Block Island Express
4.4(274)google
3.1(28)yelp
FerryIslandWater ActivityCoastRoad TripScenic Lookout
Overview
The Block Island Express is a premier, high-speed passenger ferry service that seamlessly connects the historic city of New London with the pristine shores of Block Island, Rhode Island. Operating a state-of-the-art, ultra-smooth catamaran vessel, the ferry whisk travelers across the scenic ocean waters in just over one comfortable hour. Passengers can enjoy upscale comfortable indoor seating, an open-air observation deck with panoramic sea views, and a fully stocked beverage snack bar during the cruise. It provides an indispensable, highly convenient, and beautifully scenic transportation link that transforms an island getaway into an accessible, sun-drenched, and deeply memorable day-trip adventure.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration0.5-1.5 days
Best TimeThis high-speed passenger ferry operates strictly from late May (Memorial Day weekend) through mid-September. The definitive strategy is booking the 8:30 AM first morning departure on a clear Saturday aboard the high-speed catamaran 'Jessica W'. Securing a seat on the open-air upper observation deck allows you to enjoy refreshing morning sea breezes, arriving at Block Island before 10:00 AM to unlock a full, uninterrupted day of island moped riding and beach exploration.
Getting ThereDepartures launch from the main New London Ferry Terminal at 2 Ferry Street. Taking the train is unmatched in convenience; ride Amtrak or CTrail straight into New London Station, stepping off the train and directly into the ferry boarding queue. For motorists, take Exit 84 off I-95 and proceed straight into the long-term paid parking facility at 100 Water Street; note that this specific express ferry is strictly passenger-only (no vehicles allowed).
Travel Tips
- This high-speed passenger catamaran is the premier arterial link to Block Island and experiences extreme mid-summer capacity strain. Weekend morning departures and Sunday evening returns sell out completely weeks in advance online; attempting to show up as a walk-up tourist ensures complete gate rejection.
- This high-speed express craft is engineered strictly for foot passengers, bicycles, and leashed pets; it possesses zero vehicle tarmac bays. Motorists must leave their vehicles on the mainland, utilizing the long-term paid parking garages along Water Street in downtown New London.
- While domestic dogs are permitted onboard, they are legally required to remain fully contained inside structural hard-sided travel crates or securely muzzled and on a short leash at all times. Additionally, pets require an independent online 'Pet Ticket' add-on; unticketed animals are systematically turned back.
Reviews
Positive
- The high-speed ferry to Block Island is highly efficient; the massive catamaran slicing through waves offers spectacular ocean views.
- Boarding is highly organized with scientific queues; the interior features smooth wheel paths, a snack lounge, and tidy restrooms.
- The ferry crew members are courteous and professional, actively providing motion-sickness bags and warm water under safe management.
- Connects you to a pristine island paradise in just over an hour, cutting out tedious driving and offering excellent transit efficiency.
Heads up
- The fast vessel tosses aggressively during heavy swells, causing severe motion sickness that makes the trip a miserable endurance test.
- Ferry tickets have escalated over the years; taking a large family along with bicycles inflates the total cost to an expensive level.
- The dedicated pier garage charges extortionate rates, and the adjacent historic train hub area feels sketchy and unsafe after dark.
- Summer weekend cancellation and rebooking rules are notoriously restrictive, charging steep penalties and lowering flexibility.