Marthas Vineyard Airport sits in West Tisbury, roughly in the middle of the island. Distances are short but transport costs are higher than on the mainland, reflecting island economics and limited supply.
Taxi Fares by Destination
Taxi fares from MVY are not metered in the traditional sense — island taxi services charge set rates by destination. The airport publishes an official taxi fare list, and that is the figure to plan against: check mvyairport.com before you fly, or read the posted list at the terminal.
Fixed-price private transfer
MVY Marthas Vineyard City Center
From€374for 2 passengers
Other destinations
By journey time, shortest to longest:
- West Tisbury (town center): about 5 minutes
- Vineyard Haven: about 10 minutes
- Oak Bluffs: about 12 minutes
- Edgartown: about 15 minutes
- Chilmark: about 15 minutes
- Aquinnah (Gay Head): about 25 minutes — the longest and dearest run
Always confirm the fare when you call or when the driver arrives.
Pre-Booked Private Transfer
Pre-booked transfer prices align closely with taxi rates, and the premium over taxis is small and sometimes nonexistent. The value is in guaranteed availability. During summer, taxis at MVY can be fully engaged and you might wait 20-30 minutes or longer. A pre-booked driver is there when you land.
Rental Car Costs
Rental cars on Marthas Vineyard are more expensive than on the mainland, and summer rates are far above off-season ones — check current rates directly with the agencies. Availability during peak summer is extremely limited, so book weeks or months ahead. Gas stations are present on the island but fuel prices are higher than mainland Massachusetts.
VTA Bus
The Vineyard Transit Authority runs year-round public transit between the airport and all six island towns, with extra routes from roughly May to October. The VTA has been running a state-funded fare-free programme that has been extended in stages, so check vineyardtransit.com for the current fare and timetable. Frequency is limited and the timetable is not built around flight arrivals, so it works well for getting around the island during your stay but is awkward for an airport arrival with luggage.
Seasonal Price Variations
Transport costs on Marthas Vineyard are seasonal. During peak summer (July-August), demand for taxis and transfers is highest and availability is lowest. Some taxi companies charge slightly higher rates during peak weeks. Off-season (October-May), transport is cheaper but fewer operators are active. The shoulder months of June and September offer a reasonable balance of availability and pricing.
Tips for Managing Costs
If you are staying for several days and plan to move around the island, a rental car is often the most cost-effective option despite the daily rate. For shorter stays centered on one town, taxis and transfers work well. Bicycles are a popular way to get around in summer and several shops rent them near the ferry terminals and in town centers. For airport arrivals specifically, pre-book your ride and you avoid the stress of hoping a taxi shows up.