Public transportation from NYC to Martha's Vineyard?
 

Anyone done this route recently by bus/train or something else? Any suggestions for the best way to do it without a car? Have friends traveling from NYC to meet up with us - we'll have our car, so they don't need one.

Found some old posts here on this topic, but nothing recent. Trying to determine if bus to Woods Hole, then ferry over, or train/bus combo or some other combo makes the most sense. All help appreciated!

Amtrak to the Kingston, RI stop. Then cab it to the Fast Ferry at Quonset - 90 minutes to MV

Why not fly there?

Emily, thanks.

HowardR - flights were very expensive to the Vineyard (short notice) and times were not good. Your suggestion however, made me think of the possibility of having them just take a cheap flight to Boston and ride down with me, so thanks!

Makes me think of JFK Jr.
Emily's suggestion is a good one.

A few years ago I did it by bus. NYC to Providence. 20 minute break. Then Providence to Wood's Hole. The bus stopped right across from where the ferries leave for the Vineyard.

You can also fly there from PVD airport on Cape Air...

Thanks, Emily! Think they've decided on renting a car, driving to Woods Hole and meeting up with us to take the ferry over together. I suspect this need will arise another day, however, so it is all good info. to have.

cantstayhome:
for now, or later, here is a good page with many options to get to the Vineyard from Boston and New York - mvonline.com - click on transportation on the left - lists all the options/buses/train/car rental/limo etc from Boston and Ny.

Another good link is:
http://tinyurl.com/g4us9

If they don't need a car, renting one just to park it at the Woodshole terminal might be more expensive than taking the bus or the limo service (some are 125, some are 200)

There is a bus that leaves several points in NYC to either the Quonset ferry over, but I don't know how often that runs off season, but it hsould be listed on either the above pages or online.

You think they have decided to drive to Woodshole - from NYC? or after flying into Boston or amtrak to dedham/boston? - if they are driving from nyc, they might be better off taking the quonset ferry or even the new bedford ferry, might be worth checking out the driving distances and those ferry times.

have fun!