Getting to the Islands - Ferries from Hyannis
Relax Inn is 3 miles from the waterfront - a 5-minute drive to both ferry terminals
Two Ferry Lines, Two Terminals
Hyannis is the main departure point for ferries to Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard. Two companies run from two separate terminals on the waterfront, both about 3 miles from Relax Inn. This page covers which ferry to take, what it costs, where to park, and the tips we give our guests every day.
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Hy-Line Cruises - 220 Ocean Street
Hy-Line runs passenger-only ferries (no cars). From Hyannis, they serve both islands:
- Nantucket: High-speed catamaran, about 1 hour each way
- Martha's Vineyard: About 1 hour to Oak Bluffs (seasonal, summer only)
Hy-Line's terminal is at 220 Ocean Street on the harbor. The high-speed boats are newer and more comfortable. Round-trip to Nantucket is roughly $91 per adult.
Steamship Authority - 69 South Street
The Steamship Authority (SSA) is the only ferry line that carries cars. From Hyannis, they go to Nantucket only (Martha's Vineyard car ferries leave from Woods Hole, about 30 minutes west).
- High-speed: ~1 hour, passengers only, roughly $93 round-trip per adult
- Traditional (slow) ferry: ~2 hours 15 min, carries cars, roughly $43 round-trip per adult
The traditional ferry is less than half the price. If you don't mind the longer ride, it's a solid deal - and kids enjoy watching the harbor fade into the distance.
Hy-Line vs. Steamship - Quick Comparison
- To Nantucket (fast): Hy-Line ~$91 RT (1 hr) vs. SSA ~$93 RT (1 hr) - nearly identical
- To Nantucket (slow): SSA traditional ~$43 RT (2 hr 15 min) - cheapest option
- To Martha's Vineyard: Hy-Line only from Hyannis (~1 hr, summer seasonal). SSA goes from Woods Hole, not Hyannis
- Taking a car: SSA traditional ferry only. Reserve months in advance for summer
For most day-trippers staying at Relax Inn, the high-speed passenger ferries (either line) are the way to go. You'll maximize your time on the island.
Parking at the Terminals
Both terminals have on-site parking lots, but they're not cheap and fill up fast in summer:
- On-site lots: $25-30 per day, often full by mid-morning in July/August
- Off-site private lots: $15-18 per day, with shuttle service to the terminal
Some guests leave their car at Relax Inn and take a rideshare to the terminal (about $10-12 each way). That saves the parking fee entirely. If you do drive to the terminal, arrive early - the close-in lots fill first.
Tips We Give Our Guests
- Book in advance. Summer ferries sell out, especially high-speed boats on weekends. Book online 2-4 weeks ahead.
- Arrive 45 minutes early. You need time to park, walk to the terminal, and board. Missing your boat means buying a new ticket.
- Don't plan on bringing a car. Car reservations on the SSA book up months in advance. Nantucket and the Vineyard are easy to explore on foot, by bike, or with local buses.
- Watch the weather. Rough seas can cancel ferries or make for a bumpy ride. Check the forecast and pack Dramamine if you're prone to seasickness.
- You don't need a whole day. Take a morning ferry, spend 4-5 hours exploring, and catch a late-afternoon boat back. You'll see the highlights without exhausting yourself.
After Your Island Trip
You'll dock back in Hyannis in the late afternoon or evening. Relax Inn is 5 minutes away - pool open until 8 PM, your air-conditioned room waiting. Grab dinner on Main Street Hyannis on the way back, or save the restaurants for another night and order takeout.
