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Find competitive car rental prices on Nantucket with Road Genius. Compare rates for SUVs, hatchbacks, minivans and make reservations with no booking fees. Availability is tight in summer, so lock in a compact or 4x4 Jeep early whether you land at ACK or step off the ferry. We scan Hertz at Nantucket Memorial Airport plus local downtown agencies to give you easy pick-up spots across the island.
Nantucket's car rental options are limited due to its island location. Most visitors arrive via ferry or through Nantucket Memorial Airport (ACK).
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Nantucket Memorial Airport (ACK) |
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| Downtown/Near Ferry |
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Transportation to rental locations:
Ferry vs. on-island rental considerations:
On average, car rentals at Nantucket Airport cost around $123 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $39 per day.
Shop both downtown and airport pick-ups in our search. Downtown lots near the ferry avoid airport concession fees and can be a quick walk from the dock.
Peak-summer? Book months out. June–August inventory disappears fast and late bookings can cost double. For May or September, watch prices; they sometimes dip closer to pick-up.
Tweak the dates. A 5-7 day week-long rate or mid-week pickup often beats a 2–3 day weekend booking because many local agencies add minimum-day surcharges.
Rent only for the days you'll actually drive. Use bikes or The Wave shuttle when staying in town, then grab wheels only for beach-hopping days.
Skip the Jeep if you're staying on pavement. Compact cars are cheaper to rent, cheaper on gas and easier to squeeze into Nantucket's tight parking spots.
Refuel mid-island before drop-off. Gas near the airport or ferry is usually 50-70¢ more per gallon.
Where to park:
| Location | Restrictions | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Nantucket | Mostly timed zones (30-60 minutes) | Strictly enforced in summer. Free 2-hour lot at Washington Street available. |
| Beaches | Generally free lots or roadside | Popular spots (Surfside, Jetties) fill by late morning in summer. |
| Siasconset Village | Small public lot and street spaces | Limited spots; time restrictions may apply. |
| Madaket/Cisco | Free lots and shoulder spaces | Less strict enforcement outside town. |
Driving regulations:
Local driving challenges:
Book a rental to visit:
Siasconset – Sankaty Head Lighthouse
Madaket – sunset beach
Surfside Beach – dunes parking
Great Point – lighthouse
Is it necessary to rent a car on Nantucket?
You don't really need one, especially if you're staying in town. The island has a great shuttle bus system (The Wave), bike paths and taxis. However, a car can make things easier for families. It helps you get to faraway places and gives you more freedom in bad weather.
Can I drive on Nantucket beaches?
You can, but only if you have a 4-wheel-drive vehicle and the right beach permit. You cannot drive regular rental cars on the sand. You can rent special Jeeps from companies like Young's that come with the needed permits and equipment.
What's the best way to get around Nantucket without a car?
You can use The Wave shuttle bus system to get to all the main spots and renting a bike is a great option when the weather is nice. You can also get taxis and rideshares, but they can cost a lot when it's busy.
Are there any toll roads on Nantucket?
No, you won't find any toll roads or highways on the island.
How difficult is parking in downtown Nantucket?
It's very hard to find parking in the summer. Most street spots have short time limits (30–60 minutes) and the police check them often. You could try parking at the free 2-hour lot on Washington Street. Or, you can park outside of town and take a shuttle or taxi into the main downtown area.
What happens if I get a parking ticket?
You can pay tickets online or at the town's parking office. If you don't pay a ticket, the rental company might charge it to your credit card and add an extra service fee.
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