Martha’s Vineyard does have cars, as the year-round population relies on personal vehicles. The decision to bring one, however, is a complex logistical and financial calculation for any visitor. Driving a car on the island, especially during the busy summer season, is often challenging and expensive. Many travelers ultimately decide that the cost and hassle of transporting a vehicle outweigh the convenience, opting instead for the island’s robust network of alternative transportation.
Bringing Your Own Car: Logistics and High Cost
Transporting a personal vehicle to the island is a process managed exclusively by the Steamship Authority ferry service, which departs from Woods Hole on the mainland. This is the only ferry that accommodates cars, and securing a reservation is a significant hurdle for summer travel. Vehicle spots for the peak season are highly limited and often sell out within minutes of the reservation system opening, which typically occurs in late January or early February.
The financial commitment for a round-trip vehicle reservation is substantial and is charged separately from the passenger tickets. For a standard passenger car under 17 feet, the round-trip fare during the summer months can cost several hundred dollars. This high price point, combined with the need to book months in advance, makes bringing a car a significant investment. An alternative for those who cannot secure a ferry reservation is to leave their vehicle in a mainland satellite parking lot and rent a car once they arrive.
Is a Car Necessary for Your Trip?
The necessity of a car depends heavily on where a visitor is staying and the planned duration of the trip. A vehicle offers maximum flexibility for exploring the entire island, which is beneficial for extended stays or for travelers with young children and significant amounts of gear. Having a car is also helpful for reaching the more remote “up-island” towns, such as Aquinnah and Chilmark, where public transit service is less frequent.
The drawbacks of driving are concentrated in the three main “down-island” towns: Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, and Vineyard Haven. These historic downtown areas were not designed for modern traffic volume, leading to congestion during the summer months. Parking is difficult to find, often limited to short time increments, and is virtually nonexistent for overnight stays in the downtown areas. The narrow streets and high volume of pedestrians and cyclists can make driving stressful, and gas prices on the island are higher than on the mainland.
For visitors planning a short stay focused primarily on the main port towns, a car is often more of a liability than an asset. The time spent sitting in traffic or circling for a parking spot can negate the convenience of having a vehicle. The island’s geography and the concentration of amenities in the down-island area mean that many travelers can easily access what they need without a car. The decision balances the desire for maximum exploration against the certainty of traffic and parking challenges.
Car-Free Transportation Options
Visitors who choose to travel without a vehicle have access to a comprehensive public transportation system. The Vineyard Transit Authority (VTA) operates an extensive network of bus routes that connect all six towns on the island. The VTA offers frequent service, especially between the main hubs of Vineyard Haven, Oak Bluffs, and Edgartown, making it a reliable way to get around. For shorter distances, renting a bicycle or an e-bike is a popular choice, with numerous rental shops located near the ferry terminals. The island features dedicated bike paths that connect the down-island towns, offering a scenic and efficient alternative to driving.
Travelers can also rent a car directly on the island, which eliminates the logistical challenge of the ferry reservation and the high cost of transporting a vehicle. Local taxi companies and rideshare services are available, though availability can be limited and surge pricing may occur during peak hours or in remote locations.