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Some of the most commonly asked questions are “Can I drive to Block Island?”, “Where is the bridge?”, “Is there a tunnel?”, “Wait, I have to take a boat?”. No, you can’t drive to Block Island. There is no bridge or tunnel, but you can take a ferry or fly! The truth is, it is not HARD to get to Block Island, and we are happy to show you the best ways.

Ferry Services:

  • Block Island Ferry: Interstate Navigation operates primarily from Point Judith in Narragansett, Rhode Island, as the Block Island Ferry to offer year-round service to Block Island on their Traditional Ferries. This is also the only ferry that allows cars to the Island, but you need to call in advance to book. The Block Island Ferry opens car reservations in January for the following summer and prime travel days fill up quickly. So if you absolutely have to have a car, or are booking a rental farther from town, plan well in advance. Please keep in mind that for the average visitor, or anyone staying close to town, a car in not necessary to enjoy all Block Island has to offer especially in the spring, summer, and fall. There are bike, moped, car, and now, even golf cart rentals available, as well as over 30 taxis willing to give you a ride. Winter is the only time we highly recommend bringing a car because there are less transportation options, and the ferry does not fill as quickly. On the traditional ferry, enjoy a scenic 55-minute ferry ride aboard their comfortable vessels as you take in the breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean with their signature Bloody Marys in hand. May to October, there is a hi-speed ferry out of Point Judith cutting travel time almost in half. June-September, there is also a hi-speed out of Newport, RI.
  • Block Island Express: Departing from New London, Connecticut, the Cross Sound Ferry provides seasonal service to Block Island, offering a convenient option for travelers from New York City and South Western New England. They now have a new limited service ferry from Orient Point on Long Island as well. Check their schedules on the website closely before choosing which ferry to take as it changes throughout the season.
  • Viking Fleet: Get to Block Island from Montauk on the Viking Fleet. This is the only ferry that docks in New Harbor at Champlin’s Marina. Please note that you will likely need to take a taxi to get to your rental or to Old Harbor to get a rental car if needed. There are limited visitor services in that Harbor compared to New Harbor.

“What do I do with my car?” All these mainland ferry docks have pay per day parking lots, where your car will be safe until you return to it.

Air Travel:

  • New England Airlines: For those seeking a quicker journey, New England Airlines offers year-round scheduled flights from Westerly, Rhode Island to Block Island Airport and back. Enjoy a short and scenic flight with an aerial view of the Island and South County and arrive on the Island in just 12 minutes! With about 20 flights per day and free parking at the airport, this is the most convenient form of travel to the Island.
  • Fly The Whale: The newest option for Block Island travel is Fly the Whale. Fly in luxury in their new airplanes from Westerly to Block Island. Rates, time, and frequency are similar to New England Airlines, but they do have more charter options if you are looking to fly in or out of another close by location. You can also book your regularly scheduled flights online.

Heliblock: For a truly unforgettable experience, consider traveling to Block Island via helicopter with Heliblock. Departing from Westerly, Rhode Island, or other regional airports, Heliblock offers a unique and exhilarating way to reach the Island in style.

Private Boats and Charters:

For visitors with their own boats, Block Island offers multiple marinas and docking facilities. Navigate the waters surrounding Block Island at your own pace from any direction. Champlin’s Marina, Payne’s Dock, or the Boat Basin are great places to dock as a home base for your Island vacation if you are a fan of larger marinas with restaurants and amenities at your fingertips. Old Harbor has a smaller dock and slips available if you prefer to be closer to town with more opportunities to shop and explore the whole island.

Long Distance Travel to Get to Block Island

  • If you are not close enough to drive to the ferry or the airport, and need to fly just to get to Rhode Island, the best airport to fly into is TF Green in Providence, RI. From there, you can get an Uber to the Block Island Ferry in Narragansett to take the Traditional or High Speed ferry. Make sure you get an early flight on your arrival day and a late flight on your departure day. There is about a 45-60 min ride between the airport and ferry, and the ferries do not run late at night or early in the morning, so check the schedules so you can plan your flight accordingly. Pro tip: Schedule your Uber ahead of time so it is waiting for you when going in both directions.
  • If you are coming from Boston or New York City areas, you can take a train to Kingston Station, and again get an Uber to the ferry. The above tips apply to this scenario also for an efficient travel day to get to Block Island.

So, how do you get to Block Island? It is not that hard at all! You have options depending on your travel preferences. Still having trouble figuring it out? Give us a call and we are happy to help you decide what is best based on your travel plans. Don’t forget to book your stay before you do all that traveling. Accommodations do fill up in the summer on Block Island. Always plan ahead to ensure a relaxing visit on Block Island!

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