It is an island and town in southeastern Massachusetts, about 30 miles south of Cape Cod in the Atlantic Ocean. It forms it County and sits south of Nantucket Sound, roughly 20 miles east of Martha’s Vineyard.
Introduction
If you are trying to locate it , the simplest answer is that it is an island off the southeastern coast of Massachusetts. It sits about 30 miles south of Cape Cod, with Nantucket Sound separating it from the mainland.
The island has a distinctive geographic and governmental structure. The Town of Nantucket and Nantucket County share the same general governmental boundaries, while the town includes its Island as well as the smaller islands of Tuckernuck and Muskeget.
Several familiar New England landmarks make the location easier to understand. Cape Cod lies to the north, Martha’s Vineyard sits to the west, and the Atlantic Ocean extends along the southern and eastern sides.
Quick Facts
| Fact | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Southeastern Massachusetts |
| State | Massachusetts |
| County | Nantucket County |
| Region | New England |
| Country | United States |
| Continent | North America |
| Type | Island and town |
| Approx. Coordinates | 41.3° N, 70.1° W |
| Nearby Mainland | Cape Cod |
| Nearby Island | Martha’s Vineyard |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time |
| Distance from Cape Cod | About 30 miles |
| Population | About 14,758 (July 2025 estimate) |
The U.S. Census Bureau identifies it as the town of Nantucket in Nantucket County, Massachusetts. Its July 2025 population estimate was approximately 14,758 residents.
Where Is Nantucket Located?
It lies off the southeastern coast of Massachusetts in the Atlantic Ocean. The island sits approximately 30 miles south of Cape Cod, which provides the most useful mainland reference point.
Its sound separates the island from Cape Cod. Martha’s Vineyard is farther west, while the Atlantic Ocean surrounds the southern and eastern sides.
A simple directional view looks like this:
- North: Nantucket Sound and Cape Cod
- West: Martha’s Vineyard and waters toward mainland Massachusetts
- South: Atlantic Ocean
- East: Atlantic Ocean
This location makes it one of the outer islands of southeastern Massachusetts.
What State Is Nantucket In?
It is in Massachusetts, one of the six states that make up New England.
Unlike communities located on the mainland, this island sits offshore from the state’s southeastern coast. It is also part of Nantucket County.
The local geographic structure can be summarized as:
Nantucket Island → Town of Nantucket → Nantucket County → Massachusetts → United States → North America
This arrangement explains why different sources may describe the same area as an island, town, county, or community.
Where Is Nantucket on a Map?
To find it on a map, first locate Massachusetts in the northeastern United States. Then look toward the state’s southeastern coast and find Cape Cod.
Martha’s Vineyard appears west of the island, while the Atlantic Ocean extends beyond its southern and eastern shores.
The approximate coordinates are 41.3° north latitude and 70.1° west longitude. Census geographic data place it County near 41.30° N and 70.12° W.
For a simple mental map, picture the area this way:
Massachusetts mainland → Cape Cod → Nantucket Sound → Nantucket
Martha’s Vineyard sits to the west.
What Is Nantucket Near?
The island sits close to several important geographic features in southeastern New England.
Cape Cod
Cape Cod is the most useful mainland reference point. It lies roughly 30 miles north across its Sound.
Hyannis, a community on Cape Cod, is especially important because it provides year-round ferry connections to the island.
Martha’s Vineyard
Martha’s Vineyard lies west of it . Geographic information from the Town of Nantucket places the two islands approximately 20 miles apart, with Nantucket to the east.
Nantucket Sound
Nantucket Sound lies between the island and Cape Cod. This body of water plays an important role in the area’s geography and transportation network.
Atlantic Ocean
The Atlantic extends along the southern and eastern sides of the island. Its offshore position gives it a distinctly separate geographic identity from mainland Massachusetts.
What Cities Are Near Nantucket?
It does not sit beside a major mainland city. Instead, nearby population centers are separated from the island by water.
Hyannis is one of the most important nearby mainland communities because it serves as a major ferry departure point.
Other reference points include communities throughout Cape Cod and southeastern Massachusetts. Boston lies considerably farther north, while Providence, Rhode Island, is farther west.
For understanding the island’s location, Cape Cod and Hyannis provide more useful reference points than either Boston or Providence.
How Far Is Nantucket From Cape Cod?
It is approximately 30 miles south of Cape Cod. The figure provides a useful general measurement of the distance between the island and mainland Massachusetts.
The exact distance can vary depending on which points on Cape Cod and it you measure.
The basic relationship remains simple:
Nantucket sits about 30 miles south of Cape Cod across Nantucket Sound.
Because water separates the two areas, travelers normally reach the island by ferry or airplane rather than by road.
How Far Is Nantucket From Martha’s Vineyard?
It is approximately 20 miles east of Martha’s Vineyard.
Both islands sit off southeastern Massachusetts, but they occupy different positions. Martha’s Vineyard lies farther west, while it sits farther south and east.
Water separates the two islands, although their relatively close positions make them important neighboring islands within the same coastal region.
Is Nantucket Part of Cape Cod?
No. It is a separate island from Cape Cod.
Cape Cod is a peninsula attached to mainland Massachusetts, while it lies offshore to the south.
The two areas often appear together in geographic discussions because of their close proximity. Its sound separates them, and ferry services connect the island with Hyannis on Cape Cod.
The distinction is easy to remember:
- Cape Cod: Peninsula connected to mainland Massachusetts
- Nantucket: Island south of Cape Cod
- Nantucket Sound: Water separating them
- Martha’s Vineyard: Separate island west of Nantucket
Is Nantucket an Island or a Town?
It can accurately refer to both a geographic island and a town.
Its Island is the main landform. The Town of Nantucket provides local government for Nantucket Island and the smaller islands of Tuckernuck and Muskeget.
The town and Nantucket County also share the same general governmental boundaries. As a result, the name appears in several geographic contexts.
When people discuss the physical location, they usually mean the island. Government and Census sources may instead use the town or county designation.
How Do You Get to Nantucket?
Because the island is surrounded by water, no road directly connects it with mainland Massachusetts.
The primary year-round ways to reach it are ferry service and air travel.
Ferry From Hyannis
The Town of it identifies Hy-Line Cruises and the Steamship Authority as year-round ferry operators serving the route between Hyannis and Nantucket.
High-speed passenger ferries take about one hour. The traditional Steamship Authority ferry, which can carry vehicles, takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes.
Hyannis therefore serves as one of the most important mainland gateways to the island.
Air Travel
Air travelers can use Nantucket Memorial Airport, which serves the island and provides connections with mainland destinations.
As a result, the island’s offshore location does not prevent convenient access. Visitors can reach it by either water or air.
How Big Is Nantucket?
Its Island measures approximately 14 miles long and 3.5 miles wide at its basic dimensions, according to the Town of Nantucket.
Although relatively compact, the island has an extensive coastline and several distinct coastal areas.
The broader Town of Nantucket covers more than the main island because its governmental boundaries also include Tuckernuck and Muskeget.
What Is Around Nantucket?
Water dominates the landscape surrounding the island.
Nantucket Sound lies to the north, separating it from Cape Cod. Martha’s Vineyard is positioned to the west, while the Atlantic Ocean extends south and east.
Several important marine areas also shape the local geography. These include Nantucket Harbor, Polpis Harbor, and Madaket Harbor.
Taken together, these features give the island a straightforward geographic identity:
It is a Massachusetts island south of Cape Cod and east of Martha’s Vineyard.
Nantucket’s Geographic Region
It belongs to New England, the northeastern U.S. region consisting of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine.
Within Massachusetts, it forms part of the state’s southeastern coastal area.
Its offshore position distinguishes it from most Massachusetts communities. On a state map, it appears among the islands located south of Cape Cod.
The surrounding geography connects the island with several major coastal features, including Cape Cod, Nantucket Sound, Martha’s Vineyard, and the Atlantic Ocean.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is It located?
It lies off the southeastern coast of Massachusetts, approximately 30 miles south of Cape Cod. Nantucket Sound separates the island from Cape Cod.
What state is Nantucket in?
It is in Massachusetts. The area also forms it County and includes the Town of Nantucket.
Is it part of Massachusetts?
Yes. Nantucket is part of Massachusetts and lies offshore from the state’s southeastern coast.
Is Nantucket part of Cape Cod?
No. It is a separate island located about 30 miles south of Cape Cod. Nantucket Sound lies between them.
Is Nantucket near Martha’s Vineyard?
Yes. Martha’s Vineyard is west of Nantucket, with the two islands separated by water.
What county is Nantucket in?
It is in Nantucket County, Massachusetts. The town and county have the same general governmental boundaries.
How far is Nantucket from Cape Cod?
The island is approximately 30 miles south of Cape Cod. The exact distance depends on the specific points used for measurement.
Can you drive to Nantucket?
You cannot drive directly from mainland Massachusetts to the island because water separates the two. However, the Steamship Authority operates a vehicle ferry from Hyannis.
Does it have an airport?
Yes. Nantucket Memorial Airport serves the island and provides air connections with mainland destinations.
What is Nantucket closest to?
Cape Cod is the most useful mainland reference point, about 30 miles to the north. Martha’s Vineyard is another nearby island, roughly 20 miles to the west.
What ocean is Nantucket in?
It sits in the Atlantic Ocean off southeastern Massachusetts. Nantucket Sound lies between the island and Cape Cod.
Is Nantucket a city?
No. It is known primarily as an island and the Town of Nantucket. It also forms Nantucket County, giving the area an unusual governmental structure within Massachusetts.
Conclusion
Nantucket is an island in Massachusetts located about 30 miles south of Cape Cod. Nantucket Sound separates it from the mainland, while Martha’s Vineyard lies roughly 20 miles to the west. The Atlantic Ocean borders the island to the south and east.
The easiest way to picture its location is to find Cape Cod in southeastern Massachusetts and then move south across Nantucket Sound. The island you reach is Nantucket.
Its identity is straightforward despite its unusual governmental structure: an offshore Massachusetts island, the center of the Town and County of Nantucket, and one of the best-known islands in New England.
Elena Rostova bridges the gap between premium hospitality and authentic local experiences. Armed with a background in luxury hospitality management and a passion for fine architecture, she spent years evaluating elite resorts before transitioning into travel journalism. Elena heads the luxury and boutique travel vertical on Triporra.com. Her meticulous guides strip away the guesswork from high-end travel, showcasing unique five-star escapes, fine regional dining, and bespoke private tours that elevate a standard vacation into an unforgettable journey.
