Block Island Car Ferry

It isn't easy to take a car to Block Island, but you won't really need a car to enjoy your island escape, especially if you visit during the busy summer tourism season. Beaches, shops, restaurants and several inns and hotels are all located within walking distance of the Old Harbor ferry terminal, the point of arrival for Block Island-bound ferries. Taxis are readily available if you're staying elsewhere on Block Island or if you'd like to explore more of the island's sights. Mopeds can also be rented near the ferry dock.

If you decide, however, that you will need to have a car with you on Block Island, you have only one option for transporting your vehicle: the Block Island Ferry, which operates year-round from Point Judith in Galilee, Rhode Island. Taking a car to Block Island requires advance planning, especially for summer visits. Vehicle reservations for summer weekends and holidays should be booked four to five months in advance, and all reservations must be pre-paid with a credit card. For reservations, call toll free, 866-783-7996.

Here are a few other things you should know about the Block Island car ferry:

• Taking your car to Block Island will not be cheap. As of 2011, the round-trip rate for a standard size vehicle is $99.30. Higher rates apply for SUVs and other larger vehicles.
• You will forfeit your reservation if you do not arrive at the Point Judith ferry dock and check in at least one hour before your scheduled departure.
• You will need to show your reservation confirmation letter and photo ID to take your car aboard the ferry.
• A $10.50 fee per one-way fare applies to reservations canceled seven or more days in advance of departure. There are no refunds for reservations canceled less than a week before departure.
• Reservations can be changed twice prior to the week before departure; they may be changed only once if changed within the seven-day period prior to departure.
• A standby option is available on the day of departure for travelers who would like to transport their vehicles to Block Island. It requires waiting with your car until a ferry spot becomes available, and a return reservation is not guaranteed, which could leave you in a bind when it comes time to return from Block Island.

Limiting the number of vehicles that can be brought onto the island is one way that the pristine nature and unique character of Block Island is preserved, so while you may find the cost and complexities of bringing a car to the island a hassle, there's a reason car traffic isn't encouraged. If at all possible, you're best off leaving your car on the mainland, especially if you're visiting Block Island for less than a week during the height of the summer season.