Q&As

Q: Do I need to bring my car to Nantucket?
A: No. The NRTA Shuttle provides island-wide transportation. If you do bring your car, use the Shuttle for your trips to Town.

Q: How can I see the outlying areas of the island if I don’t bring a car?
A: You can use the NRTA Shuttle to travel around the island, to public beaches, and to the airport. There are a number of bike-rental shops and great bike paths that will provide you with beautiful views of the island. Van tours, bus tours, and walking tours are available. Tour information can be obtained from Visitor Services at 25 Federal Street. See the Island Maps and Routes for more information

Q: How much does is Cost?
A: For detailed rates visit the Fares and Passes section.

$1.00 – Mid-Island Loop $2.00 – Sconset Routes (each way)
$1.00 – Miacomet Loop $2.00 – Madaket Route (each way)
$1.00 – Jetties Beach (each way) $2.00 – Surfside Beach (each way)
$2.00 – Airport (each way)
Half Fare: 65 or older, and people with disabilities.
Free: 6 and under if accompanied by an adult.

Q: Do I need exact fare to board the bus?
A: We accept US Currency only. $2.00 bills are not accepted. Exact fare is preferred. No cash is returned from the farebox. Change is given in the form of credit ticket vouchers for future ride usage only and is not redeemable for cash. NO EXCEPTIONS!

Q: What about discounts for frequent riders?
A: For detailed rates visit Fares & Passes.
Purchase short term passes aboard the shuttles: - prices available soon

• 1-day Pass - $7
• 3-day Pass - $12
• 7-day Pass - $20

Purchase one month and season passes at the NRTA Office, 3 East Chestnut Street (M-F – 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.):
Season - $80; Off-Island Students - $70; Commuter - $70; Senior/Disabled - $40
Nantucket Student - $40; one month pass - $50

Q: Does the Shuttle meet the ferries?
A: No matter what ferry you arrive on, it is not more than a one or two block walk to most in-town Shuttle boarding points.

Q: I am disabled. How can I use the Shuttle?
A: Yes. All Shuttles are accessible to people with disabilities. If you need special door-to-door service, call (508) 325-7516 ahead of time. Please give us 24 hours notice of your plans. The Shuttle office is not open on weekends or holidays, so please plan ahead.

Q: Does the Shuttle provide service to the beaches?
A: Yes! Service is provided to Madaket Beach, Sconset Beach, Surfside Beach, and Jetties Beach. Check the Island Maps and Routes section.

Q: Can I bring my bicycle on the Shuttle?
A: Yes, all Shuttle buses are equipped with bicycle racks that accommodate two bicycles, first come first serve basis. Stationery bike racks are provided at several stops.

Q: If I ride my bicycle to the beach, is there someplace to lock it up?
A: Yes, but please make sure your bring along a bicycle lock.

Q: Does the Shuttle service the airport?
A: Yes, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM., daily, July 1 – Labor Day, every 20 minutes.

Q: Can pets be brought on the Shuttle bus?
A: Yes, leashed or caged, well behaved, clean and dry; pets cannot sit on the seats.

Q: Are there seat belts or another way of securing small children on the Shuttle?
A: No, babies and small children can sit next to a parent or be held on the lap at parents’ discretion. Strollers must be folded while on the bus.

Q: What are the shuttle fares for Senior Citizens, young children and person with disabilities?
A: Half fares are charged, and passes are available; children under 6 years ride for free. Drivers may request a form of identification from seniors with proof of age.

Q: If I do not live along a Shuttle route, how can I get to town without my car?
A: The NRTA provides Park & Ride lots along the Mid-Island Loop and Miacomet Loop. Lots are located at the Chicken Box, the Muse, Nantucket Elementary School, Oddfellows Lodge, and Faregrounds Restaurant. See the map on the Park and Ride page.

Q: How do I find transportation from the Steamship Authority?
A:

• For Madaket destinations and Jetties Beach: Catch the Shuttle in front of The Whaling Museum on Broad Street.
• All other Shuttles are located in the Washington / Salem Street area (one block from Main Street)

Q: How can I get a taxi?
A: Taxi stands are at the airport, at Steamboat Wharf on the far side of the parking lot, and at several locations near lower Main Street. See the taxi page for more information.

Q: Where can I get other Nantucket information?
A: Visitor Services is located at 25 Federal Street; The Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce is located at Zero Main Street. And check out our list of Helpful Links.

Q: What else should I know?
A: If you plan to ride the Shuttle after dark, please bring along a flashlight to flag down the bus and use it when you get off. Taxis and tour busesare available on the island. The Rider’s Guide is available upon request in large print format and on audio cassette.