Block Island is reached only by ferry from New London, which makes the crossing itself part of the day rather than just transportation. Once there, it's a small, largely undeveloped island best covered by bike or moped rather than car, with bluffs, beaches, and a lighthouse as the main draws. The ferry schedule effectively sets how much time you actually get on the island.
| Distance | Ferry departs from New London; 60 miles from Hartford |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 1.5-2 hours by ferry from New London |
| Getting there | Drive or take Amtrak to New London (35 min from New Haven); then Block Island Ferry from New London to Block Island (1.5 hours); round trip ferry $32 per person, $180+ for cars (book at blockislandferry.com or +1 401-783-4613) |
| Address | New London Ferry Terminal, 2 Ferry St, New London, CT 06320 |
How to get there
- Car to New London + Block Island Ferry (seasonal, June-September)
- Amtrak to New London + Block Island Ferry
Location
New London Ferry Terminal, 2 Ferry St, New London, CT 06320
41.1696, -71.5799 View on map
Highlights
- Mohegan Bluffs - clay cliffs on the island's south side, with a long staircase down to the beach below
- Southeast Lighthouse - a Victorian-era lighthouse standing near the bluffs, notable for having been physically moved back from the eroding cliff edge in the 1990s
- Old Harbor - the island's main village, where the ferry docks and where bike rentals are concentrated
- Crescent Beach - a long sand beach on the east side of the island, an easy ride from Old Harbor