There's an Amtrak stop in West Kingston RI (near the University of Rhode Island) that's not too far from Point Judith. I assume there are taxis that are available or can be called from the station
http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=am/am2Station/Station_Page&code=KIN

the train station in New London is just across the street and a few blocks down from the ferry port. you can walk it easily, though hopefully your luggage has wheels.

I would get the train tickets in advance, just in case the train sells out.

Ferry will be ok to walk on--reserve if you are taking a car (which you aren't).

Thanks Janie, China_Cat and Capxx,

I'm wondering if we would be better off going to New London. That maps looks like Port Judith might be a ways from West Kingston. I know Rhode Island is small, though. The ferry website says they are 20 minutes apart so I'm thinking it might be better to just spend the 20 minutes on the train to New London and walk to the ferry.

On a related note, I've heard that to take the train from Logan Airport, you can either take the Silver Line Shuttle or a taxi. Any thoughts on one over the other, besides the cost?

Lastly, about the train. How far in advance do you think we should buy? And why would one take the Acela over the regional?

Thanks everyone for your help.

Take the train to New London it would be a hassle to get from West Kingston to Point Judith. If you have a lot of luggage the taxi ride from the train station to the ferry will be inexpensive and take all of 30 seconds. People take the Acela mostly when the company is paying for it. It doesn't cut much time from the trip from Boston to New London as there are not many sections of the track that it can really go faster on.

silver line to south station is simple and cheaper It circles all the terminals

Thanks everyone. Got it. Silver Line to South Station; regional train to New London, then ferry. We will each be traveling only with a carry on, so we will walk to the ferry.

Then we will do the opposite, but will spend a few days in Boston before returning home.

Can't wait for summer.

It's been a few years, but of our local islands, MV, Nan and BI, scootering on Block Island was the best, if you are so inclined to use that for a day as your means of transportation.

If you sit on the left side of the train, you will have some pretty views of the shore as you get into Connecticut. I'll be the lady with a couple of grandkids, waving like crazy and trying to get the engineer to blow the horn.

Yes, absolutely sit on the left side. If you were going on, I would tell you to change to the right side in New Haven or Bridgeport. That way you would get both the CT coast and the NYC skyline!

The Silverline is easy but you will need change for tickets. A roll of quarters is a handy travel accessory!

Ack - I think there are ticket machines by the exits of all terminals, although a roll of quarters would also come in handy.