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

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 at the Chamber of Commerce. It's in the small building with the big sign that says 'Visitor's Center'. The ladies that work here will be happy to answer questions and you can pick up a map or a brochure.

If you need information on how to Get to the Block Island Ferry from the airport or out of state,

Remember you are using real streets with real traffic. There's a tendency for visitors to lose their bearings here, every day we see tourists wandering in the streets without looking one way; never mind both ways. I'm not sure why this happens but it happens constantly. Perhaps the excitement of vacation or the sea air or fact that the town looks like the 1800's makes people not able to remember how to navigate a busy street. Islanders lovingly refer to these people as 'vacation heads'. Of course you are not one of them so you'll blend right in!

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. Taxi stands are visible at the marinas. There are no meters but 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 for 2 people. Additional passengers are $10 each. You'll get a colorful guided tour of the island as well as some inside information. Taxis are everywhere in July & August. If you are visiting in the slower months and cannot find a taxi just ask your waitress, bartender or shopkeeper to recommend or to call one for you.

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 (after 1:30am) so arrange a ride ahead of time. If you become stranded you might have to walk! 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 may bring your bike on the Block Island ferry for a small fee. You may 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. Best to rent one of the double bicycles built for safety.

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 lights. 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 referred to by islanders. They all charge about the same rate per day. Look for deals during the off season or toward 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 helmet 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.

Block Island rental cars and Jeeps are available at old harbor between the Block Island Ferry dock and the commercial fisherman's dock near Ballards. You may also rent from new harbor at the Oar parking lot. 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 increasingly difficult 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, you might decide to walk, bike to take a taxi.

Skate Boarding & Skating 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, tennis court and basketball court. Skating is at your own risk, best to wear performance safety gear. 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 skating or biking.

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 good 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!