Both the Cecelia Ann & the Jessica W will get you to Block Island from New London comfortably. If you'd prefer to have more top level, front facing seating on the upper deck, the Cecelia Ann offers more top deck seats since you'll be able to see Block Island from the bow & have more 360 views overall. On site parking at the Terminal is $15 which I consider more than fair. Insider Tip: if you set up an account online when booking tickets, you'll earn rewards towards discounts on future tickets. Nothing but for Block Island read more

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2 stars as service greatly pares back - and this year - 2026 - it occurred the week BEFORE Labor Day. A bunch of us took time 8/31 but had to drive to Point Judith to take the ferry. Also New London offers no ferry to accommodate vehicles. New London has always struggled and I can see why. With the new Coast Guard Museum being built and grand visions for growth, this ferry service is backwards. How many people work weekends and want to go to the island during not only the late summer but early Autumn. read more

Great experience on the Block Island Express ferry. Very easy to book tickets, very easy to park and board and it was a smooth quick trip over to the island. We went on a cloudier day so there was plenty of seating. read more

First time experience. Get here at least an hour early to secure a parking space. It is $10 for the day on the Friday before Memorial Day weekend. The Cecelia Ann ferry left 42 minutes late due to mechanical trouble. They needed a "part". A pre-recorded safety drill played with no video or live demonstrations. BRING YOUR PORTABLE CHARGERS to charge your electronic devices. There are NO USB/C ports, understandably due to the risks of exposure to malware. People had to plug their devices into several outlets interspersed throughout the bottom of the ship's walls, and on island I witnessed some people going into stores, looking to buy portable chargers. Indulge in one of the East Coast's best Bloody Mary's. The waves were calm, so I heard few complaints about sea sickness. They had no Dramamine anyway. There was none available to purchase. They ran out. There are gender neutral restrooms. Overall, it was a positive experience. The four stars is due to the lack of a high-speed ferry leaving from New London. That ferry leaves from Point Judith, Rhode Island. read more

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very accessible! easy to buy tickets. Parking lot fills up pretty fast but luckily theres a parking garage nearby! Getting the ferry from New London cuts down my driving time but it does make for a longer ferry ride, despite it being high speed. I wish there was more coverage as we waited to board the ferry. read more

Guy spilt coffee on me. Didn't have an extra straw in the booth. Got all over me. Didn't apologize. Pretty bad service...

My friends and I came over this morning by the ferry it was very organized. I was happy with our trip over the sun is shining and we are ready for a great day. read more

Block Island Express - Boating Near Me - New London, Connecticut

We had a great time on the ferry yesterday. We didn't realize it was an hour and a half ride, but the time past very quickly. All the seats were clean, and getting on and off the ferry was well organized. Looking forward to my next trip on board. read more

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Great way to get to block island from new london! Took a family trip to block island and had a great time! Our boat was Jessica W. Highly recommended! read more

I use the BI Express quite a few times every summer for personal and business travel and have always had a good experience. The staff from the staff in the parking area all the way to the crew are always friendly and professional. More often than not I'm traveling with a group of contest winners from the radio station I work for and I've had to make very last minute changes to the itineraries and they are always ready to help even tho I'm sure it creates more work for them. Shoutout to one of the managers, Kevin I believe who took the tickets I needed to cancel when I left for BI and handled the refund of the tickets and had them all set when I got back later that day. The ride itself varies depending on the weather and sea conditions. They do their best to make sure it's a smooth ride but sometimes that's out of their control. Always check their website or call to confirm your ferry is going out as scheduled. One day I was suppose to go it was beautiful on shore but sea conditions were too rough and they had to cancel that morning's ferry. During the season they run a few times a day back and fourth. I think the schedule offering is pretty good and it gets you there in about an hour and fifteen mins. Seating is not fancy but it gets the job done. If you want a better seat get there earlier! If you are running to get to the ferry just before it leaves you are gonna get a crappy seat and you probably won't find parking down near the ferry. So plan to get there early! Parking at the ferry is limited and fills up quickly. It's $10 a day. Ferry ticket prices are reasonable with a RT ticket costing right around $50. There is a snack bar on the boat that serves alcohol. Prices are average. All in all not a bad way to travel to Block. read more

I have mixed feelings about the Block Island Express. Our first experience was amazing- I think it was opening weekend-, we had lots of space to find seating, bloody marys onboard were on point, and they had Guinness Blonde on tap, which I've never even heard of! The boat was clean, bathrooms were stocked, and the ride was smooth and fast. Last weekend, we had a very different experience. The boat was so packed, people were leaning against doors and walls just to stay supported, bathrooms were a mess, the ride was bumpy, and the drinks were sloppy. I was irritated that they had sold the ferry so packed that I among with many others, had to sit on the floor. Nobody was going through the cabin to see how many people had taken up seating space with extra cargo instead of stowing it, so the people farther back in line had no choice but to stand and bounce around with the crashing of the waves, or sit of the sticky, dirty floor. Yes, the ferry ride is just a little over an hour, and then you're in picturesque and wonderful block island, but after along day or long weekend of vacationing, the Express really needs to up the services on the shuttle for weary and probably sunburned passengers. If there was another way, I'd probably take it. I'll be giving them one more shot before the season is over, but for now, 50/50 chance of having a bad time. read more

Looks like after advertising non stop Orient Pt to Block and return, just cancelled half their sked for rest of summer after letting everyone book non stop, forcing them to spend an extra 5 hrs r/t, what a deal.....not read more

Our annual trip to Block Island starts with the Block Island Express ferry leaving from New London earlier in the morning to get the most of the day. Usually we travel on the Jessica W, the women vessel that takes care of us across the sea but this trip we were treated to two different vessels that still got us there safe and sound. The vessel in the morning had to combat some waves as we were seeing both the sea and the sky as the ship rocked back and forth. An hour and half ride each way gave us time to sleep and sightsee as we traveled past some landmarks in the ocean. We were able to get in and out fairly quickly as boarding is pretty quick if you are traveling light and going during the weekday you won't see many kids and families. The vessel on the way back was a whole new experience then we have had before. The vessel is the typical sunset cruise ship that they offer drinks, food and entertainment during select times and dates during the summer. We have never been on this vessel and decided to look around. You'll find rows of chairs and tables both upstairs and downstairs and the stand to order drinks and food is a little more impressive with beautiful countertops and options for items. Having travelled from Point Judith on the slower ferries for years, this alternative when you are visiting for the day is a great way to travel. See you there. read more

Things to make your trip on the Block Island Express more enjoyable *Reserve your tickets before hand but know that you STILL NEED A TICKET. Meaning don't think you can reserve your ticket and roll up with 5 minutes left to board, you might be kicked to the next scheduled ferry. Plan accordingly *Reserve your tickets beforehand because there are LIMITED NUMBER OF BICYCLE SLOTS. Nothing worse then showing up, bike in hand, only to be told you are SOL. Plan accordingly. *Remember when you reserve your ticket there is a separate charge for your person and your bike. Again - nothing worse then showing up, bike in hand, only to be told you are SOL *Ferry crossing time is about an hour. They do have televisions downstairs to help pass the time or if you are more inclined - outdoor (limited seating) awaits. *Cars are not allowed on the ferry but this is great - it gets you where you need to go in under an hour. If you were to take one of the ferries that allows autos - it might be a bit cheaper BUT those taking the Block Island Express will already be on the island while you are still traveling over the Long Island Sound. *If you cannot wait an hour (or rushed to make your ferry time), Block Island Express does have a snack bar, with adult beverage options. *Seats (pretty comfortable) and tables are available for patrons to relax during the ride. *The parking lot does get full fast (the harbor handles several different ferry companies) but there is parking in a lot across the street. There is probably street parking but I did not have time to investigate. *On both our out going and return trip - we were pleasantly surprised that despite the number of people, the ferry always left on time and the crew was always pleasant, regardless of whether it was early in the morning or late at night. read more

Used this today. Staff was nice, they took our bikes for us. The boat was clean. Cabin doors was chilly. Great for summer days but freezing at night. Not bad pricing, it's cheaper to rent bikes on the island than bring them though read more

I loved the ride and the timeliness was great. Two problems....smoking allowed on top deck, which is where everyone has to go if you get at all nauseous and although masks required inside no one checks and 95 percent of folks were maskless. read more

The ferry operated at "limited capacity," but there was no enforcement of social distancing or mask wearing. People took their masks off as soon as they stepped inside the ferry. Even some of the staff failed to wear their masks properly. Dangerous and disappointing. Avoid taking this ferry if you want to feel safe. read more

Things are crazy here in the summer. Big surprise - we aren't the only ones looking to get to BI on a sunny summer Saturday. Please note your online reservation and print out is not a boarding pass so go to the ticket booth to get your official "tickets." The queue for the ferry starts early and wraps through the parking lot and around as you wait to get on the ferry - even for the the ferries during the day. You'll get through it, it's just a little hot, sunny and dusty. Trust the sign when you pull in and it tells you the lot is flu and just head straight to the parking garage: $15 for a whole day on weekends... or the Shoreline East New London stop is truly a hop, skip and a jump from the ferry. It's quick and painless. Once they start loading the ferry the process moved pretty quickly. So choose what works for you - parking or train, and get ready to spend some time in the sun waiting in the ferry. I was fine but a head a lotta kids complaining of their little heads burning up. Pack a hat. Sure, you're gonna buy one on the island but bring one for the hot, dusty line in the parking lot. read more

Block Island Express - Boating Near Me - New London, Connecticut

This boat rocks. I don't mean that in the literal sense. I mean it in an absolute groovy sense. It's a real champ. Compared to the slow poke auto ferries it's a kick-ass speed demon. Its dual catamaran shaped hull slices through the waves like a hot knife through butter. OK maybe it doesn't exactly travel at light speed and it does take one hour fifteen minutes to reach Block Island, but that's really not bad. Like I said the auto ferries are much slower. So that extra couple hours saved by taking this ferry could be used as extra time on the beach. By the way Block Island has some of the best beaches in all of New England. I think that other guy who criticized the crew must have been on another boat. My God, what did he do to have the police escort him off? Police? Sheesh, it's shocking to hear he's a New Yorker *rolls eyes*. The crew I experienced were nothing but professional and extremely helpful. My boat almost departed without me, but the crew went out of their way to find me a parking space and get me on board quickly. Fees are approximately $20-25 each way and bringing your bike on board is an extra $10 each way. I recommend bringing your own bicycle because I heard the rental bikes on the island are expensive and they're in crappy condition. You don't necessarily have to peddle very far on the island to reach a beach. Approximately a half mile north of town lies a very nice state beach. If you don't want to walk or peddle, taxi's are available on the island too. Be sure to make online reservations because the popular times get booked up early. Even with an online reservation you'll still need to pick up your boarding pass at the booth at the foot of the ramp. My only question is "Where's the WiFi on board?" read more

Block Island Express - Complimentary "Barf" Bags - Boating Near Me - New London, Connecticut

This is the coolest and fastest way to travel to Block Island. The express is a very unique boat and it is an experience just to ride it, let alone exploring Block Island. The ferry has two levels of comfortable seats, some booths and an external deck out back for the adventurous. You'll find a few tv's inside as well if the scenery outside isn't your thing. The concession stand is what you would expect, look for a variety of baked goods, some hot dogs (nathans!) and plenty of beverages. Prices are decent. My family and I had no trouble on our round trip adventure and found the staff both on shore and off to be efficient and helpful. read more

Block Island Express - The ferry from the top deck, mid journey. - Boating Near Me - New London, Connecticut

Things you can do on the Block Island Ferry: -Get there early, and wait in a parking lot. -Get there late and almost (or completely) miss your ferry, because at some point you said "oh we've got plenty of time, let's stop at PLACE and get (in retrospect) this UNNECESSARY ITEM." -Sit on the bottom, the top, or somewhere outside. In my experiences, the bottom is quiet, the top is less so, and the outside has no roof. -Eat, drink, and drink/eat some more. The bar has reasonably priced (for a boat) food and drink items. -Have quiet conversations with friends and family. -Have loud, obnoxious, unwanted conversations with everyone around you. -Enjoy sun and sea breeze in your face/hair/everything. -Enjoy the luxury of a very abnormally large (for a boat) bathroom. Even with all the people, the lines only really ever exist right when everyone gets on (in my experience). I can safely bet that "you can pee on the boat" has been said fairly often. -Watch the beastly motors do their thing from the back. High speed is high speed thanks to these guys. -Sleep. -Not sleep. Things you cannot do on the Block Island Ferry: -Kayak in tandem. -Waterski. -Influence its speed, direction, or time of departure/arrival. -Bring your car or any vehicle whatsoever. -Host a rave. -Be the captain. Things that will happen regardless of how much you fight, kick, and/or scream: -Loss (or super slow crawl) of cell service. It's not international waters or anything, but cell towers can only reach so far. -You will end up in CT or RI. There are no other options. Ever. -You might get a drink, they will fill it high. You will either almost spill, definitely spill, or not spill it. Enjoy your day on BI / Welcome back to CT! read more

0-*'s. I had a very poor experience from the first point of contact to the last. Upon arriving to the ferry I was told there was no parking and that should go ahead & cancel my trip when there in fact was a place for my car. Then while on the boat ordering food was another nightmare they had two lousy looser girls working who where extremely rude and unwelcoming. They were unable to answer simple questions. I asked the girl how much is the glass of wine and I was told and I quote " OH MY GOD THIS IS YOUR SECOND TIME ON THE LINE THE MENU IS RIGHT THERE". Upon returning home there was yet another encounter with a very hostile and confrontational employee who must think it's ok to get in the face of a minor and threatened to call police over where she stood to wait for me. Finally after making my complaint to the operations manager there was no apology for the actions and attitude of this " Motley Crew" he stood by his employees and did not care about what took place on and off this boat. If going to block Island take the Pt Judith Ferry out of RI. This is a much bigger nicer Ferry for less money and the staff was also much nicer and more professional than those I encountered on the BIE. read more

Ticket system is stupid; buy ticket online get to ferry, bad parking situations, stand in a mile long line to exchange your one piece of paper for many tickets both ways (environmentally wrong) walk twenty feet to ticket taker give tickets get on boat. Delayed departure expenses that are unnessesary driving up ferry prices. Typical New England slow stupid and cost ineffective read more

The express ferry is a great way for you and your car to travel. It's not a luxury cruise line so don't expect everything to be super clean, but they have a bar and the ability to serve food during the 1.5 hour transit to and from Long Island. I didn't eat or drink, but the food that people around me were eating didn't look poisonous and the beers looked cold. I'm looking forward to taking my family on this ferry ride because it really is a cool experience and the scenery is beautiful. I'm a fan. read more

The staff went above and beyond to help my physically disabled family member, and that was very kind. The boat is impeccably clean-- seating, restrooms, snack bar. Departure and arrival on time, safe, fast ride. Great service! read more

Terrible customer service. Both express ferries to and from block island were cancelled last minute due to "unforeseen mechanical issues" without any sort of notice, compensation- or hardly an apology. A simple voucher for food/drinks on the ferry would have gone a long way. We understand that things happen unexpectedly but the way it was handled was unprofessional and disappointing. Members of our large group weren't made aware at all of the cancellation, and only because of us knew to reschedule. Block island chamber of commerce should be made aware of how tourists are treated by this company, as this experience put a damper on the beginning and end of our trip. read more

First time experience with the Hi-speed New London Ferry. What a cluster-fuk. No customer service, glacially paced service, poor ticket operations, horribly managed! Called was told you can purchase tickets at window with no problems. Ferry we wanted was sold out! next boat 2 hours later. Could NOT get the ferry back that we wanted, our 'day on Block' was quickly reduced to 1/2 day. Came back from a small breakfast to be told that ferry was going to be delayed ANOTHER hour. Our 'day on Block' was now down to 4 hrs. We were offered a discount of $10 each, BUT had to return to ticket window line. Slow internet or operational incompetence made each transaction 5 mins or more(slowest was 4 mins). No managerial efforts made to create a "refund line" and/or a "tickets only" line. At last minute guy was just handing out $10. What a mess. Lesson learned- go to RI. Will NEVER use this "service" again. Classic CT- overpriced, incompetent, and unaware. read more

If i can give them NO STAR or Negative 100, i will do so. This company provides ferry service to Block island. Unfortunately they are the only ferry in Connecticut that I can take to Block island. Because of this monopoly, their manager and employees are NOT trained, extremely rude and arrogant. I have visited many places in New England, never met a company like this. If they don't like you, they will get police and yell at you to get out of THEIR PRIVATE property, even you get their ferry seat confirmation and do nothing wrong. They don't treat customers like they are supposed to. I bet their slogan is "Take it or leave it, we are the only on in CT". I will skip this company at any cost. read more

My sister and I traveled out and back to Block Island this week; we stayed overnight. When we entered the boat for our return, FOX NEWS was blaring on every television. FOX News often "reports" falsehood and at the very least, is incredibly slanted to the right. I can't really think of some comparable left-wing station- Al Jazeera? Would you expect a public place to play something that skewed? I think the mild CNN would be a more appropriate choice for a public area which might include people of all political bents. I found that inappropriate and asked about it. I will say they changed to a Red Sox game (go Socks) but when we got to New London, Rupert Murdoch's propaganda came right back on. I really think such opinionated and divisive polemics do not belong on a pleasure boat. read more

Wish I could give Block Island Express fewer stars. Made a reservation for which Block Island Express charged my debit card. When I arrived and the ticket was issued, Block Island Express did not give me the return ticket. Block Island Express claims they did and their computer says so. For my return I had to pay for another ticket. Block Island Express managers are of little or no assistance. Claimed they would have someone higher up in the company call me back, which has never happened. Block Island Express cannot prove the ticket was issued. The imaginary ticket they issued was not used and Block Island Express refuse to refund the money. If you use Block Island Express, be absolutely certain you are given all your tickets up front. Block Island Express will keep your money and leave you stranded on Block Island. read more