Orient Point ferry
To travel between Long Island (Orient Point) and New London, Connecticut, you can use the Cross Sound Ferry in both directions. This route acts as a critical bypass within the Northeast corridor, allowing vehicles to avoid the heavy traffic around New York City and the I-95.
As the map clearly shows, driving around via New York adds significant distance and time, making this ferry a much more direct alternative.
Because it is a primary vehicle link to and from the North Fork, it’s recommended to book your spot on the standard ferry well in advance during the summer season.
Orient Point – New London ferry service
Showing all 1 services
Orient Point ferry schedule & booking
- Operates year-round
- Schedules vary by season and vessel | check Cross Sound Ferry for the current times in both directions
- Reservations highly recommended, especially for vehicles and high-speed sailings
Peak season = more daily departures (up to 20/day), especially in summer and weekends
Long Island Sound crossing: Orient Point logistics
The Cross Sound Ferry connects the tip of Long Island (Orient Point) with New London, CT. Moving approximately 1.4 million passengers annually, it serves as a critical “bridge bypass” for travelers avoiding the Throgs Neck/Whitestone madness. Your strategy here isn’t just about the boat; it’s about the single-lane road that leads to it.
| Vessel Type | Crossing Time | Logistics Score |
|---|---|---|
| Auto Ferry (e.g., John H., Mary Ellen) |
1h 20m | The Workhorse: The only option for vehicles. High reliability, but deck space for trucks/RVs is limited. Reservations are essential for vehicles year-round. |
| Sea Jet (High Speed) |
40 Minutes | Pax Only: A catamaran service for foot passengers. Smooth ride but strictly no vehicles. connects well with the New London Amtrak station. |
⚠️ Expert Warning: The “Route 25” Bottleneck
The drive from Riverhead to Orient Point is 40 miles of single-lane country road. On summer Fridays, this drive can take 2+ hours. The ferry captain will not hold the boat if you are stuck in traffic. Always buffer your arrival time by 90 minutes in July and August.
The drive from Riverhead to Orient Point is 40 miles of single-lane country road. On summer Fridays, this drive can take 2+ hours. The ferry captain will not hold the boat if you are stuck in traffic. Always buffer your arrival time by 90 minutes in July and August.
Reservation & Boarding Protocols
- The “20-Minute” Rule: Vehicle reservations are voided if you are not checked in 15–20 minutes prior to departure. If you miss this window, you go to the back of the standby line, which on a Sunday could mean a 6-hour wait.
- Priority Boarding: For an extra fee (~$20), you can book “Priority Boarding,” which allows you to be among the first on and first off. This is worth it if you are tight on time for a connection in New London.
Using this data helps you realize that the ferry schedule is reliable, but the road to the ferry is not. Check specialized maps to locate the New London terminal relative to the train station.
