Nantucket is a small island, so distances are short. But being an island resort destination means prices are higher than you might expect for a 10-minute ride. Here is what to budget in 2026.
Taxi fares by destination
Nantucket taxis are not metered. The Town of Nantucket sets a flat fare for every route and publishes it in an official rate schedule — the figures below are from the schedule adopted 1 May 2024, effective 9 May 2024.
| From ACK airport to | Official fare |
|---|---|
| Nantucket Town | $23.00 |
| Mid-Island A / Mid-Island B | $21.00 |
| Mid-Island C | $26.00 |
| Shimmo | $23.00 |
| Siasconset (Sconset) | $31.00 |
| Cisco-Miacomet | $32.00 |
| Polpis | $32.00 |
| Wauwinet | $42.00 |
| Squam | $44.00 |
| Madaket | $47.00 |
Fixed-price private transfer
ACK Nantucket Town & Mid-Island
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Other destinations
These are per-trip fares for one passenger — each additional passenger is $3.00. Two bags per person are included; each additional bag is $2.00. Between 11:00 PM and 7:00 AM, $5.00 is added to every fare. The Select Board revises the schedule periodically, so confirm the current rates before you travel.
Pre-booked private transfers
Private transfers are not covered by the Town's rate schedule — each operator sets its own price, and you agree it when you book rather than on arrival. That premium over the official taxi fare buys guaranteed availability, a known vehicle, and no hunting for a cab during peak season. Because the price is fixed at booking, compare the quote against the published taxi fare for your destination above before you decide. Larger vehicles for groups and luggage cost more.
Budget options
NRTA Shuttle (The Wave): currently free to ride on all routes, funded by MassDOT. The South Loop route serves the airport area during summer. This is the cheapest way to reach town center, but only works if the timing aligns and you have minimal bags. The free-fare programme is time-limited and the timetable is seasonal — check both with the NRTA before you count on it.
Biking: If you arrange a rental bike delivery to the airport (some shops offer this), the cost is the bike rental itself — check current rates with the shop. There is a paved bike path to town.
Walking: Free, but 45 minutes to town and not practical with luggage.
Seasonal pricing
Demand peaks during summer (June-September), especially around July 4th, August weekends, and holiday weeks. The Town's taxi fares are flat and do not rise with the season — what changes is availability, and what private transfer operators charge. In the off-season (October-May), availability is easier but fewer operators are active.
Rental cars
Rental rates on Nantucket are high in summer and inventory on the island is limited — check current prices directly with the agencies and book well ahead. Gas is also more expensive on the island. Many visitors find that between taxis, bikes, and shuttles, a car is unnecessary — and parking in town is limited.
Tips on saving money
- If traveling with others, share a taxi — the zone fare covers the trip and each extra passenger adds only $3.00.
- Use the NRTA shuttle for secondary trips around the island once you are settled.
- Consider skipping the rental car entirely and using bikes for daily transport.
- Book your transfer in advance — last-minute airport pickups during peak season can command premium pricing.
What about tipping
Tipping taxi drivers 15-20% is customary in the United States — on the $23.00 airport-to-Town fare that is roughly $3-$5. Pre-booked transfer drivers should be tipped similarly.