30/07/2022
Block Island, a jewel off the coast of Rhode Island, offers a captivating escape with its pristine beaches, charming shops, and delightful restaurants. For many UK travellers accustomed to the convenience of their own vehicle, the natural inclination might be to bring their car along for the journey. However, the reality of transporting a vehicle to Block Island is far more intricate, costly, and often, quite unnecessary, especially during the bustling summer tourist season. This comprehensive guide will delve into the specifics of ferry costs, booking complexities, and offer valuable insights into why embracing alternative transport might just be the key to unlocking the island's true charm.
The Block Island Car Ferry: Your Sole Option
Should you decide that having your own car on Block Island is an absolute necessity, your options for vehicle transport are singularly focused. The only way to bring your car across is via the traditional Block Island Ferry. It is crucial to note that the high-speed ferry, also operating from Point Judith in Galilee, Rhode Island, does not accommodate vehicles. This traditional ferry, identifiable by its rectangular windows, operates year-round, serving as the vehicular lifeline to the island.
The journey itself, from Point Judith to Block Island, is a relatively swift one, taking approximately 55 minutes. While the duration of the crossing might seem manageable, the process leading up to it requires significant advance planning, particularly if your visit coincides with the peak summer months or public holidays.
Understanding the Costs: Is it Worth It?
Let's address the elephant in the room: taking your car to Block Island is not a cheap endeavour. As of 2019, the financial outlay for a standard-sized vehicle stands at £39.60 for a one-way trip, accumulating to a round-trip cost of £79.20. It's important to be aware that these figures are for standard vehicles; larger vehicles such as SUVs, pickup trucks, and other substantial conveyances will incur higher rates. When factoring in these costs, alongside the potential for parking fees once on the island and the overall inconvenience, many visitors quickly realise that this additional expense might outweigh the perceived benefits.
Mastering Your Reservation: A UK Traveller's Guide
Securing a spot for your vehicle on the Block Island car ferry demands meticulous planning and foresight. For those planning summer visits, especially during weekends and holidays, vehicle reservations should ideally be booked four to five months in advance. This early booking window is not merely a suggestion but a critical requirement to avoid disappointment. All reservations must be pre-paid using a credit card, and notably, vehicle reservations are exclusively accepted by phone. There is no online booking facility for vehicles, meaning you'll need to call their dedicated toll-free number: 866-783-7996, extension 3.
Beyond the booking process, there are stringent check-in protocols. You are required to arrive at the Point Judith ferry dock and check in at least one hour prior to your scheduled departure. Failure to adhere to this timeframe will result in the forfeiture of your reservation. It is highly advisable to arrive even earlier, allowing ample buffer time. Galilee, the departure point, is an authentic fishing village, offering a pleasant environment to spend your waiting time, perhaps watching the working boats or enjoying some fresh seafood. Upon check-in, you will need to present both your reservation confirmation letter and a valid photo ID to board the ferry with your car.
Cancellation and Change Policies: Navigating Flexibility
Life happens, and plans can change. The Block Island car ferry has specific policies regarding cancellations and changes that travellers should be acutely aware of:
- A £12.85 fee per one-way fare (totalling £25.70 for a round-trip) applies to reservations cancelled seven or more days in advance of departure.
- Crucially, there are no refunds for reservations cancelled less than a week before your scheduled departure. This strict policy underscores the importance of firming up your plans well in advance.
- Reservations can be altered twice without penalty, provided these changes are made prior to the week before departure.
- If changes are required within the seven-day window leading up to departure, you are permitted to make only one additional change.
- A critical point to remember: if you miss your reservation date and time, your reservation cannot be changed or rebooked. The booking is simply forfeited.
These policies highlight the rigidity of the system and the need for travellers to be highly organised and committed to their travel dates when bringing a vehicle.
The very design and layout of Block Island make a personal vehicle largely redundant for most visitors, especially during the busy summer season. Numerous key attractions and amenities are incredibly accessible from the Old Harbor ferry terminal, the primary point of arrival for ferries. Within comfortable walking distance, you'll find a plethora of beaches, charming shops, diverse restaurants, and several popular inns and hotels, including the well-known Ballard's and The National.
For those venturing beyond the immediate vicinity of the ferry terminal, or wishing to explore the island's more remote sights such as the stunning Clay Head Preserve (hailed as one of Rhode Island's best beaches), a range of convenient alternatives are readily available. Taxis are readily available upon arrival at the ferry dock, offering a hassle-free way to reach accommodations elsewhere on the island or to embark on sightseeing excursions. For a more adventurous and independent mode of transport, mopeds and bicycles can be rented near the ferry dock. These offer a fantastic way to explore the island's scenic roads and trails at your own pace.
There is also one dedicated car rental outfit on Block Island: Block Island Bike and Car Rental Inc. They offer a fleet that includes sedans, minivans, and SUVs, with a unique provision for a Jeep Wrangler available exclusively for day use. This option provides the flexibility of a car without the complexities and costs associated with transporting your own vehicle on the ferry, making it a potentially more sensible choice for those who genuinely feel the need for a car during their stay.
The Standby Option: A Risky Endeavour
For those who arrive at Point Judith without a pre-booked vehicle reservation but still wish to transport their car, a standby option is available on the day of departure. This entails waiting with your vehicle until a spot becomes available on a ferry. While this might seem like a spontaneous solution, it comes with significant drawbacks. A return reservation is not guaranteed, which could leave you in a considerable bind when it's time to depart Block Island. This option is best reserved for those with extreme flexibility and a high tolerance for uncertainty, as it carries a substantial risk of being stranded.
Motorcycles and Mopeds: A Different Approach
Unlike cars, motorcycles and mopeds are not subject to the same advance reservation requirements. They can be transported on the traditional ferry on a first-come, first-served basis. However, to ensure space availability, particularly during busy periods, it is highly recommended to arrive an hour or more prior to your desired departure time. This approach offers a degree of flexibility for two-wheeled travellers that is simply not afforded to car owners.
Why the Restrictions? Preserving Block Island's Unique Charm
It is natural for travellers to question the reasons behind the high cost and logistical complexities of bringing a car to Block Island. The answer lies in the island's profound commitment to preservation. Limiting the number of vehicles allowed onto the island is a deliberate strategy to safeguard its pristine natural environment and unique character. Block Island is home to rare and endangered species of plants and animals, and its conservation has long been a priority for environmentalists. The restrictions on car traffic are a direct reflection of this dedication to maintaining the island's ecological integrity. While the process might feel like a hassle, it serves a vital purpose in protecting this special place. For visits lasting less than a week, especially during the peak summer season, leaving your car on the mainland is almost always the most sensible and environmentally conscious decision.
On-Island Assistance: When Things Go Wrong
Should you decide to bring your personal vehicle to Block Island and encounter any mechanical issues during your stay, there are local services available to assist. For auto repair needs, you can contact Murphy's Auto at 401-466-5492 or Peter Mott Auto Repair at 401-466-5139. Having these contacts handy can provide peace of mind for those who choose to navigate the island with their own vehicle.
Comparative Overview of Block Island Transport
| Transport Option | Pros | Cons | Cost (Approx. 2019) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal Car (Ferry) | Familiarity, storage for gear | High cost, complex booking, strict rules, often unnecessary on island | £79.20+ (round-trip) |
| Walking | Free, immediate access to Old Harbor attractions | Limited range, dependent on location | Free |
| Taxis | Convenient, door-to-door, covers wider area | Cost per trip, less spontaneous than own car | Variable (per trip) |
| Mopeds/Bicycles | Flexible, explore at own pace, scenic | Weather dependent, safety concerns, rental cost | Rental fee + fuel (moped) |
| Rental Car (On-island) | Flexibility, no ferry hassle for your own car | Limited availability, rental cost, still navigating island traffic/parking | Rental fee |
Frequently Asked Questions About Bringing a Car to Block Island
Q: How much does it cost to take a standard car to Block Island on the ferry?
A: As of 2019, the one-way rate for a standard-sized vehicle is £39.60, making the round-trip cost £79.20. Larger vehicles will incur higher fees.
Q: Do I need to book my car ferry reservation in advance?
A: Absolutely. Especially for summer weekends and holidays, it's highly recommended to book your vehicle reservation four to five months in advance. All reservations must be pre-paid.
Q: Can I book my car ferry reservation online?
A: No, vehicle reservations are only accepted by phone. You must call 866-783-7996, extension 3, to make a booking.
Q: What happens if I miss my scheduled ferry departure with my car reservation?
A: If you do not arrive and check in at least one hour before your scheduled departure, you will forfeit your reservation, and it cannot be changed or rebooked.
Q: Are there refunds if I cancel my car ferry reservation?
A: A cancellation fee of £12.85 per one-way fare (£25.70 round-trip) applies if cancelled seven or more days in advance. There are no refunds for cancellations made less than a week before departure.
Q: Is it difficult to get around Block Island without a car?
A: Not at all. Many attractions, shops, restaurants, and hotels are within walking distance of the Old Harbor ferry terminal. Taxis, mopeds, and bicycles are readily available for exploring further afield.
Q: Can I take the Hi-Speed Ferry with my car?
A: No, only the traditional Block Island Ferry transports vehicles. The Hi-Speed Ferry does not accommodate cars.
Q: Why are there so many restrictions on bringing cars to Block Island?
A: The restrictions are in place to help preserve the island's pristine natural environment, unique character, and protect its rare and endangered species of plants and animals. It's a conservation effort.
Q: Can I bring my motorcycle or moped on the ferry without a reservation?
A: Yes, motorcycles and mopeds can be transported on the traditional ferry on a first-come, first-served basis. It's advisable to arrive an hour or more prior to departure to ensure space.
Conclusion
While the option to bring your car to Block Island exists, it is a costly and logistically demanding undertaking. The island's commitment to preserving its natural beauty means that vehicle access is intentionally limited and comes with significant hurdles. For the vast majority of visitors, especially those on shorter stays during the bustling summer, leaving the car on the mainland is not only more economical but also allows for a far more relaxed and authentic island experience. With readily available taxis, rental mopeds, bicycles, and the charming walkability of the main village, you'll find that Block Island is perfectly equipped to be enjoyed without the added baggage of your own vehicle. Embrace the simplicity, and let the island's unique charm unfold around you.
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