Providence-Newport Ferry Kicks Off 2021 Summer Season

NEWPORT, RI — Another sign of summer is upon us in Rhode Island: the Providence to Newport ferry is back in service for the season. Gov. Dan McKee and other state leaders gathered Friday to mark 2021's inaugural sail.

The ferry, operated by Seastreak and the Rhode Island Department of Transportation, runs four round trips every day. On weekends, the ferry also stops in Bristol.

Because Rhode Island lifted its pandemic-related restrictions, the ferry will operate at full capacity this season.

"The return of the Providence-Newport Ferry is another signpost on the path to restoring our economy and our way of life as the pandemic eases," McKee said. "I urge everyone to take advantage of this great resource to enjoy Narragansett Bay and everything that Newport, Providence and Bristol have to offer this summer."

Since it debuted in 2016, the ferry has carried more than 180,000 people. In 2019, it marked more than 46,400 passengers, RIDOT said. The ferry allows visitors to reach travel between Providence and Newport easily, avoiding traffic and reducing highway traffic. The ferry also encourages spending in the cities, the department said, with a 2019 survey reporting about $2 million in sales in Newport, or about $87 per person.

"The bay is our greatest natural resource, and we’re pleased to continue this popular service that provides an affordable way for people to experience Narragansett Bay while leaving the car behind, cutting down emissions, and skipping the traffic and parking hassles associated with visiting either Providence or Newport in the summertime," said Peter Alviti, Jr, RIODT's director.

Ferry tickets cost $11 each way for adults and $5.50 for children, seniors and people with disabilities. Bikes and pets can be brought aboard for no additional cost. Free parking is available at the Providence terminal on India Street.

Because the coronavirus pandemic is ongoing, Seastreak will sanitize high-touch services during and between trips, and will complete a thorough cleaning at the end of each day. Under the current federal guidelines for public transportation, face coverings will be required for all passengers, regardless of vaccination status.

The ferry runs Friday through Columbus Day weekend. Weekend service to Bristol will happen until Labor Day weekend. Special ferries will run on July 4 for Bristol's Fourth of July parade.

Read more and purchase tickets on the ferry's website.