Block Island to Tarrytown Drive: Ultimate Road Trip Guide

The ferry from Block Island to Point Judith covers 12 nautical miles in about 55 minutes. Once on mainland Rhode Island, the drive to Tarrytown totals roughly 180 miles via I-95 S and I-287 W, typically taking 3.5–4 hours without stops. This route spans coastal New England, urban corridors, and the historic Hudson Valley. The Block Island Southeast Light, a functioning lighthouse since 1875, marks your departure point. At Tarrytown, the Tappan Zee Bridge (now Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge) frames your arrival. This guide helps you find how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Road quality is excellent on Interstates; watch for construction in Connecticut. Rest zones are clean and safe. For families, Mystic Aquarium (CT) and Playland Park (Rye, NY) are ideal. Pet-friendly stops include rest area dog parks and Tarrytown's Lyndhurst grounds (leashed pets allowed). Hidden off-route spots: the abandoned cell tower viewpoint on Block Island and the Gillette Castle grounds in East Haddam, CT. To manage fatigue, take breaks every 2 hours—scheduled at Westbrook (CT) and then Ardsley (NY). Local culture includes the Block Island Historical Society and the Sunnyside estate in Tarrytown.

• Best rest stop: I-95 Southbound Rest Area (mile 7) with picnic tables.
• Fatigue tip: stop at Shore Diner in Old Saybrook for coffee.

Begin at Block Island Ferry Terminal on Ocean Avenue. The ferry lands at Point Judith, Narragansett. From there, take Route 108 to Route 1 S, then merge onto I-95 S toward New Haven. Continue I-95 S to I-287 W in New York, then take Exit 1 to US-9 S toward Tarrytown. Total fuel cost for a standard sedan (25 mpg) is about $20–$30 at current prices. Tolls on I-95 and I-287 total roughly $10–$15 with E-ZPass. Rest areas are plentiful: Connecticut Welcome Center (mile 7) and rest areas at mile 15 (southbound) on I-95.

• Ferry schedule varies seasonally; book ahead for summer.
• Check traffic apps for I-95 bottlenecks near New Haven and Stamford.
• Alternative: take I-91 N from New Haven to I-84 W, then I-684 S, but adds 20 min.

Block Island's Mohegan Bluffs rise 200 feet above the Atlantic. On the mainland, Narragansett Bay offers coastal views along Route 1A. As you near Connecticut, the landscape transitions from rocky shore to forested hills. The Fairfield County suburbs give way to the Hudson River's Palisades. In Tarrytown, Lyndhurst Mansion sits on 67 acres overlooking the river. Local commerce thrives along Tarrytown's Main Street with boutiques and cafés.

• Natural Landscapes: Block Island's clay cliffs, Hammonasset Beach State Park (CT), Rockefeller State Park (NY).
• Local Commerce: Block Island's Champlin's Grocery, Mystic Seaport (CT) gift shops, Tarrytown's weekend farmers market.
• UNESCO Sites: None directly on route, but nearby Statue of Liberty (NY) and Independence Hall (PA) are day trips.