BY AIR:

If you choose to fly, two airlines provide service to the island - and your decision is narrowed down by your point of departure. If you're coming from Massachusetts or Rhode Island, Cape Air has flights from Logan Airport in Boston, Providence's TF Green Airport, and New Bedford.

US Airways is the way to go if you're coming from Philadelphia, New York, or DC.

Both airlines have flights from Hyannis.

BY SEA:

If travelling by boat, you have eight ferry services to choose from. Each has their benefits and drawbacks, so read carefully.

The Steamship Authority:

If you want to bring a vehicle you have no choice - the Steamship Authority runs the only car ferry. Reservations can be hard to come by, but don't fear, the island has rental cars as well as public transportation and the relatively small size makes it ideal for vehicle-less visitors.

Travel time: 45 minutes

Frequency: Many trips a day almost every hour until 10pm in the summer. Fewer, but still frequent trips in the off-season

Passenger fare: $8

Parking: $10 a day

Martha's Vineyard Fast Ferry:

If you're travelling from New York, the closest ferry is the Martha's Vineyard Fast Ferry from Quonset Point, RI.

Travel time: 90 minutes

Frequency: 3-4 trips a day, seasonal

Passenger fare: $46 one way/$69 round trip

Parking: $10 a day

New England Fast Ferry:

The fastest way to the Vineyard by ferry, including time in your car and on the water is travelling from New Bedford on the New England Fast Ferry.

Travel time: one hour

Frequency: 9 trips in the summer, 3-5 in the off-season

Passenger fare: $29 one way/$58 round trip

Parking: $10 a day

Hy-Line:

The Hy-Line operates both a fast ferry and traditional ferry service from Hyannis.

Travel time: high speed ferry - 55 minutes; traditional ferry trip - 95 minutes

Frequency: 4-5 trips a day, seasonal

Passenger fare: $59 r/t high speed/$37 r/t traditional

Parking: $5-$15 a day, depending on season

Island Queen:

Another good option for those exploring the Cape.

Travel Time: 35 minutes

Frequency: 7-8 trips in the summer, 2-5 in the spring and fall, no winter service.

Passenger fare: $8 one way/$15 round trip

Parking: $15 a day