Hyannis - Nantucket
Ferry from Hyannis to Nantucket
Check the sailings for your date, plan your parking and continue to the ticket
- About one hour
- Sailings year-round
- Hy-Line Cruises high-speed ferry
Table of Contents
The crossing at a glance
Hyannis - Nantucket is the main ferry route to the island. Hy-Line Cruises sails the high-speed ferry year-round, with upwards of nine departures a day in summer and a crossing time of about one hour. The ferry carries foot passengers, bikes and e-bikes. The Steamship Authority sails the same crossing with its traditional ferries in about two and a quarter hours; they carry cars and are booked with the operator.
Terminal and getting there
Hy-Line's ferries leave from the terminal at 220 Ocean Street on Hyannis Harbor. Most passengers arrive by car over the Sagamore or Bourne bridge and continue along the Cape to Hyannis; the Hyannis port guide covers the roads, the harbour and the walk from the parking.
Parking and shuttle
Hy-Line has parking at the terminal and an off-site lot at 183 Iyannough Road, about a mile away, with overflow parking at 33 Brooks Road. A free shuttle runs from the Iyannough Road lot to the ferry from 23 April to 25 October and again from 24 November to 7 December. If you use it, plan to arrive 45 to 60 minutes before departure and check in with the parking attendant. Parking fees are on the prices page.
Check-in
Hy-Line asks you to be at the terminal at least 45 minutes before departure. Have your booking confirmation ready at the ticket office, and leave extra time on summer weekends, when the sailings are busiest.
Bikes, pets and passengers
Bikes and e-bikes travel on their own ticket. The route is pet-friendly, with the Captain's View lounge as the exception. Children aged 5 to 12 have their own fare, and infants up to 4 travel free but need a ticket.
Arrival in Nantucket
The high-speed ferry arrives in Nantucket harbour, beside the town. Sailings back from Nantucket to Hyannis are shown in the departures on this page and run through the day. The Nantucket port guide has the piers and the onward connections, including Hy-Line's inter-island ferry to Martha's Vineyard.
Tickets and alternatives
This page shows the current from-price; the prices page compares the routes. If you are travelling with a car, or prefer the traditional ferry, the Steamship Authority page explains the alternative. From the eastern Cape, Harwich Port - Nantucket with Freedom Cruise Line is the seasonal alternative with free day parking.
Route portrait
The gateway to Nantucket
Hyannis is the mainland port for Nantucket, and Hy-Line's high-speed ferry is the fastest way there: about an hour from Ocean Street to the harbour in Nantucket town. It runs year-round, with the densest timetable in summer.
The Steamship Authority sails the same crossing with its traditional ferries, the only ones that carry cars; its sailings are booked with the operator.
- Crossing
- about 60 min
- Operator
- Hy-Line Cruises
- Frequency
- several sailings a day, year-round
Next departures
FAQ Hyannis - Nantucket
Frequently asked questions
Questions about the Hyannis - Nantucket crossing.
How long is the ferry from Hyannis to Nantucket? +
About one hour on Hy-Line's high-speed ferry. The Steamship Authority's traditional ferry takes about two and a quarter hours. Departures for your date are in the timetable.
How early do I need to be at the ferry? +
Hy-Line asks you to arrive at least 45 minutes before departure, and 45 to 60 minutes if you park at the off-site lot on Iyannough Road and take the shuttle.
Where do I park in Hyannis? +
Yes. Hy-Line has parking at the terminal at 220 Ocean Street and an off-site lot at 183 Iyannough Road with a free seasonal shuttle. The Hyannis port guide has the details and the shuttle dates.
Can I take my car to Nantucket? +
Not on Hy-Line: the high-speed ferry carries passengers, bikes and e-bikes. Cars go with the Steamship Authority, whose traditional ferry from Hyannis is the only car ferry to Nantucket.
Can I bring my dog or my bike? +
Yes, Hy-Line is pet-friendly on this route; pets are not allowed in the Captain's View lounge. Bikes and e-bikes travel on their own ticket.
What does the ferry to Nantucket cost? +
The fare depends on the date and the passengers; children aged 5 to 12 have their own fare, and infants up to 4 travel free with a ticket. This page shows the current from-price; the prices page compares the routes.
Off to Nantucket
Check the sailings for your date and continue to the ticket.