Uber, Lyft & Taxis: Getting Around Nantucket

Uber and Lyft on Nantucket: The Reality

Yes, both Uber and Lyft are available on Nantucket - but with significant limitations that set expectations apart from mainland experiences. The island's small year-round population of about 14,000 residents means the driver pool is extremely limited, and service availability fluctuates dramatically with the seasons and time of day.

Seasonal Availability

During peak summer season (June through August), you will find more drivers active on the island, though still far fewer than you would encounter in any mainland city. Wait times of 15-30 minutes are common even during busy periods. The limited number of drivers means that during events, after restaurant closing time, and when ferries arrive, availability can drop to zero.

In the shoulder seasons (May and September-October), rideshare availability decreases noticeably. You might open the app and find just one or two drivers available on the entire island - or none at all. During the off-season (November through April), Uber and Lyft become essentially unreliable, with very few active drivers willing to brave the quieter winter months.

Surge Pricing Reality

Surge pricing on Nantucket can be significant. When a Steamship Authority ferry arrives carrying hundreds of passengers, or when a wedding reception ends and guests all need rides simultaneously, prices can spike to 2-4 times the normal rate. Major events like the Nantucket Wine Festival, Daffodil Festival, or Fourth of July weekend often see consistent surge pricing throughout peak hours.

When Rideshare Works Best

Rideshare apps can work reasonably well during midday hours in summer when demand is lower and some drivers are available. A quick downtown trip or a ride to your rental property during off-peak times may go smoothly. However, never rely solely on Uber or Lyft for time-sensitive transportation like catching a ferry or flight.

Nantucket Taxi Companies: Your Reliable Option

For dependable transportation on Nantucket, local taxi companies remain the most reliable choice. These services operate year-round, know the island intimately, and can be booked in advance - something that gives them a significant advantage over rideshare apps for critical transportation needs.

Recommended Taxi Services

Val's Cab Service

Phone: (508) 228-9410

A trusted local taxi service with drivers who know every corner of the island. Val's provides reliable transportation year-round and is known for punctual airport and ferry pickups. They accept credit cards and offer metered fares. For early morning departures or peak-time rides, calling ahead the day before is recommended.

ACK Shoreline Taxi

Phone: (508) 228-4433

Another dependable option for island-wide transportation. ACK Shoreline Taxi handles airport pickups, ferry terminal transfers, and beach transportation. During summer months, advance booking is strongly recommended, especially for ferry arrivals and departures.

Additional Taxi Numbers to Save

Having multiple taxi numbers stored in your phone ensures you can find a ride even when one company is fully booked:

• All Point Taxi: (508) 228-5779
• Chief's Cab: (508) 325-5516
• Nantucket Taxi: (508) 228-0057

Save these numbers before you arrive on the island - you will appreciate having them when your phone battery is low and you need a quick ride.

Typical Taxi Fares on Nantucket

Nantucket taxi fares are metered, though some trips to common destinations have established standard rates. Here is what you can expect to pay for typical routes:

From the Airport (ACK)

• Airport to Downtown: $15-20
• Airport to Steamship Wharf: $15-20
• Airport to Sconset: $35-45
• Airport to Madaket: $30-40
• Airport to Surfside: $20-25

From the Ferry Terminal

• Ferry to Downtown Hotels: $8-15
• Ferry to Mid-Island Areas: $15-25
• Ferry to Sconset: $35-45
• Ferry to Madaket: $30-40
• Ferry to Cisco/Surfside: $20-30

Beach Transportation

• Downtown to Jetties Beach: $10-12
• Downtown to Surfside Beach: $18-22
• Downtown to Cisco Beach: $20-25
• Downtown to Madaket Beach: $28-35
• Downtown to Sconset Beach: $35-45

Note: Fares may vary slightly based on exact pickup and dropoff locations, time of day, and traffic conditions. These estimates are for standard metered rides - surge pricing on Uber/Lyft can be significantly higher during peak demand.

When to Use Taxis vs. Other Transportation

Knowing when a taxi makes sense versus other options will help you save money and avoid frustration.

Best Times to Use a Taxi

• Early morning ferry or flight: Book the night before for guaranteed pickup
• Arriving at the ferry terminal with luggage: Much easier than wrestling bags onto a shuttle
• Late night after dinner or drinks: The NRTA shuttle stops running by early evening
• Rainy days: When biking is not appealing
• Traveling with young children: Car seats are required - bring your own or confirm availability
• Special occasions: Weddings, anniversaries, or just wanting a hassle-free evening

When to Consider Alternatives

• Beach trips during the day: The NRTA shuttle is $2 and runs regularly to most beaches
• Downtown exploring: Walking is the best way to experience Nantucket Town
• Trips under 3 miles: Biking is often faster and always more scenic
• Sconset on a nice day: The bike path is beautiful - ride out, shuttle back
• Multiple beach destinations: A daily bike rental is more economical

Peak Demand Times: Plan Ahead

Understanding when taxi demand spikes will help you avoid being left without a ride.

Ferry Arrivals

When a Steamship Authority ferry docks - especially the fast ferry from Hyannis - hundreds of passengers arrive simultaneously. Taxi lines form quickly at Steamship Wharf, and both rideshare and taxi availability plummets island-wide. If you are arriving by ferry and need a taxi, either book in advance or be prepared to wait 20-30 minutes.

Restaurant Closing Time

Between 9:30 PM and 11:00 PM, downtown empties as restaurants close and diners seek rides home. This is one of the most challenging times to find available transportation. If you are dining out and need a ride back to a rental property, consider calling a taxi around dessert time to ensure availability.

Event Nights

Major events create transportation chaos. The Nantucket Film Festival, Wine Festival, and summer concerts all generate intense demand. During these periods, book your taxi days in advance for any critical transportation needs.

Weather Changes

When an afternoon storm rolls in, everyone who was planning to bike suddenly needs a ride. Taxis become scarce within minutes of the first raindrops. Check the forecast and plan accordingly.

Booking in Advance vs. Hailing

Your booking strategy should depend on when and why you need the ride.

Always Book in Advance For:

• Early morning ferry departures (5:30 AM, 6:30 AM boats)
• Flight departures from Nantucket Memorial Airport
• Wedding transportation
• Event nights when you know your schedule
• Large groups needing multiple vehicles

For critical trips, call the taxi company the day before. Provide your name, phone number, pickup location, destination, and exact pickup time. Confirm the fare estimate and ask for the driver's direct number if available.

Same-Day Booking Works For:

• Midday trips during shoulder season
• Off-peak hours (early afternoon, mid-morning)
• Rainy day backups when plans change

Call 30-60 minutes before you need the ride. Be flexible with your timing if possible.

Hailing/Walk-Up Options:

Taxis often line up at the Steamship Wharf when ferries arrive and at the airport when flights land. During busy summer days, you may also find taxis waiting near popular downtown locations. However, do not count on walk-up availability for time-sensitive needs.

Tipping Customs

Tipping your taxi driver on Nantucket follows standard American customs, though island drivers particularly appreciate generous tips given the seasonal nature of their work.

• Standard tip: 15-20% of the fare
• Excellent service or luggage assistance: 20-25%
• Short downtown rides: Minimum $2-3 even if the fare is small
• Advance bookings honored perfectly: Consider 25% for reliability

Most taxis accept credit cards, but having cash for tips is appreciated. Many drivers have limited ability to make change, so small bills are helpful.

Alternatives to Taxis and Rideshare

Before automatically reaching for a taxi, consider these alternatives that may be more economical, more enjoyable, or more readily available.

NRTA Shuttle (The Wave)

The Nantucket Regional Transit Authority operates an affordable bus system connecting downtown to beaches, Sconset, Madaket, and the airport. At just $1-2 per ride or $7 for an unlimited day pass, The Wave is by far the most economical transportation option. Service runs extended hours during summer with buses every 20-30 minutes on popular routes.

Bike Rentals

Nantucket has over 30 miles of dedicated bike paths, making cycling the most popular way to explore the island. Bike rentals typically cost $30-50 per day with weekly discounts available. For most beach trips and downtown exploration, biking is faster, cheaper, and more scenic than any vehicle.

Walking

Downtown Nantucket is completely walkable, with restaurants, shops, and attractions all within easy strolling distance. Children's Beach and Brant Point are also accessible on foot from the town center. Wear comfortable shoes - the cobblestones can be tricky.

Hotel Shuttles

Several Nantucket hotels and inns offer complimentary shuttle service to the ferry terminal and airport. Ask about this amenity when booking your accommodation - it can save significant money on arrival and departure day transportation.

Apps and Resources

Having the right apps installed before you arrive will make island transportation smoother.

• Uber and Lyft: Download both - driver availability varies between platforms
• Google Maps: Works well for walking and biking directions on Nantucket
• NRTA Website: Check nrtawave.com for current shuttle schedules and route maps
• Your phone's contacts app: Pre-save local taxi numbers