Block Island Express ferry schedule and guide
Block Island Express runs the Block Island Express ferry, a seasonal high-speed passenger ferry between New London, Connecticut and Old Harbor on Block Island, Rhode Island. The Block Island Express ferry carries passengers, bicycles and surfboards, not cars. Block Island Express strongly recommends reservations.
Schedule up to date as of November 5, 2026
Contents
Block Island Express ferry schedule
Closed for the season from September 21, 2026 until further notice.
Block Island Express ferry fares
| Fare type | Fare |
|---|---|
| Passengers | |
| Adult one way | $33.25 |
| Priority adult one way | $39.50 |
| Adult round trip | $66.50 |
| Priority adult round trip | $79.00 |
| Child one way | $16.75 |
| Priority child one way | $19.75 |
| Child round trip | $33.50 |
| Priority child round trip | $39.50 |
| Child under 2 | Free |
| Bikes | |
| Bicycle one way | $12.00 |
| Tandem bike one way | $17.50 |
| Bike trailer one way | $6.00 |
| Cart or wagon one way | $6.00 |
| Electric scooter or electric skateboard | $6.00 |
| Surfboard one way | $6.00 |
- Block Island Express added a 20% fuel surcharge on all fares on May 25, 2026. Children under 12 ride at child fares and must travel with someone 16 or older; children under 2 ride free. Priority fare riders board first when checked in 30 minutes before departure and can change their reservation without a fee.
Block Island Express ferry details
| Operator | Block Island Express |
|---|---|
| Vessels | MV Jessica W, MV Cecelia Ann and MV Sea Jet, all high-speed catamarans. The schedule names the boat on each sailing. |
| Vehicles | None. The Block Island Express ferry is a passenger ferry. |
| Reservations | Strongly recommended, online or by phone. Riders need the reservation confirmation and a photo ID to get tickets. |
| Bicycles | Bicycles, tandem bikes, bike trailers, carts, wagons, electric scooters, electric skateboards and surfboards ride for their own fare on top of the passenger fare. |
| Pets | Pets ride only in approved pet carriers and stay in them for the whole trip. Leashed pets are not allowed. Service animals are allowed. |
| Accessibility | Both terminals board through wide, wheelchair-accessible ramps. The main passenger deck of the Jessica W is accessible and has accessible restrooms. |
| Food and drink on board | The Jessica W and Cecelia Ann sell snacks, craft beer and cocktails. Riders may drink only alcohol bought on board, and smoking and vaping are not allowed. |
New London ferry terminal parking and directions
The New London ferry terminal is at 2 Ferry St, New London, CT 06320, across from the Amtrak station. The New London ferry terminal is fully accessible, with accessible parking, ramps to the ticket office and accessible restrooms.
Drivers on I-95 South take exit 84 for the New London Waterfront District, then turn left on Governor Winthrop Boulevard at the second light. Drivers on I-95 North take exit 83, then turn left on Governor Winthrop Boulevard at the third light. From Governor Winthrop Boulevard, the road crosses the railroad tracks and bears right into the ferry entrance.
The New London ferry terminal has limited on-site parking, charged by the calendar day, first come, first served. The Water Street Parking Garage, across the street, has more spaces.
The terminal sits at New London's transportation center. Amtrak and Shore Line East trains stop there, along with Southeast Area Transit (SEAT) and Greyhound buses.
Block Island ferry terminal at Old Harbor
The Block Island Express ferry docks at Old Harbor on Block Island. The Block Island ferry terminal has a ticket booth with full access, and public accessible restrooms are nearby. Most Old Harbor shops are on or near Water Street, and Crescent Beach is a short distance from Old Harbor.
When to arrive for the Block Island Express ferry
Block Island Express asks riders to reach the dock at least 30 minutes before departure. Riders with a standard reservation must get their tickets at least 10 minutes before the sailing, or the reservation is canceled and they go on standby.
Priority fare riders who check in at least 30 minutes before departure board in the first group. Priority riders can check in until 5 minutes before the sailing and can change the reservation without a fee before it sails.
Early and late in the season, the Block Island Express ferry runs mostly on weekends, and some weekdays have no service. In midsummer, the Thursday Dinner Run pairs an afternoon boat from New London with an evening return from Block Island at half the same-day round-trip fare.
Block Island Express ferry delays and cancellations
Block Island Express can change or cancel any trip or swap the vessel without notice, and crossing times vary with weather. When Block Island Express cancels a trip, riders can get a full refund or move to another trip, subject to space.
Cancellations carry a processing fee per ticket and direction, lower when made two or more calendar days ahead. Changes made two or more calendar days ahead are free, and later changes carry a fee. Unused tickets are forfeited when the last sailing of the season leaves Block Island.
Block Island Express takes reservations and changes at (860) 444-4624 in Connecticut and (401) 466-2212 on Block Island.
Block Island Express ferry FAQs
Does the Block Island Express ferry run all year?
The Block Island Express ferry runs only in season and does not sail the rest of the year. The schedule at the top of this page shows the current season, or says when the Block Island Express ferry is closed.
Does the Block Island Express ferry need a reservation?
Block Island Express strongly recommends reservations on every sailing. Standard fares are sold whether or not riders reserve. A standard reservation not ticketed 10 minutes before the sailing is canceled, and the rider goes on standby.
Where does the Block Island Express ferry leave from in New London?
The Block Island Express ferry leaves from the New London ferry terminal at 2 Ferry St, New London, CT 06320, across from the Amtrak station. On Block Island, the Block Island Express ferry docks at Old Harbor.
Can bikes ride the Block Island Express ferry?
Bicycles ride the Block Island Express ferry for a bicycle fare on top of the passenger fare. Tandem bikes, bike trailers, carts and surfboards have their own fares, listed in the fares table.
Can dogs ride the Block Island Express ferry?
Dogs and other pets ride the Block Island Express ferry only in approved pet carriers, and they stay in the carriers for the whole trip. Leashed pets are not allowed. Service animals are allowed.
Do children ride the Block Island Express ferry free?
Children under 2 ride the Block Island Express ferry free. Children under 12 pay the child fare and must travel with someone 16 or older.
More Block Island and Connecticut ferries
- Point Judith–Block Island ferry, Block Island Ferry's boats from Point Judith and Newport, Rhode Island to Old Harbor
- Cross Sound Ferry, from the same New London ferry terminal to Orient Point on Long Island