Nantucket Ferry Schedule & Prices from Hyannis
The Nantucket ferry from Hyannis is operated by two companies: the Steamship Authority and Hy-Line Cruises. The Steamship Authority is the only operator licensed to transport vehicles to Nantucket, running traditional ferries with a crossing time of approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. Both operators run high-speed passenger-only services that cover the same route in about 1 hour. As of 2026, passenger fares on the traditional ferry run approximately $30 to $40 per person each way, with vehicle transport adding $195 to $250 one-way for a standard car.
The two Nantucket ferry operators from Hyannis
The Steamship Authority (SSA) is the statutory ferry line for Nantucket, established under Massachusetts law as the sole operator permitted to carry vehicles to the island. Its traditional ferries depart from the Steamship Authority terminal at 141 South Street in Hyannis and travel 30 miles to Nantucket Town. The SSA also runs a seasonal Fast Ferry service from the same terminal, passenger-only, that completes the crossing in approximately 1 hour.
Hy-Line Cruises operates high-speed passenger ferries from Ocean Street Dock in Hyannis Harbor, a separate terminal approximately 0.5 miles from the SSA terminal. Hy-Line’s crossing time is roughly 1 hour on its high-speed vessels. Neither Hy-Line service nor the SSA Fast Ferry accepts vehicles, so travelers bringing a car must use the SSA traditional ferry.
| Operator | Service Type | Duration | Vehicles | Adult Fare (approx. 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steamship Authority | Traditional ferry | ~2h 15min | Yes | $30–$40 each way |
| Steamship Authority Fast Ferry | High-speed, passenger only | ~1 hour | No | $55–$70 each way |
| Hy-Line Cruises | High-speed, passenger only | ~1 hour | No | $55–$75 each way |
Verify current fares before booking: steamshipauthority.com and hylinecruises.com publish updated pricing for each season. Fares are subject to annual adjustment and peak-season surcharges.
Nantucket ferry prices from Hyannis
The Steamship Authority publishes its full fare schedule at steamshipauthority.com. Approximate 2026 ranges for the traditional ferry are listed below. Actual fares vary by season, with peak-season rates (June through September) running higher than shoulder and off-season pricing.
| Fare Category | Approx. Price Each Way (2026) |
|---|---|
| Adult (12+ years) | $30–$40 |
| Child (5–11 years) | $15–$22 |
| Child (under 5) | Free |
| Senior (65+) | $25–$35 |
| Standard vehicle (under 17 ft) | $195–$250 each way |
| Bicycle | $7–$10 each way |
Vehicle reservations on the Steamship Authority require a separate booking from the passenger ticket. During summer months, vehicle space on the Nantucket route fills weeks in advance, so travelers planning to bring a car should reserve as early as possible. The SSA vehicle reservation system opens for the following calendar year in the fall.
Nantucket ferry schedule from Hyannis
The Steamship Authority runs multiple daily crossings year-round, with expanded service from late May through mid-October. During peak summer season, traditional ferries typically depart Hyannis from early morning through early evening, with comparable return departures from Nantucket. The schedule below is illustrative of a typical peak-season pattern — always confirm current times at steamshipauthority.com before traveling, as departure times vary by season and vessel availability.
Seasonal service overview
| Season | Typical Daily Crossings (each direction) | Service Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Peak (June–September) | 5–7 traditional + 3–5 fast ferry | Vehicle reservations essential; book weeks ahead |
| Shoulder (May, October) | 3–5 traditional + 2–3 fast ferry | Vehicle availability better but still recommended |
| Off-season (Nov–April) | 2–3 traditional; limited fast ferry | Lowest fares; walk-on passengers rarely need advance booking |
Travel duration on the traditional ferry is approximately 2 hours 15 minutes. The SSA Fast Ferry and Hy-Line high-speed service each take approximately 1 hour. Rough seas can extend crossing times on either service; the traditional vessel rides more comfortably in choppy water than the high-speed craft.
Booking your Nantucket ferry tickets
Both the Steamship Authority and Hy-Line Cruises sell tickets online, at their respective terminals, and by phone. Online booking is the most reliable option for peak-season travel, particularly for vehicle reservations.
For passenger-only tickets on the traditional SSA ferry, walk-up availability is generally fine outside of holidays and peak summer weekends. For the SSA Fast Ferry and Hy-Line Cruises high-speed service, advance online booking is recommended June through August to secure preferred departure times. Bicycle reservations on the SSA also require advance booking during peak season.
Hyannis parking for the Nantucket ferry
Both the Steamship Authority and Hy-Line Cruises have parking facilities in Hyannis, though capacity is limited during summer. The SSA operates parking lots adjacent to its terminal at South Street, with daily rates running approximately $20 to $30 per day as of 2026. Off-site parking lots within a short shuttle distance charge lower rates, typically $10 to $15 per day. Confirm current parking rates and lot availability at steamshipauthority.com, as pricing and availability are subject to change.
Tips for a smooth Nantucket ferry trip
Arriving at the Hyannis terminal at least 45 minutes before a traditional ferry departure is advisable during summer, particularly for vehicles (which must check in before the boarding window closes). Passenger-only travelers have more flexibility but should allow 30 minutes to handle ticketing and reach the correct boarding area.
The traditional SSA ferry has an enclosed cabin with seating, a snack bar, and restrooms. The open upper deck provides views of Nantucket Sound during the crossing. High-speed vessels have climate-controlled interiors but limited outdoor deck space. Neither service allows you to remain in your vehicle during the crossing.
Pack a light jacket regardless of season — conditions on the water run cooler than on land, particularly on the open deck. Carry medications, valuables, and anything you’ll need during the crossing in a bag you bring aboard, since vehicle access is not permitted once underway.
Exploring Nantucket Island
Nantucket is a National Historic Landmark District, with more than 800 structures built before 1850 still standing within the town. The Nantucket Whaling Museum on Broad Street is the centerpiece of the island’s historical offering — it houses a 46-foot sperm whale skeleton and an extensive collection of 19th-century whaling artifacts. Adult admission runs approximately $25 as of 2026.
Brant Point Lighthouse, at the entrance to Nantucket Harbor, is free to visit and is one of the oldest lighthouse sites in the US (first lit in 1746, though the current tower dates from 1901). The Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge on the island’s eastern end covers 1,117 acres of barrier beach and offers 4WD vehicle tours through the Trustees of Reservations, with guided tour fees around $45 to $60 per person as of 2026.
Cisco Brewers, located at 5 Bartlett Farm Road, is a working brewery, winery, and distillery that produces Nantucket-branded beers, wines, and spirits. Free to visit, it operates a tasting room and outdoor gathering space. Nantucket’s cobblestoned Main Street and surrounding lanes are walkable from the ferry terminal, with shops, art galleries, and restaurants within five minutes on foot.
Where to stay in Nantucket
Accommodation on Nantucket runs higher than most mainland destinations due to the island’s limited land and premium seasonal demand. Rates are lowest November through April and peak in July and August. Properties listed below are approximate 2026 ranges.
| Property | Type | Price/Night (2026 est.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| White Elephant Hotel | Luxury hotel | $400–$900 | Nantucket Harbor waterfront; Nantucket Island Resorts |
| The Nantucket Hotel & Resort | Full-service resort | $350–$750 | Two pools, fitness center, restaurant; 9 Easton St |
| Jared Coffin House | Historic inn | $175–$375 | Built 1845; 29 Broad Street, walking distance from ferry |
| Greydon House | Boutique hotel | $250–$550 | 17 Broad Street; design-forward rooms, restaurant on-site |
Nantucket has no major chain hotels. All accommodation is independent or small-brand, with availability scarce in July and August — book 3 to 6 months in advance for summer stays. Off-season visitors will find significantly more availability and rates 40 to 60 percent below summer peaks.
Return ferry: Nantucket to Hyannis
Return crossings on both the Steamship Authority and Hy-Line Cruises follow the same pricing structure as outbound travel. The Steamship Authority departs from Steamboat Wharf in Nantucket Town, the same terminal you arrive at. Hy-Line’s Nantucket departure is from Straight Wharf, also in Nantucket Town.
Last ferry departures from Nantucket vary by season — in peak summer, the final traditional SSA ferry typically departs in the early evening, while off-season last departures can be mid-afternoon. Day-trippers should confirm the last departure time for their chosen return date before arriving on the island. Return vehicle reservations are booked at the same time as outbound vehicle reservations through steamshipauthority.com.
Frequently asked questions about the Nantucket ferry from Hyannis
How long is the Nantucket ferry from Hyannis?
The Steamship Authority traditional ferry takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes from Hyannis to Nantucket. The SSA Fast Ferry and Hy-Line Cruises high-speed service each take approximately 1 hour. Travel times can extend slightly in rough sea conditions.
Do I need a reservation for the Nantucket ferry?
Passenger-only reservations on the traditional SSA ferry are recommended but not strictly required outside of peak summer weekends and holidays. Vehicle reservations are mandatory and must be booked well in advance, particularly June through August, when vehicle space is fully committed weeks ahead. High-speed services (SSA Fast Ferry and Hy-Line) benefit from advance booking during summer months.
Can I bring my car on the Nantucket ferry?
Yes, but only on the Steamship Authority traditional ferry. Hy-Line Cruises and the SSA Fast Ferry are passenger-only services. Standard vehicle fares run approximately $195 to $250 each way as of 2026. A vehicle reservation is separate from the passenger ticket and must be booked independently through steamshipauthority.com.
What is the difference between the Steamship Authority and Hy-Line Cruises?
The Steamship Authority is the statutory ferry operator, authorized by Massachusetts law, and is the only service that carries vehicles. Hy-Line Cruises is a private passenger-only operator running high-speed ferries on the same route. Both depart from Hyannis Harbor but from different terminals (141 South Street for SSA; Ocean Street Dock for Hy-Line). For day trips without a car, Hy-Line’s high-speed vessels offer a comparable crossing experience to the SSA Fast Ferry.
Where is the Nantucket ferry terminal in Hyannis?
The Steamship Authority terminal is at 141 South Street, Hyannis, MA 02601. Hy-Line Cruises departs from Ocean Street Dock, Hyannis Harbor, approximately 0.5 miles away. Both terminals are within walking distance of downtown Hyannis, though parking at each is separate.
How much does Hyannis parking cost for the Nantucket ferry?
Steamship Authority parking adjacent to the South Street terminal runs approximately $20 to $30 per day as of 2026. Off-site parking with shuttle service to the terminal is available at lower rates, typically $10 to $15 per day. Confirm current rates at steamshipauthority.com, as parking pricing is reviewed seasonally.
When is the best time to visit Nantucket to avoid crowds?
September and early October offer the best combination of good weather and lower visitor volume, with temperatures typically ranging from 55 to 75°F and most restaurants and attractions still operating on full schedules. Ferry availability is better than July and August, and hotel rates drop 20 to 40 percent below summer peaks. November through April is the quietest period with the lowest prices, though many shops and restaurants operate reduced hours or close entirely.
