Getting Here
Flying to Block Island: when the 12-minute flight beats the boat
New England Airlines flies Westerly to Block Island in about 12 minutes. What it costs, how booking works, and when flying actually makes sense.
Getting to Block Island, minus the guesswork
Four mainland ports run boats to Block Island; one small airline flies there. That is the entire menu, and the right pick depends on three questions: where you're starting, whether you insist on bringing a car, and whether you're traveling outside summer.
The short answers: most people should sail from Point Judith — it runs year-round, has the most departures, and is the only route that carries vehicles. Coming from New York or Connecticut, the New London fast ferry saves you the drive around. And nearly everyone is happier leaving the car on the mainland, which makes parking at the terminal the detail that actually decides how your day starts.
Everything in this section follows one rule: schedules and prices change every season, so we date every fact and re-verify each spring. When in doubt, the operator's site is the final word — and we link it rather than paraphrase it.
Routes & logistics
The complete ferry guide
All four routes compared: who they’re for, what they cost, what to book.
Ferry schedule
This season’s departures, verified each season.
From Point Judith
The workhorse route: year-round, and the only boat that takes cars.
From New London
The fast boat from Connecticut — easiest from NYC.
Parking at the ferry
The real pain point. Lots, prices, and when they fill.
Flying to the island
12 minutes from Westerly, and worth it in fog season? We answer.
Getting around
Bikes, mopeds, taxis — and why you probably shouldn’t bring the car.
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Good questions
- How do you get to Block Island?
- By ferry from Point Judith RI (year-round, the only route that carries cars), or seasonally from Newport, New London CT, and Montauk NY. There are also small-plane flights from Westerly, RI. Most first-timers should take the Point Judith boat.
- How long is the ferry ride?
- From Point Judith: 55 minutes on the traditional ferry, about 30 on the high-speed. Newport is about an hour; New London about 75 minutes; Montauk about an hour.
- Should I bring my car to Block Island?
- Almost certainly not. Vehicle space sells out months ahead, it is expensive, and the island is genuinely easier by bike, moped, and taxi. Bring the car only for long stays, mobility needs, or off-season trips.