How to Take the Nantucket Ferry from Hyannis: Comparing 2 Ferries in Cape Cod and Enjoy Your Experience
Nantucket Ferry
When planning your journey to Nantucket from Hyannis, understanding the ferry options can make a significant difference in your travel experience. There are two main ferries operating from Hyannis Port to Nantucket, each offering unique advantages depending on your needs and preferences. Let’s delve into a comparison of these ferries, exploring factors such as cost, departure locations, trip duration, operating hours, and more.
Hy-Line Cruises
Cost: Hy-Line Cruises typically offers competitive pricing, varying by season and passenger type.
Departure Location: The ferry departs from Hyannis Harbor, conveniently located in downtown Hyannis.
Trip Duration: The journey to Nantucket takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, providing a relatively quick passage to the island.
Hours of Operation: Hy-Line operates multiple daily departures, accommodating varying schedules throughout the day.
Additional Information: Hy-Line does not accommodate vehicles, focusing solely on passenger transport. Onboard amenities include seating areas, snack bars, and scenic views along the way.
The Steamship Authority
Cost: The Steamship Authority’s fares are competitive and may vary based on season and passenger category.
Departure Location: Departures are from Hyannis Harbor as well, offering convenient access to the ferry terminal.
Trip Duration: The Steamship Authority’s journey to Nantucket is slightly longer, averaging about 2 hours.
Hours of Operation: Multiple daily departures are available, ensuring flexibility in travel times.
Additional Information: Unlike Hy-Line, The Steamship Authority allows for vehicle transport, ideal for travelers bringing cars or bicycles to Nantucket. Onboard amenities include seating options, food services, and outdoor viewing decks.
Our Experience
On our most recent excursion from Hyannis to Nantucket, we elected to take the Steamship Authority ferry. The ferry was a bit more challenging to find as it was set back a little off the main road, but there was plenty of parking and the onboarding process was simple once we arrived. The ferry allowed for vehicle transport, so we arrived in time to see the previous ferry unloading vehicles and work trucks (including 18-wheelers) and saw new vehicles load.
The ride took about 2 hours and they had a small service station on board for coffee and snacks and you could walk around on the deck and have a nice view of the inner harbor.
We came back the same day and the return trip was just as nice. It was great to relax after a long day of walking around Nantucket, so the 2 hours seemed to go by fast and we were rested for our arrival back in Hyannis.
Comparison
When comparing Hy-Line Cruises and The Steamship Authority, several key differences emerge. Hy-Line offers a faster trip and focuses solely on passenger transport, making it an excellent choice for those looking to reach Nantucket quickly. In contrast, The Steamship Authority provides the option to bring vehicles, albeit with a longer travel time.
Other Destinations: Martha's Vineyard
Both Hy-Line Cruises and The Steamship Authority also serve Martha’s Vineyard, but from different locations.
Hy-Line Cruises to Martha’s Vineyard
- Service Locations: Hy-Line operates ferries to Martha’s Vineyard from Oak Bluffs and Hyannis.
- Trip Duration: Typically takes around 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on the route.
The Steamship Authority to Martha’s Vineyard
- Service Location: Ferries to Martha’s Vineyard depart from Woods Hole, MA, not Hyannis.
- Trip Duration: The journey from Woods Hole to Martha’s Vineyard takes about 45 minutes.
The Steamship Authority offers both high-speed and traditional ferries for their routes. High-speed ferries provide a quicker journey, while traditional ferries are slower but allow for vehicle transport.
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Choosing the right ferry to Nantucket depends on your specific needs regarding cost, convenience, and the transportation of vehicles. Whether you opt for Hy-Line Cruises for a swift passenger-only voyage or The Steamship Authority for vehicle accessibility and a slightly longer journey, both ferries provide reliable service and essential amenities for a memorable trip to this picturesque island off Cape Cod. Additionally, both companies offer services to Martha’s Vineyard, making them versatile options for exploring the region.
By comparing these two ferry options, travelers can make informed decisions that best suit their travel plans, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience to Nantucket from Hyannis.
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