WHERE DO THE FERRIES DEPART FROM?
Pt. Judith: The ferry terminal for our year-round Traditional and seasonal Hi-Speed ferries departing Pt. Judith is located in the fishing port of Galilee (Narragansett, RI). Physical address is 304 Great Island Road, Narragansett, RI 02882.
Newport: The ferry terminal for our seasonal Hi-Speed Newport ferry is located out of Perrotti Park in downtown Newport, RI. Physical address is 39 America’s Cup Avenue, Newport, RI 02840.
WHERE CAN I FIND MORE INFORMATION ON THE FERRY TERMINAL LOCATIONS?
To find more information about our Pt. Judith, Block Island, and Newport departure points, such as parking facilities, transportation, and tourist info, please visit our Around The Ports Page.
WHERE ARE THE PARKING FACILITIES?
We do NOT own or operate any of the parking facilities near our departure locations in Pt. Judith & Newport. They are independently owned and operated and have no affiliation with Block Island Ferry. During the summertime travel season, parking lots fill up quickly so be sure to plan accordingly.
Pt. Judith: All of the parking for the Pt. Judith ferries are conveniently located on the same road as the ferry. All lots are independently owned, and pricing ranges from $10-$20/day, depending on the time of year. All parking lots are within walking distance of the ferry terminal.
Newport: A public parking garage is located a few blocks from Perrotti Park, adjacent to the Newport Visitor’s Center and Marriott Hotel. The cost is $5.00/car per hour, up to $40.00 for the day. Privately owned lots are within walking distance.
SHOULD I MAKE VEHICLE AND PASSENGER RESERVATIONS IN ADVANCE?
Vehicle Reservations: For those looking to bring a vehicle with them to the island, a vehicle reservation is required in advance. All vehicle reservations must be made over the phone by calling our Reservations Office at (866) 783-7996 ext. 3. The office is open 7 days a week. Please have your desired travel dates and ferry times, vehicle make and model, contact information, and credit card information available when you call. You will need the drivers name when making the vehicle reservation. Passenger tickets for vehicle reservations will be purchased on the date of travel at the Vehicle Check-In Window when you arrive (Drivers ticket is NOT included with the vehicle ticket). All passengers traveling with a vehicle reservation are guaranteed a spot on the ferry.
We have introduced a Phased Call-in system for the opening of summer vehicle reservations. Please refer to our vehicle reservation page for more information.
Passenger Tickets: We strongly recommend passengers to purchase your tickets online in advance. Click here for additional information
DO I NEED A RESERVATION TO BRING A MOTORCYCLE OR MOPED?
Motorcycles and mopeds can be transported on the Traditional Ferry only. We do not accept advanced reservations; space is available on a first come first serve basis. Therefore, it is recommended that you arrive at the ferry terminal at least 1hr prior to desired departure time and check in with the car reservation Lot Attendant.
WHAT IS YOUR CHANGE/CANCELLATION POLICY FOR RESERVATIONS?
Vehicles: You may change a reservation a total of three times. Two times prior to your week of travel, and one additional change within that week. Changes can only be made to another date within that same calendar year. Reservations must be changed prior to your travel date and time. To completely cancel a reservation, you must do so at least 7 full days in advance of your reservation date. You will receive a refund minus the cancellation fee ($12.85 one-way/ $25.70 round-trip). Cancellations made less than 7 days prior to your reservation date will not be eligible to receive a refund. The assigned drivers name cannot be changed after the initial booking.
Passengers: Unfortunately, online passenger tickets are non-refundable. Please make sure the travel dates and times you have selected are accurate before booking. We allow 1 courtesy change no later than ONE calendar day prior to your departure date. Changes can only be made through our call center during regular office hours.
HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD I ARRIVE AT THE FERRY TERMINAL?
Vehicle Reservations: Those who booked a vehicle reservation must arrive at the ferry terminal to check in their vehicles one hour in advance of sailing time.
All other travelers are recommended to leave enough time to park their vehicles and wait in line to purchase their ferry tickets prior to boarding. It is recommended you leave yourself at least 45 min-1 hour prior to sailing time to arrive at the ferry terminal.
WHAT IS THE STANDBY PROCESS FOR VEHICLES?
We do offer standby for those without a vehicle reservation, or for those looking to try and get on an earlier ferry time than the one on which they are currently scheduled. Standby is first come first serve for the day, not per sailing time. Standby can only be attempted for a time earlier than the one on which you are currently booked. If you currently have a vehicle reservation and you make it on standby, your payment will be transferred to your new sailing time.
Standby operates year-round at both Pt. Judith & Block Island ferry terminals. At the Pt. Judith terminal the signup procedure varies depending on the season or time of day (see below). The Block Island terminal standby signup location operates out of the vehicle reservation lot year round. Please visit our Reservations page for detailed information.
WHAT IS THE SAILING TIME OF THE FERRIES?
Pt. Judith: Sailing time from Pt. Judith on our Traditional ferry is 55 minutes. Sailing time on the Hi-Speed is 30 minutes.
Newport: Sailing time from Newport is approximately 1 hour.
WHICH AIRPORT IS CLOSEST TO THE FERRY TERMINAL?
The closest airport for the Pt. Judith and Newport locations is the T.F. Green Airport (PVD) located in Warwick, RI. Distance to the ferry terminals is approximately 45 minutes for Pt. Judith and 35 minutes for Newport.
HOW DO I GET FROM THE AIRPORT TO THE FERRY TERMINALS?
Unfortunately, there is no direct public transportation to the ferry terminals. If you are interested in public transportation as an option please visit www.ripta.com/schedules. If you are flying into the T.F. Green Airport, using a taxi, shuttle or ride-share service would be the most efficient method of transportation.
WHAT IS THE CLOSEST TRAIN STATION TO THE FERRY?
The closest train station to our Pt. Judith & Newport ferry terminals is the Amtrak Train Station (KIN) located in Kingston, RI. Travel time is approximately 20 minutes to the Pt. Judith ferry terminal and 35 minutes to Newport.
WHERE CAN I FIND INFORMATION ABOUT BLOCK ISLAND?
For island specific information such as accommodations, restaurants, events, transportation, and recreation, please contact the Block Island Chamber of Commerce for more information.
1-800-383-BIRI (2474)
www.blockislandinfo.com
www.blockislandchamber.com
www.blockisland.com
ARE PETS ALLOWED ON THE FERRIES?
Traditional: Pets are permitted on board the ferry but must remain on a leash or in a carrier at all times. Pets are not permitted on the seats or benches inside the cabins.
Hi-Speed (Pt. Judith, Newport): Pets are permitted in the cabin in a pet carrier only. Pets that are not in a pet carrier must be on a leash and remain on the outside decks.
DO THEY SERVE FOOD AND BEVERAGES ON BOARD THE FERRIES?
Yes. There are concession stands with a full liquor bar on board all of our Traditional and Hi-Speed ferries departing from Pt. Judith and Newport. Sample selections include hot dogs, bagels, chips, cookies, coffee, tea, soft drinks, and more.
IS SMOKING PERMITTED ON THE FERRIES?
Smoking is permitted on the outside passenger decks only. No smoking is permitted on the vehicle and freight decks or inside the cabins. Traditional ferry on the top observation deck only.
IS THERE A LUGGAGE POLICY?
High Speed Luggage Policy: Passengers are limited to: (2) pieces of carry-on personal luggage (limit of 30 lb. per passenger). Allowable luggage: suitcases, duffle bags, garment bags & small coolers. All personal luggage will be stowed by vessel crews in the luggage racks and are not permitted in the cabin.
Surfboards or excess luggage will be permitted at the discretion of Captain or Interstate Navigation Co. management and will not be permitted on heavily traveled trips.
Federal regulations (USCG) prohibit stowage of luggage inside of the passenger cabin(s) on our high speed ferry vessels. The U.S. Coast Guard will allow passengers to keep a single small backpack or bag, pocket book, purse, briefcase or laptop computer at their seat. For your safety, we are required to keep the cabin aisles on the vessel clear for emergency egress, and to minimize personal luggage in the cabin. We will accommodate baby strollers to ensure your children’s safety and comfort during the voyage.
We have limited stowage space for personal luggage aboard the vessel. All freight, large quantities of groceries, boxed parcels, tools and deck cargo will not be allowed. We will accommodate all of your freight, large items, and other deck cargo on the traditional passenger/vehicle ferry vessels. Passengers will be able to ship items on the traditional ferry and ride the high speed ferry. Click here for freight information or contact the freight office at (401) 783-4613 ext. 5118 for information and scheduling.
If you have any questions regarding luggage, please call the vessel operations office at 401.675.1239. You may also send your questions via e-mail to: info@blockislandferry.com.
CAN I SHIP ITEMS OVER ON THE FERRY?
Shipments and deliveries are available through the Freight Office out of our Pt. Judith location only. All shipments will be sent over on the Traditional Ferry. Items may be dropped off and paid for directly through the Freight Office. For more information on shipping policies, procedures, and pricing, please contact our Pt. Judith Freight Office.
Freight Office
304 Great Island Road
Narragansett, RI 02882
(866) 783-7996 ext. 5118
WHAT INFORMATION WILL I NEED TO SHIP SOMETHING ON THE FERRY?
There are no reservations for freight, it is a first come first serve basis, therefore it is recommended that all shipments be dropped off at the ferry terminal at least 45min-1hr prior to sailing time.
All shipments must have the following:
- A bill of lading/receipt with the full name and contact phone number of both the shipper and the recipient.
- Packages must be labeled with recipient’s full name and contact phone number.
Please contact the Freight Office with any questions: (866) 783-7996 ext. 118
View our freight shipping guidelines
CAN I BOOK A FERRY FOR A PRIVATE CHARTER?
Our vessels are available to charter for personal events and construction transport. Private charters are available during our off season (Post-Labor Day to Early June). Limits and restrictions may apply. For more information on construction charters, please call 401-675-1250. For more information regarding private party charters, please call 401-675-1240
ARE THE FERRIES ACCESIBLE FOR PASSENGERS WITH WHEELCHAIRS?
Traditional: All of our Traditional ferries will accommodate wheelchairs on the bottom deck during the ferry ride. Early boarding is also allowed for those who need extra time getting to the upper decks. Please inform an employee upon arrival if this is the case.
**The M/V Block Island has a wheelchair lift aboard the ferry for those who need it. Passengers must arrive at the ferry at least 45min-1hr prior to sailing time in order to access it. Please contact the Reservations Office to find out which sailing times have the lift available. (866) 783-7996 ext. 3.
Hi-Speed (Pt. Judith & Newport ): Our Hi-Speed ferries are wheelchair accessible on the main deck.
WILL A FERRY EVER BE CANCELLED DUE TO BAD WEATHER?
On rare occasions, the ferries do get cancelled due to inclement weather, such as high winds or rough seas. In the event that a ferry is cancelled, your vehicle or passenger reservation is also cancelled. You will be contacted by a Reservation Agent that day to reschedule your booking. More information on ferry cancellations will be available and updated on the day of travel by checking our website or calling the Reservations Office, or checking our Facebook and Twitter pages. Please contact our Reservations Office for updated information: (866) 783-7996 ext. 3.
CAN I PURCHASE A GIFT CARD?
Yes! Gift Cards can be puchased online, or during business hours at our Pt. Judith Ticket Office location.
WHICH FORMS OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?
We accept Cash, Gift Cards, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover at all of our Ticket Office locations. Checks (including travelers checks ) are NOT accepted at any location.
WHERE CAN I USE MY GIFT CARD?
Gift Cards may be used at any Ticket Office window located in Pt. Judith, Block Island, and Newport. They may be used to pay for any transaction at the Ticket Office such as Traditional Ferry Tickets, Hi-Speed Ferry Tickets, Vehicle Reservations, Motorcycles, and Mopeds.
Gift Cards may not be used for online orders or on board the ferry.
DO YOU OFFER GROUP RATES?
Any pre-formed group of 25+ people may qualify for discounted ferry tickets. Group reservations must be made at least 2 weeks prior to your intended travel date to qualify for a group discount. Please visit our Group Sales Page or contact a Group Representative today to receive more information.
Group Office
(866) 783-7996 ext. 6
