Getting Here

By Ferry


Block Island Ferry provides year-round service from Point Judith, R.I. This is the only ferry that can take vehicles to the Island, and reservations for them are required. Passengers do not need reservations. (304 Great Island Road, Narragansett, R.I.) In the summer months additional service is provided to and from Fort Adams State Park in Newport, R.I. (1 Lincoln Drive, Newport, R.I.) For schedules and more information call (866) 783-7996 or visit www.blockislandferry.com.


Block Island Hi-Speed Ferry is a state-of-the-art high-speed catamaran. This ferry runs from mid-May through mid-October. The ferry departs from the State Pier in Point Judith, R.I. and docks in Old Harbor in 30 minutes. (304 Great Island Road, Narragansett, R.I.) For schedules and more information call (866) 783-7996 or visit www.blockislandferry.com.

Block Island Express connects New London, Conn. 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 Amtrak train station. Parking is available in a municipal garage across the street and at the terminal. This ferry runs May through September. (2 Ferry St., New London, Conn.) For schedules and more information call (860) 444-4624 or visit visit www.goblockisland.com.


Montauk Ferry runs between the tip of Long Island and Block Island during the summer. The trip takes just under two hours on a high-speed air-conditioned vessel that accommodates passengers, bicycles and surfboards. (462 West Lake Drive, Montauk, N.Y.) For schedules and more information call (631) 668-5700 or visit www.vikingfleet.com.


By Private Boat

Many visitors reach Block Island by way of their own boats, docking at the marinas or anchoring in either the Old or New harbors.


By Commuter Plane

New England Airlines has provided daily scheduled air service to Block Island since 1970. Flights depart Westerly, R.I. The airport is located just off Interstate 95 and 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. (56 Airport Road, Westerly, R.I.) For schedules and more information call (800) 243-2460 or visit www.block-island.com/nea.


By Private Plane

Block Island State Airport welcomes private planes. The one-lane runway accommodates prop planes and small jets. There is no control tower, but pilots should announce themselves on frequency 123.00. Landing is free for Rhode Island-registered aircraft. Landing fees for non-Rhode Island registered aircraft range from $15 to $25 depending on the type of aircraft. Overnight outside plane parking is available and is $15 for single-engine planes and $20 for light planes. For more information check the Airport Facility Directory for the Northeast or call airport manager Landmark Aviation at (401) 466-5511.


Getting Around

Walk. The sneaker express is an easy way to enjoy the shops, restaurants and hotels in Old Harbor. A 15-minute walk from the ferry will bring you to the main beach.

Bike. Bicycles are an affordable and enjoyable way to explore the Island. Rental stands offer bikes to fit the needs of the entire family. Or bring your own over on the ferry.

Mopeds. Mopeds can be rented around the Island, and can accommodate one or two passengers. Mopeds may be driven on all paved Island roads, but are not allowed on dirt roads.


Taxi. Taxi service is available Island-wide. A taxi stand is located by the ferry docks in Old Harbor, and taxis regularly wait for customers at New Harbor. Most can hold parties of five or more and offer Island tours as well as getting you from here to there.


Personal Vehicle. Depending on your itinerary, you may or may not require a vehicle while here. In the busy summer months, keeping the number of cars on-Island to a minimum is encouraged. However, the spring and fall provide comparatively empty roads.

Street Addresses. Block Island is a special place with its own little quirks. Because the U.S. Postal Service delivers only to the Island post office, street addresses do not exist. Instead, all buildings have fire numbers. They are non-sequential, however, and should not be relied on for directions.