There is a moment when the Thames River widens, the ship’s engines settle into a steady thrum, and New London’s skyline slips behind like a curtain. If you’ve booked the Block Island ferry from New London, CT, with Go Block Island Express, you know that feeling. It’s not just transportation. It’s a reset button that swaps traffic lights for sea light, and turns a regular weekend into something you’ll talk about over dinners all year.
I’ve taken this route in shoulder season when the morning fog hangs low, and in high summer when the deck feels like a boardwalk. The details matter. Ferries run on schedules, island businesses keep particular hours, and the difference between a smooth departure and a harried sprint comes down to what you know before you arrive at the terminal. Here is a working guide built from the itineraries, missteps, and small wins that make this crossing go right.
Where you’re going, and why New London is a smart departure
Block Island sits about 12 miles off the Rhode Island coast, a crescent of cliffs, ponds, and historic architecture shaped by wind and surf. The harbor town of Old Harbor is where you’ll step ashore, with the ferry landing a quick walk from inns, bike shops, and sandy beaches. From suburban Connecticut or Westchester County, New London is often faster and less stressful than driving through to Narragansett or Point Judith. You park once, ride one ferry, and arrive right in town without transferring.
The New London terminal is also easy to navigate. It’s tucked beside the downtown, a short walk from the Amtrak station, with clear signage and ferry staff who actually answer questions. If you’re carrying bikes, golf bags, or an overstuffed rolling duffel that seemed lighter at home, the loading process here tends to be less chaotic than bigger ports in peak season.
Understanding the Go Block Island Express service
Go Block Island Express is the seasonal high-speed service that connects New London, CT, to Block Island, typically from late spring through early fall. The trip takes roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes on the fast ferry, give or take a few minutes for sea conditions and harbor traffic. It’s a passenger-only service, which means no cars, but you can bring bikes for a fee and luggage within reasonable limits.
Schedules ramp up in June, peak in July and August with multiple sailings per day, then taper after Labor Day. Weekends fill first, especially Friday outbound and Sunday return. A common pattern is a late morning or early afternoon departure from New London and an afternoon return from Block Island that gets you back in time for dinner. That said, the best sailing time is the one that gives you buffer on both ends. Traffic on I-95 can spike at odd hours, and the island’s businesses don’t run on urban urgency. An extra hour in town beats a frantic dash to the gangway.
Tickets are sold online and at the terminal. On crowded days, walk-ups risk waitlisting. If you know your date, book in advance and pick your seats up at will call or load the e-ticket on your phone with brightness turned up. Phones struggle with glare on the pier, and you don’t want to be that person digging for a QR code while everyone else boards.
Getting to the New London terminal without drama
Most travelers drive. The terminal sits near exit ramps off I-95, and signage to the ferry is straightforward once you’re in the downtown grid. Parking is available in nearby garages and lots within a few blocks. Rates vary by season, but think day-tripper pricing in the teens or twenties and overnight rates that are still reasonable compared to coastal alternatives. On midsummer Saturdays, aim to arrive 45 to 60 minutes before departure to secure a good spot and keep check-in calm.
Rail is underused and underrated. Amtrak and Shore Line East stop at New London Union Station, which is a short walk to the ferry. On a recent trip, I stepped off a Northeast Regional, crossed the street with a small carry-on, and reached the ticket window in under five minutes. If you hate parking or plan to have a beer on the boat, the train plus ferry combo is a neat solution.
Rideshare works well in off-hours. Drivers know the terminal, and pickup zones are easy to use. On summer Sundays when boats unload en masse, you might wait a bit. If you must make a quick connection, walk two blocks away from the pier for better signal and calmer curbs.
What to expect at the terminal
The New London terminal is compact: ticket windows, a waiting area, restrooms, and a small cafe counter when seasonal staff is on. Lines typically form 30 minutes before boarding. Luggage tags sit by the door. If you’ve paid for bike transport, look for staff directing you to a separate loading area so the crew can lash bikes securely.
Boarding is orderly. Crew will check tickets at the ramp. You can choose indoor seating with air conditioning or head for the open deck. If you get seasick, aim for the middle of the cabin and sit facing forward. A wristband or pill taken before the dockside coffee kicks in will make more difference than any ginger candy bought in panic later.
On a busy July afternoon you will hear rolling coolers, see a few dogs tucked under benches, and watch kids sprint for the top deck like it’s a game show. If you prefer quiet, the lower cabin on the starboard side tends to take longer to fill. Not always, but often enough to be a pattern.
The ride: what the water gives you
The Thames River stretch is a scenic warmup. You’ll pass submarines in the distance occasionally, marinas, and some solid shoreline architecture. Once you clear the river mouth, the wind shifts. Southwest breezes stack up a short chop across Fishers Island Sound, especially late afternoons. Morning sailings are often calmer. If waves are running, the captain may adjust speed for comfort; the difference in arrival time is usually measured in minutes, not quarters of an hour.
The fast ferry has a bar and simple snacks. Coffee is better than you’d expect on a moving vessel if you catch a fresh pot. Beer and wine are standard; lobster rolls make cameo appearances depending on the day. The line moves quickly at first then slows, so order early if you’re hungry. There’s Wi-Fi in some seasons, but plan on dead zones and enjoy the view instead. Cell service returns when you’re halfway across.
Old Harbor sneaks up on you. One minute, open water. The next, you’re sliding past breakwaters and Victorian hotels. The approach feels choreographed: lines ready, ramp down, crew waving you forward. Disembark and pause. Cars are not your problem here. Pedestrians flood into town as if the sidewalks were made for this exact moment.
When to go: seasonal rhythms and wind realities
Timing your trip is less about the calendar and more about what you want out of the island.
Late May to mid June has crisp water and open reservations. The island wakes up in layers. Restaurants train seasonal staff, bike shops tune fleets, and the light feels clean in the evenings. If you can handle cooler breezes on deck, this is prime.
July to late August is the headline season. Water temps hit the 70s. Weekdays feel lively, weekends feel like a festival. You’ll wait longer for tables and bikes might be scarce by late morning. Book ferry seats early and consider earlier or later sailings to dodge the crowd.
September is gold. The ocean stays warm, families shift back to school, and sunsets stretch. Ferry schedules shrink a bit, which makes planning essential, but the vibe is relaxed and confident.
One note on weather: a stiff southwest wind builds across the day in summer. Morning crossings are typically smoother; afternoon returns can bump. If you’re a sensitive sailor, plan your big meal for the island, not the return leg, and aim for earlier boats.
Packing smart for a passenger-only ferry
You can bring more than you think, but you shouldn’t. The ramp, the crew, and your shoulders will thank you for restraint. The essentials are straightforward: a light jacket, sun protection, and footwear you can walk in. I’ve watched people abandon cute sandals after the first quarter mile on the island’s hills.
If you’re staying overnight, choose soft-sided bags that slide under seats or stack easily. Hard suitcases survive the trip, but they don’t roll well over wooden planks or the Old Harbor sidewalks. A small daypack for the ferry and a larger bag checked with the crew keeps life simple.
Bikes are a strong choice for the island’s scale. If you prefer to travel light, rent on arrival. Rates are often best earlier in the day, and your choice of frame, basket, and helmet improves with timing. If you bring your own, make sure your tires handle chip seal and your gearing can handle hills. The island is not flat, no matter what a friend told you after their electric-bike weekend.
Kids do fine on the crossing with the right setup. Bring a compact game, a snack you don’t mind sharing, and a windbreaker with a hood. The deck feels novel for the first twenty minutes, then attention spans taper. On rougher days, move them midship and toss a beach towel on a bench for comfort.
What you’ll find steps from the dock
Old Harbor compresses Block Island’s charm into a walkable stretch. The ferry ties up near hotels that look like painted postcards, with verandas lined in rocking chairs. You can be at the beach in five minutes, at a bike shop in two, and at a clam shack in one. It is that close.
Menus tilt toward seafood, but you’ll find reliable coffee, quick breakfast sandwiches, and ice cream with a line that wraps and ebbs through the day. If you’re here on a day trip, consider a loose plan: rent a bike, ride to Mohegan Bluffs for the stairway down to the beach, return along the west side for sunset if you’re staying late, or loop past Great Salt Pond and stop for chowder. If you’re overnighting, drop your bag, then wander. The island rewards unscripted hours.
The walk from Old Harbor to the Southeast Lighthouse is striking but exposed. Bring water and plan for wind. The lighthouse grounds give you the big Atlantic, the bluffs, and the kind of sky that normalizes taking too many photos.
Practical itinerary choices that save time
There’s a temptation to pack the day with stops, especially on your first visit. It’s better to choose a couple of anchor experiences and let the rest flow. One strong combination is a morning ferry from New London, an immediate bike rental, the Bluffs, then a leisurely lunch back in town. Beach time in the afternoon and an early evening return makes for a full day without sprinting.
If you’re aiming for a sunset on the island, a later return can be wonderful, but mind the schedule. You do not want to misread departure times and convert an easy day into a scramble for last-minute lodging. Snap a photo of the day’s return times posted at the landing. When the crowd starts drifting back toward the pier, follow the tide.
For travelers connecting by rail, pad your schedule. Trains run to timetables that don’t care about the extra five minutes you spent buying saltwater taffy. I build a 45-minute cushion between scheduled ferry arrival and any train departure. On fair-weather days that feels generous. On blustery ones, it feels wise.
The Block Island ferry from New London, CT, when you’re traveling with a group
Groups change the math. Everything takes longer, and decision-making gets fuzzy when six people Informative post want six different snacks. Appoint one person to manage tickets and another to corral luggage. Meet at a specific bench at the terminal if you get separated. On the boat, claim a block of seats rather than scattering. It helps with headcounts and makes the ride social rather than a shuffle.
For groups renting bikes, call ahead. Shops appreciate a heads-up, especially if you need kid seats, trailers, or e-bikes. If you’re planning a dinner reservation, book it after you step ashore and gauge the day’s vibe. Weather will dictate whether you want a porch with breeze or a booth out of the wind.
Pricing and what affects it
Ticket prices vary by season, day of week, and sometimes time of day. Expect to pay more in July and August, less on shoulder-season weekdays. Children’s fares and senior discounts exist on many sailings. Bikes carry a separate fee. If budget matters, look at early-day or midweek departures. The value isn’t just the dollar amount. Less crowded boats mean easier boarding, shorter snack lines, and a calmer arrival.
Parking adds cost. Some lots discount multi-day stays; others charge per 24 hours. Cash is still the quickest way to exit older garages, though most now accept cards. If you’re comparing total trip costs between New London and other ports, factor in your drive time, tolls, and whether you’d rather sit behind a wheel or on a deck chair for that hour.
A few edge cases the regulars learn the hard way
Fog happens. The ferry may slow, horns may sound, and you will arrive a bit later than scheduled. Build your day around what you can control and relax about the rest. The crew runs this route constantly and knows how to thread the weather safely.
Holiday weekends operate by their own rules. Book earlier, arrive earlier, and expect lines everywhere. If patience isn’t your strong suit, aim for the Friday morning and Monday morning sailings rather than the classic Friday evening and Sunday afternoon crush.
If you’re sensitive to diesel smells, choose seats upwind on the open deck or forward inside with good airflow. Ventilation is solid, but the difference between a great crossing and a queasy one can be as simple as where you sit.
Dogs are allowed subject to carrier or leash rules. Not all pets love vibration and crowd noise. A nervous pup will be happier in the quieter lower cabin. Water bowls appear at shops on the island, but carry your own bottle for the ferry.
Comparing ports without starting a family debate
If you live in central Connecticut, the New London route usually wins on simplicity. From New Haven and points west, the New London terminal is a straight shot, and the high-speed crossing trims overall travel time. From Providence or southern Rhode Island, Point Judith’s traditional ferry may be closer. But the trade-off is often an extra hour behind the wheel plus parking logistics that feel more intense in peak season. The Block Island ferry from New London, CT, is the one I recommend to friends who want a day that feels like a holiday without the trouble of a road odyssey.
A realistic day trip timeline that actually works
Here is a tight, workable plan that I’ve used more than once:
- Arrive at the New London terminal 50 minutes before sailing, park within two to three blocks, and pick up tickets immediately to avoid the pre-boarding mini-rush. Board with a light daypack, choose midship indoor seats if the afternoon breeze is up, and grab coffee or water before the line builds. Disembark at Old Harbor, rent bikes within a two-minute walk, ride to Mohegan Bluffs, and spend 30 minutes on the stairs and shoreline if the surf is manageable. Return toward town via a slightly different route, stop for chowder or a lobster roll, then set aside an hour of beach time within walking distance of the ferry. Be back at the pier 20 minutes before your return, with snacks in pocket and phone brightness up for the e-ticket scan.
You’ll sleep well that night, and the day will feel longer than the clock says.
The sustainability angle without the lecture
A passenger-only ferry trip from New London trims car miles and spreads tourism across rail and ship networks that have been working the coast for generations. On the island, biking beats driving for both stress and footprint. The ferry crews care about the water they work on. Pack out what you bring, skip single-use extras when you can, and choose businesses that treat the shoulder seasons with the same respect as July weekends. It’s a small place; your choices echo.
Final judgment calls that separate a decent trip from a great one
If you’re debating whether to bring a jacket in August, bring it. If you’re on the fence about pre-booking tickets on a sunny Saturday, do it. If you’re choosing between a tight connection and a lazy buffer, choose the buffer. The price of getting it wrong is measured in tension; the reward for getting it right is measured in ease.
And if you’re hesitating because ferries feel like an extra step, remember that the first few minutes after departure often become the best minutes of the whole weekend. The water opens, the mainland shrinks, and whatever chased you to the dock can’t keep pace.
Quick pre-departure check
- Confirm your sailing time 24 hours ahead and screenshot the ticket. Check parking options and bring a payment method that works if the lot’s tech is finicky. Pack a light layer, sun protection, and a water bottle; keep heavier bags soft-sided. If seasickness is a worry, take preventive measures before boarding rather than during. Photograph the return schedule posted at Old Harbor so you never guess your way back.
A ferry ride should feel easy. The route from New London with Go Block Island Express makes that promise most days of the season. Plan with a light touch, respect the clock, and give yourself room to enjoy the between, not just the destination. The island will do the rest.
Location: 2 Ferry St,New London, CT 06320,United States Phone number: 18604444624