Travel by Ferry
Two ferry lines - Hy-Line Cruises and the Steamship Authority - provide convenient, year-round service from Hyannis to Nantucket. Both run high-speed passenger catamarans with a travel time of approximately one hour.
The Steamship Authority also runs a traditional car-and-passenger ferry, with a 2 ¼ hour cruise time. Secure, on-site and off-site parking is available at both terminals in Hyannis for a nominal fee. There are accessible parking spaces available at both terminal parking areas.
Freedom Cruise Line in Harwich Port and Seastreak in New Bedford, New York City and Highland, NJ, provides seasonal high-speed ferry service to the island. A seasonal inter-island ferry operated by Hy-Line Cruises runs between Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard from late May to early October.
Steamship Authority
The Hyannis and Nantucket terminal buildings are completely wheelchair accessible with accessible rest rooms.
High-Speed M/V Iyanough
The main passenger deck of the Steamship Authority’s high-speed ferry, the M/V Iyanough is fully accessible (including rest rooms and the food and beverage service area). Access to the M/V Iyanough’s main passenger deck is by the transfer bridge that is used to board all passengers onto the ferry. Please inform an attendant upon arrival if you need any special assistance with boarding.
Passenger/Vehicle Ferries
M/V Eagle, M/V Nantucket & M/V Woods Hole
Each ferry is equipped with elevators that transport passengers between the vehicle deck and all passenger decks (including the food and beverage service area). Access to the elevator is via the transfer bridge that is used to load vehicles onto the ferry. Passengers wishing to use the elevator should arrive at the ferry terminal thirty (30) minutes prior to their scheduled departure time. Upon arriving, they should notify a terminal agent (or the terminal employee checking them in) that they require access to the elevator for boarding. This applies to all passengers who wish to use the elevator whether or not they are traveling with their vehicles. Accessible rest rooms are also available on all of our large passenger/vehicle ferries.
Vehicle Reservations
If you plan to bring your vehicle to Nantucket, it is recommended that you make a reservation well in advance of your travel date. If you are unable to get a reservation for your vehicle, and it is necessary for you to travel with your vehicle because of your disability or one of your passenger’s has a disability, then you may request to speak with a supervisor and inquire about a special Preferential Boarding accommodation for your reservation.
Please follow the link for the Preferential Boarding information.
Stand-By Policy (for passengers who have a disability and must travel with their vehicle)
Individuals with disabilities who are traveling on a standby basis and who must travel with their vehicles due to their disabilities are eligible for preferential boarding of their vehicles in accordance with these guidelines. An individual with a disability may need to travel with his or her vehicle for a number of reasons, including but not limited to the need to travel with a motorized wheelchair or an adequate oxygen supply or other equipment that the individual needs due to the individual’s disability.
Please follow the link for more information on their Stand-By policy.
Additional Policies
For more information on the Steamship's policies for passengers needing assistance, please visit the Steamship Authority website.
Hy-Line Cruises
One-on-one assistance is available for those in need who are traveling with Hy-Line. All ticket sales areas are hard surfaces such as concrete or pavement; you will encounter dirt or gravel surfaces in most of their parking lots. The Hy-Line offers a limited number of accessible parking spaces about 100 yards away from the Ticket Office. When making your reservations by phone, and upon arrival at the terminal, please mention any accommodations that you will require. Pre-boarding is also available for those who need assistance.
Please call the Hy-Line in advance for any questions or concerns that you might have 800-492-8082 or visit their website for more detailed information.
Freedom Cruise Lines
For information, please go to the Freedom Cruise website or call 508-432-8999.
Seastreak Cruise Lines
For information, please visit the Seastreak website or call 1-800-BOATRIDE (1-800-262-8743).