Ferries to Block Island: Route Map
Reaching this island in the Northeast is most common via the Block Island Ferry from Point Judith, which offers both traditional car-ferry and high-speed options. During the summer, high-speed links also run from New London and Orient Point, providing a vital shortcut for travelers bypassing the mainland traffic. Since the island is best explored by bike or foot, most visitors opt for the 30-minute fast ferry and leave their vehicles behind in the mainland parking lots.
Crossing to Block Island from New England
Showing all 5 services
Route guide: Logistics for the ferry to Block Island
Unlike Martha’s Vineyard, Block Island (Rhode Island) maintains a rustic, low-capacity transit system. With limited paved roads and a ban on mopeds for inexperienced riders, the ferry logistics center on the fierce competition for vehicle slots.
| Departure Port | Service Type | Logistics Score |
|---|---|---|
| Point Judith (Galilee) | Traditional & High Speed | The Mainline: The only port that ships vehicles. Runs year-round. Traditional ferry takes 55 mins; High Speed takes 30 mins. Parking is chaos in summer; arrive early. |
| New London, CT | High Speed Only | Rail Link: Located next to the Amtrak station. Perfect for travelers coming from NYC/Boston without a car. Passenger only. |
| Newport, RI | High Speed Only | Tourist Hop: Seasonal (Summer). Connects downtown Newport (Perrotti Park) to Block Island. Passenger and bike only. |
Vehicle reservations for the Point Judith ferry open in January for the summer season. Weekend slots in July and August sell out within days. If you do not have a confirmed vehicle reservation by March, you are likely walking. Interstate Navigation operates a strict “use it or lose it” policy for check-in times.
Parking & “bag drag”
- Galilee Parking: If you are a foot passenger, be prepared for off-site parking. The lots near the ferry fill up by 9:00 AM. You may be directed to overflow lots miles away that require a shuttle bus.
- Bike Policy: Bicycles are allowed but incur a surcharge. Unlike the flat roads of Nantucket, Block Island is surprisingly hilly; ensure your bike has gears or rent an E-bike upon arrival.
Using this data helps you secure that critical car slot or plan your Amtrak connection. Check specialized maps to locate Old Harbor relative to the Mohegan Bluffs.
