what is the best way(s) to get from nyc to martha's vineyard? and, about how long is the trip?

thanks so much.

Fastest way is to fly to Providence and connect to Cape Air.

Or drive to New Bedford, MA, and take the new "Fast Ferry".
http://www.nefastferry.com/nmfastferry Ferry takes about an hour to Oak Bluffs.

The traditional way, and the only way if you need to bring your car to the island (book WAY IN ADVANCE) is drive to Wood's Hole on Cape Cod, then the Steamship Authority's ferry. Ferry takes about 45 minutes to Vineyard Haven.

thanks so much for the tips. i really appreciate your help!

i am so sorry though. i forgot to mention that i don't have a car. so, in the event that i can't rent one - does anyone have any alternate suggestions for getting from nyc to martha's vineyard?

(sorry that i left that info out.)

Assuming you don't want to fly, your best bet is to take the bus to Providence, and connect to a cape cod bus. It stops at New Bedford and has connecting service to Woods Hole.

All buses are on the same line, Bonanza:
www.bonanzabus.com

You can also take the Acela train to Providence and connect from there.

There are direct flights on US Airways from NYC (LGA) to Martha's Vineyard - takes about an hour and can be pricey, although depending on your budget the price difference may be worth it to avoid taking a train or bus to another bus to a ferry.

Take the train from Penn station to Kingston, RI. From there, a cab to Quonset Point and take the fast ferry to MV.(vinyardfastferry.com).That's 3 hours on the train and 90 minutes on the ferry. The cab ride is about 15 minutes.