Your Guide to the BI Ferry from New London: Smooth Sailing to Block Island

Few northeastern trips feel as effortless and rewarding as the ferry ride from New London to Block Island. The route balances practicality with a small sense of adventure. You board near a downtown train station, glide past lighthouses and naval history, and step off into a place where bikes outnumber cars and the tempo drops a notch. I have taken this run in fog and in bright August glare, with kids in tow and on solo shoulder-season escapes. The rhythm stays roughly the same, though the details matter. Here’s how to make the most of the BI ferry from New London, with hard-won tips for timing, parking, tickets, and what to expect on both ends.

Where the New London route fits in the Block Island picture

The Block Island Ferry network looks simple at first glance, but it helps to understand how New London fits in. Most ferries to Block Island depart from Point Judith, Rhode Island, with frequent traditional boats and a high-speed option. New London, by contrast, offers a seasonal high-speed route that tends to run late spring through early fall, with a handful of shoulder-season dates depending on demand and weather. If you’re coming from Connecticut, New York, or western Massachusetts, the BI ferry from New London can save you an extra hour of driving and a parking juggle in Point Judith. It also pairs neatly with the Northeast Corridor rail line, which stops at New London’s Union Station next to the waterfront.

This route suits day-trippers who want maximum island time without a car, families looking to avoid a long highway push, and anyone who prefers to step off the train and onto a boat. It is not a car ferry. If you need a vehicle on Block Island, you must depart from Point Judith on the traditional ferry. Most visitors discover they don’t need a car at all. Distances are manageable by bike or moped, with taxis and ride services filling gaps.

Schedules, seasons, and the role of weather

The New London service runs on a seasonal timetable. Peak summer often means multiple daily round trips, while June and September schedules thin out. The exact calendar shifts year to year, so treat any memory of last summer’s departure times as a rough guide, not law. Check the operator’s site when planning, and again the week of travel. Ferry operators adjust for special events, maintenance, and sea conditions.

Fog and wind shape life on this passage. On glassy days, the ride feels like a scenic train on water. On a gusty southwest afternoon, the catamaran will pound more than you expect, especially in the open stretch outside the Thames River. Schedules rarely cancel outright in summer, but delays happen. If you’re connecting from Amtrak or Shore Line East into New London, build a buffer of at least 45 minutes. That covers minor train slippage and gives you time to pick up tickets, use the restroom, and stand in the boarding line without stress.

One quirk: midweek schedules can be kinder than weekends, both in crowd levels and in the odds of snagging your preferred departure. If your plans are flexible, a Tuesday or Wednesday crossing often feels civilized compared to Friday rush.

Tickets, pricing, and how far ahead to book

Demand spikes on sunny weekends, around holidays, and any day the surf forecast looks friendly. Prices vary by age category and season, with infants typically free and discounted fares for children and seniors. Expect a premium for high-speed service relative to traditional ferries elsewhere. The trade-off is time: New London’s high-speed crossing usually takes about an hour and fifteen minutes to an hour and a half dock to dock, tides and sea state depending.

Buy online if you can. The ticket window at New London moves quickly, but capacity on busy sailings can sell out, and walk-up buyers may find themselves waiting for the next boat. If you’re planning a day trip with a dinner reservation on the island, reserve your return in advance as well. Flexibility is the luxury here. If you want the freedom to hang on Crescent Beach for another hour or linger over chowder, consider booking a return one slot later than you think you’ll need. If you finish early, you can ask to standby for an earlier boat, though nothing is guaranteed.

Families should double check the fine print on strollers and oversized items, especially in peak season. The high-speed catamaran has good capacity, but space remains finite in the luggage racks and under-seat areas. Soft-sided bags travel easier than hard roller cases.

Getting to the New London terminal without headaches

New London favors multimodal travelers. Union Station sits just across the street from the ferry pier. I’ve stepped off an Amtrak from New York with ten minutes to spare and still made the boat, though that was more luck than planning. On a normal day, stick to that 45-minute cushion. For Shore Line East and Amtrak riders, build your itinerary so that a short train delay won’t cost you the crossing.

Drivers have a choice of surface lots and garages near the waterfront. Rates vary, and some lots switch to day-event pricing on summer weekends. A simple practice works: note the lot’s closing time and overnight policies, then snap a bi ferry new london photo of your ticket and space number. You will thank yourself when you return sun-tired and sandy and do not want to argue with a kiosk or memory. Street parking near the pier is tight and time-limited. I rarely risk it unless I’m picking up or dropping off someone.

New London’s downtown offers coffee, snacks, and restrooms if you arrive early. On the busiest days, the ferry terminal’s line forms well before boarding. Don’t be the person sprinting down the pier with an iced latte at last call. The gate staff moves briskly, and the catamaran will not wait for latecomers.

Boarding, seating, and what the ride feels like

The BI ferry from New London runs a high-speed catamaran, which means fast boarding, airline-style rows and tables, indoor climate control, and a small snack bar. The top deck or aft outdoor area opens when weather allows. You will feel motion more up high and aft. If you’re prone to seasickness, sit lower and toward the center, face forward, and fix your eyes on the horizon. The passage down the Thames River past Fort Trumbull and the Coast Guard Academy stays calm. The sea state becomes apparent once you clear the river mouth and the catamaran picks up speed.

If you care about scenery, grab a window on the starboard side outbound. You might catch New London Harbor Light and a sweep of shore as you turn. Photographers like the aft rail for wake shots and wide angles of the island as it draws near. Keep gear stowed when crew calls for it. Loose items become projectiles in a surprise gust.

The onboard snack bar typically sells coffee, soft drinks, beer, wine, and quick bites such as chips, muffins, and sometimes a hot item. It is not a full meal solution, but it will take the edge off. Bring a refillable water bottle. Ferries often have fountains or sell cold bottles, and summer crossings can dry you out faster than you expect.

Luggage, bikes, and what to bring

Travel light. High-speed ferries welcome carry-ons and mid-size bags, but tight aisles and boarding ramps punish overpacking. Think daypacks and soft duffels. If you’re staying overnight, compress gear and avoid rigid suitcases. Bicycles are typically allowed with an extra fee and limited capacity per sailing. Plan ahead and arrive early if you’re bringing a bike, especially on August weekends when the racks fill up quickly.

Stroller strategy deserves a word. Umbrella strollers handle tight stairs and narrow doorways better than jogging models. If your stroller is bulky, ask the crew where to park it. Do not block aisles. The boarding process flows better when passengers keep hands free and move steadily from gate to seat.

For weather, assume variability. The difference between New London’s morning shade and Block Island’s afternoon sun can feel dramatic. Pack a light layer, sunscreen, a hat with a cinch or clip, sunglasses you won’t cry over if a gust takes them, and a small dry bag for phone and wallet. If you’re heading straight to the beach, wear your suit under comfortable clothes, stash flip-flops in the bag, and save yourself a change-room scramble. A microfiber towel beats a heavy cotton roll in both drying speed and packability.

Arriving at Block Island: Old Harbor rhythm

The New London high-speed route typically arrives at Old Harbor, Block Island’s walkable heart. The dock sits steps from hotels, bike rentals, mopeds, cafes, and taxis. If you’ve booked lodging in town, you can be checked in and back out the door in minutes. If your place is up near New Harbor or on the bluffs, a quick taxi ride solves the distance. On a perfect July Saturday, the taxi line forms fast. Sharing rides is common, and drivers will piece together drop-offs efficiently.

Old Harbor really is compact. You can pick up sandwiches, rent a bike, and be pedaling north toward the lighthouse within 20 minutes of docking. For families, the protected arc of Crescent Beach starts just a short walk from town. For a quieter stretch, wander farther up to Scotch or Mansion Beach, which spreads out the crowds and rewards you with that open Atlantic slope and long rollers.

If you have a return ferry the same day, note where the check-in and boarding lines form for your departure time. Phones sometimes lose signal as crowds pack the harbor, so set a calendar alarm as a nudge to head back. You do not want to be stuck in line for ice cream at the moment your boarding call echoes down the dock.

Day trips that feel like a full vacation

A well-timed day trip can deliver a perfect arc: early ferry, late lunch, beach time, ice cream, sunset on the pier, evening return. The trick is to choose a focus rather than sprint all over the island. I tend to recommend one of three patterns, each with a different vibe.

The beach day: Walk or bike north along the shoreline, claim a spot on Crescent or Scotch, swim, read, nap, and return to town for a late lunch when your stomach insists. This is ideal for families and groups who want minimal logistics.

The bluffs and bikes: Rent bikes right off the boat, follow Spring Street to Southeast Light, lock up and walk the Mohegan Bluffs stairs, then loop back along Lakeside Drive for a quieter ride. It is not a long distance on paper, but hills and wind make it a real workout if you push the pace.

The mixed sampler: Start with a coffee in https://www.instagram.com/blockislandexpress/ town, browse a few shops, then taxi to New Harbor for a harbor walk and a waterside lunch. Afterward, rent kayaks or paddleboards, or stroll out to Great Salt Pond’s edges to watch the moorings and birds. Taxi back to Old Harbor for an easy sunset and your return ferry.

If you connect your return ride too tightly to a dinner reservation on the mainland, you’ll rob the day of ease. Build slack. Block Island rewards those who breathe a little.

On a blue-sky Saturday in August, everything pulses. You’ll feel it the moment you turn down to the New London pier and see the line snake along the railing. Ten minutes before boarding, people stand politely. Two minutes before boarding, the tone shifts. Parents hustle kids, friends wave to hold spots, someone realizes their bag is in the wrong pile. None of this needs to derail your calm.

A few habits keep the temperature down. Show up early enough to settle yourself. Keep your ticket and ID accessible. Consolidate gear in one or two bags rather than six small ones. If you’re traveling with a group, decide who leads and who trails so you do not lose each other in the gangway bottleneck. It helps to set a simple meet point on the island too, in case someone peels off.

Returning boats can feel even more crowded, because everyone arrives just in time. Ten minutes earlier gets you aboard with choices for seats and a chance to tuck your bag where it won’t be stepped on. If your return ticket is for a later sailing but you’re hanging near the pier, ask about standby. Sometimes the gate agent can fit you on an earlier boat, especially midweek. Other times, no.

Weather swings, sea legs, and keeping everyone comfortable

The most common comfort issue is motion. Even people who don’t get carsick can feel woozy if they scroll a phone for 40 minutes on a moving boat. Look out a window. Sit near the center of the cabin. Sip water. If someone in your group is sensitive, use a preventive approach: ginger chews, pressure bands, or appropriate over-the-counter medication taken ahead of time. Once symptoms hit hard, recovery takes longer.

Rain does not ruin the trip. The catamaran is enclosed and comfortable. The island’s bluffs in mist have their own magic, and a drizzle day cuts beach crowds dramatically. The bigger concern is wind, which can make bikes less fun and beaches wilder. On windy days, favor the leeward side of the island or swap a riding plan for a harbor walk and a good lunch.

Sun burns faster on the water. That quick line to board is when many people forget to reapply sunscreen. Do it then. Hats save days. So do cheap clip-on straps for sunglasses.

Where the ferry wins over driving and when it doesn’t

The BI ferry from New London solves real problems for a large slice of travelers. It trims the drive from the west. It aligns with rail connections, a rarity in US coastal travel that actually works. It drops you into the island’s walkable core, which is exactly where you want to be for a day trip.

It is not the right choice if you need a vehicle on Block Island, if you’re traveling far outside summer, or if your schedule hinges on a late evening return when the New London timetable might already be done for the day. Point Judith’s traditional ferry runs more often, in more months, with a car deck. If you must haul coolers, fishing gear, or a week’s worth of groceries, that route is the workhorse.

For most casual visitors, though, the New London high-speed option strikes the best balance. The speed shrinks the crossing to a long coffee. The route offers just enough scenery to feel special. And the door-to-door simplicity, train to gangway to Old Harbor, makes it easy to invite friends who might otherwise balk.

A practical micro-itinerary from New York or New Haven

Here is a clean sequence that has worked for me and for many first-time visitors.

Take a morning Amtrak or Shore Line East to New London that arrives at least 45 minutes before your ferry. If you drive, aim to park one hour before departure, giving yourself time for the ticket window and a restroom stop. Board with a light daypack, a soft beach bag, and either walking shoes or sandals you can manage on boat stairs. Grab a mid-cabin window seat if motion worries you. Otherwise, aim for a table if you plan to snack or play cards.

Once you dock, walk to a bike rental if you want wheels, or head straight to Crescent Beach with a sandwich and a towel. Build the afternoon around the wind. If it’s gusty, stick closer to town where you can pivot. If it’s calm, push out to the bluffs or farther beaches. Finish with ice cream and an easy lap along the harbor, then get in line ten to fifteen minutes before boarding. On the return, keep jackets handy. Even warm days can turn cool on the evening crossing.

Accessibility notes and traveling with kids

High-speed ferries aim for accessible boarding, but older piers and tidal variations can introduce ramps with real pitch. If you or someone in your group uses a mobility device, call ahead to confirm crew support and to ask about the steepest typical ramp angles at your sailing times. Inside the cabin, aisles fit standard wheelchairs, though turning near the snack bar can be tight at boarding time.

Traveling with young children works well on this route. The crossing length sits right in the sweet spot where a coloring book and snacks can fill the time. Let kids stand at the window during the calm river stretch, then bring them back to seats as the boat speeds up. Bathrooms exist onboard, and line lengths mirror what you’d expect on a plane when everyone gets the same idea at once. Plan early stops rather than last-minute scrambles.

Strollers fold for boarding. If your toddler naps, a compact travel pillow and a light blanket turn a bench seat into a power nap station during the return. Crew members are generally helpful, though they need to keep the gangway clear. A quick heads-up and a ready fold go a long way.

Food strategy on both shores

New London’s downtown has a handful of quick options within a block or two of the pier. If you’re catching the early boat, grab coffee and a simple breakfast there to avoid the snack bar queue. On Block Island, eating well without spending your whole window is a matter of timing. Beat the lunch rush by arriving on the early ferry and sitting down before noon, or postpone a full meal in favor of a beach picnic made of sandwiches, fruit, and chips. Hydration trumps everything on hot days.

Seafood stands and casual cafes in Old Harbor do a brisk trade, and most have menus that cater to kids and smaller appetites. For a slow, sit-down dinner, give yourself enough time before your return, or choose a later ferry so you aren’t watching the clock more than the sunset.

Costs, value, and the small upgrades that matter

A high-speed ticket from New London costs more than a traditional ferry ride from Point Judith, but it buys time, convenience, and better alignment with trains. If you’re a party of four who would otherwise drive two extra hours round trip, the math can favor New London when you account for gas, tolls, and parking. The real savings is energy. Arriving fresher makes the day feel longer.

Small upgrades pay off. Early booking locks the exact departures you want. A flexible return lets you follow the day rather than fight it. Comfortable daypacks and smart layers reduce friction at every step. And a measured approach to gear keeps you nimble. You will remember the water and the view, not the extra sneakers you didn’t need.

When plans wobble: delays, cancelations, and back-up moves

Even the best-run service has off days. When a weather system rolls through or a mechanical issue surfaces, the operator will post updates online and at the terminal. If your outbound ferry cancels and you still want the island that day, you can drive to Point Judith and try the traditional ferry, though peak-season lines build quickly in that scenario. This is the nuclear option, and it makes sense only if you’re already on the road with a flexible schedule.

If your return cancels, front-desk staff at island hotels know the drill. Rooms free up in unpredictable patterns when weather snarls the boats. Call sooner rather than later. If you’re a day-tripper with commitments on the mainland, contact the ferry operator to discuss rebooking and options. Train tickets can sometimes be moved with modest fees or none at all, depending on fare class and carrier.

Travel insurance rarely comes into play for a single day trip, but if you’ve built a longer vacation around the crossing, check your coverage. Keep receipts and document communications. Most importantly, keep your expectations flexible. Coastal travel is collaboration with the elements.

Why the BI ferry from New London keeps winning hearts

Strip away the logistics and what remains is simple: a fast, scenic link between a lively New England town and an island that rewards unhurried hours. The boarding ritual at New London has a sense of occasion. You pass the rails, watch tugboats and submarines share the harbor, and ease into a seat as the catamaran noses into open water. By the time Old Harbor appears, your posture changes. Shoulders drop. Plans loosen. Even a single day can feel like a true getaway.

If the phrase bi ferry new london brings you to this guide, you are already pointed in the right direction. Choose your sailings with a little foresight, pack light, allow for a weather twist, and give yourself an extra half hour here and there. The rest will take care of itself. Block Island does not require elaborate choreography to deliver a good day. It asks only that you arrive, ready to walk, ready to look around, and ready to let the mainland recede for a few hours.

Location: 2 Ferry St,New London, CT 06320,United States Phone number: 18604444624

Edit

Pub: 20 Nov 2025 02:19 UTC

Views: 1