What the Steamship Authority is and where it operates

The Steamship Authority is a public ferry operator that runs passenger and vehicle service between the mainland and Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. It is the only ferry service with a legal monopoly on these routes — meaning no other operator can run the same trips. The Authority is governed by Massachusetts law and operates under a board of directors appointed by the towns it serves.

The Authority runs year-round service from Woods Hole (in Falmouth, Massachusetts) to Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. During summer months, it also operates seasonal service from Hyannis to Nantucket. The ferries carry both foot passengers and vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, and trucks. The Authority also runs a fast ferry service on some routes during peak season.

Key Takeaways

  • The Steamship Authority operates the only legal ferry service to Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket from Massachusetts, running year-round from Woods Hole and seasonally from Hyannis.
  • You can book foot passenger tickets online, by phone, or at the terminal, and vehicle reservations are required and must be made in advance through their website or by calling.
  • Fares vary by season, route, and whether you are traveling as a foot passenger or bringing a vehicle, with summer rates higher than winter rates.
  • The Authority offers discounts for children, seniors, and disabled passengers, though you will need to show proof of age or disability status at the terminal.
  • Parking is available at Woods Hole and Hyannis terminals, though spaces fill quickly during summer and reservations are recommended.

How to book a foot passenger ticket

Foot passengers can purchase tickets without a reservation on most sailings. You can buy tickets online at steamshipauthority.com, by phone at 508-477-8600, or in person at the terminal ticket windows. Online booking opens up to 56 days in advance. If you book online, you can print your ticket at home or pick it up at the terminal.

Walk-up tickets are sold at the terminal on the day of travel, but during summer weekends and holidays, sailings can sell out. Buying in advance reduces the risk of missing your sailing. The Authority recommends arriving at the terminal at least 45 minutes before departure for foot passengers.

How to reserve a vehicle space

Vehicle reservations are required and must be made before you arrive at the terminal. You cannot show up and board a car on the same day without a prior reservation. Reservations open 56 days in advance and can be made online at steamshipauthority.com or by calling 508-477-8600.

When you reserve, you will need to provide your vehicle's license plate, make, model, and length. The Authority uses this information to load the ferry efficiently. You will also select your preferred sailing time. During peak summer season, popular times book up weeks in advance. The Authority recommends arriving at the terminal 30 minutes before your reserved departure time.

Understanding fares and seasonal pricing

The Steamship Authority charges different fares depending on the season, the route, and whether you are a foot passenger or bringing a vehicle. Summer fares (roughly mid-May through mid-October) are higher than winter fares. The Woods Hole to Martha's Vineyard route is shorter and less expensive than the Woods Hole to Nantucket route. The Hyannis to Nantucket route, which runs seasonally, has its own pricing structure.

Foot passenger fares range from roughly $8 to $18 one-way depending on the route and season. Vehicle fares depend on the length of your car and the route, and can range from roughly $50 to $200 one-way. The Authority publishes a full fare schedule on its website. Round-trip tickets offer a small discount compared to buying two one-way tickets.

Discounts for children, seniors, and disabled passengers

Children ages 5 to 11 pay half fare on foot passenger tickets. Children under 5 travel free. Passengers age 65 and older receive a 10 percent discount on foot passenger fares. Disabled passengers and one companion may receive discounts, though the amount varies. You will need to show proof of age or disability status — a driver's license, passport, or Medicare card for seniors, and a disability ID or letter from a healthcare provider for disabled passengers.

Vehicle fares do not have age-based discounts, but disabled passengers may be exempt from vehicle reservation fees in some cases. Call the Authority directly at 508-477-8600 to ask about vehicle fare reductions if you have a disability.

Parking at the ferry terminals

The Authority operates parking lots at both the Woods Hole and Hyannis terminals. Parking is paid and rates vary by season and length of stay. During summer, parking fills quickly, especially on weekends and holidays. The Authority recommends reserving a parking space in advance through its website if you plan to park overnight or during peak season.

If you are taking a foot passenger ferry, you do not need to park — you can be dropped off at the terminal. If you are driving a vehicle onto the ferry, you will park your car in the ferry's vehicle hold and will not have access to it during the crossing. Overnight parking is available at both terminals for passengers taking early morning or late evening sailings.

What to expect on the ferry and what you can bring

Foot passengers have access to indoor seating, a snack bar, and restrooms. The crossing from Woods Hole to Martha's Vineyard takes about 45 minutes. The crossing from Woods Hole to Nantucket takes about 2 hours. The fast ferry from Hyannis to Nantucket takes about 1 hour. The Authority does not assign seats — you can sit anywhere in the passenger cabin.

You can bring luggage, bicycles, and pets on the ferry. Bicycles are charged a small fee (roughly $5 to $8 one-way). Pets must be kept in a carrier or on a leash and are not allowed in the food service area. You can bring your own food and beverages aboard. The snack bar sells coffee, sandwiches, and drinks at typical ferry prices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel or change my reservation?

Yes. Cancellations made at least 7 days before your sailing receive a full refund. Cancellations made 3 to 6 days before receive a 50 percent refund. Cancellations made fewer than 3 days before are non-refundable. You can change your sailing date to a different date without penalty if you do so at least 7 days in advance. Call 508-477-8600 or log into your account on steamshipauthority.com to make changes.

What happens if the ferry is cancelled due to weather?

The Authority monitors weather and may cancel sailings if conditions are unsafe. If your sailing is cancelled, you will be notified by email or phone if you booked online. You can rebook on the next available sailing at no charge, or request a refund. The Authority does not offer compensation beyond the refund for weather-related cancellations.

Can I bring my car if I do not have a reservation?

No. Vehicle reservations are required and must be made in advance. You cannot board with a vehicle without a prior reservation. If you arrive without a reservation, you can travel as a foot passenger, but your vehicle will not be able to board that sailing.

Is there a discount if I buy a multi-trip ticket?

The Authority offers round-trip tickets at a small discount compared to two one-way tickets. It does not currently offer multi-trip passes or frequent-traveler discounts. Seasonal residents and year-round commuters should ask about any special rates by calling 508-477-8600.

What is the difference between the regular ferry and the fast ferry?

The fast ferry is a newer, higher-speed vessel that cuts travel time roughly in half. The fast ferry from Hyannis to Nantucket takes about 1 hour instead of 2 hours. Fast ferry fares are higher than regular ferry fares. The fast ferry runs seasonally (roughly June through September) and does not operate year-round.