Block Island sits just far enough off the New England coast to feel like a getaway, yet close enough for an easy day trip if you plan well. If you are starting in Connecticut, the ferry options and timing can be confusing at first glance. With a few practical choices and a clear plan, you can go from a New Haven coffee to a sunset over Mohegan Bluffs without stress. I have done the trip in spring drizzle and peak July heat, with kids and coolers and bikes and, once, a golden retriever that hated gangways. The logistics matter. So do a handful of small decisions that set you up for a smooth ride.
This guide focuses on how to get to Block Island from Connecticut, what the ferry experience is actually like, and the little things that make a big difference. When I mention schedules and fares, think in ranges and patterns rather than fixed figures. Ferry operators update timetables with the season, and weather can rewrite the script on short notice.
Getting to Block Island from Connecticut: Your Real-World Options
There is no ferry that departs from a Connecticut port directly to Block Island year-round. That single fact shapes your plan. If you hear someone refer to the “Block Island ferry from Connecticut,” they are usually describing one of two approaches.
First, drive or rideshare from Connecticut to Point Judith, Rhode Island, and take the Block Island Ferry operated by Interstate Navigation. This is the most frequent and weather-resilient route, with both a fast ferry for passengers and a traditional ferry that can carry vehicles. For most travelers, this is the most reliable path, especially during peak summer.
Second, in summer, consider the seasonal high-speed ferry that runs between New London, Connecticut, and Old Harbor on Block Island. This service is typically offered by the same operator or a partner brand, but it is not year-round. When it runs, it is the most convenient true block island ferry connecticut link, since you board right in southeastern Connecticut and bypass Rhode Island entirely. The catch is seasonality and a schedule that can be tighter than the Point Judith timetable, with fewer sailings per day.
There are other seasonal routes from places like Newport or Montauk, but if your starting point is Connecticut, you will weigh New London for summer or Point Judith for the rest of the year, then choose based on time of day, parking availability, and whether you need to bring a vehicle or a bike.
The Two Main Routes, Up Close
Point Judith to Old Harbor is the backbone of travel to Block Island. Interstate Navigation runs two types of service on this route. The traditional ferry takes roughly an hour and can carry cars, motorcycles, and bikes. The high-speed ferry is for passengers and bicycles only and cuts the crossing to around 30 minutes, give or take for conditions. Old Harbor is right in the main village on Block block island ferry ct Island, so you step off into the center of restaurants, shops, and inns.
If you prefer to sail from Connecticut itself, watch for the seasonal high-speed ferry from New London. On peak summer weekends it can save you a long drive and put you on island time early. Expect a crossing in the neighborhood of an hour. Because it runs fewer trips than Point Judith, sellouts happen. On peak weekends, I have seen afternoon returns book out days ahead, especially when the forecast promises beach weather.
Some travelers compare total door-to-door time before picking a route. From Hartford, a drive to Point Judith can run about 90 minutes in light traffic, longer on a Friday afternoon. From New Haven, you can reach New London in under an hour, and Point Judith in about 75 to 90 minutes. If you factor in parking, check-in, and boarding windows, the differences flatten. The seasonal New London option still wins for the pure convenience of a Connecticut departure, but the Point Judith schedule offers more flexibility if you miss a sailing.
Schedules, Checked the Right Way
Ferry schedules change by month and day of week. They also drift as operators add or subtract sailings to match demand or weather. The most reliable habit is to check the official site of the Block Island Ferry before committing to lodging or a dinner reservation. Use the live schedule when you book, then glance again two days before departure. In summer, morning departures out of Point Judith tend to fill early on weekends, and island-to-mainland late afternoon returns can feel like a parade of coolers and sun hats.
Shoulder seasons have fewer sailings but a better chance of a calm, uncrowded boat. April and May can be stunning on the island even if the ocean has teeth. October is underrated for biking and long, quiet walks.
Booking ahead makes sense for nearly everyone in summer, and for any traveler on a tight timeline. Reservations for the high-speed ferry are straightforward. Vehicle reservations for the traditional ferry require more lead time and a phone call or online request, and there are rules around arrival windows. The vehicle deck is finite. If you need to bring a car, book as early as your schedule allows.
What It Costs, Without Strain on the Wallet
Expect roundtrip adult fares in the double digits per person for the traditional ferry and a bit more for the high-speed service. Kids, seniors, and bikes have their own rates, and pets are usually free on a leash or in a carrier. Bringing a vehicle is the real swing factor, with prices that reflect the limited deck space. By the time you count driver fare and the vehicle charge, you will have a meaningful number. Many travelers choose to leave the car on the mainland and rent a scooter or bike on Block Island, or rely on walking and taxis.
Parking on the mainland ranges from free street options with time limits to paid lots near the terminals. In Point Judith, paid lots fill quickly on summer weekends. In New London, you can use nearby garages with day rates, and prices are comparable to any small downtown. Cash is less common than it used to be at these lots, but I still tuck a few bills in the glove box for the occasional cash-only attendant.
What to Pack and How to Carry It
Travel light. You will carry your bag down a ramp, across a gangway, and up a stairwell if the cabin level you want is above the car deck. This is not an airport jetway; you will feel each pound. A duffel with a shoulder strap beats a rigid suitcase. If you are staying overnight, pack layers. The ocean gives you a breeze even when the mainland bakes, and fog rolls in quickly. On days when the wind is up, a light shell is the difference between sipping a coffee on deck and hiding from the blast.
Food and drinks are allowed on most sailings, and there is usually a snack bar with basics. If you have picky eaters, carry your own. I have seen more than one parent hand a lifesaving granola bar to a child who decided mid-crossing that pretzels are unfit for human consumption.
For bikes, bring a bungee or a short strap. Crew will direct you where to stow it. Label it with your name and cell number, just in case.
The Boarding Experience and What to Expect Onboard
Arrive early enough to breathe. For foot passengers, 30 to 45 minutes is comfortable in summer. For vehicles, follow the operator’s required check-in window, which is often one hour or more before departure. Vehicles line up in lanes, and crew will direct the loading sequence. If you show up late, expect to roll onto a later boat.
Onboard, the high-speed ferry feels like a modest commuter craft with airline-style seating, indoor cabins, and limited outdoor space. The traditional ferry has indoor lounges, outdoor benches, and that working-boat feel some travelers love. You feel more of the sea on the slower boat, and it is easier to walk the deck and find a corner out of the wind.
Cell service is generally fine close to shore and fades mid-crossing. Bring a read, download a podcast, or enjoy the view. On clear days, the first glimpse of Old Harbor and the white bluffs behind it always lands.
Restrooms are functional, not fancy. Hand sanitizer goes a long way. Motion sickness is a wildcard. If you are sensitive, take your preferred remedy before you board and aim for a seat near the center of the vessel with your eyes on the horizon. I have seen calm seas lull even the queasiest traveler, and I have also watched a surprise chop on a hot afternoon turn half the cabin pale. Preparation beats hope.
Bringing a Car: When It Helps, When It Hurts
Driving a car onto the ferry sounds like freedom, and sometimes it is. If you are renting a house for a week with kids, beach gear, and a cooler, a car on island can make logistics painless. But the trade-offs are real. Vehicle reservations are limited and must be made well in advance for summer weeks. On island, parking is scarce in the busiest parts of Old Harbor, and many beaches have small lots that fill fast.
For day trippers and couples, leaving the car on the mainland usually makes more sense. Taxis, bikes, scooters, and walking cover a surprising amount of ground. The island is about seven miles long and three miles wide at its widest point. You can bike from Old Harbor to the North Light in an hour if you are steady and the wind is kind. If you prefer a slower pace, pick a smaller loop and enjoy the sea grass and stone walls instead of racing the clock.
The Seasonal New London Advantage
When the New London high-speed ferry runs, it is the cleanest definition of a block island ferry connecticut link, and it changes the calculus for anyone traveling from central or southern Connecticut. You avoid the I-95 tangle near Providence and the last miles along Route 108 to Point Judith. You park once, walk a short distance to the terminal, and you are on the water quickly.
The trade-off is flexibility. Fewer daily trips mean less slack if you miss your departure. Weather delays or cancellations pinch harder when there is not another sailing 90 minutes later. If you are traveling with a group or need a late return, check the timetable before you lock in plans. On summer weekends, expect a festive crowd and a line at boarding. Make a reservation, arrive early, and keep your party together. Boarding is brisk and the crew will keep things moving.
Timing Your Day Trip
A classic day trip from Connecticut starts with a morning departure, a midday arrival, lunch near Old Harbor, an afternoon bike ride or beach session, and a late afternoon return. That works, but you can make it richer with small adjustments. Pack a swimsuit and a change of clothes so you are not eating dinner in damp cotton. Aim your bike route to end back in Old Harbor with 45 minutes to spare, so you can grab a coffee and watch the harbor before boarding. If the forecast hints at a storm line, consider an earlier return and dodge the whitecaps.
Families travel differently. The best version I have seen had a kid nap in a stroller on the 30 minute ride from Town Beach back to the harbor, while the parents shared a lemonade and watched the ferry arrive. They made the 4 pm sailing, beat the dinner crush, and drove home before bedtime. It worked because they kept the plan simple, chose a beach within walking distance, and resisted adding one more viewpoint.
Where to Go Once You Land
Old Harbor greets you with a compact downtown. To the left, beaches run a comfortable distance for a swim and a towel nap. Straight ahead, you find restaurants, bike rentals, and inns with porches that invite people-watching. To the right, a gentle climb leads to the Southeast Lighthouse and Mohegan Bluffs, a quintessential Block Island pairing. The wooden staircase down to the beach at the bluffs doubles as morning exercise and afternoon punishment if you try it twice in one day.
Farther afield, the northern tip rewards patience. The North Light and Sachem Pond area give you a quieter, more open feel. The walk to the lighthouse crosses a cobbled beach, so wear shoes you can rinse. Birders work the edges of the pond in spring and fall, and the light at sunset can be sticky-gold.
Food is straightforward near the harbor and sparse once you roam. If you plan to bike to distant beaches, carry water and a snack. I have rolled into the North Light area on a hot day and watched newcomers realize the nearest iced tea is a long pedal away. It is part of the charm, but you will enjoy it more if you are not parched.
Weather Wisdom and Sea Conditions
The ocean writes its own memo. A day that looks calm from your driveway can whitecap by noon off Point Judith. Conversely, a foggy morning can burn off to a perfect blue by lunchtime. Check the marine forecast in addition to the standard weather app. Wind direction matters. A steady southwest breeze is common in summer and can make the ride home livelier than the ride out.
Ferries run in more than you might expect. Cancellations tend to cluster around heavy fog, sustained high winds, or mechanical issues. If the operator posts a delay, trust the update and adjust. On days when weather is marginal, the traditional ferry can be a steadier ride than the high-speed option, simply because of hull shape and weight. If you are prone to motion sickness, that slower boat can be the difference between a decent crossing and a rough one.
A Few Small Rules That Keep the Day Smooth
Tickets and IDs are handled with less ceremony than airport travel, but do not treat it casually. Have your confirmation available and your group present when your row is called. If you are traveling with bikes or oversized gear, arrive early and give the crew time to place things safely. Leashed dogs are common onboard. Bring water and be considerate in crowded cabins. If you booked a vehicle, keep your windows down when loading and follow the crew gestures without improvising.
On the return trip, queues form early at Old Harbor. If you have a dinner reservation on the mainland, do not wait for the last call to line up. People sometimes underestimate how long the post-beach shuffle takes. Towels never fit back into bags the way they did at 10 am.
When to Go for the Best Experience
Summer is obvious and joyous, and also full. If you want the classic beach day, pick June weekdays or early September, when the water is warm enough to swim yet the crowds ease. May brings migrating birds and new greens in the dunes. October gives you empty paths, sweaters on porches, and sunsets that linger. Winter belongs to year-rounders and the occasional traveler who likes solitude and sea smoke. Ferries still run, but you will plan more carefully and accept that some shops and restaurants are closed.
If your dates are fixed, you can still optimize. For a Saturday day trip, book a morning outbound from either New London or Point Judith, and a mid or late afternoon return that leaves slack for delays. For a two-night stay, arriving late afternoon on a Friday is calmer than chasing a Friday morning boat. You settle in, walk the harbor at dusk, and start Saturday rested.
The Budget Lens
A Block Island day can be affordable if you trim the big costs. Skip bringing a car. Pack your own beach gear instead of renting chairs. Eat one sit-down meal and one picnic. Ferry fares, parking, and an ice cream stop add up, but not painfully. The island is built for simple pleasures that do not cost much: a bike ride down quiet lanes, a swim at a public beach, an hour on a bluff watching gulls tilt in the wind.
For a splurge, put your dollars into lodging with a porch or a deck. The difference between a room you barely see and a place you want to linger is the difference between checking places off a list and actually feeling like you belong there for a couple of days.
Sample Itineraries that Actually Work
Early riser day trip: Leave New Haven by 6:30 am, park in New London, board a seasonal high-speed ferry, and arrive by late morning. Walk to a bike rental near the harbor, ride to Southeast Lighthouse, linger at Mohegan Bluffs, then cruise back to Town Beach for an hour in the water. Late lunch near the harbor, a last coffee, then the mid-afternoon return. You are back before dinner.
Family with kids and strollers: Drive to Point Judith with packed lunches, take the traditional ferry for more outdoor deck space, and walk to the nearest beach from Old Harbor. Build the day around the beach and short strolls, not mileage. Leave time for a calm boarding on the return so you are not folding strollers under pressure.
Overnight without a car: Book an inn within walking distance of Old Harbor. Bring a small backpack. On arrival day, stay close, explore downtown, and enjoy the water taxi views at sunset. Day two, rent bikes and ride north early before the wind rises, then drift back for a late lunch and a nap.
The Subtleties Locals Notice
Wind shifts around midday more often than not. If you plan a long ride, start early and head into the wind so you return with a tailwind. On foggy mornings, watch the horizon from the deck. If the fog thins before the harbor, count on the island clearing not long after. If it thickens, settle in for a moody, beautiful day that photographs well and keeps you off crowded beaches.
Restaurants near the dock can feel slammed at 12:30, calm at 2:15, then slammed again at 5:30. Eat slightly off-peak and you will be treated better and served faster. Bring cash for small purchases or tips. Many places take cards, but short lines move quicker when you can pay without waiting on a tablet.
One Short Checklist for a No-Drama Trip
- Check the live ferry schedule and make reservations, especially in summer. Decide if you truly need a car; if not, plan for bikes, walking, or taxis. Pack light layers, sunscreen, water, and simple snacks. Arrive early for boarding, with confirmations and your group together. Keep an eye on wind and fog forecasts, and build slack into your return.
Final Notes and Quiet Advice
Block Island rewards the traveler who lets the day breathe. The ferry is part of that rhythm, not just a bridge. If you are starting in Connecticut, choose the route that fits your season and your tolerance for structure. New London in summer makes it easy to keep the day tight and efficient. Point Judith gives you more options if plans shift or the weather nudges you earlier or later.
I have learned to judge a good trip not by how much ground I cover, but by how many moments I remember, and the ferry often frames those memories. A cup of coffee on a cool morning, the sudden lift as the island comes into view, the warm slap of air when you step off into Old Harbor. If you plan well, the logistics fade and those small details take the front seat. That is the aim of this guide and the best part of getting the block island ferry connecticut decision right.
Location: 2 Ferry St,New London, CT 06320,United States Phone number: 18604444624