If you spend enough time along the Connecticut shoreline, you start to see travel not as a chore but as a tide. Boats glide in and out of New London’s harbor. Trains hum along the waterfront. The air shifts with salt and diesel and fried clam rolls. The Block Island Express fits right into that rhythm. It is efficient, reliable, and surprisingly relaxed, a fast catamaran that turns a solid day trip into something you can do between breakfast and sunset without feeling rushed. And it puts you right in the thick of the best coastal things to do in CT, before and after the boat.
Over a dozen runs I have learned the patterns. Morning departures carry coolers and couples with bikes, midday boats bring families who dawdle over Del’s Lemonade, and the last return is quiet, faces a little pink, hands curled around tote bags filled with shells and a stray beach towel. If you plan well, the trip feels like a simple arc: park, board, exhale, explore, repeat.
Where the journey starts: New London, up close
New London is small enough to understand quickly, but it rewards anyone who lingers. The Block Island Express terminal lives at the edge of town, a short walk from the Amtrak station. The proximity is not a marketing line, it is a true five-minute transfer if you step off an Acela or Northeast Regional and walk toward the water. For drivers, the terminal’s surface lots and garages fill during holiday weekends and August peaks. On fair-weather Saturdays I arrive 45 to 60 minutes early, pay for parking at the kiosk, and keep my printed ticket tucked behind my phone case. Travelers underestimate how much time they burn looking for pay stations, grabbing sunscreen, or fetching the one forgotten sweatshirt.
On the way to the dock you pass a handful of places that improve any departure. Muddy Waters Cafe sits right along the river and serves breakfast sandwiches large enough to split. Washington Street Coffee House pours reliably strong drip coffee without turning the line into a bottleneck. Across from Parade Plaza, the Soldiers and Sailors monument anchors a green where kids hang off the railing and watch the ferries nose in. I like to arrive early, grab coffee, and people-watch down on the pier while crews load baggage carts for the afternoon run. That small pause tones down the instinct to rush.
How the Block Island Express actually works
The Block Island Express is not the only way to the island, but it is the speediest from Connecticut. The high-speed ferries cover the roughly 20 nautical miles in about an hour give or take ten minutes for weather and traffic in the channel. Summer timetables typically run multiple departures a day, with more options Thursday through Sunday. Shoulder season trims those back, though you still get morning out, late afternoon back on most days from late spring into early fall.
Online reservations are straightforward. The essential choices are time slot, passenger count, and whether you are bringing bikes or pets. Bikes require a paid add-on, and the crew asks you to load them early so they can secure them along the stern. Dogs ride leashed and muzzled per policy, though in practice well-behaved dogs in snug harnesses are common, and staff treat them with a friendly but firm professionalism. If you get seasick, aim for a midship seat on the lower level and keep your eyes on the horizon as you leave the Thames River. On rough days the captain nudges speed down slightly to smooth the ride.
Food on board is simple and useful, not a destination in itself. Expect packaged snacks, cold drinks, and beer or wine. I usually carry a water bottle and a small bag with a sandwich from town, then buy a coffee onboard for the return. The clean restrooms are a blessing after a beach day, and the outdoor deck is the best photo perch when you pass the lighthouse at the mouth of the river. If you plan to photograph that moment, walk out early and stake a corner away from the wind.
The crossing: small rituals that make it better
After the horn sounds and lines slip free, the ferry slides by the working waterfront, submarines at Electric Boat often visible upriver like sleeping whales. There is a moment, about eight minutes out, when the harbor widens and the boat picks up speed. Wind balance kicks in. Sunglasses matter, not for fashion, for grit protection. In late May the air can bite, so even if the forecast says 72 degrees, bring a light layer. I have handed more than one spare flannel to an unprepared friend.
Cell coverage holds for most of the crossing. If you must work, download what you need in the terminal and use the forward interior seating where tables are stable. If you want to decompress, do the opposite. Find the aft outdoor bench, put your phone in airplane mode, and watch the green and gray stacks of the Connecticut coast flatten into a long seam. On a cloudless day you will spot the white bluffs of the island before the ferry turns toward Old Harbor.
Arriving at Block Island: off the boat and into a village
The boat lands directly in Old Harbor, the island’s walkable heart. Some travelers make a tactical error here and scatter without a plan. If you are day tripping, clarity in the first ten minutes saves you an hour later. Do you want to bike to the southeast lighthouse, beach at Mansion Beach, or walk Mohegan Bluffs? With only five to seven hours ashore, pick two anchors and leave the rest for next time.
For bikes, rent at the shops up the hill within a two-minute walk of the dock. Prices trend in the 20 to 40 bi ferry new london dollar range for a half day depending on gear. E-bikes are plentiful but check battery levels and confirm whether your route includes dirt or steep grades. The loop to Southeast Light, then down the stairs at Mohegan Bluffs, then up Corn Neck Road to Mansion Beach is the classic triangle. If you prefer to keep it simple, stroll to Baby Beach and Scotch Beach along Corn Neck Road, then loop back through town for ice cream and a late lunch.
The charm of Old Harbor lies in small details. The National Hotel’s porch acts like a public living room, the surf shop on the corner sells sunscreen that you will forget 20 minutes later, and the post office clock feels frozen in another era. No one will stop you from cramming your day with miles, but island time rewards a different pace.
Timing matters: how to structure a day trip that feels full, not frantic
Here is a loose blueprint I use when friends visit. Take the morning ferry around 9 or 10, which lands on island just before lunch. Walk into town and secure one of three things: bike, beach spot, or lunch table. If the day is hot and the surf looks inviting, head straight for Corn Neck Road and plan to eat late afternoon when restaurants thin out. If the wind is stiff out of the southwest, ride to Southeast Light and enjoy the gulls riding thermals along the cliff.
Reserve the final hour for a single drink or dessert near the harbor, then join the boarding line fifteen minutes before departure. On heavy days the queue snakes quickly. You will still get a seat, but you may not get your preferred corner.
First-timers often underestimate how sun and salt slow the body. Build in water. Pace yourself. And know that the last thirty minutes on the return always feel a little sleepier than you expect. That is the point.
Folding the ferry trip into a longer Connecticut coastal day
The surprise for many visitors is how much you can do on either side of the ferry. New London does not try to be a museum piece, which suits it. Before a late afternoon departure, you can step into the Custom House Maritime Museum to trace the port’s past, then walk Bank Street where record shops and taverns sit inside old brick storefronts. After the return, you can drive ten minutes east to Mystic for an evening in a postcard. If your trip aims to gather the best things to do in CT in two or three days, the Block Island Express becomes the hinge.
Mystic’s draw is obvious, but there is substance under the sheen. The Mystic Seaport Museum is not a quick tour. You could spend two hours on the Charles W. Morgan alone, run a hand along the planks, and feel a century of the whaling trade in the joinery. The aquarium keeps its standards high, particularly with belugas and sea lions. If you have kids, budget time for both and accept that you will return to the hotel tired and happy.
Head west and the tone shifts. Niantic has a boardwalk that locals use daily, not just in summer, with a beach that faces the bay rather than open ocean. Old Saybrook gives you Fenwick charm and the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, which programs concerts and talks that punch above the town’s weight. Farther inland, Essex and Chester sit on the Connecticut River with galleries, good food, and the Essex Steam Train that families love for an old fashioned ride through marsh and tidewater.
Practical advice for tickets, timing, and expectations
No ferry system is perfect, but the Block Island Express runs tight. I have had more delays caused by travelers than by machinery. If you hold a reservation, arrive on the pier at least 30 minutes before boarding to exchange or scan tickets and line up. Midweek days avoid the heaviest crowds. If you must travel on a Saturday in July or August, buy tickets at least several days ahead and bring a printout or a screenshot of your QR codes. Cell service around the terminal is fine, but apps misbehave when adrenaline spikes.
Weather is the invisible variable. Fog in late June can roll in fast, turning a sunny shoreline into milk with the low-tone foghorn working every minute or two. The crew will still run in reduced visibility, but schedules can see small adjustments. Wind out of the south picks up in the afternoon. If you are nervous about seas, pick a morning outbound and an earlier return, which often ride smoother.
For luggage, keep it simple. A soft tote, a daypack, and a small cooler work better than hard suitcases. Crews stack baggage in a designated rack, and you will retrieve it immediately on arrival, often before your feet hit the gangway.
Eating well on both sides
Food memories tie to place. In New London, Captain Scott’s Lobster Dock sits five minutes from the terminal by car, and on the right day you can eat a hot https://www.goblockisland.com/Common/Help.aspx?page=contact buttered lobster roll at a picnic table while watching skiffs work the channel. Inside town, On the Waterfront offers a view with competent seafood and good service, and Hot Rod Cafe is a reliable stop for wings if you are corralling a group with mixed tastes.
On Block Island, The Oar has a sprawling deck and a casual vibe that fits sandy legs. They serve sushi and mudslides side by side, which sounds like a dare but works. At Bethany’s Airport Diner you can watch tiny planes land while you eat pancakes, and Persephone’s offers bowls and coffee that taste like they came from a city cafe without losing island warmth. For a beach picnic, stop at the Old Post Office Bagel Shop early, because they sell out fast on weekends.
The trade-off is time. A full sit-down meal can swallow an hour and a half from a day trip. I usually choose one anchored meal, then graze the rest of the time. A bagel as we disembark, a beach snack and fruit, then an early dinner before the return takes the edge off the rush, and you do not step back on the ferry feeling stuffed.
Pairing the ferry with iconic things to do in CT
A coastal weekend gains stature when you stitch the ferry to a few inland highlights. The Connecticut College Arboretum in New London is free, quiet, and a five-minute detour off Route 32. On a hot day I walk the native plant collection under shade before heading to the terminal. In late October it is a foliage show without the long drive north. Nearby, the Lyman Allyn Art Museum keeps a small but thoughtful collection, often with New England maritime works that echo the day’s theme.
If you are traveling with kids, the Children’s Museum of Southeastern Connecticut in Niantic is hands-on and gentle. Pair it with the boardwalk and you have an easy morning that ends with the ferry. If you prefer historic structure, the Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme puts you in the center of the Lyme Art Colony story, with the house, studios, and a garden that blooms from late spring to fall. You can do all of this without backtracking if you plan your lodgings along the shoreline.
Further west, Gillette Castle State Park sits high above a bend in the Connecticut River, a short drive from Essex. It is eccentric, stone-on-stone, and built by actor William Gillette with a hobbyist’s love for theatrical doors and hidden switches. On a clear day you see miles of river and marsh. People often list it among their favorite things to do in CT because it feels both grand and weird in the best way.
Reading the weather and choosing the right beach on Block Island
Not all beach days behave the same. If the wind comes from the southwest, the east side of the island can be calmer, so Mansion Beach may be gentler than the south-facing beaches. If the surf is running, Scotch Beach offers a long, forgiving stretch with room to spread out. Bring a towel that dries fast, a hat with a strap, and a small trash bag because wind will pull light wrappers out of an open tote. If you plan to swim, step in slowly and read the set. Lifeguards staff certain beaches in peak season, but not every stretch has coverage.
Mohegan Bluffs is the postcard view, but the stairs down are steep and long. The stones at the bottom shift underfoot, and the surf rebounds off the cliff face. It is a spectacular place to sit, less ideal for kids who want to splash. For families, Baby Beach and the early part of Corn Neck Road offer a soft gradient and minimal drama.
Accessibility and comfort
The Block Island Express crews are used to assisting passengers with mobility needs. Call ahead if you require specific support, and arrive early so the deckhands can plan safe boarding. Seating options include interior cabins with level floors and good sightlines. On island, Old Harbor is walkable with curb cuts on main corners, but the further you push toward the bluffs or beaches, the more uneven the ground becomes. The southeast lighthouse grounds are relatively flat, though the approach includes gravel.
If you are sound sensitive, bring ear protection for the engine hum, especially on the lower deck near the stern. If you are heat sensitive, aim for morning arrivals and find shade on the east side of the boat during the return. Staff will not mind if you stand near a breezeway for airflow, as long as you keep clear of doors and stairs.
Money, passes, and small economizing moves
Ferry tickets scale with demand across the season. Midweek, especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays, often price more favorably and come with lighter crowds. Parking in the main lot is convenient, but street parking with a walk can save you some dollars if you know the meters and time limits. For groups, the biggest savings come from packing snacks and water rather than buying everything at the terminal. That said, do not skip local treats out of pure frugality. A cone from Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream or a Del’s Lemonade on island deliver disproportionate joy for the cost.
For longer trips that combine the ferry with broader sightseeing, look at museum memberships that offer reciprocal entry. A membership at one New England science museum sometimes gets you discounts at others, which matters if you plan a rainy day detour to the aquarium. Connecticut’s state park parking is typically free for residents, which makes a stop at Rocky Neck or Hammonasset attractive if you are stitching together a shoreline itinerary around your ferry day.
Two compact checklists to smooth the day
- Tickets and timing: ferry reservation screenshot, parking plan, arrive 30 to 60 minutes early in peak season, earlier return selected if seasickness is a concern. Gear that matters: light layer, hat with strap, reef-safe sunscreen, water bottle, cash card backup, phone charger, small trash bag.
A sample two-day coastal itinerary with the ferry at the center
Day one starts late morning in Mystic. Park once near the drawbridge and leave the car. Browse Main Street, grab a light lunch from a deli, then spend the early afternoon at Mystic Seaport. As the sun drops, drive 15 minutes to New London. Check into a hotel or waterside inn, then walk Bank Street for dinner. I like to keep this night unstructured. If there is a show at the Garde Arts Center, catch it. If not, watch the twilight fade along the pier.
Day two is ferry day. Morning coffee in town, a quick stop at the Lyman Allyn if you are the museum type and the schedule allows, then board the late morning Block Island Express. On island, rent bikes and ride to Southeast Light. Sit on the grass and watch the ocean. Roll to Mohegan Bluffs for the view, then back to town for a midafternoon meal at The Oar or a sandwich to go. Finish with an hour at Scotch Beach, rinse off at the outdoor showers, and make your way to the harbor for the return. Back in New London, if you have energy, drive to Niantic for an evening walk on the boardwalk and a low-key dinner.
This outline manages the clock while still leaving room for serendipity. If the weather turns, substitute the aquarium for the beach. If the group is tired, cut the ride short and loaf on the hotel porch. The point is to lean into what the coast gives you that day.
Why New London is the right launch point
Some travelers weigh other harbors. Point Judith in Rhode Island runs its own set of ferries, including vehicle routes, and those make sense if you are already east of Providence or want to bring a car. But if you plan a Connecticut-based trip and you care about squeezing variety into 48 to 72 hours, New London is efficient. Train connectivity is excellent. The walkable core adds texture to the day. And the line between the terminal and the rest of the shoreline’s things to do in CT is short and well paved.
Over years of visiting, I have come to value trips that align logistics with the weather and my own energy. The Block Island Express enables that kind of trip. It gets you out on the water quickly, drops you in a place where your feet and a simple plan carry you far, then returns you to a shoreline loaded with options. You can move fast or slow, stack museums or beaches, spend big on oysters or sit on a public bench with a coffee and a pocketful of sea glass. The ferry ties it together.
Small moments that stick
The best measure of a day like this is the handful of sensory notes you carry home. The seagull that hovered motionless in a crosswind over the southeast lighthouse. The sound of rolling pebbles when a wave drained back at Mohegan. A child’s giggle on the deck when spray flicked up and caught everyone in the first row. The way downtown New London glows at golden hour, brick catching the last low light as the train slides through. You do not have to force these moments. They happen when the schedule is sound, the gear is simple, and your eyes are up.
Plan well enough to relax. Let the Block Island Express do its job. And leave a little space before and after the crossing to enjoy the shore. That mix, more than any one attraction, is what keeps people coming back to Connecticut’s coast.
Location: 2 Ferry St,New London, CT 06320,United States Phone number: 18604444624