Traveling to Block Island feels simple once you’ve done it once, yet the first time can feel like a small puzzle. The Block Island Express from New London is fast, seasonal, and popular. It’s also a route with quirks: schedules that change during shoulder seasons, parking rules that trip up first timers, and weather that can turn a smooth ride lumpy. I’ve made the run from New London to Old Harbor enough times to have opinions about seat choice, bag strategy, even when to grab a coffee before boarding. This guide distills all of that into a practical, no-drama approach to getting from Connecticut to the island with the least friction.
How the New London route works
The Block Island Express runs a high-speed passenger ferry between the Cross Sound Ferry terminal in New London, Connecticut and Old Harbor on Block Island. Cross Sound Ferry operates the service, and the trip typically takes about one hour. Schedules ramp up in late spring, hit peak frequency in summer, and taper through fall. In winter, direct service is often paused, shifting travelers toward the year-round options out of Point Judith, so check the calendar before you promise anyone a December getaway.
This is not a car ferry. It’s passenger only, with room for luggage, bikes for a fee on many sailings, strollers, and furry passengers in carriers or on leash depending on the deck. If you must bring a vehicle, your choice is the traditional car ferry from Point Judith, Rhode Island, which is a different operator and a slower cruise. Most folks going from Connecticut leave the car on the mainland and enjoy Block Island on foot, by bike, or in a rented moped or Jeep once they land.
One thing the brochures don’t emphasize enough: New London departures keep good company. Amtrak and Shore Line East trains stop nearby, the interstate sits a minute away, and the terminal has a steady rhythm born of decades of service across Long Island Sound. You can tell the regulars by the way they time their coffee to the boarding call. It’s a forgiving route, provided you build in a modest cushion.
Booking without headaches
Demand swings hard with weather and weekends. On bluebird July Saturdays, the morning boats fill fast. On shoulder-season weekdays, you can often book day-of. If you care about a specific crossing time during summer, lock tickets at least several days ahead. For holiday weekends, think one to two weeks out. You’ll pick a named sailing and receive a confirmation you present at check-in, either printed or on your phone.
Fares vary by date and by whether you add extras like bikes or oversized luggage. The price spread isn’t huge, yet it’s enough to matter for families. There are child rates and occasional promotions. Round-trip tickets simplify logistics, especially if you want to ensure a late afternoon return that keeps you off the last boat of the day. The last boat matters because it’s the catch-all for stragglers. It can be busy, and on rare days with weather issues it may be adjusted or canceled. Build a Plan B into your thinking, even if it’s just a mental note to stay overnight if seas kick up.
Travelers with flexibility should consider early morning departures. They’re usually calmer, both in sea state and crowd energy. Afternoon returns give you a full day on island time without rushing your lobster roll.
Getting to the New London terminal
The terminal address drops you at the Cross Sound Ferry complex on Water Street, just south of downtown New London. From I-95, it’s a straightforward exit and a few turns. On peak days, take the extra five minutes to use signed routes rather than letting your mapping app improvise through residential streets near the historic district.
Trains stop at New London Union Station, a short, walkable distance from the ferry. If you’re packing lightly, it’s a pleasant stroll with harbor views. With rolling luggage or kids in tow, give yourself ten to fifteen minutes between train arrival and ferry check-in. If your train runs late, the ferry staff are professional but not magicians, so call as you approach to ask about options. Sometimes you can shift to the next sailing without drama.
Rideshare and taxis can drop you at the terminal entrance. On summer Saturdays around midday, expect a queue. Drivers who know the routine will pull in, unload quickly, and exit so they avoid clogging the lane. If you need a few extra minutes for strollers or cooler bags, let the attendant know on arrival. They’re used to it.
Parking: the detail most people underestimate
There are several paid lots around the terminal, a mix of operator-controlled and independent parking. Rates vary by proximity and season, typically rising a few dollars during peak months. The closest lots are convenient when you’re juggling beach gear, yet they fill first. A block or two away, you’ll find additional options with comparable rates and more availability. Overnight parking is allowed in designated lots, but read the signs. Street parking rules change by explore Rhode Island's Block Island block, and the City of New London enforces time limits.
If you plan a quick day trip, the short-term lots are worth it. If you’re staying two or three nights, consider the slightly more distant long-term lots with predictable fees. Keep your ticket in a safe pocket, not tossed in a beach tote. I’ve watched more than one family unpack a trunk on the asphalt hunting for a stub while the shuttle idled.
For families with younger kids, splurge on close-in parking for the return. The extra five-minute walk feels longer with sunburned preschoolers and a folded beach tent. For cyclists, some lots allow you to lock bikes, though bringing your bike aboard is the safer plan if you intend to ride on the island.
Check-in, bags, and boarding rhythm
The Block Island Express runs like a short-haul airline crossed with an old-school boatyard. You check in at the ticket window or kiosk, then proceed to the boarding area where staff direct you. Arrive 30 to 45 minutes ahead during busy periods. On slower days, 20 minutes is usually fine. Large items are stowed by the crew as you board, often in designated rolling racks. Label your cooler or duffel with a name and a phone number. Masking tape and a Sharpie live in my glove box for exactly this reason.
The boarding call starts well before departure. Families board earlier, and the crew sets priorities for those who need assistance or who have strollers. If you care about a window seat in the climate-controlled cabin, get in line when the call goes out. If you prefer the aft deck for fresh air, wait a moment so you’re not trapped mid-cabin by folks arranging bags in the overheads.
Food and drinks are allowed within reason. There is typically a snack bar with coffee, cold drinks, and simple fare. On choppy days, go easy on heavy snacks until you’ve cleared the river and hit open water. If you’re sensitive to motion, sit midship where the ride is calmer, and keep your eyes on the horizon. The crew can quietly provide motion sickness bags if you ask. It’s never a bad idea to take ginger chews or an over-the-counter antiemetic a half hour before boarding if you know you need it.
What the crossing feels like
Leaving New London, the boat slides past the fort and lighthouses, then out into Long Island Sound. On calm mornings, the entire run hums along like a commuter train, just with salt spray. On wind-against-tide afternoons, the hull pounds lightly and you’ll feel a rhythmic lift and drop. The captain updates the cabin with ETA and sea state when warranted, and the crew rotates through with trash bags and quick answers. The hour passes fast, especially if you step outside and let the breeze reset your senses.
On clear days you’ll see the bluffs of Block Island resolve from a faint smudge into the layered outline of Old Harbor, the Victorian hotels stacked like a postcard. The approach feels tight the first time. The crew guides the offload quickly, and within minutes you’re on the dock, blinking in that bright island light that seems a half shade different from the mainland.
Old Harbor arrivals and your first ten minutes
Once on the dock, pick up any stowed items at the rolling carts or marked area. Double check the bin before you step away. Strollers and coolers look similar when they’ve been handled by the same crew for an hour. If you brought a bike, wait for the signal to roll it off carefully. Riders who clip in right on the gangway become stories the crew tells later.
Old Harbor is compact. Taxis line the road during peak periods, and rental desks for bikes and mopeds sit steps from the dock. If you’re staying in town, you can usually walk to your inn. If your lodging is near Crescent Beach or farther out near the Mohegan Bluffs, decide between a taxi, hotel shuttle, or a short-term bike rental. On high-heat days, remember that the hills on Block Island are real. A beach bag that felt light on the ferry can feel heavy halfway up Corn Neck Road.
Day trip planning that actually works
You can pull off a satisfying day trip without rushing, but you’ll enjoy it more if you set a realistic arc. The classic pattern is a mid-morning arrival, lunch in town, beach time, a quick loop to the bluffs or North Light, then an afternoon ice cream and a late return. Two or three well-chosen stops beat a sprint to hit everything.
I’ve learned to choose between a beach day and a sampler day. On a pure beach day, head for Crescent Beach, rent chairs if you didn’t bring them, swim and read until you’re loose. On a sampler day, walk to the Southeast Lighthouse, take in the bluffs, then circle back for a late lunch at Old Harbor before a sundae and a stroll past the shops. The ferry ride becomes part of the rhythm rather than a hard cut to a checklist.
Weather, sea state, and how to think about forecasts
Long Island Sound and the waters around Block Island can change in character during a single day. A flat morning can turn to a breezy afternoon with honest chop. The Block Island Express will run in a wide range of conditions, but safety trumps everything, and the operator will cancel or delay for fog, strong wind, or mechanical issues. Watch for texts or emails if you booked online, and keep your phone charged on travel days.
If you’re timing the trip around young kids or motion-sensitive travelers, favor early departures and mid-afternoon returns. That pattern has given me the highest percentage of smooth rides. If the forecast shows a front pushing through, assume the ride will be lively and sit midship. The outdoor deck is irresistible until the spray soaks your hoodie. Pack a light shell even in July.
Packing smarter for the high-speed ferry
The best ferry bag is light, water resistant, and disciplined. It’s tempting to bring a full beach kit, but on a day trip, less is more. Two towels, sunscreen, a small first-aid pouch, a soft cooler with cold packs, and a compressible wind layer cover most scenarios. Hard coolers are allowed but cumbersome. If you bring one, tie a short length of rope to create a shoulder strap, which makes boarding less awkward.
Label everything. Bags look alike by the dozen. On a crowded return trip, you’ll appreciate having a visible name tag so you don’t linger on the dock comparing near-identical totes. For electronics, a zip-top bag inside your daypack prevents the “I only set it down for a second” panic if sea spray creeps in.
Bikes, strollers, and special items
Bikes are welcome on many sailings, but space is finite and fees apply. Reserve a spot when you book your ticket, not at the dock. If you plan to rent on the island, skip bringing your own unless you’re particular about fit or gearing. Island rentals are simple and sturdy, designed to handle the hills and sand without fuss.
Strollers board with families, and the crew will point you to a stow area or let you keep it folded beside your seat if space allows. If your stroller is expensive or fragile, bring a gate-check style bag to keep it clean and unscathed. For surfboards or larger gear, call ahead. Policies can vary by sailing and season, and a quick phone conversation prevents surprise denials at the ramp.
The return trip and how to avoid the last-boat crush
Late afternoon returns are the sweet spot. You get generous time on the island, then you’re back in New London with daylight to spare. The last boat has its own vibe. It’s festive some days, weary on others, and more likely to run at or near capacity. Aim for the second-to-last crossing if you want a calmer experience and a better shot at your preferred seating.
If you realize late in the day that you’d rather linger, swing by the ticket window in Old Harbor to ask about switching your return. Flexibility depends on availability. If weather is moving in, the staff will try to cluster travelers onto earlier boats. I’ve found them pragmatic and transparent. Clear communication helps. If you must make a train connection in New London, say so early.
Comparing New London with Point Judith and other routes
The New London route serves southern Connecticut and even Westchester and New York travelers who prefer trains to Rhode Island driving. Time your Amtrak to arrive an hour before your sailing, and the transfer feels civilized. The Point Judith route, by comparison, is ideal for those who need a vehicle or who live closer to Providence and the South County beaches. It offers more daily frequencies in summer, including a traditional ferry and a high-speed passenger option, but the drive there can be longer for Connecticut residents.
From Montauk, there is seasonal service to Block Island, which attracts Long Island day trippers. It’s a lovely ride, but it’s not as convenient if you’re starting in Hartford, New Haven, or the casinos. The New London option hits a sweet spot: fast, frequent enough in summer, and anchored in a terminal built to move people efficiently.
A few real-world scenarios and what to do
- You’re running ten minutes late on a peak Saturday. Park in the nearest available lot, bring only what you can roll or carry quickly, and head straight to check-in. If boarding has already started, tell the agent your name clearly. If you miss by a whisker, ask for the next sailing and grab the snack you skipped. A thunderstorm pops up over the island midafternoon. Don’t panic. Summer cells pass quickly. If the operator pauses departures for lightning, they’ll resume when it’s safe. Use the lull to hydrate and reorganize. If a line forms, the earlier you enter it, the better your seating options. Your child gets queasy. Move to the center of the cabin near the aft bulkhead, breathe through the mouth, and fix eyes on the horizon through a window. Small sips of ginger ale help. If needed, step outside for air, but keep a hand on the rail. You planned a day trip and decide to stay overnight. Availability on the island can be tight. Stop by the visitor center near the dock for last-minute lodging options. In a pinch, ask hotels about a single-night cancellation. It happens more often than you’d think when weather changes. You need to work on the boat. There’s often cell coverage for hotspotting, though speeds can vary offshore. Grab a seat near a window for glare control, and bring wired headphones. Calls are possible but be mindful of fellow passengers.
Small comforts that make a difference
Coffee before boarding matters. The terminal café or nearby downtown spots open early in summer. If you bring your own, use a lidded tumbler. Even on calm days, the boat can surprise you with a playful roll that tests open cups. For families, a bag of small distractions for the kids buys you an easy hour. Card games, a few snacks, a favorite book. Avoid projects that require loose parts. The seat crevices are deeper than they look.
Dress in layers. The cabin air conditioning runs cool, and the deck wind can bite even when the sun feels strong. A lightweight fleece or windbreaker lives permanently in my ferry pack. Sunglasses and a hat cut the glare from the water, and sunscreen belongs on before you board. The hour outside on deck is enough to pink unprotected faces, especially in early summer when you don’t feel hot.
Accessibility, pets, and courteous travel
bi ferry new londonThe terminal and ferry offer accessible paths, ramps, and seating areas. If you or a traveling companion needs assistance, call ahead so the staff can stage the right support. The crew are practiced at making boarding smooth for mobility devices and will guide you to the best location onboard.
Pets travel regularly on leash or in carriers, following posted rules. Bring waste bags and water. The deck can heat up in full sun, so watch paws. If your dog is anxious around crowds, choose an early or late sailing when foot traffic is lighter. Courtesy goes a long way on a boat. Keep aisles clear, share tables when appropriate, and give the crew space to work during docking.
What “block island express new london” means in practice
When locals say block island express new london, they’re talking about that specific high-speed link that shortens the gap between Connecticut and a day on island time. It’s the reliable hop that lets New Haven families decide on a Friday night that Saturday will be for sandcastles. It’s how college friends from Hartford knit together a mini-reunion without coordinating cars. It’s how solo travelers slip away for a restorative walk on the bluffs and still sleep in their own bed.
Operationally, it’s a seasonal schedule, an hour run, a professional crew, and a set of systems refined over years. Practically, it’s the easiest way from CT to Old Harbor without touching Rhode Island highways. Once you understand the tempo, you stop worrying about the moving parts and start noticing the light on the water as you clear the river bend.
A quick, no-drama checklist for travel day
- Check your sailing time again the night before and screen for alerts. Toss a windbreaker in your bag even if it’s hot. Aim to arrive 30 to 45 minutes early during summer. Park in a signed lot, keep the ticket handy, and label your bags. Sit midship if seas look bouncy. Step outside for air once you settle in, then return to your seat before docking. On arrival, collect stowed items right away, then move clear of the gangway to re-pack calmly. For the return, target the second-to-last boat to avoid the final rush, and adjust at the Old Harbor window if plans change.
Final thoughts born of repetition
The route becomes second nature quickly. The first time, you’ll overpack, park closer than you need to, and follow the crowd. By the second or third trip, you’ll stash your bag where it won’t migrate, pick a seat aligned with your motion tolerance, and time your snack run to the lull after boarding. You’ll make peace with the fact that small marine schedules flex around wind and tide, and you’ll learn to enjoy the variability. It’s part of the point. The mainland routine fades starting the moment you step on the gangway.
If you’re deciding whether to go, let the ease of the New London link tip you toward yes. The Block Island Express compresses the distance so well that what used to be a multi-step trek becomes a pleasant hour afloat. That hour sets the tone for the rest of your day, and by the time the Old Harbor hotels come into view, the decision to come will feel like the obvious one.
Location: 2 Ferry St,New London, CT 06320,United States Phone number: 18604444624