Discover easy ways to get around Martha’s Vineyard without a car: VTA buses, bike rentals, taxis, ferries & golf carts. Insider tips on rentals, trails & avoiding crowds for your island adventure.
Hey everyone, grab a beer and pull up a chair because I’m about to spill all my secrets on how to get around Martha’s Vineyard. I’ve lost count of the summers I’ve spent there, dodging tourists and chasing sunsets. This place is pure magic—those colorful cottages, hidden beaches, and that salty sea air. But trust me, figuring out transportation can make or break your trip if you’re not clued in.
I remember my first time rolling off the ferry, backpack slung over one shoulder, no car in sight. I thought I’d wing it, but the island’s bigger than it looks. From buses that zip you between towns to bikes that let you feel the wind, I’ve tried it all. Stick with me, and you’ll navigate like a local.
Why Bother Planning Your Moves?
Listen, Martha’s Vineyard isn’t some tiny dot on the map. It’s got six towns spread out over 100 square miles, from the bustling down towns to up-island wilds. You can’t just stroll everywhere unless you’re staying put in one spot. Planning saves you cash and frustration, especially in peak season when everything fills up fast.
I once showed up without a plan during July. Ended up waiting an hour for a bus that was packed. Now, I always map it out ahead. Check the ferry schedule first, then layer on your island rides. It turns chaos into chill vibes.
The island’s vibe rewards the prepared. Rent wrong, and you’re stuck in traffic. Go car-free, and you unlock the real charm—pedaling past farms or hopping buses with locals. I’ve done both; neither’s perfect, but knowing your options changes everything.
Getting to the Island: The Gateway Jump
Start here because your arrival sets the tone. Most folks ferry in from the mainland—it’s the classic way. I’ve taken the Steamship Authority from Woods Hole more times than I can count. It’s reliable, about 45 minutes to Vineyard Haven or Oak Bluffs, and they let cars on if you book way ahead.
Book that ferry ticket online, especially summers. I learned the hard way when I drove up without a rezzy and turned back empty-handed. Passenger-only options like Hy-Line from Hyannis or Island Queen from Falmouth skip the car hassle. They’re quicker, scenic, and drop you right in the action.
Flying’s another play if you’re short on time. Martha’s Vineyard Airport handles flights from Boston, New York, even D.C. in season. I flew in once for a quick weekend—landed, grabbed a cab, done. But ferries win for that ocean crossing thrill.
Pro tip: Time your arrival for early morning. Avoids crowds and gives you a full day. I always pack light for the ferry; no one wants lugging suitcases up those ramps.
Public Buses: The Unsung Heroes of Island Life
Okay, let’s talk buses—the Vineyard Transit Authority, or VTA, is your best buddy if you’re ditching the car. They cover the whole island year-round, hitting Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, Vineyard Haven, and even up to Aquinnah. Routes like the No. 13 shuttle between the main towns in 10-15 minutes. It’s cheap, eco-friendly, and drops you at beaches and lighthouses.
Fares? A single ride’s about $2, but grab a day pass for $7 or a week for $30—unlimited hops. I buy mine on the app now; no fumbling for exact change. Buses have bike racks too, so you can mix modes. In summer, they run every 15-30 minutes; off-season, it’s hourly but still solid.
One time, I bused from Oak Bluffs to Katama Beach on Route 8. Stepped off into dunes and waves—pure bliss. For up-island spots like Chilmark, transfer at West Tisbury. It’s not glamorous, but it beats driving those winding roads.
Don’t sleep on the free rides. Through September 2025, VTA’s waiving fares—score! I caught wind of that last year and rode everywhere without dropping a dime. Schedules are online; download the app for real-time tracking.
Renting a Car: Freedom with a Side of Hassle
If buses aren’t your jam, snag a rental car for that explorer feel. Companies like Hertz, Budget, or locals like A-A Island Auto Rental wait at ferry terminals and the airport. I rented a Jeep once—top down, cruising to Menemsha for sunset. It’s perfect for remote beaches or farm stands you can’t bus to.
But heads up: Book months ahead in summer. Prices start at $80 a day, plus gas, and parking’s a nightmare in Edgartown. Roads are narrow, no big highways—just scenic twists. I got stuck in traffic once near Five Corners; patience is key.
Go for something small like a Mini Cooper—easy to maneuver. I picked one up in Vineyard Haven and hit the Aquinnah cliffs by noon. Just watch the one-way streets in towns. And return it full; island gas stations are sparse.
Not everyone’s cup of tea, though. If you’re solo or a couple, skip it—too much stress for the island’s laid-back soul. I’ve gone car-free most trips now and never miss it.
Biking the Island: My Favorite Way to Roll
Bikes? Oh man, this is how I fell in love with the Vineyard. Rent a cruiser from spots like Edgartown Bicycles or Martha’s Bike Rentals—$20-30 a day. Paths weave through oak groves, along beaches, even up to the state forest. It’s 20 miles from Oak Bluffs to Aquinnah; doable in a day if you’re fit.
Safety first: Helmets are free with rentals, and paths are mostly paved. I always pack water and snacks; those hills up-island sneak up. The bike ferry in Menemsha crosses to Aquinnah for a few bucks—worth it for the views.
My epic ride: From Edgartown to Chappaquiddick via the short ferry, then looping back. Spotted seals and zero traffic. Electric bikes are game-changers if hills scare you—$50 a day, but they make up-island a breeze.
Bring your own if you can; VTA buses rack ’em for free. Just avoid rush hours on main roads. Biking captures the island’s rhythm—slow, scenic, sweaty in the best way.
Walking and Hiking: Feet on the Ground Magic
Nothing beats walking for soaking in the details. Downtown Oak Bluffs, Edgartown—super walkable, with gingerbread houses and shops steps apart. I wander Circuit Avenue for hours, popping into arcades or grabbing lobster rolls. Distances are short; Jaws Bridge is a 3-mile stroll from Oak Bluffs.
For hikes, hit Manuel F. Correllus State Forest—miles of trails through woods and fields. Or Menemsha Hills for cliff views over Vineyard Sound. Pack sturdy shoes; some paths get muddy after rain. I hiked Chappy Point to Point on Chappaquiddick—beaches, marshes, total escape.
Tell someone your route; cell service dips in spots. Water, sunscreen, bug spray—essentials. One afternoon, I walked from Edgartown Light to the harbor, spotting ospreys. It’s intimate, free, and burns off those beach fries.
Combine with buses for longer jaunts. Walk a town, bus to the next. Keeps things fresh without wearing you out.
Taxis, Ubers, and Rideshares: Quick Hops When Needed
Stuck? Taxis and Ubers fill the gaps. Cabs wait at ferries and the airport—$20-30 to most towns. I hailed one from Vineyard Haven to a beach once; driver shared insider eats. Reliable, but call ahead; numbers are everywhere online.
Uber and Lyft work island-wide, though spotty up-island. Fares mirror taxis, $15-40 depending. App shows wait times—usually 5-10 minutes in down-island spots. I used Uber for a late-night ride from Menemsha; smooth, no hassle.
Not cheap for long hauls, like Oak Bluffs to Aquinnah ($60+). Save for evenings or groups. Pro: No parking worries. Con: Surge pricing in peaks.
Local services like private vans beat big rideshares sometimes. I booked one for a group—comfy, chatty driver. Just verify they’re licensed.
Tours and Unique Rides: Let Someone Else Drive
Want the highlights without effort? Tours are gold. Full-island bus tours from Oak Bluffs hit all six towns in three hours—$50-70. I did one with MV Excursions; saw Jaws Bridge, cliffs, and got history bites. Narrated, air-conditioned—perfect for overviews.
Private tours customize: Pick beaches or farms. Viator has options from $200 for a half-day. My private van trip focused on lighthouses—worth every penny for the stories.
Trolleys and sightseeing buses mt ferries. Hop on for $20; they loop main spots. Or try mopeds—$40 a day, but helmets mandatory. I moped-ed down-island once—windy fun, but watch for potholes.
Golf carts? Rentals in Oak Bluffs for $100 a day. Zip around town, but roads aren’t built for ’em. Fun for short bursts.
Aerial tours via helicopter—pricey at $150+, but those bird’s-eye views? Unbeatable. I splurged once; saw the whole layout in 20 minutes.
Packing Smart for Your Rides
Don’t overlook the details. Light bags for buses and bikes—backpacks over rollers. I learned that hauling a suitcase up bus steps sucks. Chargers, maps app—essentials.
Weather gear: Rain ponchos for ferries, comfy layers for breezy rides. Sunscreen for open-air tours. Snacks keep you going between stops.
Cash for buses if app fails; cards for rentals. Download offline maps—service fades up-island.
Day Trip vs. Multi-Day: Tailor Your Strategy
Day trippers, focus down-island. Ferry to Oak Bluffs, walk cottages, bus to Edgartown for lunch, back by evening. I did this from Boston—bus to Woods Hole, ferry, explore, reverse. Total under $100 each.
Multi-day? Mix it up. Base in Edgartown, bus mornings, bike afternoons, taxi nights. I spent a week: Biked to West Tisbury farms, toured Aquinnah, walked beaches. Pace yourself; island time means no rush.
Off-season? Easier everywhere—fewer crowds, cheaper rentals. Spring blooms or fall colors amp the rides.
Winter’s quiet—buses still run, but tours slim down. I went once; cozy cab to a quiet beach.
Safety and Eco Tips from the Trenches
Stay safe: Stick to paths biking, watch traffic walking. Hydrate—dehydration hits fast. I twisted an ankle once ignoring uneven trails; now I scout routes.
Eco-wise, go car-free. Buses and bikes cut emissions. Support locals—rent from island shops. Pack out trash; beaches stay pristine that way.
Night moves? Lights on bikes, stick to lit paths. Ubers for late returns.
My Go-To Itineraries: Tried and True
Sample day: Arrive Oak Bluffs ferry. Walk to Flying Horses Carousel. Bus 13 to Edgartown—shop Main Street, lighthouse peek. Afternoon bike to South Beach. Evening Uber back for sunset drinks.
Up-island adventure: Bus to West Tisbury, rent bike there. Pedal to Aquinnah cliffs—hike the views. Taxi or bus to Menemsha for fish watching. Total immersion.
Group vibe: Charter a van tour. Hit farms, beaches, wineries. I did this with buddies—laughed all day.
Solo explorer: Walk Vineyard Haven, bus to Lambert’s Cove Beach. Read under trees. Simple, soul-filling.
Historic Sites You Can’t Miss
Gay Head Lighthouse perches on cliffs. Bus to Aquinnah, then short walk. Views stun at dusk.
Edgartown Historic District boasts captain’s homes. Stroll streets freely. Architecture whispers past glories.
Old Whaling Church hosts events. Tour inside for Greek Revival style. Bike over for convenience.
Flying Horses Carousel spins in Oak Bluffs. Walk from ferry. Grab the brass ring—tradition!
Costs Breakdown: Budget Like a Pro
Ferry: $20-30 round-trip passenger. Car extra $100+.
Bus pass: $7 day, free till Sept 2025.
Bike rental: $25/day.
Car: $80+.
Taxi/Uber: $20-60/trip.
Tours: $50-200.
I track it: Car-free saves $200 a week easy. Splurge on a tour instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need a car on Martha’s Vineyard?
Nah, not at all. Buses and bikes cover most spots fine. I go without one 80% of the time. Saves hassle and parking fights.
How long does the bus take from Oak Bluffs to Aquinnah?
About 1.5 hours with transfers. It’s scenic but not speedy. Tours cut it to 45 minutes.
Are bikes allowed on ferries?
Yes, most passenger ferries take ’em for $5-10 extra. Steamship Authority too, if space.
What’s the best way for a day trip?
Ferry to Oak Bluffs, bus-hop to Edgartown, walk back. Aim for 8 hours ashore.
Is Uber reliable up-island?
Spotty, waits can hit 20 minutes. Buses better for Chilmark or Aquinnah.
Can I bring my own bike?
Absolutely. Racks on buses, ferries charge little. Paths welcome ’em everywhere.
What’s free transportation right now?
VTA buses till end of September 2025. Walking and hiking always gratis.
How do I get to Chappaquiddick?
Short ferry from Edgartown—$10 round-trip with bike. Walkable too.
Wrapping It Up: Your Island Adventure Awaits
There you have it, friends—my full playbook on how to get around Martha’s Vineyard without missing a beat. From ferry docks to cliff trails, it’s all doable with a little smarts. I’ve chased waves and dodged rain there more times than I care to admit, and every trip gets better.
Go light, go green, go curious. The island rewards those who blend in, not stand out. Hit me up if you try these—can’t wait to hear your stories. Safe travels; see you on the other side.
