Boston to Martha's Vineyard: Ferry, Flight or Helicopter?
Planning a trip from Boston to Martha’s Vineyard for a getaway? You can travel by ferry, commercial flight, or private helicopter.
The Boston to Martha’s Vineyard distance is approximately 71 miles by air. Ferry travelers must first reach Woods Hole on Cape Cod. The ferry crossing takes approximately 45 minutes from the mainland.
Blue Hill Helicopters (BHH) offers private helicopter charters from Norwood to Martha’s Vineyard. Its published flight time for this route is approximately 36 minutes.
Private charter offers flexible scheduling and an alternative to ferry connections. Travelers can also request arrivals at Martha’s Vineyard Airport or Katama Airport.
You can find additional details on BHH’s Martha’s Vineyard charter page.
Boston to Martha’s Vineyard: Travel Time and Cost Comparison
Your total journey depends on more than flight or ferry duration. Mainland transportation, check-in, boarding, and island transfers also affect your travel time.
Here’s how the main transportation options compare.
Travel Option | Flight / Ferry Time | Estimated Total Travel Time | Cost | Best For |
Private helicopter charter | 36 minutes from Norwood | 1.5–2.5 hours | From $1,508 one-way* | Executives, couples, private groups |
Commercial flight | Around 43 minutes from Logan | 2.25–3.5 hours | Varies by date | Travelers near Logan |
Drive + ferry | 45-minute ferry plus driving | 3.25–5.5+ hours | Fuel, parking, ferry fares | Longer stays |
Bus + ferry | 45-minute ferry plus bus | 3–4.5+ hours | Bus and ferry tickets | Budget travelers |
How these estimates are calculated
The total travel times assume a trip from downtown Boston to central Edgartown. They include typical ground transportation, pre-departure allowances, and island transfers.
- Private helicopter: Allow 30–60 minutes to Norwood, 15–30 minutes before departure, 36 minutes flying, and 5–20 minutes for arrival and transfer.
- Commercial flight: Allow travel to Logan, roughly one hour before departure, 43 minutes flying, and ground transportation from Martha’s Vineyard Airport.
- Drive + ferry: Allow roughly 1.5–3 hours driving, ferry parking and boarding, the 45-minute crossing, and an island transfer.
- Bus + ferry: Include the bus to Woods Hole, waiting and boarding time, the 45-minute crossing, and local transportation to Edgartown.
These are planning estimates, not guaranteed journey times. Summer traffic, missed connections, weather, and your exact destination can change the total.
1. Private Helicopter Charter From Boston to Martha’s Vineyard
1. Private Helicopter Charter From Boston to Martha’s Vineyard
Private helicopter travel offers more than avoiding highway traffic. You can enjoy a private journey above the New England coastline.
Blue Hill Helicopters offers private charters from three Boston-area airports.
You can depart from Norwood, Bedford, or Boston Logan. Flights can arrive at Martha’s Vineyard Airport or Katama Airport.
Departure arrangements depend on aircraft availability, weather, and operational requirements.
For travelers starting in downtown Boston, the complete journey may take approximately 1.5–2.5 hours. This includes transportation to Norwood, preflight arrangements, and an island transfer.
Why Choose Blue Hill Helicopters?
BHH combines private transportation with a more personalized travel experience.
- Privacy: Enjoy a private cabin exclusively with your selected guests.
- Flexible scheduling: Request departure arrangements that better suit your personal travel plans.
- Coastal scenery: Enjoy aerial views of Cape Cod and nearby islands.
- Fewer connections: Avoid driving through Cape Cod and boarding scheduled ferries.
- Personalized service: Discuss flight arrangements and coordinated ground transportation with BHH.
Imagine flying over the coastline before arriving on Martha’s Vineyard. The journey becomes part of your getaway rather than another transfer.
For business travelers, flexible departures can help accommodate important meetings. Couples and private groups can enjoy greater comfort and exclusivity.
Boston to Martha’s Vineyard Helicopter Cost and Flight Time
BHH’s dedicated Vineyard page lists two aircraft for private charters.
Aircraft | Guest Capacity | One-Way Charter Rate |
Robinson R44 | Up to 3 guests | $1,508 |
Bell 206 | Up to 4 guests | $2,402 |
These published Summer 2026 rates cover the aircraft, not individual seats. The estimated flight from Norwood takes approximately 36 minutes.
Passenger weight and luggage requirements affect the aircraft’s available capacity. Confirm your preferred aircraft and current pricing before booking.
Martha’s Vineyard Airport vs. Katama Airport
Your arrival airport can make ground transportation more convenient.
Martha’s Vineyard Airport (MVY) provides access to communities across the island. It’s useful for visitors staying near Vineyard Haven or Oak Bluffs.
Katama Airport (1B2) is particularly convenient for travelers visiting Edgartown. BHH describes the airport as approximately five minutes from town.
BHH advertises both airports at the same published charter fare. Katama landings require suitable weather and airport operating conditions.
Enjoy a private coastal flight with Blue Hill Helicopters. Request your Martha’s Vineyard charter quote.
2. Take the Ferry From Boston to Martha’s Vineyard
The Steamship Authority doesn’t operate regular ferries directly from Boston. Travelers usually reach Woods Hole before crossing to the island.
The ferry crossing itself takes approximately 45 minutes.
From downtown Boston to Edgartown, allow roughly 3.25–5.5 hours or more when driving and taking the ferry. Bus connections may take around 3–4.5 hours or longer, depending on schedules.
You can reach Woods Hole by bus or personal vehicle.
Bus and ferry: Peter Pan offers transportation between Boston and Woods Hole. This option works well when affordability is your main priority.
Drive and ferry: Driving provides flexibility when carrying luggage or traveling longer. However, Cape traffic and mainland parking can extend your journey.
Bringing a vehicle aboard requires an advance ferry reservation.
Ferry travel is often practical for longer stays on Martha’s Vineyard.
3. Fly Commercially From Boston Logan
Commercial flights provide another alternative to the Cape Cod drive.
Cape Air operates flights between Boston Logan and Martha’s Vineyard Airport. The published flight time is approximately 43 minutes.
The complete journey from downtown Boston to Edgartown may take approximately 2.25–3.5 hours. This includes travel to Logan, check-in, the flight, and island transportation. This option works well when you’re already near Logan Airport. It’s also convenient when connecting from another commercial flight.
However, you’ll need time for check-in, boarding, and arrival transportation. Departure choices also depend on the airline’s scheduled services. Private charter offers more control over your requested departure arrangements.
Travel Privately With Blue Hill Helicopters
Your Martha’s Vineyard journey can begin with a private coastal flight. BHH offers personalized service without the usual mainland ferry connections.
You can discuss departure arrangements, aircraft options, and island arrival preferences. The charter team can also help coordinate your ground transportation.
Whether traveling for business or leisure, privacy adds comfort to your journey.
Book Your Private Helicopter Charter to Martha’s Vineyard
Skip Cape traffic and experience a more personal way to travel. Blue Hill Helicopters offers private flights with flexible scheduling and coastal views.
Request Your Private Helicopter Charter Quote →
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I book a round-trip helicopter charter to Martha’s Vineyard?
Yes, BHH accepts requests for return flights and customized itineraries. Share your departure and return dates when requesting a charter. Final arrangements depend on aircraft availability and operational conditions.
Can Blue Hill Helicopters arrange transportation to Norwood Airport?
Yes, BHH advertises coordinated black-car transportation between Boston and Norwood. Its published Summer 2026 rate is $199 one-way. Confirm current transfer pricing with your charter coordinator.
What happens if bad weather affects my helicopter charter?
Poor weather can affect helicopter flights, especially around Martha’s Vineyard. BHH may offer rescheduling, refunds, or alternative transportation when conditions prevent flying. Discuss available arrangements before confirming your booking.
What information should I provide when requesting a helicopter charter?
Share your preferred travel date, departure airport, and passenger count. Include your luggage requirements and preferred island arrival location. BHH can then discuss suitable aircraft and flight arrangements.