The Steamship Authority
The Steamship Authority
4.5
About
The Steamship Authority is the largest ferry service to the Island of Nantucket from Cape Cod. We offer the lowest fares and the most frequent daily departures for passengers, automobiles and trucks. Our ferries to Nantucket depart from the iconic Hyannis Harbor. Please note, we offer limited premium on-site parking as well as off-site parking with free shuttle service. Check our mobile site for current parking and trip status. Our seasonal high-speed passenger-only ferry, the M/V Iyanough, gets you to Nantucket - dock-to-dock - in just an hour. Enjoy great savings with our special $50 same-day, round-trip, available Monday - Thursday, April - December. For a perfect day trip Nantucket makes wonderful destinations - with magnificent beaches, charming scenery and fabulous shopping and dining.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
423 reviews
Excellent
237
Very good
122
Average
29
Poor
11
Terrible
24
Gene R J
Silver Spring, MD8,920 contributions
Jun 2021
We bought our Fast Ferry RT tickets to Nantucket at the terminal the day before($110 for 2), stayed 2 nights at the Hyannis Travel Inn, then walked ½ mile to board at 11 AM. Our 1 hour journey was pleasant both ways as the sea was calm. On arrival, we walked 2 blocks to the Whaling Museum, then took a taxi($17) 4 mile south to the Shipwreck and Lifesaving Museum and returned to walk the Main Street mansions until the 3:30 PM ferry. Wonderful day using this punctual, well run ferry with clean restrooms, good food and drinks, pleasant crew and port staff.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
Written June 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
amandaC207603
Maine138 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
We took the Steamship to Nantucket from Hyannis and the Hy-Liner on the way back. This is a good way to not be locked in to a return time, unless one of the trips is full, which is a problem that we ran into (girls lacrosse tournament). We went on May 1, which was nice because the weather was good and not too many people but there were a lot of places on Nantucket that were not open yet or not open on Sunday so there wasn’t much to do besides eat and drink so consider these things when planning your trip. Staff on both vessels were helpful and nice. Parking is not included with your fare, plan to pay around $12/ day for Steamship. Our hotel was close so we walked.
Written May 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
CATHY F
15 contributions
May 2022
I was nervous about this trip because my husband is handicapped. The crew were amazing! And they are so incredibly organized, from lining the cars into numbered lanes for boarding, to making sure we were parked near the elevator for my husband to have easy access. It was a very pleasant trip and the offloading was just as easy and organized as the boarding. Hope to take them to Nantucket next year.
Written May 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
MikeBOS
Boston, MA105 contributions
Aug 2021
We usually take the Hy-Line fast ferry from Hyannis to Nantucket; this time, we took the Steamship Authority, and there was no comparison between the two. Starting with parking, which is less convenient, to loading luggage (they ran out of luggage carts so we had to wait in a several hundred yards long line snaking around the parking lot until they unloaded all the luggage from the incoming ferry), to being chronically late, this is a truly terrible travel experience. Hy-Line is better in every respect.
And good luck getting through if you need help on the phone; it requires many attempts to get past the busy signal, then a long wait on hold.
And good luck getting through if you need help on the phone; it requires many attempts to get past the busy signal, then a long wait on hold.
Written August 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
shelley
5 contributions
Jun 2020 • Couples
All staff that I encountered were so friendly and so nice, go out of their way to help you. Also the line to and from Nantucket is so much easier and efficient than traveling the other high speed ferry. Appreciate that they even have numbered luggage carts so you can quickly grab your luggage without having to wait in long lines.
Written June 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Caroline
8 contributions
Aug 2020
Took the ferry to and from MV. Gorgeous views both ways. Took the 7:15pm ferry back to Woods Hole and we were treated to an amazing sunset on the water! Covid practices are in place and masks are required for the duration of the trip. Highly recommend!
Written August 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
CherryTravels17
New Jersey663 contributions
Aug 2020
We purchased our high-speed ferry roundtrip tickets online. The total cost for 2 tickets was $138 (including embarkation fees.) The process was very easy and we received a link to download our mobile tickets.
On the morning of our ferry ride, we checked the Steamship Authority website for parking options. The recommended lot had lots of parking and was $15 per day. A free shuttle was available to/from the ferry.
Before boarding the ferry, our duffel bags were loaded onto a luggage cart (as we were only allowed to bring smaller bags to our seats.) The ferry was clean and not crowded; it was easy to social-distance.
After departing, we arrived at Nantucket within an hour. It was a nice ride both to and from the island.
Note: Same-day roundtrip tickets are cheaper than roundtrip tickets departing on different days.
On the morning of our ferry ride, we checked the Steamship Authority website for parking options. The recommended lot had lots of parking and was $15 per day. A free shuttle was available to/from the ferry.
Before boarding the ferry, our duffel bags were loaded onto a luggage cart (as we were only allowed to bring smaller bags to our seats.) The ferry was clean and not crowded; it was easy to social-distance.
After departing, we arrived at Nantucket within an hour. It was a nice ride both to and from the island.
Note: Same-day roundtrip tickets are cheaper than roundtrip tickets departing on different days.
Written August 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bridget C
Massapequa, NY19 contributions
Jun 2021
We booked the Hy—Lyne cruise for a day trip over to Martha’s Vineyard. The boat was beautiful, clean and very COVID safe as they still fall under state guidelines for indoor seating. For those who prefer the outdoors there was plenty of space to sit and enjoy the beautiful views of the Cape Cod coastlines. We would highly recommend using the Steamship Authority for your Cape Cod mode of waterway transportation.
Written June 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Roccitystay
2 contributions
Jul 2021 • Friends
The trip there was hot, no air inside the cabin. The employees were all screaming at people including kids to keep masks on. The return trip none of the employees were wearing masks and didn’t mention them to anyone else. Very strange. $220 for 4 people to get to Nantucket. Wouldn’t do it again!!
Written July 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
golfergirl1942
Orlando, FL98 contributions
Oct 2022
We took the ferry to Nantucket on a Sunday. The parking for handicap is fabulous. The ferry is on time and not noisy. The announcements were clear and easy to hear.
We took Hyline and the next to MV and they left late and were very noisy, couldnt hear the announcements at all. Parking for handicap is not real convenient.
We took Hyline and the next to MV and they left late and were very noisy, couldnt hear the announcements at all. Parking for handicap is not real convenient.
Written October 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
If I have gone to nantucket for the day and they cancel my return and I am stranded on the island with no place to stay. Does the steamship or local agencies help you find a p li ace to stay for the night
TravellinTeach28
Massachusetts48 contributions
I bought a roof box for my car and would like to bring it. I already have a car reservation- how do I add this or can I?
Torlac H
1 contribution
Hi, how do I book your Hyannis on site lot? Visiting Nantucket from there from July 10 to 16.
polaris1992
Los Angeles, CA5 contributions
Is there a way to get from Martha’s Vineyard to Nantucket after Oct. 12 when your Inter-Island service stops running for the season?
KMcHugh
Mashpee, MA7 contributions
Hi - we do not operate an inter-island service between Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard. Hy-line Cruises offers that service. You can reach them at 800-492-8082.
Hello,what is the adress for boarding Hayness to Nantucket
SSA_Kmchugh
3 contributions
The address to our Hyannis Terminal is 69 south Street, Hyannis, MA. Please check our mobile site for current off-site parking and GPS directions to parking lot.
Does this ferry go from Providence, RI to Hyannis
SSA_Kmchugh
3 contributions
No - the Steamship Authority routes are as follows: Hyannis to Nantucket and Woods Hole to Martha's Vineyard.
ladyje_11
Delmont, PA56 contributions
Does this ferry go from Hyannis to Oak Bluffs?
SSA_Kmchugh
3 contributions
Hello - our ferries run from Woods Hole to Martha's Vineyard (both the Oak Bluffs and Vineyard Haven ports) and from Hyannis to Nantucket.
carib_vacation
Boston, MA171 contributions
What are the suggestions/options for inexpensive parking close-by? I understand it may be quite a lengthy process to park far away and take a shuttle back to catch your ferry?
alo t
35 contributions
I recommend paying for the parking near the port. There is no inexpensive places to park. It is worth the convenience. Enjoy!
carib_vacation
Boston, MA171 contributions
What are the suggestions/options for inexpensive parking close-by? I understand it may be quite a lengthy process to park far away and take a shuttle back to catch your ferry?
Deb B
Harrisville, RI58 contributions
Parking is available close by and not that expensive-if you are going on a holiday or weekend you might want to check out the shuttle in advance online.
The Steamship Authority (Hyannis) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about The Steamship Authority
- Hotels near The Steamship Authority:
- (0.10 mi) Anchor In
- (0.21 mi) Cape Cod Harbor House Inn
- (0.28 mi) SeaCoast Inn
- (0.21 mi) HI Hyannis Hostel
- (0.21 mi) Ocean Street Inn
- Restaurants near The Steamship Authority:
- (0.13 mi) Baxter's Fish-N-Chips
- (0.05 mi) The Dockside Restaurant
- (0.18 mi) Spanky's Clam Shack & Seaside Saloon
- (0.14 mi) Trader Ed's At Hyannis Marina
- (0.24 mi) Black Cat Tavern