How to Get to Nantucket from Los Angeles [2025 Guide]
The best way to get from Los Angeles to Nantucket without a car is to train and bus and ferry which takes 2 days 23h and costs $420 – $2,100.
Dreaming of escaping to the charming cobblestone streets, sandy beaches, and lighthouses of Nantucket Island, Massachusetts? 🏖️ This island off Cape Cod is one of the most picturesque destinations in the U.S. If you’re starting from Los Angeles, there are several ways to get there in 2025—by plane, ferry, or a mix of both.
This guide covers all routes, travel times, costs, and best options for reaching Nantucket from Los Angeles.

✈️ Flights from Los Angeles to Nantucket
The fastest and easiest way is to fly.
- Airline Options: JetBlue, American Airlines, and United often operate seasonal or connecting flights to Nantucket.
- Departure Airport: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- Arrival Airport: Nantucket Memorial Airport (ACK)
- Flight Duration: No direct flights in most cases—expect 1 stop (usually in New York, Boston, or Washington, D.C.). Total time 6–8 hours.
- Cost (2025): Round-trip fares range $350–$700, depending on season and advance booking.
👉 Tip: In summer, JetBlue sometimes offers nonstop seasonal flights from LAX to ACK—check schedules early.
🛥️ Flight + Ferry Option via Boston or Cape Cod
If nonstop flights aren’t available, you can combine flying to Boston and then taking a ferry.
- Step 1: Fly from LAX → Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) (~5.5–6 hours nonstop).
- Step 2: Travel to Hyannis (Cape Cod) by bus, train, or rental car (~1.5–2 hours).
- Step 3: Take a ferry from Hyannis to Nantucket.
- Hy-Line Cruises – High-speed ferry (~1 hour).
- Steamship Authority – Traditional & fast ferries (~1–2 hours).
- Total Duration: ~9–11 hours (including transfers).
- Cost:
- LAX → BOS flight: $250–$500 one-way
- Ferry: $40–$90 per person
👉 This option is flexible, especially when Nantucket flights are expensive or limited.
🚗 Drive + Ferry Option
For travelers who want a road trip:
- Step 1: Fly or drive to Cape Cod (Hyannis). Driving from Boston to Hyannis takes ~2 hours.
- Step 2: Take a ferry to Nantucket.
- Car on Ferry? Yes, but it must be reserved months in advance via Steamship Authority. Most travelers leave their car in Hyannis and walk on.
This option is ideal if you plan to explore Cape Cod before heading to Nantucket.
📊 Travel Options Comparison
| Option | Duration | Cost (One-Way) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Direct Flight (seasonal) | 6.5 hrs | $400–$700 | Fastest & most convenient |
| ✈️ Flight + Connection | 7–8 hrs | $350–$650 | Year-round availability |
| 🛥️ Flight + Ferry (via BOS) | 9–11 hrs | $300–$600 | Flexible & scenic |
| 🚗 Drive + Ferry (via BOS/Hyannis) | 10+ hrs total | $300+ | Road trip + Cape Cod combo |
🌟 Best Way to Get to Nantucket from Los Angeles in 2025
The best option is to book a direct seasonal flight from Los Angeles (LAX) to Nantucket (ACK) if available—it saves time and avoids multiple transfers.
If direct flights are not running, the Boston + Hyannis ferry option is the most reliable, offering a smooth mix of flight and scenic ferry travel.
❓ FAQs: Getting to Nantucket from Los Angeles
Q1. Are there direct flights from Los Angeles to Nantucket?
Yes, but only seasonally with JetBlue. Otherwise, you’ll need a connection.
Q2. How long is a flight from Los Angeles to Nantucket?
Direct: ~6.5 hours. Connecting: 7–8 hours total.
Q3. What’s the cheapest way to get to Nantucket?
Usually, flying to Boston and then taking a Hyannis ferry is the most affordable.
Q4. Can I take a train from Boston to Nantucket?
No direct train to Nantucket. You can take a train to Hyannis, then board a ferry.
Q5. Can I bring a car to Nantucket?
Yes, but space is very limited—Steamship Authority requires reservations months in advance.
Q6. Is it better to fly or take a ferry to Nantucket?
Flying is faster, but the ferry ride is scenic and cheaper if you’re already on Cape Cod.