The Providence-Newport Ferry has returned for another season!
Governor Dan McKee, Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) Director Peter Alviti, Jr., Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau President & CEO Kristen Adamo, Discover Newport Communications Director Cassandra Earle, and Seastreak President James Barker today kicked off the 2025 Providence-Newport Ferry season.
The popular service returns for its 10th season today, Friday, June 20, with four daily roundtrips seven days a week. The ferry also makes weekend stops in Bristol.
“The return of the Providence-Newport Ferry is a welcome sign of another great Rhode Island summer,” Governor McKee said. “It’s a fantastic resource for an affordable and highly enjoyable way to travel between Providence and Newport.”
RIDOT began the service in 2016 to provide an alternative to automobile travel between the two cities. The service provides riders with the opportunity to avoid the hassles of driving and parking, while also reducing vehicle emissions. To date, more than 318,000 passengers have ridden the ferry.
Seastreak will again operate the ferry Ocean State. The cost to ride the ferry remains unchanged from last year: $12 each way for adults and $6 each way for children, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and Medicare cardholders. Bikes and pets are allowed aboard for no additional charge. Free parking is available in the Providence terminal at 25 India St., Providence.
The ferry season will run through Columbus Day weekend (October 13). Service to Bristol will operate on weekends through Labor Day. RIDOT will also run special ferries for those going to the Bristol Fourth of July Parade.
Tickets are available now online at www.RideTheBayRI.com or by calling 1-800-BOATRIDE and at the Providence ferry terminal. Those departing from the Newport ferry terminal at Perrotti Park, 39 America’s Cup Ave., or the Bristol ferry terminal at the Bristol Maritime Center, 127 Thames St., can buy their tickets online or on the boat.
Another popular feature returning this year is a joint ticketing agreement that allows passengers riding Amtrak trains to purchase rail and ferry tickets to Newport simultaneously. RIDOT will continue to provide a free RIPTA shuttle bus between the Providence ferry terminal and popular locations in the city, including the Providence train station, the Rhode Island Convention Center, and Kennedy Plaza.
The Providence-Newport ferry is made possible by RhodeWorks, RIDOT’s ongoing commitment to repair structurally deficient bridges and bring Rhode Island’s transportation infrastructure into a state of good repair, promote economic development, and create jobs. Learn more at www.ridot.net/RhodeWorks.

