How to Get to Nantucket From Chicago [2026 Guide]
Fly direct from Chicago to Nantucket in 2.5–3 hours ($300–$500 round trip, seasonal). Alternatives include Boston flights plus ferry (5–6 hours total, $200–$400). Driving + ferry takes 17–18 hours.
Nantucket, Massachusetts, is one of the most charming island destinations on the East Coast, famous for its cobblestone streets, historic lighthouses, and pristine beaches. Traveling from Chicago to Nantucket can be quick and easy in summer thanks to direct flights, or you can combine flights and ferries year-round for a more scenic journey. Here’s the complete 2026 guide on how to get to Nantucket from Chicago.
🛫 Direct Flights From Chicago to Nantucket
Flying is the fastest, most convenient way to reach Nantucket from Chicago, offering seamless access straight to the island. Seasonal nonstop flights departing from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) to Nantucket Memorial Airport (ACK) have a quick flight duration of approx. 2.5 to 3 hours.
Round-trip airfares typically range from $300 to $500, though prices can surge significantly during peak summer tourist months. Major carriers like United Airlines and American Airlines frequently operate these direct summer routes from late spring through September. While taking a direct flight saves valuable travel time and eliminates layovers, availability is strictly limited to the peak tourist season.
✈️ Flights + Ferry Combination
Outside the summer, most travelers connect through Boston or New York before taking a ferry.
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Step 1 – Fly to Boston (BOS): Flights from Chicago to Boston take 2.5 hours and cost $150–$300 round trip.
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Step 2 – Drive/Bus to Ferry: From Boston Logan, drive 1.5 hours or take a 2-hour bus to Hyannis on Cape Cod.
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Step 3 – Ferry to Nantucket: The high-speed ferry from Hyannis takes 1 hour ($40–$50 each way), while the traditional ferry takes 2 hours 15 minutes ($20–$30).
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Total Duration: 5–6 hours including transfers.
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Cost: Combined airfare and ferry tickets total around $200–$400.
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🚗 Driving From Chicago to Nantucket
Driving from Chicago to Nantucket is a long-distance road trip covering approximately 1,050 miles with a total driving time of 16 to 17 hours of nonstop travel. The fastest and most direct route utilizes I-90 East through major cities like Cleveland, Buffalo, and Albany before heading toward Cape Cod in Massachusetts.
Upon arriving in Hyannis, travelers must take a ferry crossing to Nantucket, which adds an additional 1 to 2 hours to the journey. Estimated travel expenses include $150 to $200 in fuel costs, alongside ferry ticket prices ranging from $20 to $50 per passenger and $200 to $400 for vehicle transport.
While driving offers maximum travel flexibility and great sightseeing opportunities along the East Coast, it ultimately requires committing nearly two full days of travel each way.
🚖 Local Transportation on Nantucket
Biking is exceptionally popular due to the island’s extensive network of paved paths, with bicycle rentals starting around $25 per day, making it an eco-friendly and scenic option for exploring local beaches and downtown areas.
For budget-conscious travelers, the Nantucket Regional Transit Authority (NRTA) operates seasonal island shuttle buses—commonly known as the Wave—with affordable fares ranging from $2 to $3 per ride.
Taxis and rideshare services are also readily available with fares generally costing between $10 and $25 depending on the distance, though availability can sometimes be limited during peak afternoon and evening hours. While car rentals are available on the island, they tend to be quite expensive—often ranging from $100 to $200 per day—and are rarely necessary since parking is heavily restricted and strictly limited in downtown Nantucket.
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Travel Cost Summary
| Travel Mode | Duration | Cost (per person) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Flight (ORD → ACK) | 2.5–3 hours | $300–$500 | Seasonal nonstop flights, fastest way in summer |
| Flight + Ferry (via Boston) | 5–6 hours | $200–$400 | Year-round option with scenic ferry ride |
| Driving + Ferry | 17–18 hours | $200–$600 | Long road trip + ferry, flexible for sightseeing |
| Ferry (Hyannis → Nantucket) | 1–2.25 hours | $20–$50 per person | Car ferries cost $200–$400 one way |
| Local Transport in Nantucket | N/A | $2–$200 per day | Bikes, buses, taxis, and rentals available |
FAQs About How to Get to Nantucket From Chicago
Q1: Are there direct flights from Chicago to Nantucket?
Yes, but only seasonally (May–September). United and American offer nonstop flights taking 2.5–3 hours.
Q2: How much does it cost to get to Nantucket from Chicago?
Flights range $300–$500, while flight + ferry combinations cost $200–$400. Driving costs $200–$600 including fuel and ferry.
Q3: How long is the ferry from Cape Cod to Nantucket?
The high-speed ferry from Hyannis takes 1 hour, while the traditional ferry takes about 2 hours 15 minutes.
Q4: Can I bring my car to Nantucket?
Yes, but space is limited and expensive. Car ferry tickets cost $200–$400 one way. Most visitors rely on bikes, buses, or taxis instead.
Q5: What’s the best time to visit Nantucket?
Summer offers the best weather and nonstop flights, while spring and fall are ideal for fewer crowds and lower prices.
This 2026 Chicago-to-Nantucket travel guide explains the fastest flights, scenic ferry routes, driving options, costs, and best seasons to enjoy the island.