The Ultimate Guide to Getting Around Martha’s Vineyard
On our recent trip to Martha’s Vineyard, it really struck me that the way you choose to get around can totally shape what you’re able to see and do!
Luckily, there are many options for how to get around Martha’s Vineyard and you may even choose to use a few of these options at different points in your visit.
In this guide, we’ll walk through all the transportation options so you can choose what works best for you and make your island adventure smooth and unforgettable.
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Bike
Biking is a very popular option in Martha’s Vineyard, in fact the island has great bike paths so you can leisurely ride between towns while taking in stunning ocean views. There are many bike rental spots in town, and most ferry services even allow you to bring your own bike for a small fee.
For a quicker option, consider an e-bike!
Pros: Eco-friendly, affordable, and such a fun way to explore! You can access areas that cars can’t, and parking is a non-issue. It’s perfect if you are staying close to town or want a laid-back ride to the beach.
Cons: It’s not always ideal for longer distances, and going out to Aquinnah would likely not be possible. In addition, you may need to find another option if the weather turns rainy or cold. You also won’t be able to get from place to place as quickly as in a car.
Walk
Walking is a great way to experience the charm of Martha’s Vineyard up close. There’s just something special about strolling through towns and admiring every cute little corner.
It’s especially great for places like Edgartown, Vineyard Haven, and Oak Bluffs, where everything is pretty close together. While you won’t be able to see as much as if you travel by bike or car, you can still have a perfect day on Martha’s Vineyard exploring by foot.
Pros: It’s free and a great way to take your time enjoying the local culture. You never have to wait on a bus or parking spot to open up.
Cons: Walking will limit what you can see and experience. The island is larger than you might think, and you won’t get to see as much of it if you are limited to walking. You will probably need to pick just one town to explore (likely the town where your ferry arrives).
Guided Tour
A guided tour can be one of the best ways to see the island, especially if you’re only visiting for a day or two.
Learning about the island from a local can be an invaluable experience, plus you may discover some parts of Martha’s Vineyard that you otherwise would have missed.
This 3-hour tour hits Oak Bluffs, the Aquinnah Cliffs, and Edgartown, all in less than half a day!
Pros: Stress-free and super informative. You will learn more about the island than you would on your own, plus you can hit all the must-see spots without having to plan a thing.
Cons: You’re on a set schedule, so if you’re the type who likes to wander and explore at your own pace, this might not be a good fit.
*We enjoy doing tours right when we get to a new location. This gives us great ideas of where we want to return and spend more time.
Rent a Car
If you want to see as much of the island as possible in a short amount of time, renting a car is the way to go. With a car, you could explore the breathtaking Aquinnah Cliffs the charming streets of Edgartown, and the iconic gingerbread cottages of Oak Bluffs in just one day.
Having a car means no waiting around, and you can bring everything you need–beach gear, snacks and even the kids’ strollers–without breaking a sweat. Plus, it’s a lifesaver if you’re traveling with family or have little ones in tow.
Pros: Total convenience and access to further parts of the island. If you are short on time, a car will give you more flexibility to experience as much as possible.
Cons: Parking can be a hassle, especially in the summer when the towns get crowded. (Check out our guide to the best time of year to visit Martha’s Vineyard!) Renting a car also isn’t the cheapest option by any means. We used Turo for our car rental and had a great experience.
On the flip side, you have the option to bring your car over on a ferry, though it can cost just as much or more than renting once you get to the island.
Taxi or Uber
If you’re looking for quick and easy trips around the island, taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber can be a good option.
Whether you’re headed out for dinner or just need a quick ride to the ferry, this is the most convenient way to get from point A to point B without the commitment of renting a car.
Pros: No need to worry about parking, and you can call a ride whenever you need one.
Cons: Taxis and Ubers can be pricey, especially for longer trips across the island. They also might not be as readily available during peak season, so you may end up waiting a bit.
➡️ If you’re planning to rely on Uber, double-check your cell service ahead of time–especially in more remote areas like Aquinnah. Our signal was pretty spotty near the cliffs.
Public Bus
The public bus system, run by the Vineyard Transit Authority (VTA), is a great way to get around Martha’s Vineyard if you’re looking for something budget-friendly and convenient. These buses run pretty frequently (see the schedule here) and cover most of the island’s towns.
Pros: Very affordable and easy to use. You can just hop on and off as you please and no parking necessary.
Cons: You’ll be on the bus schedule, not yours, which means you might have to wait a bit or plan your day around the routes. Although the bus does go to Aquinnah, it will take you longer to get there than if you go by car.
➡️ Book a Guided Tour of Oak Bluffs, Edgartown, and the Aquinnah Cliffs! ⬅️
My Top Pick for Getting Around Martha’s Vineyard
We personally rented a car on our recent visit to Martha’s Vineyard and are so glad we did! It let us see so much in one day in Martha’s Vineyard without waiting on public transportation.
Each mode of transportation offers its own unique way to experience the island, so choose what suits you best.
Whether you choose to bike along the scenic paths, hop on the bus, or simply stroll through the charming streets, I know you’ll love your time in Martha’s Vineyard and make memories you’ll always cherish!
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