Block Island Ferry
4.6(1.7K)google
3.5(116)yelp
BoatingFamilyScenic LookoutOutdoorOcean ViewMust-SeeCoast
Overview
The Block Island Ferry serves as the primary and most scenic gateway connecting mainland Rhode Island to the pristine shores of Block Island. Operating primarily from Point Judith in Narragansett, this essential maritime service offers both traditional slow ferries and high-speed catamarans that slice through the Atlantic waters. The journey provides passengers with panoramic ocean views, refreshing sea breezes, and excellent photographic opportunities of the rugged New England coastline. Travelers can choose to bring vehicles on designated traditional vessels or travel as foot passengers to embark on a seamless island getaway filled with historic charm.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration1-2 hours
Best TimeThe spectacular summer months from June to September offer pristine coastal cruising weather. Booking the earliest 8:30 AM weekend ferry departure out of Point Judith is highly advised; early morning daylight reflects beautifully across the open Atlantic waters, providing crisp, glare-free views of the island's rising bluffs from the open-air upper decks.
Getting ThereThe primary ferry terminal is perfectly positioned at the Port of Galilee in Narragansett (304 Great Island Rd). Driving is the premier standard: from Providence, take I-95 S to RI-4 S, then follow Route 108 S straight to the coast. The terminal complex is ringed with massive, secure paid daily open-air parking plazas wrapping right around the docks.
Travel Tips
- Vehicle reservations on the traditional ferry open in January and sell out months in advance. Never drive to the Point Judith terminal expecting a standby vehicle slot; without a confirmed reservation, you will be forced to leave your car at mainland parking lots.
- The high-speed ferry from Point Judith takes 30 minutes but carries passengers only. Nearby third-party parking lots charge per calendar day, strictly enforce cash-only policies during peak seasons, and fill up rapidly, requiring a 30-minute buffer for parking logistics.
- Ferries dock at two separate locations on the island: Old Harbor (east side, high frequency) and New Harbor/Great Salt Pond (west side, select routes). These docks are over 1.5 miles apart with no free shuttle connection, making correct dock verification essential.
Reviews
Positive
- The traditional ferry between mainland Rhode Island and Block Island is very steady; standing on the deck with the ocean breeze offers excellent Atlantic views.
- The ferry interior features dedicated accessible elevators and flat ramps at the boarding gates; security staff are very helpful with heavy bags and wheelchairs.
- The traditional slow boat tickets are very reasonably priced and much cheaper than the high-speed ferry, offering great value for budget-conscious travelers.
- The ticket windows at the Galilee terminal are well-ordered; onsite staff handle boarding queues quickly, and loudspeaker announcements are very clear.
Heads up
- The Fast Ferry tickets are quite expensive, and the snacks and canned drinks sold at the onboard concession stand carry a clear premium markup.
- The official parking lot at the Galilee terminal fills up quickly on peak weekends, forcing you into nearby private lots with expensive flat rates.
- During rough seas, the ferry rocks violently; the cabin ventilation is poor and smells of diesel, which easily triggers severe motion sickness.
- Seats are extremely hard to secure during mid-summer and long weekends; both decks and indoor cabins get tightly packed with roaring crowds.