sassier1

I want to use the ferry system to drive from Baltimore to Boston. Has anyone used the New London ferry? Would you recommend that. I thought it would be a lot more scenic than the highway.

Jaya

I didn't know there was such a service up to Boston. I can't find anything called the New London Ferry. Do you have any more info on the ferry service?

tchoiniere

There is a ferry that goes from Montauk (on Long Island) but not sure if its worth it when you are driving from Baltimore.

Anonymous

There's a ferry from the eastern tip of Long Island to New London, CT, near Mystic. So I'm wondering how the OP proposes to get to that end of LI.

https://www.longislandferry.com/Default.asp

gail

The standard mapping (Yahoo, Mapquest) programs as well as most GPS systems send you on a less desirable route (once you have ruled out the ferry). In my opinion, you should take the Tappan Zee Bridge rather than the George Washington Bridge.

This involves taking NJ Turnpike to Woodbridge, NJ where you pick up the Garden State Parkway. Then Tappan Zee Bridge. Once in NY take Rtes 684, 287 - following signs towards White Plains and then Danbury, CT.

Pick up Route 84 thru CT to Mass Turnpike.

I drive this route several times/year - forget about picking a route that is more scenic and just make the trip as quickly as possible to get it over with. Get a Fast Lane/EZ Pass transponder to deal with the tolls and you can cut some time off the trip.

djkbooks

We make many road trips between NH (northwest of Boston) and Baltimore. Our favorite route is via the Tappan Zee.

Going via the Orient Island-New London ferry will add about an hour and twenty minutes to your trip (coincidentally the same time the ferry crossing takes), plus waiting time for the next ferry (they leave every hour, except Noon), and $60 to your trip. From New London, there's the relatively new I-395 due north to the Mass Turnpike.

We enjoy taking the ferry across Lake Champlain when we drive to Montreal and back. And, we enjoyed taking the Lewes-Cape May ferry on one trip home from Baltimore via Rehoboth.

Baltimore to Boston is a very long day in the car. But, you should take any route you like.

sobster

If you do decide to go via ferry from Long Island to New London Ct there is one from Port Jefferson, LI, NY and Bridgeport,CT called the I think The Bridgeport-Port Jefferson ferry Co. If you decide to go out on LI further-like to the tip of the "North Fork" the ferry co. is the Cross Sound Ferry. It runs from Orient POINT,LI ,NY to New ondon Ct

sassier1

Many thanks for all the input. How about driving from Baltimore to Lewes Delaware - take ferry to Cape May, drive to Atlantic City for the night. Then drive to Riverhead NY & take New London Orient ferry to New London Con. and on to Boston. Just tring to get a more scenic route and do something different.

sobster

Orient Point is beyond (east) of Riverhead by about 20 minutes dep. on traffic.

djkbooks

We often break up the trip with a stop in Jersey City, which is about half way. The views of the Manhattan skyline are awesome from there, and we've always been able to book the Hyatt Regency, or more recently, the Westin for under $100 with Priceline or Hotwire. I shop the Broadway discounts for tickets. From Jersey City, transportation is convenient, reasonably priced, and at most 45 minutes from your room to the theater district.

china_cat

Just don't stay in Riverhead, its not that nice a town. Keep going and stay somewhere on the North Fork. You can find sound view accomodations in Southold or Mattituck, and be close to the wineries for a quick tasting. Or go out to Greenport where there are a few shops and nice restaurants, or go all the way to Orient and visit the state park. Just don't bother with Riverhead.

If this is a summer weekend, do not attempt the Cross sound ferry without a reservation. In fact, I would get a reservation whenever you go. Its a long wait to go standby.
You need to arrive 45 minutes before boarding, to make sure you check in 30 minutes in advance. On busy summer weekends they WILL give your ticket to a standby if you do not show up 30 minutes early. The ride takes 90 minutes, and then it can take 15-20 minutes to get off, depending on where you are loaded (if you drive a relatively small car, you are nearly certain to be stuck along the sides, where you unload last. at least that's happened to me more often than not. )

From the other side, I've found its can be faster to get to Boston by taking 395 to the Mass Pike, even though 95 is a shorter trip. Actually, its probably about the same amount of time, but 395 is usually less frustrating to drive.

sobster

At the risk of beating a dead dog I must correct myself. Orient Point is prob 45 minutes past Riverhead.