Block Island to Atlantic City: Ultimate Road Trip Guide

The journey from Block Island, RI to Atlantic City, NJ covers roughly 300 miles and 5.5 hours of driving—excluding the ferry from Block Island to Point Judith. This route traces the Atlantic coastline, blending New England charm with Mid-Atlantic energy.

Block Island, shaped by glacial deposits, features dramatic bluffs and the iconic North Light lighthouse. Atlantic City, a resort town born from the 1870s, owes its development to the Camden & Atlantic Railroad. The driving quirk: you'll cross three state lines (RI, CT, NY, NJ) and pass through the Cape May-Lewes Ferry corridor.

For discovering unique stops between cities, check out how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Block Island's Mohegan Bluffs offer 200-foot cliffs overlooking the Atlantic. On the mainland, the Connecticut coast features salt marshes and the Thimble Islands. Further south, the Pine Barrens of New Jersey provide a stark contrast with dense forests and cranberry bogs.

• Natural highlights: Watch Hill, RI (lighthouse); Hammonasset Beach, CT; Island Beach State Park, NJ.
• Local commerce: Seek out lobster rolls in Mystic, CT; pizza in New Haven; salt water taffy in Atlantic City.
• UNESCO sites: None directly, but nearby New York's Statue of Liberty is a World Heritage Site (detour 30 min from I-95).

Begin your drive by taking the Block Island Ferry (1 hr) from Old Harbor to Point Judith, RI. From there, follow US-1 South to I-95 South through Connecticut and New York, then switch to the Garden State Parkway (GSP) southbound to Atlantic City.

• Ferry cost: ~$50 per vehicle (reserve ahead, especially in summer).
• Tolls: Expect about $15 in tolls on I-95 and GSP (E-ZPass recommended).
• Fuel: Average gas cost ~$40 for the drive; plenty of stations along I-95.

Road quality is excellent on interstates, but watch for construction near New Haven and the GSP exits. The route is well-lit and shoulders are wide, except on the ferry approach roads.

The route is generally safe, with 24/7 highway patrol. Family-friendly stops include the Mystic Aquarium (Exit 90 off I-95) and the Liberty Science Center (Jersey City). For kids, the boardwalk in Atlantic City offers arcades and the Steel Pier amusement park.

• Pet-friendly: Many rest areas have pet walks; the ferry allows leashed pets on deck.
• Rest zones: Plan breaks every 2 hours—try the service plazas on the Garden State Parkway (mile markers 30, 100, 150).
• Fatigue management: Avoid driving through New York City during rush hour; use I-95 around the Bronx instead of Manhattan.

Hidden off-route spots: Cape May, NJ—a Victorian seaside town 45 min south of Atlantic City. Also, the Grounds For Sculpture in Hamilton, NJ (near I-95) is a 42-acre sculpture park perfect for a stretch.