“Do you need a car in Nantucket?” That was one of the biggest questions I had before we visited. Honestly, I spent hours researching shuttle routes and alternative transportation options.

We visited Nantucket with our three-year-old, and when you’re traveling with a toddler (or kids in general), having a car feels like a non-negotiable.

But once we traveled to Nantucket, I realized it’s a different type of destination.

If you’re planning a Nantucket trip with kids and trying to figure out whether you need to rent a car (or bring one on the ferry), this is for you.

After spending four days on the island with our three-year-old, here’s my answer: you probably don’t need a car in Nantucket.

In this guide, I’ll walk through all of your options, including biking, shuttles, ride shares, and the specific situations where having a car does make sense.

If you’re in the early stages of planning your trip, where you stay will also factor into this decision. Location can make a big difference in whether you need a car or not. I break that down in my full guide on where to stay in Nantucket with kids.

Some of the links on my site are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. That little bit helps me keep this blog running so I can keep sharing real-life travel tips for families like yours.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Car in Nantucket?

• No, you don’t need a car for most trips
• Especially if you’re staying in Town
• You also don’t need one for short trips (3–4 days) and simple itineraries
• You may want one if you’re staying outside Town or traveling with lots of gear

Short answer: No, most people don’t need a car in Nantucket.

Choosing the right area makes this even easier. Some parts of the island are much more walkable than others, especially with kids. Here’s a full breakdown of the best areas and hotels for families.

When You Don’t Need a Car in Nantucket

For many families, skipping a car is the easier option. You likely don’t need a car if you:

• are staying in Town
• are visiting for only 3–4 days
• plan to keep your itinerary simple
• are traveling with toddlers and sticking to nearby activities

If you’re planning your trip this way, I mapped out a full 3-day Nantucket itinerary with kids that worked really well for us without a car.

When Renting a Car in Nantucket Makes Sense

There are definitely some situations where renting a car in Nantucket is helpful.

You may want to rent a car if you:

• are staying outside of Town (Surfside, Madaket, Sconset)
• want to visit multiple beaches in one day
• are traveling with a lot of gear
• are staying for a longer trip

For families visiting Nantucket with young kids, a car can make beach days easier, especially if you’re hauling towels, snacks, and everything else that comes with little kids.

Where you stay plays a huge role too. I break that down in my full guide on where to stay in Nantucket with kids. It can help to map things out in advance and organize your days without overcomplicating transportation

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Why Many Visitors Skip Renting a Car in Nantucket

On top of that:

• parking in Town is limited
• many hotels offer shuttles
• most restaurants and activities are close together

If you’re trying to keep your trip more budget-friendly, skipping a car is one of the easiest ways to do it.

How to Get Around Nantucket Without a Car

Biking Around Nantucket

One of the best ways to explore the island is by bike. Nantucket has over 30 miles of bike paths that connect:

• Town
• beaches
• local neighborhoods

If you’re traveling with older kids, this is a great option.

Popular routes include:

• Surfside Beach (about 7 miles roundtrip from Town)
• Cisco Beach (about 7.5 miles roundtrip from Town)

Bike rental shops like Island Bike Company, Young’s Bicycle Shop, and Cook’s Cycles offer options for both adults and kids.

I go deeper into this in my Nantucket with kids travel guide, including which routes are best for families.

The Nantucket Shuttle & Bus System

The island’s public transportation system, known as The WAVE, is a really easy option!

• Runs to major beaches and areas (Surfside, Madaket, etc.)
• Budget-friendly (and even free during parts of 2026!)
• Great for families who want to explore without driving

Taxis and Ride Shares

Ride shares like Uber and Lyft are widely available in Nantucket. We used Uber multiple times during our trip and had no issues. In our experience, pickup times were quick and the rides were short since the island is small. The only exception is if you’re traveling during a busy time of day. Believe it or not, Nantucket does have a small rush hour!

This is a great option for:

• dinners
• beach trips
• getting to/from the airport

If you’re traveling with younger kids, I share exactly what worked (and what didn’t) in my full Nantucket with toddlers guide.

What We Did On Our Nantucket Trip

When we visited Nantucket, we chose not to rent a car, and I don’t regret it. We stayed at the Nantucket Inn, which offered:

• an hourly shuttle to Town
• easy access to restaurants and activities

Between the shuttle, walking, and occasional Ubers, we never felt stuck or limited. And because our son was three at the time, we kept the trip simple overall:

• focused on beaches near Town
• planned just 1–2 activities per day

If we had wanted to explore more remote parts of the island, I might have rented a car for a day, but I wouldn’t have gotten one for the full trip.

Tips for Getting Around Nantucket Easily

• Book bike rentals early in peak season
• Reserve ferry spots well in advance if you’re bringing a vehicle
• Stay near Town if you want to skip driving
• Use The WAVE for beach access
• Keep your itinerary simple (especially with little kids!)

FAQ: Do You Need a Car in Nantucket?

Can you visit Nantucket without a car?

Yes! Most families can easily visit Nantucket without a car, especially if staying in Town or using ride shares.

Is Nantucket walkable?

Yes, especially in Town where most hotels, restaurants, and shops are located. Other areas are less walkable but accessible by bike, shuttle or ride share.

Is biking safe in Nantucket?

Yes. Nantucket has over 30 miles of bike paths, making it one of the safest and most enjoyable ways to get around (especially on a sunny, summer day!).

Is it hard to park in Nantucket?

Yes, especially in Town. Limited parking is one reason many visitors skip renting a car.

Can you bring a car on the Nantucket ferry?

Yes, via the Steamship Authority ferry, but reservations are expensive and fill up quickly.  

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Final Thoughts: Is a Car Worth It in Nantucket?

For most visitors, the answer is no, you don’t need a car in Nantucket.

Skipping it can make your trip feel simpler, more relaxed and in line with the slower pace of the island.

That said, there are situations where having a car makes sense, especially if you’re staying outside Town or planning a more active itinerary.

The good news? Nantucket is really easy to explore either way, especially for families with little kids.

If you’re planning a trip and trying to figure out logistics like where to stay, what to do, and how to structure your days with kids, I break it all down in my full Nantucket with kids guide. Make sure to check it out!