The bus
The Martha’s Vineyard Transit Authority (VTA) runs buses year round to all six towns and the airport, with more routes in summer. VTA buses are currently fare free; check the VTA site for routes, schedules and the latest on fares.
In Edgartown, the free park and ride on Upper Main Street, with the Route 11 shuttle downtown in season, beats circling for a space.
Bikes
The Vineyard has dozens of miles of shared-use paths, most of them down-island. The favorites:
- Oak Bluffs to Edgartown along Beach Road, beside Joseph Sylvia State Beach.
- Edgartown to South Beach on the Katama path.
- Edgartown to Vineyard Haven and Edgartown to West Tisbury, past the airport and through the state forest.
Up-island roads are hilly and narrow without paths: beautiful, but for confident riders. Bike rentals are easy to find near the ferries.
Taxis and cars
Taxis meet the ferries in Vineyard Haven and Oak Bluffs and wait at the airport, which publishes a list of permitted companies. Rental cars are available at the airport (Avis, Hertz and Budget) and in Vineyard Haven; book early for summer. Ride-share apps work, but drivers are few.
The Chappy Ferry
The Chappy Ferry crosses Edgartown harbor to Chappaquiddick on demand, year round, carrying a few cars at a time plus bikes and people. The crossing takes a couple of minutes; the car line can be long in summer, so bike or walk on if you can.
Questions we hear
Is the bus free on Martha’s Vineyard?
VTA buses are currently fare free. Check the VTA website for how long that runs.
Can you get around Martha’s Vineyard without a car?
Yes, especially down-island in Edgartown, Oak Bluffs and Vineyard Haven, with buses, bike paths and taxis. Up-island, a car is more convenient.
Updated October 2026. Hours, seasons and rules change: check with each business or town before you go.