Ferry Times for Block Island | Boats That Fit Your Day

Block Island ferries run daily from Point Judith, with extra seasonal boats from Newport, New London, and Montauk.

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Summer ferry planning is mostly about choosing the right mainland port. For Ferry Times for Block Island, Point Judith is the year-round anchor route, while Newport, New London, and Montauk add seasonal fast-boat options that work better for some travelers.

The easiest plan for most visitors is the Point Judith traditional ferry if you want frequent departures, lower fares, or a vehicle reservation. The high-speed routes are better for foot passengers who want a shorter ride and do not need to bring a car.

Compare the main route options before choosing a departure time:

Block Island Ferry Times: What Runs From Each Port

Block Island ferry service is split between year-round Point Judith service and seasonal routes from Newport, New London, and Montauk. The right route depends on where you are starting, whether you need to bring a car, and how late you want to return.

The official Block Island Ferry schedule for June 20, 2026 lists nine traditional departures from Point Judith to Block Island, six high-speed departures from Point Judith, and two Newport high-speed departures. Return trips from Block Island run through the evening on the Point Judith routes.

How Early Should You Arrive For The Block Island Ferry?

Foot passengers should usually arrive at least 30 to 45 minutes before departure in summer. Vehicle passengers need more time because car space is limited and reservations are separate from regular passenger timing.

Same-day passenger tickets may be available at the terminal, but busy summer weekends can sell out or leave you with a less useful return time. Vehicle reservations should be handled ahead of time, since the traditional Point Judith ferry is the only standard public ferry route that carries cars to the island.

• Choose Point Judith traditional service if you need a car, bike trailer, or lower fare.
• Choose Point Judith high-speed service if you are walking on and want the shortest Rhode Island crossing.
• Choose Newport only when the seasonal schedule lines up with your day.
• Choose New London if you are coming from Connecticut or arriving by train.

Practical tip: Day-trippers should check the return boat before buying the outbound ticket. A late arrival with an early return can leave too little time on the island.

Today’s Point Judith And Newport Departures

The official daily schedule is the source to check before leaving for the terminal, since weather and season changes can shift times. On June 20, 2026, the published Point Judith traditional departures to Block Island run from 8:00 AM through 8:00 PM, with return trips from 8:15 AM through 8:30 PM.

Point Judith high-speed service on that same date lists departures to Block Island at 7:15 AM, 9:00 AM, 11:10 AM, 1:20 PM, 4:40 PM, and 6:45 PM. Newport high-speed service lists 9:10 AM and 12:00 PM departures to Block Island, with 10:30 AM and 5:00 PM returns.

Check the live daily board on the official Block Island Ferry schedules and fares page before you go, since ferry operators can revise service for weather, equipment, or seasonal demand.

Can You Bring A Car To Block Island?

Cars can go to Block Island only on the Point Judith traditional ferry. High-speed ferries are passenger-focused and do not work for standard vehicle travel.

Most short-stay visitors do better without a car. Old Harbor, beaches, bike rentals, taxis, and mopeds cover many easy island plans, and parking can be tight in peak months. A car makes more sense for longer stays, mobility needs, house rentals away from town, or a lot of luggage.

Where To Stay After The Ferry Arrives

Block Island lodging clusters around Old Harbor, New Harbor, and quieter inland roads. Old Harbor is the easiest base if you want to step off the ferry and walk to rooms, restaurants, beaches, and bike rentals.

New Harbor suits boaters and travelers who want a calmer base near marinas. Inland inns and rentals fit longer stays, but you will want a bike, taxi plan, moped, or car reservation before relying on them.

Use the map after you know your ferry port and arrival time, since walking distance from Old Harbor matters most on short trips:

Fares And Timing Trade-Offs

Point Judith traditional service is usually the value route, while high-speed ferries cost more for a shorter crossing. Adult one-way fares published by Block Island Ferry show traditional Point Judith service at $12.30 and Point Judith high-speed service at $29.00.

Newport high-speed adult fares are higher than the traditional ferry but can save mainland driving time if you are already in Newport. Bikes, e-bikes, surfboards, carts, and vehicle fares are separate, so the cheapest passenger ticket may not be the cheapest full trip.

Pick The Ferry That Matches Your Trip

Choose Point Judith traditional service for the most dependable all-season schedule, the lowest standard passenger fare, and any vehicle plan. Choose Point Judith high-speed service if you are walking on and want the quickest Rhode Island ride.

Choose Newport when you are already in Newport and the seasonal departure times fit your day. Choose New London or Montauk only when those ports cut your drive enough to justify their seasonal limits.

For a simple day trip, take an early boat out and reserve a return that leaves enough room for delays, lunch, and beach time. For an overnight stay, book lodging near Old Harbor if you want the easiest ferry-to-room arrival.