Getting Around Block Island: Taxi, Bikes, Mopeds & More!

Getting around Block Island starts when ferry pulls into the dock at Old Harbor. You'll disembark into the Ferry parking lot. The organized chaos here is comprised of tourists dragging luggage, bikers with backpacks, cars driving off the ferry and people waiting at the dock for loved ones, friends, tourists or freight.

Throw into the mix the ferry workers driving their forklifts back and forth at top speed. With all the commotion comes safety risks so please pay attention to where you are walking/biking/driving. If you need information you'll find it right there in front of you. The small building with the big sign that says 'Information'. This is the Chamber of Commerce. The ladies that work here will be happy to answer questions and you can pick up a map or a brochure.

Taxis on Block Island are great for getting around and relatively inexpensive transportation. There are about 30 or so taxi services owned by Island Locals. There are no meters, rates are set by the town. You'll be charged by zone and the number of passengers. Block Island taxi drivers are a wealth of knowledge and will be happy to answer your travel questions and make recommendations on just about everything.

Most taxi drivers will take you on a one hour Block Island Tour. The cost is approximately $50. (this is for 2 people.) Additional passengers are $10 each. You'll get a colorful guided tour of the island and usually some inside information.

Taxis in Old Harbor are waiting at the taxi stand at the top of the Block Island Ferry parking lot on Water Street, directly across from the Harborside Inn.

Taxis in New Harbor at Payne's Dock wait at the end of the dock.

Taxis in New Harbor at Champlin's Marina wait at the end of the dock right next to the snack bar. Ferry from Montauk, NY docks here.

Taxis are everywhere in July & August. If you are visiting in the slower months and cannot find a taxi just ask your waitress, bartender to shopkeeper to recommend or to call one for you. Ask for Vin, Art, O.J., Fran or Sam.

There are a handful of drivers that work as the bars close (1 A.M.) They wait outside the night clubs and bars or at one of the Taxi stands.

You won' t find a Taxi late night so arrange a ride ahead of time. If you become stranded you might have to walk back! Don't wander the streets with open drink containers. Taxi drivers stay clear of really intoxicated people and the open container law is strictly enforced. Many a festive late night indulger has found himself being taxi'd by Block Island's finest, right to the cold and lonely jail cell.

You can Bring Your Bike on the Block Island Ferry or any of the Ferries for a small fee. You can rent a bicycle for a day, weekend or week from any number of bike rentals at the marinas or around the island. Do keep your bike locked, there are bike stands everywhere.

Getting around by bike is a great way to see the island and it's a great activity for the family. Some suggestions for family bikers: Keep your youngest bikers in front so you can see them. If you're kids are just learning to ride you won't want them on a congested road with no bike path. Best to rent one of the double bicycles built for safe parent & child fun.

Be careful with those child toting cabooses that are attached to dad's bike, they can easily sway out into the road and you won't even know it. (we call them 'kiddie coffins') Be aware of the rules of the road and use hand signals. If you are riding at night please use reflectors and a light. In a lot of places in the US you'd be ticketed for reckless night riding. If you are getting around by bike, be responsible for keeping your family safe on the roads.

Mopeds are for rent at the marinas where the Block Island Ferry docks, up on Water Street next to Rebecca's, Chapel Street which is off Water Street; or parallel to Water Street and just behind it on Weldon's Way, Moped Alley as it is called by islanders. They all charge about the same rate per day. Look for deals during the off season or towards the end of the day. There are a limited number of mopeds for rent as it is regulated by the town. Mopeds are a very popular and make getting around the island fun.

This popular mode of transportation is not shared by many islanders, especially the ones that comprise the volunteer rescue squad and attend to the daily moped accidents. As long as you pass the mini lesson and wear a helmut you can rent a moped, but if you've never driven a moped, scooter or motorcycle, Block Island is not a good place to learn. Many vacations end abruptly with a trip to the medical center or a lifestar flight to a mainland hospital.

Rhode Island Rental Cars and Jeeps are Available at Old Harbor between the Block Island Ferry dock and the commercial fisherman's dock near Ballards. Ask for Bobby. You can also rent from New Harbor at the Oar parking lot. Ask for Jason. This is a nice alternative for getting around if you are visiting with your family and cannot get a car reservation on the ferry or if you do not want to bring your car to the island.

Block Island is experiencing an escalating problem with traffic and parking. Everyone seems to have a car, bring a car or multiple cars. This creates mainland-like traffic, making getting around a headache. It is now nearly impossible to get a car reservation on the Block Island Ferry.

You can help curb this growing problem by not bringing a car or only bringing one car. If you are using a car and are going somewhere close by or without all your beach gear for example, you might decide to walk, bike to take a taxi.

Skate Boarding & Skating in general are not allowed in town. Block Island has a modest skate park on West Side Road just after you pass the cemetery on the right. This is a fun place to take the kids, there's also a playground here. Skating is at your own risk, best to wear performance safety gear while skating. Block Island's roads are not ideal for skaters simply because there's a lot of gravel and sand on the pavement , a lot of dirt roads, and no designated paths for this sport.

The island is great for Hiking. Getting around this way is a fun family activity. There are no difficult hikes on Block Island. You can get a Hiker's Map at the Chamber of Commerce (located at the Block Island Ferry parking lot) or at the Nature Conservancy on High Street that shows the island's Greenway Trails.

Of course nothing beats getting around via any of Block Island's beautiful Beaches!