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Providence to Newport Ferry Set to Begin TODAY, June 12
2026 Providence-Newport Ferry is scheduled to start TODAY Friday, June 12 and run through Monday, October 12. Now in its 11th year, The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) operates the ferry seasonally, with four daily roundtrips seven days a week.
RIDOT began this popular ferry service back in 2016 to provide an alternative to automobile travel between Providence and Newport. To date, the ferry has carried 360,000 passengers.
“We are delighted to again offer this service to Rhode Islanders and visitors,” said Governor Dan McKee. “Passengers can get out on the water and enjoy the sights and sounds of our picturesque Narragansett Bay, while leaving their cars at home.”
The cost to ride the ferry remains $12 each way for adults, and $6 each way for children, seniors, persons with disabilities, and Medicare cardholders. The service will again feature weekend stops in Bristol, through Labor Day weekend. Special trips are also scheduled for the Bristol Fourth of July Parade.
Tickets are available online at www.RideTheBayRI.com, at 1-800-BOATRIDE, or directly at the ferry terminal at 25 Portugal Parkway in Providence. Bikes and pets are allowed aboard for no additional charge, with e-bikes requiring a reservation as space is limited. Free parking is available in the Providence terminal at 25 Portugal Parkway in Providence.
Seastreak, the Ocean State ferry operator, is maintaining their agreement for joint ticketing that allows passengers planning to ride Amtrak trains to purchase rail and ferry tickets at the same time. RIDOT also has arranged for the return of free RIPTA shuttles to take passengers between the Providence ferry terminal and popular locations in the city, including the Providence train station, the Rhode Island Convention Center, and Kennedy Plaza.
Image, top, RIDOT