Ferries to Long Island
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Getting to Long Island from Connecticut
Long Island is easily reachable by car if youโre coming from New York. However, for many travelers from Connecticut, taking a ferry is the most practical option.
For example, the ferry from New London to Orient Point allows you to avoid a lengthy drive of over 220 miles around the coastline. This makes the ferry not only a convenient but also a time-saving and stress-free way to reach Long Island.
Whether you're traveling for leisure or business, the ferry offers a stunning and efficient alternative to extended driving.
Map: crossings to Long Island
To visualize the ferry routes to Long Island, please refer to the map above. For detailed information on ferries to Fire Island and Block Island, we've prepared separate guides to assist you.
About these crossings
The Three Best Ferry Options from Connecticut to New York
Travelers looking for ferry connections from Connecticut to New York have three excellent options, each offering convenience and comfort. Hereโs a breakdown of the routes:
1. New London to Orient Point
- Service: Year-round, with more frequent departures from spring through fall.
- Route: Connects New London, CT, with Orient Point, NY.
- Duration: Approximately one hour, depending on the vessel.
- Features: Reliable service with scenic views. Suitable for both vehicles and foot passengers.
- Tip: It operates year-round, booking ahead during peak travel seasons is best.
2. Bridgeport to Port Jefferson
- Service: Operates throughout the year with frequent departures.
- Route: Connects Bridgeport, CT, with Port Jefferson, NY.
- Duration: Approximately one hour.
- Features: Comfortable seating, dining options, and flexibility due to frequent sailings.
- Tip: Booking is recommended, but availability is generally better than other routes, making it a convenient choice for last-minute plans.
3. New London to Montauk
- Service: Seasonal, operating from spring to fall.
- Route: Connects New London, CT, with Montauk, NY.
- Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours.
- Features: Comfortable seating and basic refreshments on board.
- Tip: As this route is seasonal, booking is strongly advised during busy months.
Long Island ferry comparison
| Crossing/route | Sailing time | Cars? | Price? (PP) | Best for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New London โ Orient Point | 42m | Yes | ~$20 | Fastest vehicle access to eastern Long Island |
| Bridgeport โ Port Jefferson | 1h 18m | Yes | ~$22 | Good central connection to Suffolk County |
| New London โ Montauk (seasonal) | 1h 15m | No | ~$45 | Foot passengers, high season only |
| New London โ Block Island | 1h 15m | No | ~$34 | Beachgoers, summer escapes |
Which Ferry is Best for You?
- Theย Bridgeport to Port Jeffersonย route is ideal for a quick and reliable year-round option.
- If youโre heading toย Long Islandโs North Fork, theย New London to Orient Pointย ferry offers a convenient and scenic journey.
- For travelers looking to visitย Montauk, the seasonalย New London to Montaukย route is a fantastic choice, especially during spring and summer.
Regardless of your choice, each ferry provides a stress-free way to travel between Connecticut and New York while enjoying the scenic beauty of the Long Island Sound.
All Long Island Ferries: Active and Inactive
Long Island offers several ferry routes that connect it to surrounding destinations, providing convenient alternatives to road travel. Here's an overview of both active and inactive ferry services:
Active Ferry Routes
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Orient Point, NY โ New London, CT
- Operated by Cross Sound Ferry, this year-round service connects Orient Point on Long Islandโs North Fork to New London, Connecticut.
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Port Jefferson, NY โ Bridgeport, CT
- The Bridgeport & Port Jefferson Steamboat Company runs this year-round route between Port Jefferson on Long Island and Bridgeport, Connecticut.
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Sayville, NY โ Fire Island, NY
- The Sayville Ferry Service connects Sayville to various communities on Fire Island, including Pines, Cherry Grove, Water Island, and Sailors Haven.
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Bay Shore, NY โ Fire Island, NY
- Fire Island Ferries offers routes from Bay Shore to several Fire Island locations, such as Ocean Beach, Fair Harbor, and Kismet.
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Patchogue, NY โ Fire Island, NY
- The Davis Park Ferry Company connects Patchogue to Davis Park and Watch Hill on Fire Island.
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Montauk, NY โ Block Island, RI
- Seasonal service links Montauk on Long Island to Block Island in Rhode Island, offering a stunning journey during warmer months.
Inactive or Discontinued Ferry Routes
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Glen Cove, NY โ Manhattan, NY
- This commuter ferry service was introduced as a pilot program but was discontinued due to low ridership.
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Long Beach, NY โ Manhattan, NY
- Seasonal ferry service between Long Beach and Manhattan operated intermittently but is no longer in service.
-
Greenport, NY โ Shelter Island, NY
- While this route, operated by the North Ferry Company, is often active, it has faced occasional suspensions due to operational challenges.
Key Takeaways
Long Islandโs ferry network offers a mix of reliable year-round routes and unique seasonal services. While some routes have been discontinued, the active ferries provide excellent options for commuters and travelers alike.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, checking schedules and availability with the ferry operators is always recommended.
Prices and availability for the crossings to Long Island.
The bookings module helps you find availability, crossings and price information for the crossings.
