FerryConnect

USA

Hyannis → Nantucket

The ferry from Cape Cod to Nantucket, 30 miles out to sea. Choose a one-hour fast ferry or the slower Steamship Authority car ferry; cars on Nantucket need reservations far in advance.

⏱ 1h (fast ferry) – 2h 15m (conventional)🚢 2 operators📅 Multiple sailings daily; most frequent in summer🚗 Vehicles accepted🐕 Pet friendly
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Hyannis to Nantucket ferry at a glance

The ferry from Hyannis to Nantucket takes 1h (fast ferry) – 2h 15m (conventional) across the Nantucket Sound, operated by Steamship Authority and Hy-Line Cruises. Both vehicles and foot passengers are carried. Typical frequency: multiple sailings daily; most frequent in summer.

Crossing times and frequencies are typical figures and vary by season. Confirm the current timetable with the operator or booking partner before you travel. Route facts last reviewed 2026-10-02.

Sources: steamshipauthority.com · How we verify

Return crossing: Nantucket to Hyannis

Steamship Authority and Hy-Line Cruises also sail Nantucket to Hyannis, taking 1h (fast ferry) – 2h 15m (conventional).

Hyannis to Nantucket ferry timetable & sailing pattern

Daily, year-round Steamship Authority sailings from Hyannis: about 2 hours 15 minutes on the traditional ferries, or about an hour on the seasonal high-speed M/V Iyanough.

The high-speed passenger-only ferry runs 30 March 2026 – 5 January 2027.

Timetables change by season and date. Check exact departures for your travel date on the official timetable.

Official Steamship Authority timetable →Check prices & book on Direct Ferries →

Source: Steamship Authority schedules page. Verified 2026-10-02.

Maritime Crossing Route Map

Interactive sea passage between Hyannis and Nantucket

📐 26 Nautical Miles
Hyannis⇄Nantucket
⏱ 1h (fast ferry) – 2h 15m (conventional) · 📐 26 nm
© OpenFreeMap / OSM
⚡ All operators, one booking

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Operators on This Route

OperatorCrossing TimeVessels
Steamship Authority1h – 2h 15mIyanough (fast ferry), Conventional car ferries
Hy-Line Cruises1hHigh-speed catamarans

Route Features

🚗

Vehicles

Cars, campervans, and motorbikes accepted

🚶

Foot Passengers

Walk-on passengers welcome

🐕

Pets

Pets allowed with valid documents

📐

Distance

26 nautical miles

Getting There & Onward Transport

  • Hyannis Transportation Center (buses from Boston and Logan Airport) is a short walk from the ferry docks
  • Nantucket wharves are in the heart of Nantucket Town; island shuttles (NRTA) serve Siasconset and beaches

Related Ferry Crossings

Onward from NantucketNew Bedford → NantucketAbout 2h · SeastreakNearby alternative crossingWoods Hole → Martha’s Vineyard (Vineyard Haven)45m · Steamship AuthorityNearby alternative crossingNew Bedford → Martha’s VineyardAbout 50m – 1h · SeastreakNearby alternative crossingPoint Judith (Narragansett) → Block Island30m – 55m · Block Island FerryMore ferries in United StatesSeattle → Bainbridge Island35m · Washington State FerriesMore ferries in United StatesLudington → Manitowoc4h 00m · Lake Michigan Carferry (SS Badger)
⛴ All ferries from Nantucket🗺 All ferries in United States🔎 Search all routes

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the ferry from Hyannis to Nantucket?
About an hour on the Steamship Authority’s high-speed M/V Iyanough (seasonal), or 2 hours 15 minutes on its traditional ferries, which also carry vehicles (reservations required).
How often does the Hyannis to Nantucket ferry sail?
Daily, year-round Steamship Authority sailings from Hyannis: about 2 hours 15 minutes on the traditional ferries, or about an hour on the seasonal high-speed M/V Iyanough. The high-speed passenger-only ferry runs 30 March 2026 – 5 January 2027. This is the pattern published in the Steamship Authority schedules page (checked 2026-10-02); confirm exact departure times on the official timetable before you travel.
Which ferry companies sail from Hyannis to Nantucket?
Steamship Authority, Hy-Line Cruises operate this route. Compare sailing times and ticket types before booking, as they often differ between operators.
Can I take my car on the Hyannis to Nantucket ferry?
Yes. Vehicles are carried on this route. Book vehicle space in advance for peak dates, and check the operator’s height, length and trailer limits for campervans and larger vehicles.
Can I take the Hyannis to Nantucket ferry as a foot passenger?
Yes. Foot passengers can travel on this route. Allow time to reach the passenger terminal and check the operator’s check-in closing time.
Are dogs and pets allowed on the Hyannis to Nantucket ferry?
Pets are accepted on this route, subject to the operator’s rules (for example staying in the vehicle, kennels or pet-friendly cabins). International crossings also require the correct pet travel documents.
How far is Hyannis from Nantucket by ferry?
The sea crossing is about 26 nautical miles (roughly 48 km).