Nantucket Memorial Airport
Nantucket, US · 3 miles southeast of Nantucket town center
Getting to the city
| Mode | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Avis On-site car rental · .+ | — | — |
| Hertz On-site car rental · .+ | — | — |
| Local Bus Route to Town Bus · Every 30-60 min in peak season daytime hours on routes serving the airport, per NRTA summer schedule. | Roughly 15-25 min total travel time from ACK to downtown when including a short walk, based on NRTA timetable segments between the airport/mid‑island and town. | $3 one‑way adult fare on NRTA ‘The Wave’, per published fare info for fixed routes. |
| Taxi Stand Curbside · .+30 | About 10-15 min from ACK to downtown, reported by multiple TripAdvisor users describing the ride as ~10 minutes depending on traffic. | — |
Insider notes
The Crosswinds Restaurant, accessible independently from the terminal, serves as a peaceful retreat with extensive hours, especially useful when the terminal is partially closed.
Factoring in weather delays, particularly fog, is essential when flying with Cape Air or JetBlue, as flight rolling delays are common, notably in mornings and evenings.
To dodge long walks during bustling periods, identify whether your baggage will be claimed at Claim A or Claim B ahead of time.
Welcome
Nantucket Memorial Airport (ACK) might be the only airport where you feel like you're stepping onto a ferry dock with wings. Just 3 miles southeast of Nantucket town center, it transforms from a quiet hub in the winter to a frantic, bustling gateway in the summer. During peak season, ACK becomes one of the busiest airports in New England, handling everything from Cessna puddle-jumpers to Gulfstreams, all through a single terminal. Travelers often appreciate how quickly they can transition from plane to car, but the island's weather, like fog and wind, alongside rental car demands, dominate the travel experience here.
At a glance
Nantucket Memorial Airport caters to roughly 250,000 passengers annually with one main terminal. It's served by major airlines such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and JetBlue Airways. Despite its single-terminal setup, ACK is a critical transit point for both commercial and private flights, featuring essential amenities like two restaurants, Crosswinds Restaurant and Terminal Café and Snack Bar, and two lounges under Nantucket Jet Center and Rectrix Aviation. It is just 3 miles from Nantucket town, making it an integral part of the island's travel infrastructure.
Terminals & layout
ACK boasts a simple layout with only one terminal, making navigation straightforward. The terminal is equipped to handle both the rush of summer traffic and the quieter off-season. Two baggage claims handle different flights: Claim A is for off-season and non-secured bags, while Claim B handles busy summer commercial flights. A small range of dining options includes the Crosswinds Restaurant, accessible both from an interior and exterior entrance. Limited retail includes a gift shop and vending machines.
Getting to and from the city
Transportation options to and from the airport include taxis and local bus routes. A taxi ride is about 10-15 minutes from ACK to downtown Nantucket, though this can vary with traffic. The NRTA 'The Wave' offers a cost-effective option at $3 per one-way adult fare, taking approximately 15-25 minutes including a short walk. For car rentals, Hertz and Avis are on-site, though availability is notoriously tight during summer weekends, with lines often extending out.
Traveller essentials
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal and is often used by business travelers camped out at tables near Crosswinds Restaurant or the gift shop. Car rental reservations are suggested months in advance, especially for peak summer weekends. The airport’s proximity to town makes cabs an attractive alternative, reducing the need for rental cars for short stays.
Dining & shopping highlights
While dining options are limited, Crosswinds Restaurant is highly recommended for a solid meal with diner-style breakfasts and hearty plates, especially in the morning. The Terminal Café and Snack Bar offers basic grab-and-go items but may have limited hours during the off-season. Unique to ACK, the terminal doubles as a small art gallery where work from local artists is displayed and available for purchase.
Lounges
Exclusive lounge experiences are offered at the Nantucket Jet Center and Rectrix Aviation, providing amenities more typical of a fixed-base operator (FBO) than a public terminal. These lounges cater to private jet travelers, offering quieter seating, premium coffee, and concierge services, ideal for those looking to escape the summer crowds.
Insider tips
- Insider: The Crosswinds Restaurant, accessible independently from the terminal, serves as a peaceful retreat with extensive hours, especially useful when the terminal is partially closed.
- Time: Factoring in weather delays, particularly fog, is essential when flying with Cape Air or JetBlue, as flight rolling delays are common, notably in mornings and evenings.
- Avoid: To dodge long walks during bustling periods, identify whether your baggage will be claimed at Claim A or Claim B ahead of time.
- Money: Book Hertz or Avis rentals well in advance; on busy summer weekends, rentals sell out fast, pushing demand to expensive taxi rides.
- Quiet: The south-end Baggage Claim A area is a calm waiting spot, ideal when meeting arrivals off-peak and offering convenient access to car rental counters.
- Local: Airport art by Nantucket artists is not just for viewing; pieces here are easier and often cheaper to purchase when compared to island galleries.
- Insider: Lounge at the Nantucket Jet Center or Rectrix Aviation for a more relaxed pre-flight experience, especially during the summer frenzy.