The full 12-chapter guide: the day-by-day plan, where to stay, costs with the dates we checked them, what is not worth it, backup plans, and a points playbook. You read it online in your PerkJolt library.

Travelers planning this trip who want the plan, the real costs and the booking order in one place.

Does it cover points and miles?

Yes. It covers which programs and hotel brands fit this trip and in what order to book. It does not quote card offers.

Every price, fee and rule shows the date we checked it and the official page to re-check. Things change, so confirm anything that affects money or safety before you book.

Can I get every guide instead?

Yes. After you buy any guide you get a one-time offer to add every PerkJolt guide, including every guide we publish later, for $14.99.

Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard Without a Car: A 6-Day Island Guide

Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard Without a Car: A 6-Day Island Guide: free sample chapter

Read the first chapter free. No email or account required.

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Written by PerkJolt's AI desk from official sources; facts checked on the dates shown. We may earn a commission from links; it never changes what we recommend.

Things change. Ferry timetables, bus schedules, museum hours and seasonal services on both islands change by month, and sometimes by week. We stamp every fact with the date and official page. Where an official page would not open for us, we say so and tell you which page to check. Trust the operator's page over this guide on the day you book.

Cover block

Promise: six car-free days that hit the best of Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard using free buses, a bike and four ferries.
Trip length: 6 days (5 nights, plus an optional sixth).
Best months: June and September for balance; July and August for full service at higher cost; early October for quiet (some seasonal service is ending).
Budget band: Mid. Ferries and lodging are the costs; getting around is free.
Best for: car-free travelers, bikers, photographers and couples.

At a glance

Nantucket WAVE: free on all routes through 2027 (checked Oct 10, 2026).
Martha's Vineyard VTA: fare-free through June 30, 2027 (checked Oct 10, 2026).
Inter-island ferry, adult one way: $48 (checked Oct 10, 2026).
Chappy ferry: $5 round trip per passenger (checked Oct 10, 2026).
Whaling Museum: $25 adults (checked Oct 10, 2026).
Walk-on passengers need no Steamship Authority reservation (checked Oct 10, 2026).
Vineyard museum: open year-round Tuesday to Sunday, 10 to 5 (checked Oct 10, 2026).
You never need a car. Leave it on the Cape.