7 Smart Tips for Getting Around Martha's Vineyard

The Island of Martha’s Vineyard is relatively small (less than 100 square miles) – but many people are surprised to realize just how big the Island really is once they get here. There’s so much to see and do on this little piece of heaven, and you won’t want to miss any of it while you’re visiting.
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Lucky for you, you don’t have to.


Once you’re on the Island, getting around Martha’s Vineyard is a snap. Here are some smart tips for enjoying all the Island has to offer – with or without a car.

1. Public Transportation: The public transportation on Martha’s Vineyard is enough to make any city folk envious. It’s reliable, affordable, clean, accommodating, and always on time. The Martha’s Vineyard Regional Transit Authority, or VTA, picks passengers up in every Island town – including at both the Vineyard Haven and Oak Bluffs ferries, and the airport. The busses have racks that hold up to 3 bikes, and are dog- and kid-friendly (children under 6 ride free!). Fares are affordable, with single rides for as little as $1, day passes for $7, and weekly passes for $25.

2. Bike the Island: Martha’s Vineyard is well-known and loved for our pristine bike paths — over 44 miles of them! Whether you want a leisurely tour or a vigorous challenge, along the ocean or through the forests, scenic or direct routes are available for every skill level. One of the most popular bike paths connects Oak Bluffs and Edgartown. The six-mile, paved trail travels along the Nantucket Sound on one side and the 7-acre Sengekontacket Pond on the other, and is entirely flat except for a few very slight inclines. Looking to rent bikes while you’re here? Check out our Bike Rentals page!

3. Walk It: Each town on Martha’s Vineyard has its own unique and wonderful character — and the three busiest towns are each 100% walkable. With shops, restaurants, theaters, museums, and art galleries all within a stone’s throw from the ferries or wherever you might be staying, walking the streets of Vineyard Haven, Oak Bluffs, or Edgartown is a tried and true way to explore our quaint Island.

4. Rent a Moped or Car: The buzz of moped motors can be heard all season long throughout the Island. That’s because they’re an affordable yet independent mode of transportation on Martha’s Vineyard. You can easily rent a moped and car rentals are also a convenient option! Visit our Car Rentals page to reserve yours today.

5. Hail a Cab: Private taxi service and shared taxi vans are also available to get you from Point A to Point B. Most towns have a designated spot to grab a cab, and you can always call in advance to arrange a specific pick-up and drop-off. Visit our Taxi page for contact info.
 
6. Tour Guides: There are numerous group and private tour companies available to help you see the beauty of Martha's Vineyard. Tour buses are located at the Steamship Terminals, and depart regularly on scheduled times. Private passenger vans are available for customized group tours. Aerial tours are available to give you a birds-eye view of the Island and wonderful narrated walking tours provide you with in-depth detail on towns and subjects of interest. Visit our Tours page for more info.
 
7. Private Car Service: For the discerning traveler, private car services are also available. This is a great option for weddings and special events – or to simply kick up the style meter a notch or two. Visit our Car Service page for more details.
 
So if you find yourself planning a trip to Martha’s Vineyard and you can’t get your car over, don’t fret! There are many ways to get around the Island and enjoy all it has to offer — with or without a vehicle.
 
See you on the Vineyard!