The Best Driving on Martha's Vineyard

In the summer season there are a number of ports from which you can reach the Vineyard, although only one through which you can bring a car. Walking aboard gives you more options and on-island transportation is quite good. See should I bring a car? for the pros and cons of bringing your car over to the Island.

Approximate mileage to Woods Hole, MA (the Steamship Authority port) from the following cities:

Boston, MA: 85 miles
Buzzards Bay, MA: 20 miles
Hartford, CT: 187 miles
New Haven, CT: 165 miles
New York, NY: 271 miles
Providence, RI: 85 miles

From New York and points South:
To New Bedford - Follow Route I-95 North to Providence, then take I-195 East.
To Falmouth and Woods Hole - From I-195 East take Route 25 East, cross the Bourne Bridge, and follow Route 28 South.
To Hyannis - From I-195 East take Route 25 East and then follow Route 6.

From Boston and points North:
Take Route 3 to the Sagamore Bridge.
To Hyannis - Follow Route 6 East.
To Falmouth and Woods Hole - Take Route 6 West to Buzzards Bay (Bourne), cross the Bourne Bridge, and follow Route 28 South.

Alternate route from Boston and points North:
Follow I-95 to Route 24.
To New Bedford - take 24 and I-195 East.
To Falmouth and Woods Hole - take 24 to I-495, I-495 to Buzzards Bay (Bourne), cross the Bourne Bridge, and follow Route 28 South.

If you are planning to bring your car over to the Island, you must have a reservation for the ferry. Book these as early as possible! Visit www.steamshipauthority.com or call 508-477-8600.

If you choose to leave your car on the mainland, you can park in the area maintained by the Steamship Authority in Falmouth, or in areas maintained by the other ferry operators in New Bedford, Falmouth, and Hyannis. Be sure to allow time to get from the parking areas to the boat. In summer months you should allow no less than 30 minutes from parking to arrive at the boat.

Approximate mileage to Woods Hole, MA (the Steamship Authority port) from the following cities
Boston, MA 85 miles Buzzards Bay, MA 20 miles Hartford, CT 187 miles New Haven, CT 165 miles New York, NY 271 miles Providence, RI 85 miles

Driving Directions
From New York and points South: To New Bedford - Follow Route I-95 North to Providence, then take I-195 East. To Falmouth and Woods Hole - From I-195 East take Route 25 East, cross the Bourne Bridge, and follow Route 28 South. To Hyannis - From I-195 East take Route 25 East and then follow Route 6. From Boston and points North: Take Route 3 to the Sagamore Bridge. To Hyannis - Follow Route 6 East. To Falmouth and Woods Hole - Take Route 6 West to Buzzards Bay (Bourne), cross the Bourne Bridge, and follow Route 28 South. Alternate route from Boston and points North: Follow I-95 to Route 24. To New Bedford - take 24 and I-195 East. To Falmouth and Woods Hole - take 24 to I-495, I-495 to Buzzards Bay (Bourne), cross the Bourne Bridge, and follow Route 28 South. If you are planning to bring your car over to the Island, you must have a reservation for the ferry. Book these as early as possible! Visit www.steamshipauthority.com or call 508-477-8600. If you choose to leave your car on the mainland, you can park in the area maintained by the Steamship Authority in Falmouth, or in areas maintained by the other ferry operators in New Bedford, Falmouth, and Hyannis. Be sure to allow time to get from the parking areas to the boat. In summer months you should allow no less than 30 minutes from parking to arrive at the boat.