are there cars on block island

[MayaAnn]

Yes, there are cars on Block Island, but their use is intentionally restricted to preserve the island's character. Most visitors find that bringing a car is often more trouble than it's worth, especially during the busy summer season. The primary challenge is the ferry service from Point Judith, Rhode Island; transporting a vehicle requires an expensive reservation that must be booked months in advance due to extremely limited space. For the vast majority of travelers, the best way to get around is by relying on the island's excellent alternatives: renting a moped, a bicycle, or using the convenient local taxi service.

The island's infrastructure is not designed for heavy car traffic. The roads are narrow, and parking is notoriously scarce and expensive in the main downtown areas like Old Harbor. Many residents and frequent visitors prefer smaller vehicles. Golf carts and mopeds are extremely popular modes of transportation and can be rented by the day or week. They are perfectly suited for exploring the island's 17 miles of paved roads and accessing beautiful spots like Mohegan Bluffs and Rodman's Hollow.

If you have a specific need, such as a mobility issue or are traveling with very young children, bringing a car might be justified. However, for the average visitor, embracing the island's slower pace by walking, biking, or renting a moped significantly enhances the experience and reduces logistical stress.

Transportation Method	Availability	Approx. Daily Cost (Summer)	Best For	Key Consideration
Personal Car	Limited (via ferry reservation)	$70+ (ferry fee only)	Families with specific needs	Reservations needed months in advance; expensive & limited parking
Moped Rental	High	$80 - $120	Couples & individuals	Requires a valid driver's license; follow all safety rules
Bicycle Rental	Very High	$25 - $40	Fitness-minded explorers	Island is hilly; great for scenic rides
Taxi Service	On-demand	Metered fares	Quick trips, rainy days	Reliable but can have waits during peak times
Golf Cart Rental	High	$90 - $150	Families & groups	Fun and easy, but slow; perfect for island's pace

[OAiden]

Honestly, leave your car on the mainland. The ferry ride over with a car is a huge hassle and costs a fortune. Once you're there, parking is a nightmare. You'll have a much better time just renting a bike or a moped for the week. It's how everyone gets around, and it’s part of the fun. You can zip everywhere without worrying about finding a spot.

[VanChloe]

The island community actively discourages bringing over too many cars to maintain its peaceful, natural environment. Our roads are narrow and better suited for bicycles and mopeds. We have a reliable taxi service for when you need it, and many of the island's attractions are within walking distance of each other. The intention is for visitors to slow down and enjoy the scenery, not sit in traffic.

[OGage]

From a practical standpoint, I never bring my car. I always book my ferry passage as a walk-on passenger, which is easier and cheaper. I pre-book a rental car or a golf cart from one of the local shops on the island for the duration of my stay. It's seamless. This way, I have wheels when I need them for a grocery run or to go to the beach, but I avoid the massive ferry reservation fee and the headache of parking a car I don't really need.

[IsabelaRose]

We visited last summer with our two kids and decided against bringing our SUV. It was the right call. We rented bikes for the week and used the taxi a couple of times when the kids were tired. It forced us to explore more on foot, and we discovered little paths and shops we would have missed from a car. The island is small enough that you really don't need one. The only cars we saw were mostly work trucks and resident vehicles.