Block Island is about 22 nautical miles from Newport by water, roughly 25 statute miles or 41 kilometers across Rhode Island Sound. A typical on-the-water routing runs about 25 nautical miles. It is a short open crossing, exposed to the afternoon southwest sea breeze that builds most summer days, so cross in the morning calm and watch for the high-speed ferry on the Old Harbor approach.
Newport to Block Island distance
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Straight-line distance | 22 nautical miles |
| Statute miles | 25 miles |
| Kilometers | 41 km |
| Typical on-the-water routing | about 25 nautical miles |
The run leaves Newport Harbor past Fort Adams, then stands out past Brenton Reef into the open water of Rhode Island Sound. From there it is a straight crossing southwest to Block Island, landing near Old Harbor. There is no inside line to hide behind on this leg: it is open water the whole way, so the call is really about timing the wind and the fog, not picking a route.
How long does it take, and how much fuel, by boat type
These are real numbers from the same engine that powers our boat fuel calculator, run over the 22 nautical mile distance at a steady cruise. They assume one continuous run, so treat them as the underway total. Plug in your own boat in the calculator below to get your exact figure.
| Boat | Cruise | GPH | MPG | Trip time | Fuel | Fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24 ft center console (twin 150s) | 28 mph | 17.2 | 1.6 | 54 min | 16 gal | $70 |
| 38 ft express cruiser (twin gas) | 26 mph | 43.0 | 0.6 | 58 min | 42 gal | $189 |
| 50 ft trawler (single diesel) | 10 mph | 21.7 | 0.5 | 2 hr 32 min | 55 gal | $247 |
Fuel cost assumes $4.50 per gallon. This is a short leg that any of these boats handles on a fraction of a tank, so the choice is really about crossing in the morning calm, not range. Do not just scale from the table: run your own hull, load, and cruise speed.
Estimate the fuel for your own boat
The calculator below is pre-loaded with the Newport to Block Island run. Change the engine, horsepower, load, cruise speed, and tank to match your boat and it recomputes the fuel, range, and time instantly.
Best season and weather for the run
Best window: June through September; the season is short up here.
Rhode Island Sound is open water exposed to the afternoon southwest sea breeze that builds most summer days. Cross in the morning calm, watch for the high-speed ferry on the Old Harbor approach, and expect fog to roll in fast. On a settled morning it is an easy crossing; by mid-afternoon the same water can stack up a short, wet chop.
Route notes
- Newport Harbor (0 nm): the departure past Fort Adams. Clear the harbor traffic before you settle on your southwest line.
- Brenton Reef / Rhode Island Sound (about 6 nm): stand out into open water, exposed to the afternoon sea breeze. This is where the crossing really begins.
- Block Island / Old Harbor (22 nm): the landfall on Block Island. Watch the high-speed ferry traffic on the approach.
Gear to sort before you go
- A fuel system you trust: clean filters and a known tank gauge, so a short run stays a short run.
- Ground tackle sized for the exposed Block Island anchorages and a breeze that can build through the day.
- A hull and gelcoat in good repair before a coastal run; fix the soft spots and chips at the dock, not at sea.
Need to get the boat run-ready first? See our fuel tanks and systems and marine gelcoats for the repair and maintenance supplies that keep a New England crossing uneventful.
Plan the rest of your trip
Newport to Block Island: frequently asked questions
How far is Block Island, RI from Newport, RI?
Block Island, RI is about 22 nautical miles from Newport, RI, which is roughly 25 statute miles or 41 kilometers in a straight line. A typical on-the-water routing runs about 25 nautical miles.
How long does it take to get from Newport, RI to Block Island, RI by boat?
A 24 ft center console (twin 150s) cruising at about 28 mph covers the 22 nautical mile run in roughly 54 minutes. A slower trawler takes much longer, and a fast express cruiser a little less. Use the fuel calculator on this page to plug in your own boat.
How much fuel does the Newport, RI to Block Island, RI trip use?
The 24 ft center console (twin 150s) burns about 16 gallons on the 22 nautical mile run at roughly 17.2 gallons per hour and 1.6 miles per gallon. Your number depends on horsepower, load, and cruise speed, so run your own boat through the calculator below.
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