Ride the Freedom Ferry to Nantucket
Trying to spend a day on Nantucket and be back to the Lower Cape by dinner? Take the Freedom Ferry and enjoy a day on the island with FREE day parking!
Depending on how long you want to make your visit, the Freedom Ferry has an 8:00 am and 11:30 am ferry to Nantucket that leaves from Saquatucket Harbor in Harwich Port.
The ferry departs from Saquatucket Harbor in Harwich Port, which means you can avoid the Mid Cape traffic! After reserving your tickets, head down to the Freedom Ferry booth to pick them up on the day of your travel. Once you have your ticket, you are ready to board!
When you arrive at the boat, you will be greeted by the crew of the Freedom Ferry. The staff are all extremely friendly and humorous! They are happy to assist you with anything you may need while aboard the vessel.
Onboard you will find various seating areas. Choose to enjoy the ride from the comfort of inside the vessel or from a seat on the deck. Riding back at sunset? Be sure to grab a spot on the upper deck for the perfect view. Not to worry, there is a snack bar onboard offering a variety of treats and local beers and spirits. Toast your adventure with a cold one from Nantucket's own Cisco Brewery!
As you begin to see land, get your camera ready for some breathtaking views. Brant Point Lighthouse is your official welcome to the island and an iconic shot. Once docked, you will be conveniently dropped off in downtown at Straight Wharf, which is just steps away from shopping, restaurants, and the historic cobblestone streets.
If you are traveling round trip, the boat will meet you at the exact same location where you were dropped off. Try and keep note of this, so that you are not late trying to figure out where its located. Sometimes there are several ferry lines at the same time, so always check to make sure you are in the correct line. You don't want to miss the boat!
Here is a break down of the ticket prices for Freedom Cruise Line:
Adults | $80 round trip or $50 one way
Children | $55 round trip or $35 one way
Infants | $12 round trip or $8 one way
Bringing your bike? It's $15 round trip or $10 one way.
All day trippers parking is free and overnight parking is $25/night.
Become a DTC+ Member to receive $6 off round trip tickets.
Catch the ferry back
Freedom Ferry offers a 4:10 and 7:30 rides back to Harwich. Be sure to give yourself enough time to return your bikes before you board. Once you're on the ferry, sit back and enjoy your ride. As you post photos of your adventure from the day, don't forget to tag us! @downthecapetravelguide