Nantucket ferry - how badly did I miscalculate?
 

Headed to Nantucket for 3 special-occasion days. We booked 2 ferry trips that fit in with our schedule before and after, but noted that they are on ferries run by 2 different companies. The hotel concierge assured me there was essentially little difference, but now we find out that they operate from two different terminals at both ends of the trip and also have completely different parking lots.

We are taking HyLine to the island, and therefore will be parking in a HyLine parking lot; but we're taking Steamship back to Hyannis, and it looks like it could be a hassle with baggage (just carryon-sized but still...) to get from the Steamship landing back to the car in the HyLine parking lot.

How far apart are the two terminals at each end of the trip? I now know that we'll have to take a cab in Hyannis from the HyLine wharf to our hotel, when we could have walked from the Steamship wharf. Not worth canceling (fees!), etc., and anyway the timing worked better this way, but I wish the situation were clearer in the quidebooks, etc. (Fodors take note.)

If you put in the addresses it says .9 miles between the Hyannis terminals. You could take a taxi? I would still walk it but if you have luggage I don't think the cab is going to cost a lot.

Have you been there marvelousmouse? Wondering, among other things, about inclines or rough pavement (or lack of pavement).

Yes, I did the same thing, I think. I remembered it being a decent walk, but nothing else, sorry. I'm pretty sure I would remembered inclines though. I avoid hills like the plague!

All the cruise lines have overflow lots that are some distance from the dock and served by a frequent shuttle van. I have no idea what lots you are computing mileage on. Nor if you will end up in the overflow lots. That might be worth a call to each of the lines with your specific dates to have a conversation about address of these lots. That could perhaps be part of the reason for lack of specifics.

You didn't miscalculate. You will be fine.

I live in Nantucket and just about everyone has commuter ticket books on both lines, though we each have our preferences.

The basic principle for islanders is "get on the next boat that fits your schedule".

The Hyannis terminals are about ten minutes apart on foot, though as Gail says, when you get to either Hyannis terminal, you are likely to have to take a shuttle to your car. One person stays with the luggage at the arrival terminal, the other goes to get the car, wherever, and comes back for them.

In Nantucket, the two terminals are maybe a seven minute walk apart. The Hy-Line terminal is lots harder to get to and from because you have to walk down crowded brick sidewalks and cobblestone streets. The Steamship Terminal is easily accessible from regular paved streets and sidewalks.

When you are leaving the island, do not underestimate the time it will take you to get from your lodging to the boat, either on foot or in a taxi at a busy time. Traffic can be heavy and sidewalks crowded and their are lots of one way, one lane streets.

According to our local paper, Uber is not working at company standards on Nantucket owing to insufficient drivers. Google for taxis and ask them to meet your boat if you think you can't manage the walk. If you wait until you arrive, you will eventually get a taxi, but it will take a while.

Anything else?

>>One person stays with the luggage at the arrival terminal, the other goes to get the car, wherever, and comes back for them.<<

That about says it all.

We'd already agreed that we'll have to do the "you stay here, I'll get the car" thing, but FWIW, we're going this coming Monday and coming back on Wed. It's Columbus Day weekend, so possibly nearby lots will be full but perhaps a few people will have gone home early. The weather's not predicted to be wonderful.

("Duh" would have done it, too, vin.)

<<<we're going this coming Monday and coming back on Wed. It's Columbus Day weekend>>>

This coming Monday is not Columbus Day. Columbus Day is October 9th.

typo....Columbus Day is the 10th!

Thanks, Bette -- I figured that out not long after I posted. Even more reason to hope that parking lots won't be filled.

cf: >>("Duh" would have done it, too, vin.)<<

I'm way too nice for that.

Hadn't noticed.

The detailed directions to which you respond with a "duh", are a direct attempt to respond to your queries:

You wrote: We are taking HyLine to the island, and therefore will be parking in a Hy-Line parking lot; but we're taking Steamship back to Hyannis, and it looks like it could be a hassle with baggage (just carryon-sized but still...) to get from the Steamship landing back to the car in the HyLine parking lot.

I responded with what you now find self-evident.

You wrote: How far apart are the two terminals at each end of the trip?

I answered.

You wrote: I now know that we'll have to take a cab in Hyannis from the HyLine wharf to our hotel, when we could have walked from the Steamship wharf.

I don't understand this since one of you is going to the Hy-Line lot to pick up your car. Why would you need a taxi?

Just trying to help.

Ackislander - I think cfc "duh" was responding to vincenzo.

Ackislander - truly sorry if my responses were confusing -- I've been putting details together from several sources. (And yes, the "duh" was not at all directed at you, I assure you.)

The taxi will be at the Nantucket end of things, and largely because we will be carrying too much to make walking a mile or so (to the Jared Coffin House) a good idea. Had I known exactly what the arrangement was, I might have lobbied to go later and take the Steamship ferry, which arrives within blocks of the hotel.

Thank you all who made an effort to be helpful and offered useful information.

Well, the good news is that it is only 4/10 of a mile to the JC House, not a mile.

The bad news is that half of it is on those cobblestone streets and narrow sidewalks.

If you can't find a taxi, walk straight up Main from Straight Wharf, where your ferry will come in.

Pass the Club Car restaurant and the Knobby Shop at the foot of Main.

Turn right onto Federal (at the Hub). The walking gets a lot easier from this point on. At the end of Federal Street, turn left. The JC house is on your right in one block at the top of the hill.

The weather forecasts are getting much better.

cfc: >>Hadn't noticed.<<

Maybe you're obtuse.

Go away.