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Getting From Here to There

© Fred Durand

The boss has approved your vacation request and you're off to the enchanting island of Nantucket. As you prepare for the trip, a few questions come to mind. "Do I need to bring my car? What about bikes? Is public transportation available?" The good news is that many options exist, the ones you choose depend on your particular needs.

A car is not an absolute necessity on the island and there are a number of advantages to not bringing one. Ferry reservations are difficult to obtain during the summer and are quite expensive, as well. Currently, taking your vehicle on a round trip ferry ride to Nantucket will set you back $320 and that doesn't include the driver or passengers.

One viable alternative is biking. All of the regular ferries allow bicycles on board, the extra charge is minimal. Consider also, renting a bicycle. Two bike shops are within easy walking distance of the ferry terminals and will rent bikes by the day, week, or month (helmets included). Delivery to your inn or rental home is also available.

Nantucket boasts more than 24 miles of bicycle paths which, for the most part, are separate from, but parallel to the adjacent roadway. Several popular beaches, as well as grocery stores, restaurants, and the picturesque village of Siasconset are accessible via the bike paths. Along the way are gorgeous views of moors, meadows, and ocean.

Since most of the island is quite flat, the biking is relatively easy, even for children. Most beach areas are reachable by bicycle and during the summer months it may actually be faster than driving. Color coded bicycle stickers, which direct you to the island's bike paths are located on signposts throughout downtown Nantucket. The bicycle shops also rent mopeds, however it is important to note that they are not allowed on any of the bicycle paths.

Other forms of transportation on the island include public busses which are actually called shuttles. They are operated by the Nantucket Regional Transit Authority and run daily from late May through early October. The routes connect downtown with Siasconset and Madaket, as well as mid-island areas, and Surfside and Jetties beaches. All the shuttles are handicap-accessible and are equipped with bike racks.

Taxis are available island wide and are convenient for trips to the airport or ferry terminals. Some of the taxi companies have vans and are able to carry bicycles. Be forewarned, however, that "large dogs may be charged as a person". Do they have to wear a seat belt?

The copyright of the article Getting From Here to There in Nantucket Island is owned by Fred Durand. Permission to republish Getting From Here to There in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.