Steamship Authority
Year-round ferry service with vehicle transport
Hy-Line Cruises
High-speed seasonal ferry (May-October)
Steamship Authority Terminal
Taxi Stand Location
Address: 1 Steamship Wharf, Nantucket, MA 02554
Location: As you exit the ferry, the taxi stand is immediately to your right, just past the terminal building.
Signage: Look for the clearly marked "TAXI" sign and queue area.
Distance from Terminal: Approximately 50 feet from the ferry exit—you can't miss it!
Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible taxi service available. Inform the dispatcher if you need an accessible vehicle.
Typical Wait Times
Peak Season (June-August)
Weekday Arrivals: 5-15 minutes
Weekend Arrivals: 10-25 minutes
Evening/Night: 15-30 minutes
Taxis typically meet every ferry, but high demand can cause delays during peak times.
Off-Season (September-May)
Most Arrivals: 0-10 minutes
Late Night: 10-20 minutes
Early Morning: Pre-book recommended
Fewer passengers mean quicker service, though late-night ferries may have fewer taxis on standby.
Busiest Ferry Arrival Times
Friday Evenings (5-8 PM): Weekend arrivals create the longest taxi lines
Sunday Afternoons (3-6 PM): Weekend departures mean returning residents and busy service
Holiday Weekends: Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day see 2-3x normal wait times
Morning Ferries (7-9 AM): Business travelers and day-trippers, but usually manageable
Pro Tip: If arriving on a Friday evening in summer, consider pre-booking a taxi or be prepared to wait 20-30 minutes.
Hy-Line Cruises Terminal
Taxi Availability
Address: 4 Straight Wharf, Nantucket, MA 02554
Location: The Hy-Line dock is in downtown Nantucket, closer to town than the Steamship Authority.
Taxi Stand: No dedicated taxi stand, but taxis can be found on adjacent streets (particularly Easy Street and Broad Street).
Downtown Proximity: Many hotels and accommodations are within walking distance (5-15 minutes).
Summer Service: Taxis typically patrol the area during high-speed ferry arrivals.
Getting a Taxi at Hy-Line
Option 1: Walk to Easy Street or Broad Street (1-2 minute walk) where taxis typically wait
Option 2: Call a taxi while on the ferry—they can usually pick you up within 5-10 minutes of docking
Option 3: Pre-book a taxi to meet you at Straight Wharf
Option 4: Walk to your accommodation if it's nearby (many downtown hotels are close)
The Hy-Line terminal's central location means taxis are always nearby, even without a dedicated stand.
How to Pre-Book for Ferry Arrivals
When to Pre-Book
✓ Arriving Friday evening or weekend in summer
✓ Late-night ferry arrivals (after 9 PM)
✓ Early morning arrivals (before 7 AM)
✓ Holiday weekends
✓ Large groups or lots of luggage
✓ Traveling with small children or mobility needs
How to Pre-Book
1. Choose a taxi company from our complete directory
2. Call ahead (ideally 24 hours in advance, minimum 2-3 hours)
3. Provide details: Ferry line (Steamship/Hy-Line), arrival time, passenger count, luggage amount, destination
4. Get confirmation: Ask for driver's name or vehicle number
5. On the ferry: Text or call 15-20 minutes before docking to confirm
6. At the dock: Look for your driver's sign or call when you exit
Pro Tip: If you're not sure which taxi to call, use our Cab Picker tool to randomly select a company, or save your favorite companies for easy access next time.
Typical Fares to Popular Destinations
Note: Fares are zone-based and regulated by the Town of Nantucket. These are approximate ranges. Always confirm the fare with your driver before starting your trip.
Downtown & Near Town
Mid-Island
East End
West End
Additional Charges
• Extra passengers (3rd passenger and beyond): $2-5 per person
• Large luggage items: $1-2 per item
• Late night service (midnight-6 AM): May include surcharge
• Pet transport: Call ahead to confirm availability and fees
Luggage Handling Tips
Standard Luggage
✓ Most taxis can accommodate 2-4 passengers with standard luggage (2 bags per person)
✓ Drivers will typically help load and unload bags
✓ Trunk space varies by vehicle—sedans vs. SUVs/vans
✓ Keep valuables with you in the passenger area
Special Situations
✓ Large groups: Pre-book and request a van or multiple taxis
✓ Oversized items: Call ahead (golf clubs, bikes, surfboards)
✓ Moving/relocation: Arrange for larger vehicle or multiple trips
✓ Groceries/shopping: Most drivers accommodate bags without issue
Pro Tip: If you have more than 4 large suitcases or oversized items, mention this when booking or requesting a taxi. Drivers can often arrange for a larger vehicle or coordinate with another driver to help.
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