Block Island is a remote stretch of land right off the coast of Rhode Island and Long Island. There are no highways or bridges that provide car access or a major airport that provides air service to the island. This seclusion makes Block Island a popular tourist destination in the summer.
Since this island is remote, the only way to get to Block Island is by boat or ferry. One of your best bets to get to Block Island is taking the Block Island Express Ferry.
The Block Island Express Ferry connects Connecticut and Long Island to Block Island via high-speed Catamarans that can get you to your final destination within an hour and 30 minutes with maximum comfort.
In this guide, we’ll analyze where the Block Island Express ferry brings you, how much it costs, and reasons why you should visit Block Island.
Where Does The Block Island Express Ferry Go?
The Block Island Express Ferry operates out of New London, Connecticut, and Orient Point, New York on Long Island. It is the sister company to the Cross Sound Ferry and utilizes the same office and ticket booth.
The Express ferry brings passengers across part of the Long Island Sound and into the Atlantic Ocean to the remote Block Island. Your trip terminates at the Block Island town of New Shoreham, found on the eastern side of the island.
The ferry only recently expanded its route service by including a trip from Long Island to Block Island. Before, passengers from Long Island had to take the Cross Sound Ferry to New London to catch and transfer onto the Block Island Express Ferry. That added large amounts of time and extra steps to the trip.
How Long Does It Take to Get to Block Island Using the Express Ferry?
The distance between New London and Block Island is about 30 miles directly. The trip on board the Block Island Express ferry from New London takes an 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on the ocean and weather conditions.
If you’re opting to take the ferry from Orient Point on Long Island, the direct distance between these locations is 38 miles. This trip is also about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
For those who choose not to take the “Express” directly from Long Island, the trip to New London, Connecticut from Orient will add an hour and 20 minutes to the commute.
In total, the time it will take will be 2 hours and 50 minutes when you decide to transfer to New London to catch the Block Island Express.
How Much Does it Cost to Take the Block Island Express Ferry?
One thing that differentiates the Block Island Express Ferry from the Cross Sound Ferry is that there is no way for passengers to bring their vehicles aboard.
The Express Ferry uses high-speed vessels that do not allow access to automobiles. So if you are looking to bring a vehicle to Block Island, you need to find an alternative. With that said, there are no vehicle fares aboard this ferry.
The Block Island Express solely offers passenger fares. The fare for one adult one-way ticket to Block Island will cost $32.75. For a same-day round-trip fare, adults will pay $62.35 per ticket.
Children have a slightly discounted fare. A one-way ticket for a child will cost 16.38. For a round-trip ticket, you can expect to pay $31 for a child.
There are slight variations in ticket prices if you decide to purchase a round trip but want to do the return trip on a different day. Expect your tickets to be a few cents or a dollar more than what you would pay for a same-day round-trip fare.
You can also get priority access tickets. Priority access means you can board the ferry 30 minutes before the departure time to avoid queueing online.
How Many Boats Does the Block Island Express Ferry Operate?
According to the Block Island Ferry website, the company owns and operates 3 high-speed ferries; Jessica W, Sea Jet, and Cecilia Ann.
Jessica W
Jessica W is a high-speed catamaran that was first built in 1990 and operated from the United Kingdom until it was purchased by the Block Island Express Ferry.
The boat is 160 feet long and designed to ensure customers receive the smoothest sailing experience possible. It also features newly renovated engines that allow maximum fuel efficiency, a reduction in carbon footprint, and a decrease in vibrations helping the customer experience.
Jessica W is the fastest vessel in the Block Island Express Ferry fleet. It can hit top speeds of 40 miles an hour.
It features two enclosed air-conditioned decks where passengers can enjoy amenities such as satellite television and a deli for food and drinks. Passengers can also take the trip to Block Island from the outside deck.
Sea Jet
The Sea Jet was the first ferry added to the Block Island Express fleet. This catamaran is utilized on both Cross Sound Ferry routes as well as Block Island Express routes.
It contains many of the same functionalities as the Jessica W like two decks of seating and outdoor seating. It features eco-friendly engines and has recently undergone cabin renovations to make the passenger experience the best possible.
Cecilia Ann
The Cecilia Ann is the newest ferry in the Block Island Express fleet. It was built in 2003 and used in New York City Circle Line cruises. The Cross Sound Ferry purchased the boat in 2017.
Just like the other two boats operating on the Block Island route, the Cecilia Ann has two decks and one sundeck. The ship has a 30 mph cruise speed and is built for passenger comfort. The Cecilia Ann is capable of loading up to 600 passengers per trip.
In addition to Block Island Express service, the Cecilia Ann is also used on Cross Sound Ferry routes between New London and Orient Point.
Why Should You Visit Block Island Using the Ferry?
Block Island is a great place to visit if you are looking to get off the grid and visit somewhere different.
Since Block Island isn’t home to a major airport, your time there won’t be inundated with groups of tourists.
With that said, the best option for you to get to Block Island is through the ferry. The fastest ferry offering service from the Tri-State Area to Block Island is the Block Island Express Ferry by Cross Sound Ferry.
If you need more motivation to decide whether you should take a weekend getaway to Block Island using the Block Island Express Ferry, see below for several activities you can do on a weekend trip to Block Island.
Go for a Swim at various Block Island Beaches
Block Island boasts several pristine shoreline spots that are perfect for a day of aquatic fun. Popular Block Island Beaches include:
- Mansion Beach
- Fred Benson Town Beach
- Ballard’s Beach
Whether you’re looking for a quiet and secluded cove or a lively beach with fellow sun-seekers, you’ll find a beach to suit your taste. With its crystal-clear waters and sandy shores, Block Island is a swimmer’s paradise, offering a chance to cool off and relax in the sun while surrounded by the island’s natural beauty.
Visit The Various Lighthouse on Block Island
From the iconic Southeast Light, perched dramatically on the Mohegan Bluffs, to the picturesque North Light, you’ll be captivated by the stunning views and fascinating stories these beacons of the sea have to offer.
A visit to these lighthouses is not only an opportunity to enjoy breathtaking vistas but also a chance to learn about the island’s rich maritime heritage.
Tour Block Island via Heliblock Helicopter
Heliblock Helicopter tours provide a bird’s-eye view of Block Island, showcasing its beauty from a unique perspective.
As you soar over the island’s rolling hills, dramatic cliffs, and pristine coastline, you’ll gain a newfound appreciation for its natural wonders.
Heliblock offers a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that allows you to see Block Island like never before, making memories that will last a lifetime.
Take Block Island using Beach Rose Bicycles
Renting a bicycle is a fantastic way to explore the island’s quaint villages, scenic roads, and hidden gems at a leisurely pace.
With well-maintained bike paths and a variety of rental options, Beach Rose Bicycles makes it easy for visitors to enjoy a relaxing and eco-friendly adventure.
Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a novice rider, Block Island’s gentle terrain and stunning vistas make for a perfect day of exploration on two wheels.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a weekend getaway destination not too far away from the Tri-State Area, Block Island should be at the top of your list. Since Block Island is only accessible by ferry, you can expect your trip to be absent of crowds.
The best ferry service from Long Island and Connecticut is the Block Island Express Ferry.
These high-speed boats will have you enjoying the best that Block Island has to offer in less than an hour and 30 minutes from when you depart.
