How to Get from Boston to Nantucket: Ferry Routes and Options

Eric DawsonByEric Dawson Boats & Cruises

For how to get from Boston to Nantucket ferry options, first travel to Hyannis, then board a ferry, since no direct Boston-to-Nantucket ferry runs. Hy-Line and the Steamship Authority each offer one-hour high-speed passenger crossings from Hyannis, while the Steamship Authority’s vehicle-capable traditional ferry takes 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Hy-Line adult fares are $52 one-way or $97 round-trip as of September 2026. Boston travelers can reach Hyannis by daily bus, a seasonal weekend train, car, shuttle, or limousine, but should allow extra connection time. Cape Air also flies from Boston Logan to Nantucket in about 45 minutes.

How to Get from Boston to Nantucket Ferry Options

No direct ferry runs from Boston to Nantucket. Instead, ferry travelers must first reach a mainland port, usually Hyannis on Cape Cod, before boarding a Nantucket-bound boat.

Cape Air provides the direct alternative by plane. Its Boston-to-Nantucket fares displayed from $159 one way for selected September 2026 travel, while Priceline showed a $358 round-trip fare observation per person in September 2026. JetBlue also serves the Boston route seasonally.

The Main Ferry Route: Hyannis

Travelers can reach Hyannis from Boston before continuing to Nantucket. Both services make Hyannis the most practical answer for most people searching for a Boston Nantucket ferry schedule, although the Boston-to-Hyannis connection is a separate part of the trip.

The traditional ferry is also available. For foot passengers, tickets for the traditional service may be purchased at the terminal on the day of sailing. Reservations are recommended for the high-speed M/V Iyanough, while vehicle travelers need an advance reservation for the traditional ferry. Hy-Line asks passengers to arrive at least 45 minutes before departure, and reservations are the only way to guarantee space on its boats.

Other Mainland Ferry Ports

Beyond Hyannis, Seastreak runs a passenger-only high-speed ferry between New Bedford and Nantucket, with listed New Bedford departures at 8:45 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. from September 8 through October 11, 2026. Freedom Ferry also lists seasonal service from Harwich Port, leaving at 8:50 a.m. and returning from Nantucket at 4:10 p.m. during September 8 through October 12, 2026. These routes require travelers to arrange their own trip from Boston to the departure port.

Weather can affect every option differently. Fog is the most common stated cause of flight delays, particularly on summer mornings and from late afternoon into the evening, so midday flights can reduce that exposure. Strong winds and unusually rough seas may delay or cancel ferries, making extra time between a Boston arrival, a Cape Cod connection, and a sailing a sensible part of the plan.

Compare Flights and Ferry Routes from Boston

For the quickest trip, fly from Boston Logan to Nantucket. Flying takes about 45 minutes in the air, while a ferry itinerary adds the journey to a mainland terminal before the crossing.

Speed, Cost, and Vehicle Access

Cape Air operates scheduled year-round flights from Boston Logan International Airport to Nantucket Memorial Airport, and JetBlue serves the route seasonally. Displayed Cape Air one-way economy fares started at $159 for selected September 2026 dates, although those fares were collected within the prior 48 hours and may change. Rome2Rio estimated the full flying journey at 1 hour 33 minutes including transfers, compared with 3 hours 52 minutes for a Boston-to-Hyannis bus-and-ferry trip.

Hyannis offers the broadest choice of Nantucket sailings and the shortest ferry crossings, with Hy-Line’s passenger ferry taking one hour. Steamship Authority’s passenger-only M/V Iyanough also takes one hour, while its traditional ferry takes 2 hours and 15 minutes and carries vehicles with an advance vehicle reservation.

Travel Method Departure Point Travel Time Adult Price Information Vehicle Access Booking Consideration
Cape Air flight Boston Logan to Nantucket About 45 minutes in the air From $159 one-way on selected September 2026 dates Not applicable Year-round service; fog can delay flights
Hy-Line high-speed ferry Hyannis 1 hour $52 one-way; $97 round-trip Passenger crossing Reservations guarantee space
Steamship Authority high-speed ferry Hyannis 1 hour $48.50 one-way listed for September 2026 Passenger-only Reservations recommended
Steamship Authority traditional ferry Hyannis 2 hours 15 minutes Passenger fares vary by sailing Cars and trucks accepted Vehicle reservation required in advance
Seastreak high-speed ferry New Bedford Varies with conditions $59 one-way; $75 same-day round-trip, plus fees No cars, motorcycles, mopeds, or motor scooters Seasonal schedule and non-refundable tickets without trip protection

New Bedford’s Seastreak route is another passenger-only option, with two listed daily departures each way from September 8 through October 11, 2026. Adult tickets cost $59 one-way, and a same-day round trip costs $75 before the automatically added 3% booking fee and temporary fuel surcharge. Extra bags, bicycles, electric bicycles, and other large items can bring additional charges.

Reservations shape the practical Boston Nantucket ferry cost as much as the posted fare. Hy-Line asks passengers to arrive at least 45 minutes before departure and offers up to nine daily summer departures. Steamship Authority recommends reservations for high-speed travel, particularly on peak summer and holiday weekends. Check the operator’s schedule for the travel date, since wind, rough seas, weather, and operating conditions can affect sailings.

Take the Ferry from Hyannis to Nantucket

Hyannis is the main mainland departure point for Nantucket ferries, with one-hour high-speed sailings from Hy-Line Cruises and the Steamship Authority. Travelers bringing a vehicle can use the Steamship Authority’s traditional ferry, which takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes.

High-Speed Service from Hyannis

Hy-Line’s Nantucket crossing takes one hour and has multiple daily departures, including up to nine departures in summer. During September 8 through October 22, 2026, departures from Hyannis are listed from 6:10 a.m. through 9:00 p.m., with sailings at 6:10, 8:30, 9:30, 11:00, 11:20, 12:45, 2:00, 2:25, 3:45, 5:40, 7:30, 8:00, and 9:00.

Adult standard tickets cost $52 one-way or $97 round-trip as of September 2026, while fares for children ages 5 through 12 are $33 one-way or $59 round-trip. Children age 4 and under travel free with a boarding pass.

Reservations are the only way to guarantee a place on a Hy-Line sailing, and passengers should arrive at least 45 minutes before departure for parking, drop-off, and ticketing. Bicycles and e-bikes cost $8.50 one-way or $17 round-trip. Hy-Line also offers Captain’s View, a 36-seat bow section on Grey Lady IV’s second deck, with pre-boarding, less crowded seating, nearby restrooms, and the ferry’s only front-view window. Capacity is limited, so advance reservations are recommended for that seating area.

Steamship Authority’s passenger-only M/V Iyanough also completes the Hyannis-to-Nantucket trip in one hour. Listed high-speed departures from Hyannis between September 8 and October 22, 2026, are 6:30 a.m., 9:15 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:45 p.m., 5:30 p.m., and 8:00 p.m. Reservations are recommended, particularly when demand is higher, and tickets can be booked online, by calling (508) 495-FAST, or in person at the Hyannis and Nantucket terminals.

Vehicle Ferry and Terminal Details

For travelers taking a car or truck, the Steamship Authority operates traditional ferries from Hyannis that accept vehicles and take approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. Vehicle reservations must be made in advance online, by phone at (508) 477-8600, or at either terminal.

The Hyannis terminal is at 69 South Street, Hyannis, MA 02601, and its telephone number is (508) 771-4000. Allow extra time around every sailing, since weather can delay or cancel ferry service, especially during strong winds and unusually rough seas.

Plan a Boston Nantucket Ferry Schedule Connection

A Boston-to-Nantucket ferry trip needs a separate connection to Hyannis before boarding. Build extra time into every part of the journey, since an overland delay can affect the sailing you planned to catch.

Get from Boston to Hyannis

Regular bus service runs daily, year-round between Boston and Cape Cod, making it a practical no-car starting point for many travelers. Peter Pan Bus Lines connects Hyannis with Boston’s South Station and Logan Airport, while Plymouth & Brockton also serves Hyannis from South Station and Logan. After arriving in Hyannis, travelers can walk, take a cab, or use a shuttle to reach Hyannis Harbor.

During the Memorial Day-to-Labor Day season, a weekend passenger train also operates between Boston and Cape Cod. Train travelers should leave generous room in their plans because the available service information does not set out a precise ferry-terminal stop or connecting timetable. Rental cars provide another approach: pick up a vehicle in Boston, drive to Hyannis, return it there, then arrange the reverse trip after the island stay. Shuttle and limousine services are another option between Boston and Cape Cod, including Cape Car and Limo.

Allow Time for the Transfer

Follow these steps when building a Boston Nantucket ferry schedule connection:

  1. Choose the Boston departure method that fits your travel date.
  2. Set aside time after reaching Hyannis for the trip to the harbor, luggage handling, parking or drop-off, and ticketing.
  3. Book the ferry portion separately when a reservation is needed or when you want guaranteed space.
  4. Keep a buffer before the sailing rather than planning an arrival at the terminal immediately before departure.

Weather can reshape the day even when the Boston-to-Hyannis leg goes smoothly. Ferries are less affected by fog than flights, but strong wind and unusually rough seas can cause delays or cancellations. An overnight stay in Hyannis or Nantucket can serve as a backup plan when conditions disrupt a close connection. Travelers using a ferry-to-bus return should apply the same caution, since a late boat can affect the onward trip back toward Boston.

For travelers comparing this plan with flying, see the earlier flight details. Consider the earlier flight delay guidance when choosing a departure time.

Consider New Bedford and Harwich Port Ferries

New Bedford and Harwich Port offer alternative Nantucket ferry departures for travelers whose plans suit their limited listed schedules. Each route is passenger-focused, with different fares, sailing times, and baggage rules to weigh before booking.

Seastreak from New Bedford

Seastreak runs a seasonal service on this route. During September 8 through October 11, 2026, Nantucket returns are at 11:15 a.m. and 4:15 p.m.

Children ages 3 through 12 pay $37 one way or $44 for a same-day round trip, and infants age 2 and under travel free.

Fares for full-time residents and eligible military travelers are $48 one way or $96 round trip, subject to qualification rules and government-issued photo ID. A 3% booking fee and a temporary fuel surcharge of approximately 5% are added at purchase, while a $7 surge fee applies to specified Friday, Saturday, and Sunday departures from June 26 through September 6, 2026. Cars, motorcycles, mopeds, and motor scooters cannot travel on Seastreak vessels. Passengers receive a free first carry-on item, first personal item, and empty stroller; additional bags cost $7.50 each way.

Bicycles and scooters cost $12 one way for non-electric equipment or $24 one way for electric equipment. Beach wagons, surfboards, and kayaks have separate charges. All tickets are non-refundable unless trip protection is purchased, although Seastreak offers an exchange or full refund when it cancels a sailing for weather before departure. Service is cancelled on Wednesday, September 23, and Thursday, September 24, 2026.

Freedom Ferry from Harwich Port

Adult fares are $67 one way or $99 round trip. Children ages 2 through 12 cost $47 one way or $67 round trip, while infants under 2 cost $17 one way or $25 round trip. Bringing a bicycle costs $17 one way or $25 round trip.

Choose Between a Ferry and a Flight

Cape Air’s scheduled Boston-to-Nantucket flight takes about 45 minutes, while a Boston Nantucket ferry trip requires first reaching a mainland ferry port, usually Hyannis.

Air travel is the direct option, with Cape Air serving the route year-round and JetBlue operating seasonal Boston service. Cape Air’s previously noted displayed fare remains subject to change before booking. Priceline also showed a round trip fare observation.

Ferry travel suits visitors who prefer a harbor departure or need to bring a vehicle. From Hyannis, high-speed crossings on Hy-Line or the Steamship Authority’s passenger-only M/V Iyanough take one hour. The operator provides the fare options noted above. Meanwhile, it remains the option for vehicle travel.

Travelers without a car should weigh the full door-to-door time, not just the Boston to Nantucket ferry time. Rome2Rio estimates bus plus ferry at 3 hours 52 minutes and $23 to $80, while its drive-plus-ferry estimate is 2 hours 27 minutes and $20 to $70. Connections need breathing room because a bus, train, drive, and sailing do not operate as one protected transfer.

Weather can shape the better choice on a particular day. The previously noted weather considerations can favor a midday flight for some travelers. Ferry passengers may need an alternate plan or an overnight stay.

In 2019 in Columbus, I took a used 2014 Honda Fit with 61,000 miles and let the dealer add a $1,395 service contract; six years on, I have never made a claim, a result that flatters neither me nor the contract. When choosing between a ferry and a flight, I apply the same check: weigh the complete door-to-door trip rather than letting a tidy headline do the selling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Direct Ferry from Boston to Nantucket?

There is no direct ferry from Boston to Nantucket. To travel by ferry, passengers first need to reach a Cape Cod or New Bedford departure point, most commonly Hyannis, before boarding a Nantucket-bound vessel.

How Long Is the Ferry from Hyannis to Nantucket?

Hy-Line Cruises and the Steamship Authority’s passenger-only M/V Iyanough each take about one hour from Hyannis to Nantucket. Steamship Authority traditional ferries take approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes and can carry vehicles.

How Much Does the Boston to Nantucket Ferry Cost?

There is no single Boston-to-Nantucket ferry fare because travelers must arrange separate transportation to the ferry terminal. Hy-Line adult fares from Hyannis are $52 one-way or $97 round-trip, while Seastreak’s New Bedford service charges $59 one-way for adults. A 3% booking fee and a temporary fuel surcharge of approximately 5% are added at purchase.

Can I Take a Car to Nantucket from Boston?

Cars can travel to Nantucket on the Steamship Authority’s traditional ferry from Hyannis. Drivers need an advance vehicle reservation, while foot passengers may buy traditional-ferry tickets at the terminal on the day of sailing.

What Is the Fastest Way to Get from Boston to Nantucket?

Cape Air operates scheduled flights from Boston Logan International Airport to Nantucket Memorial Airport, with a flying time of about 45 minutes. Its Boston-to-Nantucket service operates year-round, while JetBlue serves the route seasonally.

How Early Should I Arrive for the Hyannis Ferry?

Hy-Line advises passengers to arrive at least 45 minutes before departure for parking, drop-off, and ticketing.

For most ferry travelers from Boston, Hyannis is the practical gateway, with one-hour high-speed crossings from Hy-Line and the Steamship Authority. Choose the traditional Steamship Authority ferry when bringing a vehicle, and allow extra time for the separate trip from Boston to the terminal. Flights from Logan offer the quickest direct route to the island, but fog can cause delays, particularly early and late in the day during summer.

References

Sources read in September 2026.

Eric Dawson

I'm Eric Dawson, and I write The Money Watch from north Columbus, Ohio. Most of what I cover comes from my own life: renting, a 2014 Honda Fit, parking, computers, food and the bills behind all of it. I spent four years in an apartment-property office and eleven on a distributor's operations desk, reading leases and invoices. Where you need real information, I research the maker's or agency's own page and independent sources and report what they publish. I don't give tax, investment, legal or medical advice.