You're standing on the dock in New London, looking out at the Thames River. The air smells like salt and diesel. If you’re heading to Fishers Island, you’re about to enter a bit of a time warp. This isn’t a high-speed tourist shuttle to a theme park. It’s a lifeline.
Basically, the new london to fishers island ferry is the only way to get a car onto that skinny nine-mile stretch of land that technically belongs to New York but lives and breathes through Connecticut. Most people assume they can just roll up and board. Honestly? That's the quickest way to end up sitting in a parking lot watching the boat pull away.
Getting There Without the Headache
First thing you've gotta realize: this isn't the Cross Sound Ferry to Long Island. It’s the Fishers Island Ferry District. They have their own terminal.
If you're driving in from I-95, follow the signs for the "Waterfront District." You'll end up on Governor Winthrop Blvd. Cross the tracks. Bear right. If you see the big massive ships going to Orient Point, you’ve gone a tiny bit too far, but you’re in the right neighborhood.
Parking is its own beast. There’s a tiny bit of on-site parking at the New London terminal for about $15 a day. It fills up fast. Like, "gone before breakfast" fast. Most people end up at the Water Street Parking Garage across the street. It’s easy, but it adds a few minutes to your trek, so don't be that person sprinting across the road with three coolers while the horn blows.
The Vehicle Shuffle
Bringing a car is expensive. We’re talking $70 for a standard car, and that’s a round-trip rate. You must have a reservation for a vehicle. I cannot stress this enough. If you show up without a reservation, you’re playing a game of standby chicken that you will probably lose.
Also, be there 25 minutes early. If the boat leaves at 11:30 and you pull in at 11:10? Your reservation is basically toast. They’ll give your spot to the guy in the standby line who’s been staring at the gate for two hours.
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The Fleet: Race Point and Munnatawket
You’ll likely be riding one of two workhorses. The MV Munnatawket and the MV Race Point.
The Munnatawket is the older soul of the bunch, launched back in 1978. It’s 132 feet of steel and history. It was named after the indigenous Pequot name for the island. It’s got character.
Then there’s the Race Point. Built in 1985, it’s a bit bigger—162 feet. It can hold about 34 cars. Recently, it got a massive heart transplant—five new Cummins engines—thanks to some grant money. It’s cleaner and more efficient now, though it still takes about 45 minutes to an hour to make the crossing.
Speed isn't really the point here.
The "Silver Eel" fast ferry used to be a thing, but it was sold off recently. So, if you’re looking for a 25-minute sprint, you’re out of luck. You’re on island time the moment you step onto the deck of the Race Point.
What It Actually Costs (2026 Reality)
Let’s talk money because it’s not exactly a cheap date.
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- Adults (12+): $30
- Kids (5-11): $22
- Seniors (65+): $22
- The Car: $70 (up to 18 feet)
- Bikes: $55 (Yeah, it's pricey for two wheels)
These are round-trip prices. The ticket you get in New London is what you use to get back. Don't lose it. If you’re just a walk-on passenger, you can buy a ticket at the kiosk or the window.
One weird quirk? If you're shipping a car without a driver—maybe you're sending it over to a family member—it’s a $20 "No Driver" fee. You’ll need a specific mirror hanger for that.
The Boarding Process is… Specific
The crew members are pros, but they don't have time for nonsense. When they tell you to back your car onto the boat, they mean it. Backing onto a ferry can be nerve-wracking if you aren't used to it. You’ll be inches away from a massive truck or a very expensive SUV. Just watch the deckhands. They use hand signals that are basically a universal language. Follow them blindly and you’ll be fine.
Once the cars are tucked in, the passengers head upstairs.
The cabins are simple. No-frills. There’s a snack bar usually, but don't expect a five-course meal. Most people just grab a coffee and head to the outdoor benches. The view of the New London Ledge Lighthouse is worth the price of admission alone. It’s that square, red brick house sitting right in the middle of the water. Legend says it's haunted by a lightkeeper named Ernie.
Why the Ferry Matters So Much
Fishers Island is part of Southold, New York. But look at a map. It’s right off the coast of Noank and Stonington, Connecticut. Because there’s no bridge, the ferry is the only way the island gets fuel, groceries, and mail.
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In the winter, the population drops to maybe 300 people. The ferry schedule thins out. In the summer, the population explodes. The "Fishers Island Ferry District" was actually created by an act of the New York State Legislature back in 1947 after the old private company went bust. It’s a government entity, which is why the rules feel a bit more "official" than your average boat ride.
A Few "Insider" Tips
- The App: They actually have an app now for buying tickets. Use it. It saves you from standing in the kiosk line.
- Wind and Weather: This is the eastern Long Island Sound. It gets choppy. If there’s a gale warning, check the website before you leave your house. They do cancel trips if the "Race" (the stretch of water near the island) gets too hairy.
- Resident IDs: You’ll see people getting much cheaper rates. Those are residents. Don't try to argue for the resident rate unless you have the ID card. They check.
- Pets: Dogs are usually welcome, but keep them on a leash. Most folks stay on the outer decks with their pups.
Managing Your Expectations on the Other Side
When you arrive at Silver Eel Cove on Fishers Island, don't expect a bustling downtown. There isn't a row of T-shirt shops or a Starbucks. There’s a grocery store, a couple of places to eat, and a lot of private roads.
Most of the island is residential or conserved land. It’s quiet. If you don't have a car or a bike, your options for exploring are pretty limited once you get off the boat.
The ferry ride is often the highlight for day-trippers. It’s a chance to see the Connecticut coastline from a different perspective. You’ll see the Coast Guard Academy, the submarine base in the distance, and the rugged beauty of the Sound.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
To make sure you actually get on the boat, follow this checklist:
- Book your vehicle space at least two weeks out if you're traveling on a weekend. Use the official Fishers Island Ferry District website.
- Download the ferry app to manage your passenger tickets on your phone.
- Arrive in New London 40 minutes early if you need to find parking at the Water Street Garage.
- Have your QR code ready for the deckhands to scan before you even hit the ramp.
- Check the "Race Point" vs "Munnatawket" schedule if you have a preference for the newer, larger vessel.
Planning this trip requires a bit more logistics than a standard commute, but once you're on the water and the New London skyline starts to shrink, you'll realize why people have been making this trek since the 1940s. It’s the gatekeeper to one of the most secluded spots on the East Coast.