  What that means is there are no bridges or tunnels connecting Martha's Vineyard to the mainland.  So in order to get to your vacation spot in the "The Vineyard," you'll need to take a plane or a boat (ferry).

Martha's Vineyard Airport (MVY), located in the center of the island, is open year-round.  In addition to numerous charter flights, the Vineyard is served by four commercial airlines: Delta Connection, Jet Blue, US Airways, and Cape Air.  The latter is the main carrier flying from Logan International Airport to MVY.  They offer daily flights between Boston and the island.

The two main ferries serving Martha's Vineyard are Woods Hole (located in the town of Falmouth) and New Bedford.  Both depart from Massachusetts and both are ideal for Boston-area residents.

To reach the Woods Hole terminal from downtown Boston travel south on route 128 (Interstate 95), or 93 South, and then take MA-24 S to Brockton/Fall River.  From the MA-24, take exit 14A and then merge onto I-495 S to Cape Cod.  Eventually, I-495 S turns into MA-25 E.  After crossing the Bourne Bridge, take the second exit onto MA-28.  As you get closer to the city of Falmouth, the road narrows to a lane each way.  If you plan on going to Martha's Vineyard without your car follow the signs to the appropriate parking lot.  If you're taking your car to the island continue along route 28 until you reach Woods Hole; from there signs lead you to the ferries.

The Woods Hole terminal is operated by the Steamship Authority.  It will cost around $10 for a one-way trip and about $40 for a vehicle.

To reach the New Bedford Ferry Terminal from downtown Boston travel south on route 128 or 93 south, and like the previous directions, take route 24 S.  Next, take exit 12 to route 140 south and then take exit 2E/A to I-195 east towards Cape Cod.  Get off I-195 about a mile later using Exit 15, route 18 South/Downtown.  You'll then want to turn left at the second light.  The State Pier will be straight ahead; just follow the signs to the ferry terminal.

SeaStreak Martha's Vineyard (formerly known as New England Fast Ferry) operates the ferry in New Bedford and they charge about the same as Woods Hole.  Seastreak boasts that they can get travelers to Martha's Vineyard over an hour faster than other ferries. 

Tickets and reservations for both ferries can be made online. 

Another way to reach Martha's Vineyard is by bus.  Buses depart from South Station or Logan Airport several times a day.  You can purchase tickets at the terminal or directly from the bus company.  At the time of writing this article the only company operating a route to Woods Hole is Bonanza Bus/Peter Pan Lines.

Martha's Vineyard is generally known as a summer destination and famous for being an affluent community.  Population at The Vineyard averages around 15,000 but can increase to more than 75,000 during the summer.  Also, nearly 60 percent of all the homes on the island are seasonally inhabited.  Meanwhile, the cost of living on Martha's Vineyard is 60 percent higher, and housing costs are 96 percent higher, than national averages.