Block Island sits approximately 13 miles off the coast of mainland Rhode Island. It is only accessible by water or air. It is 7 miles long and 3 1/2 miles wide. All ferries allow you to bring bicycles. Once on the Island you can travel on foot or rent a car, bike or moped. There is also taxi service on the Island, but no Uber or Lyft. Our Inn is located in New Harbor and is less than a mile from all ferry terminals and the airport. There is free parking at the Orient Point Ferry Terminal as well as the airport in Westerly, RI. Paid parking is available at all other mainland terminals.
FERRY TRANSPORTATION
Block Island 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. Passengers do not need reservations. For information please visit www.blockislandferry.com
Block Island Hi-Speed Ferry: A state-of-the-art High Speed Catamaran, the high-speed ferry sails mid-May through mid-Oct. The ferry departs from the State Pier in Point Judith, R.I. and docks in Old Harbor in under 30 minutes. Please visit www.blockislandferry.com
Newport to Block Island Ferry: The high speed “Islander” ferry runs multiple trips daily mid June- early September from Downtown Newport (Perrotti Park) and Old Harbor, Block Island, taking one hour. For schedule and fare information visit www.blockislandferry.com
Fall River to Block Island Ferry: This high speed ferry runs Fall River to Newport and then on to Block Island from June mid June-early September. Sailing time from Fall River to Block Island is about 2 hours. For schedule and fare information visit www.blockislandferry.
New London, CT/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. It offers daily service in peak season and weekend service only in off-peak season. Visit www.goblockisland.com
Orient Point/ Cross Sound Ferry and Block Island Express: Travel between Long Island and Block Island one of two ways. They now have direct connections from Orient Point Thursday–Sunday from late June to early September. You can also connect via Cross Sound Ferry from Orient Point and transfer to the Block Island Express in New London. They have coordinated schedules to get you to the Island the easiest way. For reservations visit www.goblockisland.comor call (860) 444-4624.
Montauk’s 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.
AIRPORT AND AIRLINE INFORMATION
Block Island Airport (BID)
Block Island state airport is a vacation destination for thousands of passengers each year arriving on New England airlines. The terminal is located within a mile of both harbors and beaches. Various local companies offer charter service to area airports, for information Contact the airport: 401-466-5511, www.blockisland.
New England Airlines
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 please visit www.(800) 243-2460.
HARBORS AND BOATING
Block Island maintains two harbors and is well-known as one of New England’s premier boating destinations.
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 Block Island Boat Basin during the summer season. The Harbormaster can be contacted on VHF CH 12 once you arrive in New Harbor. Moorings can be rented for $40 per night and can accommodate vessels up to 50 feet. 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.
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 to seven days in a fourteen day period. 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 $2.50 per foot and is first come first serve. The Commercial ferry landing is also located in Old Harbor.
Block Island Harbors Department Contact Information
Office Telephone: (401) 466-3204
Old harbor Dock: (401) 466-3235
Summer Hours 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Winter Hours 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
VHF Radio – Ch12 7AM – 9PM – All Calls 9PM – 7AM – Emergency Only
Fax: (401) 466-3219
Email: harbors@new-shoreham.