You do not necessarily need a car to travel around Martha’s Island. Having a car can add to the convenience, but that depends on some factors.
Especially in the busy summertime, it might not be a great idea to bring your car because securing a space in the car ferry is costly. Not to mention, finding parking space can be a bit challenging.
However, the good news is there are viable alternatives like bikes and public transportation which can save you in a lot of ways.
There are both pros and cons to having and not having a car when visiting Martha’s vineyard. Whatever the option you choose, there are costs. However, it is upon you to decide which costs you want to bear.
This article shares if you need a car on Martha’s Vineyard within just a 4-minute read.
Key Takeaways
- Pros of taking your car
- You Decide Your Schedule
- You can explore every corner of the island at your own pace
- No Hassle of facing unreliable Uber/Carsharing Services
- Cons of Taking Your Car
- The cost of a Ferry Car to secure a space for your car is cost-inefficient
- Sheer expertise in driving is required on the island
- No parking space is available at peak summertime.
- Using other public and personalized services might cost less than you think actually.
Pros & Cons of Taking Your Car to Martha’s Vineyard
Martha’s Vineyard is a secluded island located 7 miles away from the Massachusetts coastline. Accessible solely by ferry or plane, there is no bridge connecting it to the mainland.
So if you are going to need a car for traveling around the island, you’ll need a car ferry to cross the coast. This requires advanced booking and thus a hefty amount of charges for you to bear.
However, when on a vacation, it’s all about convenience according to your ease and budget.
Pros
You Decide Your Schedule: Organizing your vacation can be a source of stress, especially when relying on public transportation. And the fear of missing buses leading to delays in your plans is a major bummer.
Having a car on Martha’s Vineyard allows you to control your schedule, unlike when you rely on other means of transportation.
If you’re not enjoying the beach in Edgartown, no worries – simply get in your car and drive along Beach Road to Oak Bluffs. Having your own car comes with the flexibility to explore different towns and find the one that suits your preferences.
Explore the Entirety of the Paradise Carefreely: Undoubtedly, the most significant advantage of bringing your car to Martha’s Vineyard is the ability to explore the entire island, even during a brief stay.
Each major town on the island boasts noteworthy landmarks. Despite its small size, you’ll find yourself driving around 40 minutes from Oak Bluffs to the famous Gay Head cliffs.
Walking or biking such a distance, regardless of your fitness level, is not a practical option!
Cons
Difficult and Expensive Boat Bookings: If you intend to visit Martha’s Vineyard on July 4th and it’s already June 30th when you attempt to reserve a boat, chances are you won’t succeed.
Bringing a car to Martha’s Vineyard, especially during the summer, demands careful advance planning to secure a round-trip boat reservation.
Booking a round-trip ticket for your vehicle can be quite costly, averaging around $200, making it a significant expense to consider. In addition, very few Ferry Car Services are Year-round available.
Distinctive Roads Await You: Have you logged countless hours driving on highways or through suburban areas? Prepare for a unique driving adventure on Martha’s Vineyard.
Here, you won’t find any two-lane highways or traffic lights. Instead, you’ll encounter roads where the speed limit can abruptly shift from 40 MPH to 25 MPH.
Driving on Martha’s Vineyard isn’t necessarily perilous, but if it’s your initial visit, be prepared to bring your top-notch driving skills to the table.
Summer parking in Martha’s Vineyard: A renowned vacation and downtown destination, can pose significant challenges. Unlike many other popular spots, there are no parking garages available in the main downtown areas.
Even if you manage to find a parking spot, exceeding the time limit even slightly can result in a ticket. Seasoned visitors may opt for parking on the nearby backroads, providing a more familiar alternative.
However, first-time visitors might find themselves frustrated and delayed, circling Circuit Ave repeatedly. Might as well make you late for dinner reservations and other commitments.
Bonus: While considering your next trip, you may also be interested in the differences between Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard.
Pros & Cons of Not Taking Your Car to Martha’s Vineyard
Pros
Public transportation can enhance extended travel: If you are worried about whether Martha’s Vineyard is devoid of modern conveniences & technology, you are wasting your time.
If you’re staying in Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, or Vineyard Haven and wish to explore Up-Island attractions, you can rely on taxis, ride-sharing services like Uber, or the Vineyard Transit Authority (VTA) bus network.
These options allow you to navigate the area without the hassle of bringing your car to the island.
Make Spontaneous Tours: As mentioned earlier, bringing a car to Martha’s Vineyard necessitates a pre-booked boat reservation.
However, if you’re leaving your car behind, you can spontaneously purchase a ticket for any available steamship departure without prior reservation.
This flexibility is particularly valuable for individuals whose travel plans are spontaneous or who decide to extend their stay during the summer months.
Explore Martha Up-Close: While driving offers glimpses of breathtaking scenery, truly unique experiences await those who explore the island on foot or by bike, traveling between key destinations.
Cars often miss hidden trails and scenic overlooks, but by walking or biking, you can uncover some hidden gems.
Martha’s Vineyard vacations are all about relaxation, and each town provides everything you need. For a quieter, more intimate perspective of your stay, consider leaving your car behind.
Cons
Discovering the Full Island is not possible without car/car rentals: Despite the advantages that come with traveling without a car, the reality is that it’s challenging to fully experience the island on foot or by bike alone.
For first-time visitors keen on discovering all the island has to offer, arriving without a car, or without the frequent use of a car service, will restrict your ability to explore various attractions beyond your immediate area on the island.
Challenging Rainy days: Rain can dampen the enjoyment of any trip, but not having transportation with you can significantly worsen the experience.
Restaurants become overcrowded, and waiting for a cab or standing at an unfamiliar bus stop in the rain can turn your vacation into a miserable experience.
Judging by these criteria, you can decide whether you want your car or not. If you want to experience a similar island getaway elsewhere, you can learn about Cape Cod, which is also a popular East Coast Vacation Spot like Martha’s Vineyard.
Better Options/Alternatives of Going With a Car
Car Rentals
This is a smart alternative if you want to ride and explore as you wish, without having to run or stick to a schedule.
With such services, you can experience driving vehicles like cars, SUVs, Jeeps, or trucks that are usually beyond your reach. If you rent an off-road capable vehicle, you can enjoy thrilling adventures.
Vineyard Transit Authority
The VTA offers transportation across the entire island throughout the year. VTA services are available at all ferry terminals and the MV Airport, ensuring convenient accessibility. One-day and multi-day passes are available.
Your needs are backed up by one-day and multi-day passes. The service is more frequent, and comprehensive in summer, with shuttles to the beaches.
Taxicabs & Rideshare Services
Services like Uber and Lyft are usually accessible on the island. However, the availability of drivers can be quite restricted, leading to extended waiting periods and costly rides, especially during the summer season.
Final Words
Hope this article finds you decided on whether you need a car on Martha’s Vineyard or not.
Martha’s Vineyard is a paradise that is not to be missed and you must use every chance to weigh down the above pros and cons according to your needs. Happy tripping!
