Nantucket Car Ferry Reservations: Insider Tips for Getting Your Vehicle to the Island
The Steamship Authority opens summer vehicle ferry reservations to Nantucket every January; the 2026 general public opening was January 27 at 8 a.m. for travel from May 14 through October 22, 2026. Missing the online rush does not mean missing the boat: wait lists, standby, and Drive-On/Drive-Off service all remain reliable backups.
Detail | Figure |
|---|---|
2026 general public online opening | January 27, 2026 at 8 a.m. EST |
2026 summer travel window covered | May 14 to October 22, 2026 |
Reservation Office hours | 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day) |
Reservation Office phone | (508) 477-8600 |
Next travel window opened for residents | October 22, 2026 to January 5, 2027 (opened June 16, 2026) |
If reservations are full | Standby list, wait list, or Drive-On/Drive-Off service |
Racing the January reservation clock, or want to skip it entirely?
Some Nantucket rental homes come with transferable Steamship Authority tickets already attached, so your car ferry spot is booked before you are.
Every January, the Steamship Authority opens its summer vehicle ferry reservation system for Nantucket, and spots for the most popular travel dates fill within the first hour. The 2026 general public online opening ran January 27 at 8 a.m. EST, covering travel from May 14 through October 22, 2026. If you missed this year's window, or you're planning ahead for next season, here is how to still get your car onto the island.
Insider Tips
- Log in before the 8 a.m. EST opening time and be one of the first through the virtual waiting room; prior openings have filled the most popular sailings within minutes.
- Missed your first pick? Don't panic. Sign up for the best days and times that match your travel, then join the WAIT LIST. The Steamship Authority continues to check your preferred dates right up until the day you want to travel.
- Can't get on the ferry of your choice? Take advantage of "no-shows" by getting on the standby list.
- Still can't get your car over? Consider the Drive-On/Drive-Off service, where you drop the car off in Hyannis and travel to ACK without it. Once a space opens up, the Steamship Authority drives your car onto the ferry and off again in Nantucket. You'll get a phone call when it's time to pick it up.
- Consider homes with a transferable car ferry reservation: some of our great Nantucket rental homes come with transferable ferry tickets. Take a look at our list of homes with Transferable Ferry Tickets.
Backup Options If You Miss Reservations
- Keep in mind we have a great bus system, now free, The Wave.
- Cabs, Uber, and car rentals are an option too.
- Our extensive system of bike paths is great for navigating the island by bike.
- Steamship Authority Reservation Office: (508) 477-8600, open 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day
- The Wave bus service: free island-wide routes, no reservation needed
Reservation dates and office details sourced from the Steamship Authority's official reservation opening announcements.
Can't wait to help you make this summer unforgettable! As always, I'm just an email or call away if you need anything.
See you on the island soon!
- Bernadette
Bernadette Meyer is a Real Estate Broker with Maury People Sotheby's International Realty on Nantucket, guiding clients through the practical side of island life, from ferry logistics to closing day. She was named to RealTrends + Tom Ferry's "The Thousand" and ranked #2 on Nantucket by RealTrends Verified.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do Nantucket car ferry reservations for summer open?
The Steamship Authority opens summer vehicle ferry reservations for Nantucket in late January each year. The 2026 general public opening was January 27 at 8 a.m. EST, covering travel from May 14 through October 22, 2026.
What if I miss the reservation opening?
Join the wait list for your preferred sailing, since the Steamship Authority continues releasing spots up to the day of travel. You can also try the standby list for day-of no-shows, or use the Drive-On/Drive-Off service to send your car over separately.
Is there a way to get a car reservation without competing in the January rush?
Some Nantucket vacation rental homes include a transferable Steamship Authority ferry reservation as part of the booking, which secures your car's spot on the ferry along with the house.
How can I get around Nantucket without a car?
The Wave, Nantucket's free public bus system, covers the island's main routes. Cabs, rideshares, and car rentals are also available, and the island's extensive bike path network makes cycling a practical option too.
