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The most common way to get to the Vineyard.. Overview
Steamship Authority ferries carry passengers and vehicles back and forth between the mainland and Martha's Vineyard year-round at roughly an hourly rate. Woods Hole is the terminus for all mainland arrivals and departures; on the island, Vineyard Haven and Oaks Bluff take alternate ferries. The 45-minute journey makes for a very pleasant beginning to a holiday, on sunny days at least.

Facts
For those with a vehicle, booking as far ahead as possible is strongly advised, particularly in the peak summer months of June-August--slots fill up weeks and even months ahead. Reservations can be made over the phone or by mail; if you can't get the time you want, it's worth going on the wait list since slots do open up. As a last resort, for those who don't mind a potentially lengthy wait, you can turn up in your car and hope for a standby slot.