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How to Get Around Martha’s Vineyard: Do you need a car?
It might feel overwhelming at first, but planning how to get around Martha’s Vineyard is the key to a stress-free vacation. The good news? It’s actually quite manageable once you know your options.
I completely understand the anxiety around making the right transportation choices. Should you bring your car over on the ferry and face the peak season parking challenges? Would you be better off using the island’s bus system?
What if you get stranded after a late night in town? And what about those gorgeous beaches you’ve been dreaming about – how do you actually get to them with all your gear?
I’ll share exactly how to piece together your transportation puzzle, starting with the all-important decision of whether to bring your car. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear plan for how to get around the island.
Do you Need a Car on Martha’s Vineyard?
Having a car on Martha’s Vineyard isn’t always the right choice – but sometimes it’s essential. The decision depends on several factors.
For instance, a quick weekend in downtown Edgartown during peak August might be easier (and cheaper) without a car. But a week-long family vacation with young children in up-island Chilmark? You’ll definitely want your own vehicle.
I’ve created a simple 5-question quiz to help you decide if you can get around Martha’s Vineyard without a car. It considers the most crucial factors: length of stay, who you’re traveling with, when you’re visiting, where you’re staying and if you have access to parking.
Answer these questions, and I’ll provide a clear recommendation based on my years of experience traveling to the island.
🚗 Quiz: Is a Car Needed on Martha’s Vineyard? 🚗
Not sure whether to bring your car to Martha’s Vineyard? You’re not alone – it’s one of the most common questions visitors ask! Take this quick 5-question quiz for a personalized recommendation.
Remember, this recommendation is based on common scenarios that I’ve personally encountered, but every traveler’s situation is unique. When deciding how to get around Martha’s Vineyard, consider your specific plans, comfort level with different transportation options, and budget.

1. Getting Around Martha’s Vineyard by Car
🚗 PROS: Maximum flexibility for exploring remote beaches, attractions and up-island towns. Makes carrying beach gear, groceries, and shopping easier. No waiting for transportation or planning around schedules.
⛔ CONS: Expensive (ferry costs and gas). Traffic frustrating during peak season, especially downtown. Parking is challenging and limited in summer months. Advance ferry reservations required well ahead (particularly for July/August).
👥 BEST FOR: Extended stays (4+ days), families with young children or elderly travelers, people staying in remote locations or up-island, visitors planning multiple remote trips or beach trips with gear, and those who prioritize convenience over cost.
First-time visitors are often surprised to learn there are no parking meters on Martha’s Vineyard. While this sounds convenient, it actually means strict time limits and vigilant enforcement, especially in Oak Bluffs and Edgartown.
Here’s what you need to know about downtown parking:
- Oak Bluffs: Mostly 15-minute, 1-hour, or 2-hour limits, with some 4-hour spots available. Overnight parking is possible around some areas, like Ocean Park, but spaces are limited.
- Edgartown: Predominantly 2-hour limits in the downtown area. No overnight parking downtown.
- Vineyard Haven: Mostly 1 or 2-hour parking. Park and Ride with shuttle service into town available for longer term parking (up to 3 days)
If you decide a car is needed on Martha’s Vineyard, you can either bring your own or book a rental car prior to your arrival. Bringing your own gives you maximum flexibility but advance ferry reservations are essential. The cost of the ferry makes this an expensive option for a short stay.
Renting a car on the island eliminates ferry reservation stress and cost, but you still need to book well in advance for peak season. Renting is more cost-effective for short stays or a day trip.
Rental cars are available at the ferry terminals (or very close by) and at the airport as well as downtown Oak Bluffs.
🤩 Search for Rental Cars on Martha’s Vineyard
Another thing to factor into your budget is the price of gas on the island. It’s significantly more expensive than on the mainland – I know my last fill there was around $2 more per gallon. I have two tips for you to help keep the cost down.
The first one is to fill up before you get to the island. There are a couple of gas stations quite close to the ferry. I usually go to either the Gulf on the rotary after the Bourne Bridge or the Mobil near the Palmer Ave Steamship parking lot.
My preference is the Mobil as it’s easier to pull in and out of vs the Gulf on the rotary where traffic is racing across the bridge. Both are on the right side of the road. Check Gas Buddy to see which has the better prices on your day of travel.
My second tip is for Stop and Shop grocery store customers. If you have a Stop and Shop card, you can trade your points for gas discounts at most of the Shell stations on the island. Save them up before your vacation!
One other tip for drivers: If you’re on the island during a storm or heavy rain, avoid driving in these areas as they flood badly: Five Corners in Vineyard Haven, Atlantic Drive and Dock St in Edgartown and Beach Road in Oak Bluffs
The island is reasonably straightforward to drive on. There are no traffic lights and the roads are usually two-lane, but narrow. The speed limits are low although, not all drivers observe them!
Be careful driving at night in poorly lit or rural areas where deer can jump into the road (especially in Katama).
If you are planning on visiting remote beaches or attractions, be prepared for unpaved or sand roads with uneven terrain. Research your route in advance as there are some roads you shouldn’t drive on without an SUV.
Don’t forget that there are plenty of taxis around. Ride shares like Uber and Lyft are also available on the island.
Obviously, the costs of using these as your main mode of transportation adds up and there is some waiting around for them to arrive. This is still a great option for those coming for a short visit.
If you decide not to bring one, here’s how to get around on Martha’s Vineyard without a car:

2. Take a Guided Tour of Martha’s Vineyard
🚐 PROS: Multiple ways to see the island – land, sea, and air. Expert local guides share insider knowledge. Full island tours as well as specialized themed tours available. Great for those on a day-trip to Martha’s Vineyard wanting to see as much as possible.
⛔ CONS: Some are expensive (especially private tours and plane rides). Public bus tours fill up quickly in peak season. Weather dependent for boat and air tours. Most require advance reservations and most tours only available May to October.
👥 BEST FOR: First-time visitors wanting an island overview, history buffs, day-trippers, those without cars, people visiting between May and October and anyone seeking deeper insight into specific subjects like Jaws movie locations or African American history.
While you can explore the island of Martha’s Vineyard on your own, guided tours are great for getting unique perspectives and access to places you might otherwise miss.
The classic bus tour is one of the most popular ways to get around Martha’s Vineyard without a car, especially for day-trippers.
These tours typically loop around the island, taking you from the historic down-island towns to the dramatic clay cliffs of Aquinnah. Most stop at locations like the famous gingerbread cottages and include time for photos at key landmarks or viewpoints.
There are also specialized walking tours like The African American Heritage Trail tour which shares powerful stories of the island’s Black history. One of my favorite walking tours is the Jaws tour of Edgartown where you can visit some of the key movie locations.
The Carnegie Museum offers fascinating walking tours of Edgartown. Here’s a pro tip: the advantage of taking one of these is that you get access to historic buildings (like the Daniel Fisher House) that are not normally open to the public.

Here’s something many visitors don’t think of doing – exploring Martha’s Vineyard by kayak! These tours bring you around the island’s coastline and ponds where you can check out native marine and bird life.
I recommend this one in particular if you want to see where mussels grow, catch a glimpse of some osprey and maybe scoop a stray Farm Neck golf ball off the bottom of the pond!
Seeing the island by boat is also an option. While there aren’t specific boat tours circling the entire island, you’ll find sunset cruises, sailing trips around Vineyard Sound and the outer harbor areas, and fishing charters if you want to try your hand at catching dinner.
For a really spectacular perspective, think about taking a biplane tour! You’ll head up in a vintage aircraft and see really breathtaking views. What a way to enjoy the beauty of the island. You can choose between full-island tours or shorter flights focusing on specific areas.

3. How to Get Around Martha’s Vineyard by Bus
🚌 PROS: Reliable, free of charge network connecting all major towns. Flexible stopping options, bike racks and convenient ferries/airport access. Create a DIY island tour on a budget. Operates year-round.
⛔ CONS: Small buses mean peak season crowds and potential wait times, especially on popular routes. Doesn’t operate on Chappaquiddick. Limited bike capacity, reduced off-season frequency, and schedule-dependent travel might frustrate those wanting to be spontaneous.
👥 BEST FOR: Solo travelers, families with older kids, and budget-conscious visitors. Those staying in downtown areas who want to visit Martha’s Vineyard without a car and don’t mind planning around bus schedules.
Getting around Martha’s Vineyard without a car is surprisingly simple thanks to the Vineyard Transit Authority (VTA) bus system. According to the Martha’s Vineyard Commission, the VTA carries more than 1 million passengers a year on the island!
I’ve relied on these clean, efficient buses countless times to travel between towns. They’ll be even more appealing in 2025 – they’re going to be completely free to use for almost the entire year, including the peak summer months.
The public transit buses are small, each with seating for around 25 passengers and some standing room.
The buses have to be small to navigate the island streets and I’ve learned from experience that popular routes like Edgartown to Oak Bluffs can fill up quickly during peak season.
However, the routes between Vineyard Haven, Oak Bluffs and Edgartown only take 10-20 minutes (without traffic) so even crowded rides are manageable.
There are stops right outside both Steamship Authority ferry terminals and the airport and buses run frequently.

I recently took the bus from the Vineyard Haven ferry terminal to Edgartown and it was so quick and easy. If you’re staying in a hotel in any of the downtown areas, this is such a straightforward way to get there. There are luggage racks onboard and pets are allowed on the bus too.
An interesting feature of the VTA is that you don’t always have to be at a designated stop to get on the bus. I’ve often flagged down a bus by raising a hand as it approaches.
There are exceptions to this though. If it’s not safe for them to stop, (don’t flag one down at an intersection!) or you’re in the congested downtown areas, they will keep driving.
When I used to cycle on the island, I particularly appreciated the bike racks mounted on the front of the busses. If you bike far away and are too tired for the return journey, just flag down a bus, put your bike on the rack and have an easy ride home!
Just remember each bus only accommodates 2-3 bikes, so this isn’t always an option if you’re in a group of cyclists or it’s peak season.
Pro Tips for using Martha’s Vineyard public transportation:
- During peak season the #13 route along beach road is one of the most popular on the island, with the busiest stop being at Ocean Park in Oak Bluffs. Walk to an earlier stop to get on first and avoid the crowds.
- Create your own, completely free island tour. The VTA has two helpful guides on using their busses to tour around the island in both peak season and shoulder season
- Use the VTA website for real-time tracking info and bus schedules

4. Biking Around Martha’s Vineyard
🚲 PROS: Over 40 miles of bike paths across the island. Beautiful scenic routes, especially between Oak Bluffs and Edgartown. Works well for beach access and exploring downtown areas. Great recreational activity and environmentally friendly option.
⛔ CONS: Many paths shared with pedestrians require careful navigation. Some routes involve busy or unpaved roads with no dedicated bike lanes. Up-island terrain challenging for casual cyclists. Summer traffic makes certain crossings and intersections hazardous.
👥 BEST FOR: Recreational cyclists, families with older children exploring the easier routes, visitors staying in down-island towns, off-season visitors, beach-goers heading to South Beach, and those wanting scenic exercise rather than primary transportation.
OK, so, cycling on Martha’s Vineyard can be both a joy and a challenge – it all depends on where you’re riding and when.
Ultimately, if you are based in Edgartown and want to visit Oak Bluffs, State Beach, Vineyard Haven or South Beach in Katama, you can easily use a bike as the main mode of transport for your trip.
Beyond that, I don’t recommend relying on a bike as the best way to get around Martha’s Vineyard.
The Beach Road bike path between Edgartown and Oak Bluffs is my personal favorite because of the stunning views of the ocean on one side and Sengekontacket Pond on the other.
This route is perfect for families and casual cyclists, though you’ll need to watch for pedestrians who share the path. Similarly, the bike path from Edgartown to South Beach (Katama Beach) is relatively flat and easy, so you can use this to get to the beach without worrying about parking.
Biking from Vineyard Haven to Oak Bluffs is not quite as straightforward since there’s no continuous bike path. Taking East Chop Drive is slightly longer but the traffic is lighter and the views are way better anyway.

From a driver’s perspective – I have some recommendations for cyclists on the Edgartown-Vineyard Haven bike path. The path crosses many driveways and side roads, and during peak season, it’s a struggle for cars to get out onto the main road.
I’ve seen several close calls here when drivers try to make a break for it. I highly recommend cyclists be extra cautious on this part of the path.
When it comes to up-island cycling, unless you’re an experienced cyclist, I don’t recommend biking to Chilmark, Aquinnah, or West Tisbury. The narrow, winding roads, heavy summer and steep hills makes it a bit of a stressful journey.
If you’re determined to explore these areas by bike, I’d recommend riding the bus up-island with your bike on the rack, then cycle around locally once you arrive. There is a very cool bike ferry in Menemsha you might want to try!
Renting a bike on Martha’s Vineyard is more practical than bringing your own, especially if you’re just planning a few recreational rides, like the state forest loop (worth visiting!)
You’ll find bike rental shops in all three down-island towns offering everything from basic cruisers to e-bikes, with helmets included. For families, child seats and pull-behind trailers are available – I often see these setups along the Beach Road bike path.

5. Getting around Martha’s Vineyard on Foot
🚶PROS: Downtown areas of Oak Bluffs, Edgartown, and Vineyard Haven are highly walkable. Easy access to shops, restaurants, museums, and beaches within minutes. Free, healthy, and best way to explore historic districts.
⛔ CONS: Limited for travel between towns. Weather dependent. Not practical for carrying beach gear or groceries long distances. Some areas lack sidewalks.
👥 BEST FOR: Visitors staying in downtown areas, day-trippers, shoppers, and those interested in historic architecture and local culture.
Getting around the three main towns on Martha’s Vineyard is incredibly easy on foot – in fact, walking is often your best option.
In Edgartown, everything centers around Main Street and Water Street. You’ll see how some of the elegant Captain’s homes have been transformed into boutique shops and restaurants. Fuller St beach and Lighthouse Beach are just off North Water St.
I often tell first-time visitors they’re better off parking once (or arriving by bus) and exploring Edgartown’s historic district on foot – you’ll discover so much more this way.
Oak Bluffs is equally walkable, with the famous gingerbread cottages just steps from the shops and restaurants on Circuit Avenue. The Flying Horses Carousel, Ocean Park, Niantic playground and the harbor are all within a 5-minute walk of each other.
A tip for families: On windy days, I love taking the kids to Ocean Park because it’s a great spot to fly a kite or run and play on the wide-open grass area.
The ferry terminal and beach are an easy walk from Circuit Ave and many of the island tour companies depart from here for bus tours of the island.
Vineyard Haven has a compact downtown area so it’ s easy to get around from the moment you step off the ferry. Everything you need – restaurants, shops and even a beach (Owen Park) are just a short walk from each other.

Vineyard Haven is fast becoming my favorite town for restaurants on the island. Some incredible options have opened up in the last few years and they have set the bar pretty high for excellent dining experiences.
Visitors often tell me they’re surprised by how easy it is to get around these towns on foot, and how much more they notice when walking instead of driving. You’ll find information centers/kiosks in each town to help orient yourself, although I think getting lost is half the fun!
Between the main towns, there are several scenic walking routes, though I don’t recommend walking from town to town as your main method of getting around on the island.
The path from Oak Bluffs to Edgartown along Beach Road has stunning views (it’s the same route cyclists take), but walking gives you more time to appreciate the scenery.
At about 3 miles, it’s worth it if you enjoy longer walks and don’t mind the sea breeze (which can be quite strong some days!)
Oak Bluffs to Vineyard Haven you can take the scenic East Chop Drive walk past beautiful homes and the East Chop Lighthouse – you’re looking at about a 2 mile walk.
During peak summer months, these walks are best early morning or late afternoon when it’s cooler. If you’re walking between towns, remember you can always walk one way and take the bus back – my favorite option when I’ve wandered further than planned.

A Note About Renting Mopeds
While moped rentals are available on Martha’s Vineyard, I strongly advise against this option.
Although they seem convenient, mopeds have a tragic history on the island. Nearly every summer there are reports of visitors being seriously injured or killed in moped accidents.
The combination of inexperienced riders, unfamiliar roads and heavy summer traffic is a recipe for disaster. I would never recommend mopeds as a way to get around Martha’s Vineyard – there are simply too many safer alternatives available.

Wrap-up: How do you get around Martha’s Vineyard?
Ultimately, I’ve found that the most effective strategy for how to get around in Martha’s Vineyard involves combining several modes of transport rather than relying on just one.
During peak season (July-August), even if you have a car, there will be times when walking or taking the bus makes more sense – like heading to dinner in downtown Edgartown where parking can be frustrating.
The VTA bus is great during these busy months, especially since there will be no fare for using it in 2025. Just remember that popular routes will get crowded, particularly between Edgartown and Oak Bluffs during prime beach hours.
In shoulder season (May-June, September-October), getting around is more manageable. Traffic eases and parking is not so difficult. Bus services run less frequently so you can also try exploring by bike or taking a guided tour.
For day-trippers, I recommend either joining a bus tour or focusing on one or two walkable downtown areas. Multi-day visitors can rent a car for just part of your stay, maybe for one day to go up-island or visit a remote beach.
Here’s my best advice: plan ahead but stay flexible. Consider where you’re staying, what you want to see, and who you’re traveling with.
Remember that while Martha’s Vineyard is bigger than most people expect, there are enough transportation options to make every part of the island accessible.
Come and ask your transportation questions in my Martha’s Vineyard Travel Tips Facebook Group and we’ll help with a plan to get you around!

Frequently Asked Questions on How to Get Around Marthas Vineyard
Do I need a car to get around Martha’s Vineyard?
No, you don’t need a car to get around Martha’s Vineyard. The island offers multiple transportation options including a reliable bus system (free in 2025), taxis, ride-shares, and bike rentals. However, I recommend a car if you’re staying up-island, traveling with young children, or planning multiple beach trips with gear.
Are there shuttles on Martha’s Vineyard?
Yes, there are shuttles on Martha’s Vineyard. The Vineyard Transit Authority (VTA) bus system connects all six towns. Buses run frequently during peak season, serving major beaches, attractions, the airport and ferry terminals.
Does Martha’s Vineyard have Uber?
Yes, Martha’s Vineyard has Uber and Lyft. However, they can be hard to get around peak times, and surge pricing is common, especially around ferry arrivals and weekend evenings. Traditional taxi services are often more reliable and sometimes cheaper.
Is Oak Bluffs walkable?
Yes, Oak Bluffs is very walkable. The downtown area is compact. Shops, restaurants, beaches, and attractions like the Flying Horses Carousel and the famous gingerbread cottages are all within a 5-10 minute walk of each other.
How do you get around Martha’s Vineyard without a car?
You can get around Martha’s Vineyard without a car using the VTA bus system, taxis, ride-shares, bikes, or walking in downtown areas. Visitors usually combine these options – walking in towns, taking buses between towns, and using taxis for evening activities.
Are cars allowed on Martha’s Vineyard?
Yes, cars are allowed on Martha’s Vineyard. You can bring your own via ferry (advance reservation required) or rent one on the island. However, parking is limited in downtown areas during peak season and strictly enforced.
How long does it take to get from one side of Martha’s Vineyard to the other?
It takes about 40 minutes to drive from Edgartown to Aquinnah in normal conditions. However, during peak summer months, this journey can take much longer because of traffic.
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