Getting to the island is part of the fun! The sights you will take in before you arrive on Block Island are breathless, whether in the sky or in the water.

To catch a wave:

The Block Island Traditional Ferry provides year-round service from Point Judith, RI.  This is the only Ferry that can take vehicles to the island and reservations for vehicles are required.  Passenger reservations are recommended. 

The Hi-Speed Ferry is a state-of-the-art High Speed Catamaran, it sails mid-May through mid-October.   The ferry departs from the State Pier in Point Judith, R.I.  and docks in Old Harbor in under 30 minutes. 

The "Islander" is a high-speed ferry that runs seasonally. The ferry runs from Downtown Newport (Perrotti Park) and Old Harbor, Block Island, and takes one hour. 

Please visit www.blockislandferry.com for schedules and information or call (401) 783-4613.

The Block Island Express connects New London, CT and Old Harbor, Block Island in just over one hour on a high-speed catamaran.  The terminal in New London is located next to the train station and limited parking is available with a municipal garage across the street.  This ferry runs May through September only.  Reservations are recommended. Visit  www.goblockisland.com for schedules and more information.

The Viking Fast Ferry connects Montauk, NY to New Harbor, Block Island in about one hour via high speed ferry.  Ferry runs Memorial Day through Labor Day only.  For schedule information and directions visit www.vikingfleet.com.

Upon arriving at any mainland ferry dock you will see lots used for parking. Rates are reasonable and vary by season and lot.

If you’d like to captain your own boat, you can call ahead for docking reservations at marinas on Block Island:

New Harbor Boat Basin. (401) 480-1429. Champlin's Marina. (401) 466-7777
Payne's Dock. (401) 466-5572.
Old Harbor Town Dock. (401) 466-3235

If you plan on being your own captain and picking up a mooring or anchoring in the private boat section you’ll need to know where to go:

New Harbor on the West Side of the Island, in the beautiful Great Salt Pond. New Harbor has 3 large marinas, 90 town moorings and a 75 acre anchorage for vessels. The Harbormaster's Office is located at the New Harbor Boat Basin during the summer season.  The Harbormaster can be contacted on VHF CH 12 once you arrive in New Harbor.  . Reservations are not taken as they are first come first serve.  It is a 3 minute taxi ride or 15 minute walk from New Harbor to town or to Crescent Beach.

Old Harbor on the East Side of the Island is a Harbor of Refuge protected by a breakwater.  There is limited space for anchoring, which  is restricted. Please call the Harbormaster with any questions.   Old Harbor is in the center of town and has a small 30 boat marina operated by the Town.  Dockage is first come first serve. The Commercial ferry landing is also located in Old Harbor.

For more information contact the Block Island Harbors Department at (401) 466-3204


To get some air:

New England Airlines has been providing daily scheduled air service to Block Island as a certificated Commuter Airline since 1970.   Air services, provided by New England Airlines, are offered daily (year round) from Westerly, RI.  Westerly, located just off Interstate 95 is an easy drive, or train ride from anywhere in New England. (AMTRAK serves Westerly with daily trains between Washington/New York and Boston).  Flight time between Westerly and Block Island is 12 minutes.  Parking at the Westerly airport is FREE!  New England Airlines also offers charter flights to airports throughout New England.
For more information and reservations please visit  www.blockislandsairline.com or call (800) 243-2460 or 401-596-2460.

Block Island Airport (BID)

Block Island state airport is a vacation destination for thousands of passengers each year arriving on New England airlines. The airport also serves the community’s critical needs by providing access for time-sensitive cargo and urgent medical transport. Bethany’s, the on-airport restaurant, is a popular destination for the new England GA community. The terminal has a welcoming atmosphere and is located within walking distance of downtown New Shoreham and Block Island’s free beaches.  Various local companies offer charter service to area airports, for information Contact the airport:  401-466-5511, https://www.pvdairport.com/corporate/general-aviation/block-island-bid

So whether you’ll be visiting by seas or skies, getting to the island is part of the adventure. It’s time to sit back and enjoy the ride.