Fixed Fares, No Surprises

One of the genuinely nice things about taking a taxi on Nantucket is that the pricing is regulated by the Town. There's no algorithm deciding what to charge you based on demand. The fares are published, public, and the same whether you're riding on a quiet Tuesday in September or the middle of a Fourth of July Saturday night rush. Every licensed taxi on the island is required to charge these rates — no more, no less.

Here's everything you need to know.

The Basics

All fares listed are for one passenger. Each additional passenger is $3.00. Two bags per person are included in the base fare — if you have more than that, expect a $2.00 charge per extra bag. Between 11 PM and 7 AM, there's a $5.00 late-night surcharge added to all fares. That's it. No other hidden fees.

If you're booking a pickup from the ferry or airport in advance, there's a reservation fee: $6.00 from the ferry, $12.00 from the airport. Given how busy those pickup areas get in the summer, the peace of mind is usually worth it.

In-Town and Airport Zone Fares

If you're moving around within downtown Nantucket, the in-town rate is $14.00 for one passenger. This covers trips within the town center — getting from your hotel to a restaurant, from the wharf to a shop on Main Street, that kind of thing.

If you're at the airport and need to get somewhere nearby without a zone-specific fare, the airport zone rate is $20.00 for one passenger.

From the Airport

Airport fares to the most common destinations on the island run as follows. Town is $23.00. Mid-Island (zones A and B) runs $21.00, and Mid-Island C is $26.00. Siasconset is $31.00. Madaket is $47.00, which reflects the longer drive out to the west end. Wauwinet is $42.00. Tom Nevers is $27.00, Polpis is $32.00, and Cisco-Miacomet is $32.00. Longer or more remote destinations like Massassoit Bridge ($49.00), Eel Point ($40.00), and Squam ($44.00) cost more due to the distance involved.

From Town

Fares from downtown Nantucket follow a similar structure but aren't identical to the reverse trip, which sometimes surprises people. Town to Airport is $23.00. Town to Siasconset is $35.00 — a bit more than the reverse because of how the zones are drawn. Town to Madaket is $31.00, and Town to Wauwinet is $42.00. Mid-Island fares from Town range from $17.00 to $22.00 depending on the zone. Tom Nevers is $30.00, and Cisco-Miacomet is $25.00.

Cross-Island Fares

If you're traveling between two points that are both outside of Town — say, from a rental house in Wauwinet to a restaurant in Siasconset — there are specific cross-island fares for the most common routes. Wauwinet to Siasconset is $50.00. Madaket to Siasconset is $65.00, which is the longest haul on the island and priced accordingly. Wauwinet to Madaket is $70.00.

A Few Other Things Worth Knowing

If you bring a dog, most drivers will accommodate them at their discretion, with a $5.00 per dog charge. Bikes can sometimes be transported for an additional $5.00, though that's also at the driver's discretion and at your own risk. If you're going somewhere down a private dirt road, there may be a $5.00 dirt road surcharge.

For longer excursions or if you want a driver for an extended period, taxis can also be hired at an hourly rate of $90.00 per hour. This is less common but can make sense if you're doing a longer tour of the island or need a driver to wait for you at multiple stops.

How This Compares to Uber

The big advantage of the regulated fare system is predictability. You know what you're going to pay before you get in the car. Uber and Lyft do operate on Nantucket, but their pricing fluctuates with demand — during busy periods like summer weekends or post-fireworks rush, surge pricing can push fares significantly higher than the regulated taxi rates. A $23.00 Town-to-Airport trip by taxi could cost you considerably more through a rideshare app on a busy Saturday afternoon. The taxi rate is the taxi rate, full stop.

Tipping

Tipping isn't included in the regulated fares, and taxi drivers on Nantucket genuinely appreciate it. A standard 15 to 20 percent tip is customary. During busy weekends when drivers are working long hours to keep up with demand, erring toward the higher end is a nice gesture. Cash tips are always appreciated, though many drivers now accept card payments as well.

Finding a Taxi

All licensed taxis on Nantucket are listed right here at nantucket-taxi.com. Save a few numbers before you arrive — having two or three options in your phone means you're never stuck waiting on a busy app to find a driver. A quick phone call is still the fastest way to get a taxi on Nantucket, and the drivers who answer are the same people who will show up to get you.