The Rhode Island Department of Transportation announced on Wednesday the return of the seasonal Providence-Newport Ferry service, setting sail on Friday, May 24, with new weekend stops in downtown Bristol.

The new ferry service to Bristol is part of the trip to and from Newport, and runs on weekends from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Special trips will be included for the Bristol Fourth of July Parade and WaterFire in Providence.

The ferry will dock at the State Street pier off Thames Street, with tickets on sale in the Harbormaster’s office inside the nearby Bristol Maritime Center.

“When we launched this service, we always planned to expand it to other ports of call along beautiful Narragansett Bay,” RIDOT Director Peter Alviti, Jr. said. “After a successful first year providing service to the Bristol Fourth of July Parade, we decided to expand our service to Bristol throughout the summer. Just like our primary service between Providence and Newport, the ferries reduce congestion, motor vehicle emissions and parking problems."

“The Town of Bristol is happy that Seastreak will be landing in Bristol, one of Rhode Island's original ports,” said Bristol Town Administrator Steven Contente. “The ferry landing, along with the new Maritime Center and amenities, will be a hub for ferry passengers. The Town of Bristol offers day-trippers many fine restaurants and museums within walking distance of the historic downtown district. Visitors also can take advantage of the nearby Prudence Island Ferry as well as the start of the East Bay Bike Path. Thank you to the Rhode Island Department of Transportation and Seastreak for making this possible.”

Ticket prices each way increased slightly this year, to $11 for adults, and $5.50 for children, seniors, and those with disabilities. Bikes and pets are again allowed aboard for no additional charge. Free parking is available in the Providence terminal.

Tickets are available online or at the Providence ferry terminal at 25 India St. in Providence, the Newport ferry terminal at Perrotti Park, 39 America's Cup Ave., and the Bristol Maritime Center, 127 Thames St.

Advanced reservations are strongly recommended, especially for weekend trips, as departures from Providence in the morning and early afternoon were frequently sold out last year.