BrendaKing626

I am flying into Nantucket for a couple of days stay, and leaving the Island on July 18th afternoon via Steamship Authority fast ferry to Hyannis. I would like to take the 3:30 p.m. schedule (to stay & enjoy ACK as long as possible) which arrives Hyannis at 4:30 p.m. I have a rental car reserved at the Hyannis airport (the closest place I could find car rental availability which closes at 5 p.m.) at approximately 5:00 p.m., and we plan to drive up the Cape to stay a couple of days in Eastham, MA. My question: Is 30 minutes long enough to grab a reserved Town Taxi at Hyannis port and get to the airport (about 1.5 miles) to pick up the car? What I'd plan is to stay at the ferry port to retrieve luggage, and my husband will head straight to the airport to pick up the car.
Otherwise, we'll have to take the Hy-line fast ferry at 1:25 p.m. arriving Hyannis 2:25 p.m. I realize it's only a couple of hours earlier, but we were hoping to stay on the island as long as possible on Sat. afternoon.

vincenzo32951

You're cutting close when you realize that it takes a little time to disembark the ferry and get to the cab. Suggest you get yourself to the doorway of the ferry prior to arrival so you'll be the first one in line. It's a slow-moving line. There will be a fair amount of traffic in Hyannis in July, but at least if the taxi is waiting for you, you should be able to make a quick getaway and beat the other ferry riders who are retrieving their cars.

All that said, you probably can make it. However, I would call the rental car agency manager and tell him/her of your predicament and whether they'd wait a few minutes if you're a little late. When you arrive, call and tell them you're on your way.

Ackislander

I live in Nantucket and have done this many times.

Your own plans are good and so is Lorenzo's advice. All I can offer is detail.

When the fast ferry arrives, they will take all the luggage carts off before they open the doors.

Be at the doors. It is impossible to tell whether they will open the left or right door because it is based entirely on whim.

One of you gets the baggage, the other gets the car, passing the mad scene at the baggage on route to the waiting taxi. No hurry to collect the bags as you haven't got a car to put them in yet! Let everyone struggle while you relax.

The person picking up calls the rental agency on the way. Get car. Return to pick up partner and luggage. Use loos. Get on road.

This should be a doddle, frankly. It will be easiest, of course, if it is a week day and not raining, but it is doable any time.

BrendaKing626

Calling the Hertz rental car agency manager, and upon arrival calling to say you're on your way are good ideas.

Also, I appreciate the info from Ackislander: being at the doors before disembarking, calling the rental car @ airport to say on the way, etc. are good ideas/info. What is meant by "Use loos"? I was planning on calling Town Taxi to make the cab reservation from port to airport.

Thank you both for your recommendations -

jubilada

Use loos means use the restroom.

Ackislander

Toilets on the ferries are usually clean (mostly stainless steel) but rocky from the motion of the catamaran.

Many people prefer a stationary, land based facility before setting out in the car.

emalloy

Keep an eye on the weather. If it is foggy/rainy/stormy plan for an earlier exit as the "fast ferry" might not be so fast.

gail

Is there an Enterprise (as in "Enterprise. We'll pick you up") location in Hyannis? If so, wondering if they would arrange to meet you with car at pier - and then they usually take you back to office for paperwork.

vincenzo32951

BTW, and you may want to verify this, I thought there were a couple of rental car agencies right near the ferry dock.

Ackislander

There was one last year at the SSA, Thrifty, I think, and there has been an Enterprise that will meet the boat.