Nantucket Airport Transfers: What You Actually Need to Know

Nantucket Memorial Airport (ACK) is a small island airport about 5 km (3 miles) southeast of Nantucket Town. The entire island is only 14 miles long, so no destination is far. Getting from the airport to town takes about 10 minutes by car. Options include taxis, pre-booked transfers, rental cars, and the seasonal NRTA shuttle bus. During summer (June-September), everything on the island gets busier and pricier — including ground transport.

ACK is a tiny airport — one small terminal building with a single baggage claim area. Most flights arrive on Cape Air, JetBlue, or United regional jets from Boston, New York, or Hyannis. You walk off the plane across the tarmac and into the terminal. Luggage appears quickly, usually within 10-15 minutes.

The terminal has restrooms, a small cafe, and a couple of car rental desks. The atmosphere is relaxed and informal — this is Nantucket, not JFK. You will not get lost or feel overwhelmed.

The pickup and drop-off area is directly in front of the terminal. Taxis line up outside, though in peak summer the queue can be short relative to demand. Rental car agencies have lots adjacent to the airport.

Taxis: Available outside the terminal. Nantucket has a small number of taxi operators, and during peak summer season, wait times can stretch, especially when multiple flights land close together. Fares are not metered: the Town of Nantucket sets a flat fare for every route and publishes it in an official rate schedule (adopted 1 May 2024, effective 9 May 2024). Airport to Town is $23.00 for one passenger, plus $3.00 for each additional passenger. The Select Board revises the schedule periodically, so check the Town's current rates before you travel.

Pre-booked private transfer: A driver meets you at the terminal and takes you directly to your accommodation. On an island where taxis can be scarce during peak arrivals, having guaranteed transport is valuable. Particularly useful if you are heading to a rental home outside of town.

NRTA Shuttle (The Wave): The Nantucket Regional Transit Authority runs seasonal shuttle routes, including a South Loop that passes near the airport. The Wave is currently free to ride on all routes, funded by MassDOT — the free-fare programme is time-limited, so confirm it with the NRTA before you count on it. Schedules are limited and the shuttle does not run year-round. It is best suited for travelers heading into town center with minimal luggage.

Rental cars: Available at the airport from a few agencies. In peak season, booking well in advance is essential — inventory on the island is limited. Many visitors to Nantucket skip a car entirely since the island is small and bikeable.

Biking: Some accommodations will deliver rental bikes to the airport. There is a bike path from the airport area to town. This is a pleasant option in good weather if you are traveling light.

Hotel pickup: Several inns and hotels on Nantucket offer complimentary pickup. Always check with your accommodation before arrival.

Nantucket taxi fares are neither metered nor negotiated: the Town of Nantucket publishes a flat fare for every route from the airport. The figures below come from the Town's official schedule (adopted 1 May 2024, effective 9 May 2024), and they are per trip for one passenger — each additional passenger is $3.00.

Two bags per person are included; each bag beyond two is $2.00. Between 11:00 PM and 7:00 AM, $5.00 is added to every fare. Reserving ahead from the airport carries a booking fee. The Select Board revises this schedule periodically, so check the Town's current rates before you travel — and if you are charged more than the published fare, the Town asks you to report it to the Nantucket Police Department.

Pre-booked private transfers are not covered by the Town's schedule. Each operator sets its own price and you agree it at booking, so compare the quote against the official taxi fare for your destination above.

The NRTA Wave shuttle is currently free to ride.

Rental cars on Nantucket are limited and in heavy demand in summer — check current rates directly with the agencies and book well ahead.

ACK has very limited flight operations after dark. Most commercial flights arrive before 9 PM even in summer, and earlier in off-season. If your flight is delayed into the evening, taxi availability becomes minimal. The NRTA shuttle does not run late.

If you anticipate a late arrival, pre-booking transport is the only reliable approach. Some accommodation hosts will pick you up if asked in advance — the island community is generally accommodating, but do not count on it without confirming.

The airport is easy to navigate with kids — everything is close together, and the pace is slow. The challenge for families is mainly about vehicle size. If you are arriving with car seats, strollers, and multiple bags, a standard taxi sedan may be tight.

Pre-booked transfers allow you to request a larger vehicle. Child seats should be requested in advance, as they are not standard in Nantucket taxis. Many families visiting Nantucket bring their own car seats.

For the short ride to town, even with kids, the process is straightforward. The island roads are calm and speeds are low.

The terminal is small enough that there is only one exit for arriving passengers. Taxis wait in the small lot directly in front. Pre-booked transfer drivers will be in the same area, usually with a name sign or arranged to meet you at the curb. Given the size of the airport, finding your driver is never a problem.

Book a private transfer if: you are arriving in peak summer, heading to a rental home outside of town, traveling with family and luggage, or want guaranteed transport without waiting.

Take a taxi if: you are heading to town, traveling light, and arriving when taxis are plentiful (midday, not during a wave of flight arrivals).

Take the NRTA shuttle if: you are heading near the town center, have minimal luggage, the shuttle is running (summer season), and you do not mind a short wait.

Rent a car if: you plan to explore the island extensively and booked well in advance. Otherwise, bikes and taxis may serve you better.

Bike if: the weather is good, you have minimal luggage, and you enjoy the idea of arriving at your hotel on two wheels.