Traveling to Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts

If you're going to Martha's Vineyard for the summer, there are several different ways to get there. The jumping off point is Boston, which is where all of the buses, ferries, and flights leave that will take you directly to Martha's Vineyard Island. Depending on your budget, the trip can take you from a mere 37 minutes to a longer 3 hours from the city of Boston. Here is an overview of the different modes of transport to get you to the Island of Martha's Vineyard.

Flight
The most expensive and quickest route from Boston to Martha's Vineyard is to take a flight-- Cape Air is the only airline that carries passengers on this route. Cape Air flies Cessnas from Boston to the Island, so if you're afraid of small planes it's not the best route for you. On the other hand, it's an extremely fast way to go-- flights only take 37 minutes from departure to arrival, and are quite comfortable. They depart right from Logan Airport and land right on the Island itself, so you don't need to bother with the Island ferry.

Fast Ferry
Boston offers a "fast ferry" from the harbor straight to Provincetown, Cape Cod. This ferry can go 45 miles per hour, and will get you to your destination in a mere 90 minutes. If you enjoy traveling by ferry on the water, it's a great opportunity for that! One way tickets are $50. However, you will have to make your way from Provincetown to Martha's Vineyard Island, which usually involves taking a local shuttle from the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority. From Woods Hole you'll get on the ferry.

Bus
The bus from Boston to Woods Hole (the ferry port for Martha's Vineyard) is the most traditional method of transportation, and also the longest. It takes a little less than two hours to travel from South Station, where the bus will pick you up (it will also pick you up from Logan Airport), to Woods Hole. Bonanza Bus, now Peter Pan, is the only bus service that travels this route so you really don't have much choice. Roundtrip tickets are $50, and the buses are air conditioned and comfortable.

Ferry
If you get to Woods Hole by bus or by Provincetown ferry, you'll still need to take the Steamship Authority ferry from Woods Hole to Martha's Vineyard. There are two different ferry routes, one that goes to Oak Bluffs and one that goes to Vineyard Haven. Both are quite convenient because the Island is so small. You can go on foot on the ferry or take your car, and reservations are recommended for those taking their car in the summer.

Links
Some links which will help you plan your trip to Martha's Vineyard:
Steamship Authority: http://www.steamshipauthority.com/ssa/mv.cfm
Cape Air: http://www.capeair.com/common/index.php?lng=CAPE&div=AA&nav=AA&page=A01
Peter Pan Bus: http://www.peterpanbus.com/
Cape Cod Ferry: http://www.bostonharborcruises.com/provincetown-ferry/
Cape Cod Transportation: http://www.thebreeze.info/ptown-route.htm?CFID=5492688&CFTOKEN=a77a435789d8bea8-192D783D-3048-35E4-3BE1C05A0F37BDA8