Happy Tuesday from Nantucket, friends!
The Shull six are officially in summer mode 🙂 .
Yesterday, the six of us plus a friend plus three dogs all made our way from Dallas to Nantucket where we plan to enjoy our season. We could not be more excited!
Now, I know some of you just did the math…why three dogs and not four? Well, we decided to try something new and this summer, our sweet Poppy is going to stay with her grandparents instead of make her way to Nantucket. Poppy is a very vibrant thirteen year old dog, and we’d like to keep her that way. When Andrew’s mom and dad asked if she could stay with them (they are dog lovers currently without a dog) instead of going, we discussed it with her vet and all decided she might enjoy a little solo time being spoiled instead of making the long haul to an island 30 miles out from Massachusetts. So, Poppy gets her own summer vacation 🙂 .
I only have one post for today because let’s be real, I traveled all day yesterday and then right now, I am “getting our life together”. We are hitting the ground running on Nantucket, but first, I have two closets to clean out and a little housework to do. Today’s post though has been HIGHLY REQUESTED!
Today, I’m sharing…
…perfect timing for this Travel Tuesday post, right?!
This is a VERY frequent question in my inbox and DMs.
Okay, for the sake of simplicity, I’m going to talk to those of you who DO NOT live in the New England area. If I were guessing, I would say 99% of the DMs about getting to Nantucket come from those who live outside of New England. If you’re already in New England, there are other/more/different ways to get to Nantucket (a boat here, a boat there, a flight from this place or that). I am coming at this from the perspective of those of you who are boarding airplanes and flying from other parts of the country to Massachusetts. Make sense?
Okay, here are some of the more common ways to get to Nantucket with my little random tidbits sprinkled in.
Spoiler alert: everything I’m about to say is seasonal and subject to weather 🙂 .
Well most of the year, you need to get yourself to Boston first. There are certain times of the year when a few other airports open up (that will be discussed below), but for this little section here, getting to Boston is a great start to getting to Nantucket.
Once you fly into Boston’s Logan Airport, you’re going to have a few options.
Option #1…
You need to find your way to Hyannis, Massachusetts on Cape Cod…
Hyannis is *about* 90 minutes from Boston (depending on time of day and traffic, it could take you longer).
We have traveled there a few different ways over the years (who doesn’t love options?!): You can take a private car service, you can see if an Uber or cab will take you there, you can rent a car and drive there yourself, or you can take a bus. Clearly there are pros and cons to all of these, but the bottom line is you need to get from Boston to Hyannis.
So, you’ve made it to Hyannis…
There are two types of ferries going between Hyannis and the islands of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard. There are “slow” ferries and “fast” ferries.
Growing up, we always had to take the “slow” ferry as the fast one wasn’t available yet. Today, you have two choices and for the love, pick the fast one.
Both the Hy-Line and The Steamship Authority (two different ferry services located within walking distance of each other) offer “fast” ferries. I would recommend purchasing your tickets in advance especially if you’re traveling over the summer or for a weekend like Stroll or Daffy. This ferry ride will take about one hour. You will need to get to the ferry terminal, check-in, and give them your luggage about 30 minutes before your departure.
Please note, this boat leaving on time or leaving at all depends on the weather, especially the wind. We have had our ferry cancelled a handful of times due to weather. We have even been on Nantucket when they said the wind was too strong for the ferries to head back across to the main land and people were left on island overnight. We were there one time when they were opening up community centers so people had a place to stay (because as you can imagine, getting a last minute hotel room on Nantucket during the summer is pretty impossible). I would just keep an eye on the weather if you’re heading over for the day. You wouldn’t want to get stranded overnight.
If you’re not on the fast ferry, you are on…
…a slow boat. This is my least favorite way to make my way over to Nantucket, but over the years, it’s occasionally been the only way. These boats are much larger because they haul 18-wheelers, trucks, cars and every vehicle and/or commodity in between. The slow boat will take at a minimum two hours and fifteen minutes, but (per this pic here), we’ve had it take 3 hours if the weather is bad. Take that fast ferry, friends!
If you have rented a car and driven to Hyannis, you’ll need to find a place to park it for the duration of your stay on Nantucket. There are several “pay to park” lots nearby. Taking a car over to the island is a separate undertaking. You can walk and/or bike most places on Nantucket or rent a vehicle on island.
Okay, let’s say you landed in Boston and want to head right to Nantucket. Let me introduce you to my friend…
…a prop plane. You can take a 45 minute flight from Logan Airport right to ACK (Nantucket’s airport) on one of these little planes.
And I do mean, little 🙂 .
They ask you how much you weigh, they take all of your belongings (even your purses) and stow them away and then assign you a seat based on weights and balances.
I could probably do an entire post on this little flight.
Here are my pro-tips:
1: I’ve flown on one of these prop planes in just about every weather condition and month of the year. My favorite time to do it is when it’s cold outside because…there isn’t air conditioning on board and they get STEAMY sitting on the runway in Boston and Nantucket during the summer. Even in January, I’ll board the plane without my coat on (in the Boston elements, because yes, you board from the tarmac) just because I know I will warm up fast once inside.
2: Every seat does come with a vomit bag. It’s just good to know.
3: If having only one pilot bothers you and/or you even maybe having to sit in the co-pilot seat sounds like something you don’t want to do, I wouldn’t go this way.
4: As much as I don’t enjoy a small prop plane, it’s the easiest way to get from Boston to Nantucket year around, so I do it.
So why didn’t we do this yesterday instead of taking the speed ferry over? Well, we had 7 people and 3 dogs and actual big luggage and that’s too much for one Cape Air flight, so we went the long way (flew into Boston-drove to Hyannis-took the speed ferry).
I saved my favorite way for last…
During “the summer season” (mid-June through Labor Day-ish), you can often take a jet from your airport and connect in a second airport (like DC, NYC or Philadelphia) and then take a second jet all the way into ACK. I mean, this is by far the easiest way to do it 🙂 .
Needless to say, this is a very broad overview of a few ways to get to our favorite little island, but due to the number of times I try and answer this question in my DMs and/or email, I thought it was time for a blog post on the subject.
Now, what questions do you have? I am more than happy to answer them in the comment section today.
Happy Tuesday, everyone! I could not be more excited about the summer ahead 🙂 . xx
Elspeth Mizner says
Not related to traveling to get to Nantucket, but do you still have the same set up with all
Your kids in one room for the summer or are they split up due to ages?
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Mix and Match Mama says
They’re all in the bunk room right now sleeping as I type this sentence 🙂 . They kind of move about and “nest” in the guest room too, but right now, they’re all four up there asleep.
Carrie Martens says
Sounds dreamy to spend a summer on the island. What lodging options are available during the summer? Hotels? I imagine reservations fill up quickly during summer.
Mix and Match Mama says
A lot of inns, a handful of hotels and then you can rent private homes 🙂 .
Polly Pover says
This is super helpful! Do you have a preference for Steamship Authority or Hyline? Also, how windy is too windy and will make the ferry cancel? Congrats on starting your summer!!
Mix and Match Mama says
We take both but more Hyline than Steamship (Steamship is also the slow boat company). The captain of the vessel gets to determine whether it goes over or not and it *seems* that 20mph wind is around the “questionable” mark.
Sarah Shaneyfelt says
How long does the faster ferry boat take to get to Nantucket? And I’m assuming it’s labeled the faster one because it only carries people? So interesting! I hope y’all have the best summer!!
MeetTheShaneyfelts
Mix and Match Mama says
It takes about one hour and the slow ferry takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes. And that’s right, it’s just moving people and not “things”. 🙂 .
SS says
Shay,
I was wondering where were the other dogs during flights and ferry?
We went to small island in Michigan and we took one of those prop planes. It was 15 mins compared to 2 hour ferry. On our return trip it was a bit rainy and we passed over the ferry and water looked a bit choppy, we were all like thank goodness we are on small jet. BUT they would take seats in and out of plane. Hubby sat on at wet seat on the way back. We had to find clothes to change into for our drive home.
Fast ferries are fun!!! They use those to get to Mackinac Island. I will suggest if anyone travels there, check to see when the one goes under the bridge. It’s an extra like 15 mins, but is so cool to go under the Mighty Mac!
Mix and Match Mama says
The dogs were all in their pet carriers under the seats in front of us in the airplane and then they were lounging on their leashes on the ferry. We didn’t take the prop plane this time (we went the ferry route instead), but Cape Air allows a max of two dogs per flight but only if they’re sibling dogs (so not two dogs from two different passengers). One of these days, I will make it to Mackinac Island!!
Rachrl says
Leaving Mackinac Island today! Such a neat place! We did take the ferry that went under the Mackinac Bridge. Neat experience and great island to visit.
SS says
Nice. It is pretty cool to go under!!! Was there still damage from all the ice storms?
We haven’t been in a few years!
SS says
Thanks Shay. I was curious about pups!
I keep telling you need to go to Mackinac! Best part is riding bikes with no cars!! Their Somewhere in Time weekend based on the movie filmed there, is something. People dressed in the clothes from the 20s is so cool. I swear a guy looked so much like young Christopher Reeves… It was crazy!!
Polly Pover says
I cannot believe how timely this post! In Boston for Sox game tomorrow and may head to Nantucket with a husband who can get motion sick. Is the fast or slow ferry better in terms of motion sickness or does it really not matter? Many thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
It matters! Fast ferry all the way. Truly, you are only going on the slow ferry if the fast ferry has been cancelled due to weather (as the slow one is heavier and go in stronger weather conditions). I hope you guys have the BEST time!
Cara says
Happy Pride Month, Shay! 🌈
Lindi says
You are a real trooper. I could NEVER get on a prop plane like that. I think I would have a heart attack and I’m not even trying to be funny. 😂
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s been a learned skill 😉
Nikki says
I live in MA and prefer the fast ferry 100% of the time to the tiny planes. I swear most of the pilots are barely 18. One time the guy was rolling down the runway with his arm out the window like he was driving in the car. Not my favorite way to travel!
Maddy says
Great post!! I am such a planner and knowing I might have to stay on the island or get delayed to the island because of a cancelled ferry makes me nervous!! Is this something that happens often?! If only we could predict the weather:).
Mix and Match Mama says
If only! I would say that it happens more often outside of the summer season but it happens occasionally enough that I’ve been here over the summer and experienced it. I think as long as the weather looks good that day, you’ll be fine. My tip would be to not take the very last ferry out. This way, should yours get cancelled, at least you have the chance to grab a later one in the day.
Julie says
So fun! I know you mentioned a friend joined you guys this year. Does this mean you’re having another “framily” reunion in Nantucket this year?? That was so fun to see you all together in your happy place a couple years ago! Happy Summer Shay! ☀️
Mix and Match Mama says
Awwww, well I wish the whole “framily” was coming this year, but they have their own fun summer plans. We do have a variety of people popping in and out all summer long though!
Julie says
So fun!! Hope you guys have a great Summer!! ☀️ 🌊 🏖️
Kristy says
I love living through your Nantucket posts. Someday, I will get there. Seeing Andrew in the plane made me think of his surgery. Has he fully recovered? Will he get to surf this summer?
Mix and Match Mama says
He has fully recovered! He’s doing fantastic! He will be able to get out and enjoy the ocean activities this summer and most importantly (to him!) snowboard next winter.
Beth Knecht says
Aw! Do Andrew’s parents live close enough that you can drive and take Poppy? So exciting to follow your summer on the island!
Mix and Match Mama says
They live in Missouri, so it’s not “close”, but it’s certainly close enough!
Monica Stoleson says
Such a great post! Thank you for all of that information. I am trying my hardest to get my husband to take me there soon! I also get motion sick when traveling so all of your tips and tricks really help me. I was also curious about traveling with small dogs since I have one. I guess I just need to get brave and try it. I hope you guys have the best summer and I will be reading each day of your adventures. 🥰
Jinjer says
I Googled the jet to jet option, just for fun, and was shocked at how inexpensive it is! $150 (one-way) from LAX to ACK via a 2 hour layover in Boston. It’s a red-eye so I could sleep all the way to Boston. Thanks for all the tips!
Sarah DeWald says
We took the little prop plane years ago for a fall visit and I about died. I was sitting right behind the pilot and was too afraid to move. I spent the whole flight with my eyes closed perfectly still. hahah
Kate says
Great tips!! How long does the prop plane take to get to the island? Enjoy your summer of island life!!!
Mix and Match Mama says
45 minutes 🙂
K.K. says
Shay, hope it’s a great start to your Nantucket adventures!! Can’t wait to see pictures. I just looked up Nantucket weather for fun, and I think I see a high of 62 degrees. Is that right?!? Just a tiny bit jealous!! 😉
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s absolutely spectacular today!
Kiersten says
How fun to have a friend there with you guys this summer. How long will they be there for? All summer?
Mix and Match Mama says
No, we have different friends coming on and off all summer long at different times.
Kiersten says
How fun! My father and step-mother always allowed a friend on our summer trips too and I have just the best memories!
Lisa N says
I’m here for all your Nantucket posts! I love the house, town and beach posts and look forward to before and afters of your bathroom remodels😊
You could go for the Summer and take off of blogging but so glad you share!
Mix and Match Mama says
Awwww! Thank you! Bathrooms coming up!! Thank YOU for being here every day! xx
Bren says
Yay! I am excited to see the remodel also. Happy summer to your family, Shay! I so enjoy your Nantucket posts and enjoying your summer there!
Lizzy says
Have you ever traveled there when your kiddos were much younger? I am dying to get there, but almost seems like it would be too much of a pain to do with little kids and having to lug a stroller or carseat etc. Wondering if I should just keep waiting it out and plan this for many years down the line…sigh!
Mix and Match Mama says
You know me, I’m a big fan of traveling with littles. I didn’t take super littles here, but I did to enough places to say if you want to go, I do not think you’ll regret it!
Lizzy says
Such a good point! We did Europe with them last fall and it was totally worth it! If we can handle a 27 hour travel day there, I’m sure we could handle Nantucket right?! lol I Just love the encouragment!
Paula says
Can you do a post about air travel with dogs? We are traveling to pick up a dog and I would love more info about the best airlines to travel with in cabin dogs.
Mix and Match Mama says
Gret post idea! I am writing that down now!
Kat Wilson says
Is a car necessary while you are there? Being there for as long as you are, do you rent one? Or is there a way to bring one over?
Mix and Match Mama says
If you are here on vacation, you do not need a car at all. We never had a car here until we bought a home on Nantucket. Prior to that, we never brought a car over.
Molly says
Which car service do you recommend from BOS to Hyannis? We took an uber last time and it wasn’t the best experience! Have you tried Straight Wharf Fish yet? Can’t wait until our trip in July.
Mix and Match Mama says
We have tried Straight Warf and it’s delish! I love Boston Carriage Company for a car service!
Leslie S says
I get motion sick too and my tip is to sit on the deck on the fast ferry rather than inside, weather permitting. It can be chilly so a jacket or sweatshirt is a good idea, but for me the fresh air helps so much!
We like to rent a car on Nantucket one of the days we are there so we can see other parts of Nantucket.
Hope y’all have the best summer!! Can’t wait to see the bathrooms!
AMY says
I need a step by step how-to on flying with dogs! I’d like to take them to our lake house in Michigan without having to drive the 1000+ miles.
Kay says
A local’s guide:
-Drive over a bridge to Hyannis
-Find random parking space and ditch your car in a dirt patch with a box for cash, or perhaps someone’s lawn where there is a guy in a Red Sox shirt to help
-Gather at ferry, note every employee at boat holding Dunkin’ cup, and ditch luggage on a metal rollaway cart with no proof you own it
-Get on a boat called MV even though, yes, you are not going to MV
-Arrive in Nantucket and miraculously get your luggage back and then…have the best time EVERRRRRRR!
So glad to hear you’re back, Shay! Have a fabulous start to summer. We’re still in school here in MA, but my family of five and two dogs are headed for a three night stay in July-cannot WAIT!!!
Casey says
Would love a post on how you “open” the house for the season. I hope you all have the best summer!
Angie says
Love these posts so much, Shay! Do you know what the lodging availability is like in the summer? In other words, do you need to plan a trip there very much in advance? Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
I would think for the summer season that yes, advanced planning is ideal!
Tamara R says
I’m so excited for your summer, I’ll be living vicariously through all of these posts and your pics. And I just looked up DCA to ACK non-stop. So easy! Next year we are coming!!! xx
Sue High says
You mentioned taking three dogs…where is the fourth?
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s at the beginning of the post 🙂 .
Katie Compton says
You do realize this now means we’re all showing up on your front stoop sometime this summer, right?!? Haha!
Mix and Match Mama says
I would welcome you, Katie!!!
Katie Compton says
So tempting!! For now, I’ll enjoy soaking up Nantucket via your blog. 😊
Jen Vance says
I love following your posts, especially travel posts! I know each family has to do what works best for them, but I am super curious….how do you get your active high school teens to join you all summer? We have a 17, 15 and 13 year old and it is hard to find ONE week some summers when one of them doesn’t have a sports (not mandatory, but kinda mandatory if you want to see the court/field 🫣🤪)commitment, something they don’t want to miss with friends, etc. We love a good family vacation and would love to spend extended time at our rental property in Florida (we are in Ohio), but finding it hard to carve out the time. Maybe Ohio sports are crazier in the summer due to the milder temps than Texas?!. Again, just curious! Have the best time with your peep, it truly warms my heart to see families enjoying one another!
Mix and Match Mama says
I don’t know? It sounds like your kids do more than my kids. My two high schoolers each participate in one fall sport (cheer and football) and then Smith rows crew (as winter/spring sport), so nothing conflicts with summer. I think your kids just might be busier than mine. I certainly, certainly enjoy the family time. It’s going by so fast, that I’m trying to soak it alllllll up.
Allyson Cohen says
You are lucky in your Texas district. ! In TN we get one dead period ( two weeks); and besides that football is daily practice all summer long.
College visits/ family emergency are the only okay excuse to miss. Not showing up would severely limit your playing time.
We don’t travel as much as your family but it’s hard to pick the same two weeks as so many other families in our area.
Jen says
Yes, same in Ohio. Fall sports practice most of the summer. They can’t be coach led and are “optional”, but open gyms, lifting and summer leagues most of the summer! We need to move to Texas!! 👍🏼
Amanda says
I just got back from a workday on Nantucket – beautiful weather today luckily! I drive to Hyannis and then take Cape Air from there which, being only 15 minutes, is much more tolerable if the weather isn’t great.
Yvonne says
Thank you Shay for this post! So helpful and informative! I keep talking about Nantucket to my husband, I definitely want to go there! I appreciate you sharing all your fun activities on the island, thank you for including us! Have the best time creating memories with your family!
Danielle Kleiner says
Shay, does Nantucket have a lot of GF options? I have celiac and am wondering if I could vacation there easily or if dining out would be a challenge. Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
They do! We ate g-free here for years. I would say that there are many many options.
Anne says
Do the sharks there make you nervous? I just saw it on the news.
Mix and Match Mama says
They don’t make me nervous. Don’t get me wrong, I do not want to run into one, but sharks don’t freak me out like gators and crocs. If you told me there was a gator sighting around here, I would stay indoors.
KK says
Great info Shay! Travel to Nantucket is a fun adventure. Last summer we flew to Boston, bus to Hyannis, fast ferry to Nantucket then easily walked to our hotel (although rolling luggage over cobblestone made me laugh!). Going home we flew from Nantucket to Philly then on to DFW. We never needed a car in Nantucket and had the BEST time. So glad ya’ll are spending the summer there again!
Stephanie P says
Bostonian here so thought I would add a bit more info…just my own opinion. Since 99% of everyone outside of New England is coming to Nantucket in the summer, I would not recommend the ferry. A 90-minute drive from Logan Airport to the Ferry is either 1) in the dead of night with no traffic or 2) during the daytime, a pandemic, and no traffic 🙂 I hope everyone gets my point that traffic around Boston and the Cape is some of the worst in the country.
Second, in the summer JetBlue runs nonstop from Boston to Nantucket almost daily or multiple times a day. These are full size jets (think 100 -200 seats or more). The smaller prop planes you mentioned are needed in the off-season when JetBlue stops its service. But for vacationers in peak season, I would highly recommend the JetBlue routes. Now, it’s not cheap (similar cost if you were flying to Florida), and so JetBlue is making a hell of a margin on a 20-minute flight, but it’s super easy.
There is never a need to have a car on Nantucket as a vacationer, IMO, unless your rental house is far from town, and most vacationers are near town. The island can be biked end to end in an hour and there are ubers too. Hence, no car, no ferry needed.
It’s such a beautiful island, I wish it had a looooooong bridge from Boston. You are lucky to have a home there.
Sian Cromer says
Hi there! We are planning a trip to Boston then would like to go to Nantucket for a couple of days. Any suggestions on where to stay?
Mix and Match Mama says
The Nantucket Hotel is my very favorite!
Tracy says
Thank you for this, we’re going in September so this is prefect timing!
Chasmin Layne says
My husband and I just got back Monday from a trip to Cape Cod. We fell in love with the island. We did a day trip to Martha’s Vineyard because so many recommended it over Nantucket but I was so disappointed with the island. I wish we had chose Nantucket because I feel like it would have been more my style. We can’t wait to visit again!
Mix and Match Mama says
You’ll have to come back! MV is just so much bigger. They are very different islands.