Getting Around MVY
Local Transportation on Martha’s Vineyard
Overview
You may be wondering, “After I get to the island, how will I be able to get around?” Depending on what you’d like to see or do during your stay and how long your trip here is, there are several options for transportation to consider for your time on island. We’ve compiled a thorough guide to help you determine which method best fits your needs and your budget. Overall, getting around is easy and it is just another way to see even more of the beauty of the island! In this article, we’ll cover walking, biking (with your own bike or a rented bike), our bus system, driving your own car, renting a car, and finally taxis, Ubers, and Lyfts.
BY: Jenna @ExploreMVY
PUBLISHED: June 21, 2024
LAST UPDATE: June 21, 2024
Walking Martha’s Vineyard
For those planning on sticking around town, the downtown areas of Martha’s Vineyard are pretty walkable as long as you’re down island. So if you’re staying in Oak Bluffs, Vineyard Haven, or Edgartown, you’ll find that there is plenty to do using only your two legs as transportation.
The good news is that walking is free, eco-friendly, and ideal for exploring a town without worrying about parking or locking up a bike. You can just go wherever the wind takes you, but within a certain mileage of course.
Unless you’re hard-core about your walking, you won’t be able to explore the entire island on foot. Even while you might not get as far, however, you can still discover hidden gems that a bike or car may not be able to as easily find. Furthermore, this is definitely the best way to embrace the ways of slower paced, “island time”.
Biking Martha’s Vineyard
Biking is a popular, eco-friendly, and enjoyable way to see Martha’s Vineyard at your own pace without breaking the bank or dealing with parking hassle. If you are visiting a couple of neighboring towns, biking might be your best bet at getting from one place to another while getting some exercise.
Did you know that you can bring your own bike to the island on several of the ferries?!
If you elect to rent a bike on island, Martha’s Vineyard has quite a few bike rental shops and roads that are bike-friendly, making traveling by bike a breeze. Bike trails only cover parts of the island, however, and you may need to travel along busy roads or hills. You may want to check the weather before renting a bike, because windy or rainy conditions might derail your plans.
Some Recommended Local Bike Rental Shops:
Martha’s Bike (4 Lagoon Pond Rd., Vineyard Haven — at 5 Corners near where the ferry arrives in the Vineyard Haven Harbor)
Anderson Bike Rentals (23 Circuit Ave. Extension, Oak Bluffs — family owned for decades and near where the ferries arrive in OB)
Martha’s Vineyard Bike Rental (1 Main St., Edgartown — right where the Falmouth Edgartown Ferry docks and next to Dock Street Coffee Shop)
Buses on Martha’s Vineyard
The Vineyard Transit Authority (VTA) offers a comprehensive bus network that connects all six towns on the island through all of the major roads. Especially if you buy a daily or weekly pass, this option is both a cost-effective and eco-friendly way to get around, with buses running frequently and pretty reliably during the summer season. From mid-May to the end of September, fares are $2.00 per town for a one-way ticket. The VTA also offers multi-day passes that range from $8 for a 1-Day Pass to $150 for an annual pass. Kids aged 6 and under also ride free. And, good news for those on bikes… there’s no charge to load your bike onto the bus!
Tips to Navigate the Martha’s Vineyard Bus System:
You can purchase digital passes online at app.vineyardtransit.com, which can also be refilled as needed. Note: If you qualify for a reduced rate pass, you may not be able to purchase your tickets using the app.
When calculating the fare, you’ll pay for each town the bus passes through at $2/town. Example: Traveling from Vineyard Haven to Oak Bluffs, you’d pay $4 (Vineyard Haven + Oak Bluffs). From Vineyard Haven to Edgartown, you’d pay $6 (Vineyard Haven + Oak Bluffs + Edgartown). This is why we recommend the $8 daily pass in most situations!
While cash fares are accepted, you’ll want to have exact change because change will only be given in the form of ride credit.
Routes #1 and #13 pick up and drop off only at designated spots, but you may flag down the bus along many other routes. Of course, the bus driver will only stop if it is safe to do so!
Useful Bus Links:
VTA Website. (There is a GREAT cheat sheet for fares here!)
Driving on Island (bring your car)
We have so many cars on island during summer that it’s recommended to leave it at home when possible! That said, Martha’s Vineyard is a larger island than some expect; depending on how you envision your trip, having a car here may be worth it to make the most of your time. With a car, you have the flexibility to explore our beautiful island at your own pace, visiting various sights, beaches, and restaurants without being bound by a schedule or relying on someone to transport you.
Tips to Bring Your Car Over:
The Steamship Authority is the only commercial option to bring your car over to the island. (Select Woods Hole to Martha’s Vineyard on the reservation system here.)
During the off season (Columbus Day to Memorial Day) or the shoulder season (Memorial Day to July 4, Labor Day to Columbus Day) you’ll find it’s easier to get one of those coveted reservations!
If you don’t find a reservation for the day or time you want, you may find luck by adding your info to the waiting list.
Some vacation rentals (especially the ones that are more expensive!) will also include car reservations that you can use, as a perk.
Rent a Car on Island
You may not be shocked that renting a car is a more expensive way to travel (perhaps even double or many times more than the amount you’d rent a car for on the mainland). Depending on how much you plan to be bouncing from place to place, a car rental for a day could even cost more than multiple Uber or Lyft rides.
TIP: If you’re only on island for a short time and/or plan to take yourself on an all-island tour, you could rent a car for a single day and make that day your “driving day” to see even the farthest sights such as Aquinnah or Menemsha.
If you do decide to rent a car, you may want to plan extra time for parking because during peak season, parking can be challenging in quite a few areas, such as along State Beach in Oak Bluffs and downtown Edgartown. Sometimes, it is impossible to find a spot here with all of the beachgoers and Jaws-Bridge-jumpers. It’s in spots like when it feels particularly fantastic to use alternative options that don’t require parking, like using our local bus service or a bike.
Car Rental Companies on Island:
Martha’s Vineyard Auto Rental (Oak Bluffs, Vineyard Haven, Edgartown)
Sun ‘N’ Fun Rentals (Oak Bluffs)
Hertz (Vineyard Haven)
Taxis, Uber, Lyft on Island
Taxis and ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available as a more private way to roam the island. Taxis can usually be found right at the Oak Bluffs and Vineyard Haven Steamship Authority ports, or by scheduled pick-up. Many taxi companies on the island are available 24/7 and are generally pretty reliable. Ride-sharing services are available by request through mobile apps.
While taxis and ride-sharing services are convenient, this method of transportation can be extremely pricey depending on season and time of day. As demands for ride-sharing increases on the island, so do the price and wait time. This is definitely something to keep in mind as holidays, such as the Fourth of July, roll around.
Some Taxi Companies on Island:
Martha’s Vineyard Taxi — (508) 693-8660
Atlantic Cab — (508) 693-7110
Lighthouse Taxi Martha’s Vineyard — (508) 645-6066