Unfortunately, unless you like the wilds of Eastern Connecticut, the ways to go look out of the way. I can't estimate time, but i can tell you that my partner's sister's place in Farmington, Connecticut to Hyannis is about 3 hours 15-45 minutes, and i leave a good 5 hours in advance, but i'm one of those annoying people who shows up on time for (most) of her flights.

Now, as for how to go...you have four options:

1.whatever to 684 to 84 to 90 to 495 (which becomes 25) to By-Pass6 to 6 to the Hyannis exit. Pure 65mph after Hartford, though there is a toll, but MA takes EZ-Fleece now. high in mileage, low in surprises, though!

2.whatever to 95. 95 all the way to Providence, 195 East to 25 to bypass-6 to 6 to the Hyannis exit. Probably second-best, but on a hot summer sunday, this can turn into a massive parking lot. No tolls. Mostly 65 after Old Saybrook, Connecticut to Warwick, Rhode Island.


2.whatever to 684 to 84 to 384, just after Hartford, Connecticut. 384 to US6 west, and stay on 6 to Providence, then 195 to 25 to By-Pass 6 to 6 to the Hyannis exit. There is some serious slagging through the wilds here, and US6 in Eastern CT is a ticket mill of nigh-Biblical proportions.

4.whatever to 95. stay on the Connecticut Turnpike at 395 to 6 East to 195 to 25 to By-Pass 6 to 6 to the Hyannis exit. Not highly recommended, as it combines the worst features of all these routings.

And when you're on the Island, don't forgrt NRTA bus service! Inexpensive, pleasant, and it covers a lot of the island. Certanly go see Siasconset, too...it's neat, and go down to Codfish Park and look at these interesting tiny cottages and just how "forever" the ocean seems at that point.

Nantucket is beautiful, even in its overdeveloped raided state at present; just because a lot of people down there forget they're on vacation doesn't mean you have to. There's plenty of solitude left even in high Summer weekends in July!