Mail, Shipping & Package Receiving

Nantucket Post Office

The Nantucket Post Office serves as the island's primary mail hub and is located in the heart of downtown. This historic building handles all incoming and outgoing mail for the island's residents and visitors.

Location and Hours

The main post office is located at 5 Federal Street, just steps from Main Street in the center of town. The building is a charming example of island architecture and is easily accessible on foot from most downtown locations.

• Address: 5 Federal Street, Nantucket, MA 02554
• Phone: (508) 228-1067
• Lobby Hours: Monday through Saturday, 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM
• Window Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM; Saturday 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
• Sunday: Closed

Services Available

The Nantucket Post Office offers the full range of USPS services you would expect from any mainland location.

• Mail services: First Class, Priority, Priority Express, Media Mail
• Package shipping: Domestic and international
• PO Box rentals: Available for residents and extended-stay visitors
• Money orders: Domestic and international
• Stamps and supplies: Full selection available
• Passport services: By appointment

Shipping to Nantucket

Getting packages delivered to Nantucket requires a bit more planning than mainland shipping. All packages must travel by ferry or air, which adds time and sometimes cost to deliveries.

Expected Delivery Times

Shipping to Nantucket typically takes 1-3 days longer than equivalent mainland deliveries. The additional time accounts for transport across the water from the mainland distribution centers.

• USPS Priority Mail: 3-5 business days (vs. 1-3 days on mainland)
• USPS First Class: 5-7 business days
• UPS Ground: 4-6 business days
• FedEx Ground: 4-6 business days
• Express/Overnight: Usually arrives next business day, but not guaranteed

Amazon Delivery on Nantucket

Yes, Amazon delivers to Nantucket, and Prime members can still enjoy many of the benefits of their membership, though with adjusted expectations. Amazon packages typically arrive via USPS for the final delivery leg.

• Prime two-day shipping: Expect 3-5 days instead
• Free shipping threshold: Still applies
• Amazon Fresh/Whole Foods: Not available on Nantucket
• Same-day delivery: Not available
• Locker pickup: Not currently available on island

Many visitors find it helpful to order items before their trip and have them shipped to arrive at their rental before check-in, or to order early in their stay to ensure delivery before departure.

FedEx and UPS on Nantucket

Both major carriers operate on Nantucket, though their presence is different from what you might find on the mainland.

• FedEx: Delivers to residential and commercial addresses; drop-off available at authorized locations downtown
• UPS: Full residential and commercial delivery service; UPS Store located in town
• DHL: Limited service; check availability for specific shipments

Receiving Packages at Rentals

If you are staying in a vacation rental, receiving packages requires some advance coordination. Here are the best practices for ensuring your deliveries arrive safely.

Before You Order

• Confirm with your rental company: Ask about their package policy before shipping anything
• Get the exact address: Some rental properties have different mailing addresses than physical addresses
• Note any special instructions: Gate codes, building numbers, or unit identifiers
• Check delivery access: Some properties have limited access for delivery trucks

Timing Your Deliveries

The most common issue visitors face is packages arriving after they have already left the island. Plan accordingly.

• Ship early: Order at least a week before your arrival if shipping to your rental
• Consider arrival timing: Ask your rental company if packages can be received before your check-in date
• Use tracking: Always opt for tracked shipping to monitor delivery progress
• Have a backup plan: Know who to contact if a package does not arrive

Hotel Package Receiving

Most Nantucket hotels will accept packages for guests, though policies vary.

• Contact concierge: Call ahead to confirm package acceptance policy
• Include reservation details: Add your arrival date and confirmation number to the shipping label
• Check for fees: Some hotels charge a handling fee for packages
• Size limitations: Large items may not be accepted

Shipping Items Home

Bought too many souvenirs? Picked up antiques you cannot carry? Shipping items home from Nantucket is straightforward with several convenient options.

Packing and Shipping Services

• The UPS Store: Full packing and shipping services, boxes and supplies available
• Nantucket Post Office: USPS Priority Mail flat rate boxes are a budget-friendly option
• Local shops: Many gift shops and galleries offer shipping for purchases

Shipping Fragile Items

Nantucket is known for its art galleries, antique shops, and unique crafts. If you have purchased something fragile or valuable, take extra precautions.

• Professional packing: The UPS Store offers expert packing for fragile items
• Insurance: Always insure valuable shipments
• Specialized carriers: For fine art or antiques, ask shops about art shipping services
• Documentation: Keep receipts and take photos before shipping

Postal Rates from Nantucket

Shipping from Nantucket does not cost more than shipping from the mainland. Standard USPS, UPS, and FedEx rates apply based on weight, size, and destination.

• USPS Priority Mail: Flat rate boxes start around $10 for small, $16 for medium, $23 for large
• UPS Ground: Rates vary by weight and destination
• FedEx: Competitive rates with UPS for most shipments

The Nantucket Postcard Tradition

There is something wonderfully nostalgic about sending a postcard from Nantucket. The island has a long tradition of postcard correspondence, and many visitors consider it an essential part of the Nantucket experience.

Where to Find Postcards

Postcards featuring classic Nantucket scenes are available throughout the island.

• Mitchell's Book Corner: Great selection of island photography postcards
• Nantucket Bookworks: Literary and artistic postcards
• Gift shops on Main Street: Wide variety of scenic and humorous postcards
• Museum shops: Historic and archival image postcards
• The Hub: Classic news-stand style postcard selection

Mailing Your Postcards

Stamps are available at the post office, many shops that sell postcards, and some hotels. Current domestic postcard postage is $0.56 (as of 2025). Drop your stamped postcards in any blue USPS mailbox around town or at the post office.

Tips for Extended Stays

If you are spending a week or more on Nantucket, or if you are a seasonal resident, these additional tips will help you manage mail and packages effectively.

Mail Forwarding

• USPS mail forwarding: Can be set up online at usps.com for temporary address changes
• Hold mail service: USPS will hold your mail at your home post office for up to 30 days
• Package forwarding services: Companies like Shipito can consolidate and forward packages

PO Box Rentals

For extended stays or seasonal residents, renting a PO Box at the Nantucket Post Office provides a reliable address for all mail and small packages.

• Box sizes: Multiple sizes available based on your needs
• Rental periods: Minimum 3-month rental, with longer terms available
• Package notification: You will receive a key or notification when packages arrive
• Application: Apply in person at the post office with two forms of ID

Subscription Services

If you have regular subscription boxes or deliveries, update your shipping address or consider pausing subscriptions during your Nantucket stay to avoid missed deliveries at home.