Providence To Newport Fast Ferry Service Resumes May 24

NEWPORT, RI — The popular Providence to Newport fast ferry service is returning for summer 2019. Starting Friday, May 24, this year's service will also include stops in Bristol on weekends. Additional special trips will be added to accommodate the Bristol Fourth of July Parade and Waterfire.

"When we launched this service, we always planned to expand it to other ports of call along beautiful Narragansett Bay," Rhode Island Department of Transportation Director Peter Alviti, Jr. said. "After a successful first year providing service to the Bristol Fourth of July Parade, we decided to expand our service to Bristol throughout the summer. Just like our primary service between Providence and Newport, the ferries reduce congestion, motor vehicle emissions and parking problems."

Ferry service between Providence and Newport runs seven days a week, with four round-trips each day during the peak summer season and three round-trips during the spring and fall. The full schedule is available on Seastreak's website. Round-trip tickets cost $22 for adults and $11 for children ages three to 12, seniors over 65 and the disabled. Children under two ride for free.

Since the ferry's debut in 2016, RIDOT reported that more than 120,000 tickets have been sold. The ferry service has also proved to boost the local economy, with a RIDOT survey showing the average person who traveled to Newport because of the ferry spent $78, more than three times the average amount spent by cruise ship passengers docked in the city.

"The Town of Bristol is happy that Seastreak will be landing in Bristol, one of Rhode Island's original ports," said Steven Contente, Bristol's town administrator. "The ferry landing, along with the new Maritime Center and amenities, will be a hub for ferry passengers. The Town of Bristol offers day-trippers many fine restaurants and museums within walking distance of the historic downtown district. Visitors also can take advantage of the nearby Prudence Island Ferry as well as the start of the East Bay Bike Path."

Because of the ferry's popularity, advance reservations are recommended. Reservations can be made online or by calling 1-800-BOATRIDE. Tickets can be purchased in person by visiting ferry terminals at 25 India St. in Providence, Perrotti Park in Newport on America's Cup Boulevard or at the Bristol Maritime Center at 127 Thames St.

Free parking is available on site in Providence, and a free shuttle service runs from the ferry dock to the Providence train station, Rhode Island Convention Center, Kennedy Plaza and other popular stops downtown. This year, a joint ticketing agreement allows Amtrak passengers to purchase a ticket that includes the ferry fare.