Providence Transportation

Providence does have bus service, provided by the Rhode Island Public Transportation Authority. RIPTA being chronically short of money, the number of bus routes and the frequency of the runs seems to be constantly on the decline. Therefore, at least as far as public transport is concerned, this is nearly an "Abandon hope, all ye who enter here!" situation. However, all is not lost. Let's assume you've managed to get downtown, by long-distance bus or train (both of which have downtown stops) or by a shuttle or taxi from the airport. The good news is that much of what you want to get to can be reached on foot, and for slightly further-afield ventures, there are cute little trolleys that circle the business district, legislative district, and arts district. (If you come on the third Thursday of the month, these are free for Gallery Night.) You can get to Newport or Westerly by bus. It just isn't easy or quick. But DO try the RIPTA ferry to Newport!

I just have to take the time to say that the Providence airport (PVD) is a perfect alternative to Boston. The price is much less and the smaller size and ease of travel to and from the airport make it simply the best. I use it each time I travel to MA and I always stop over in Mystic, CT for a night at the Marriott Resort and Spa.

Providence is great as far as transportation: you can drive there, fly there, take a bus and train.
I found one of the best ways to get around Providence is on the Trolly. The bus system is pretty good there too. There's a lot of automobile traffic, so if you can walk around, or take the bus/trolly I really recommend that. Providence is a 'tight & narrow' type of city. And, there are way too many cars there!!!

If you want to go up to Boston, just go to the train station. The train takes about 1 1/2 hours to Boston, or you can take a bus which takes about 50 minutes (if the driver is cruising, and if there's light traffic).

If you want to go to Newport, there's a bus and also a ferry. I didn't take either when I went to Newport, but it's an option. Traffic to and in Newport is just as bad as in Providence.

Interstate 95 goes directly through Providence. Also Providence is both a AMTRAK station and a Commuter Rail station for trains to Boston.
We were dropped off so we did not have to worry about a car. We walked around for a few hours and felt safe.

The PVD airport is in Warwick, about 20 minutes away by car. The train station is roughly 4 hours from NYC, 1 hour from Boston. There is a newer express train faster, but I don't know the time; check out www.amtrak.com for info.
There is an extensive bus system in the city. Check out www.ripta.com for more information.

Fly into T.F. Green, in Warwick, RI. It's about a 10-minute drive to Providence; the Amtrak station is right in the heart of the city, across the street from the State House.
You can really walk just about everywhere, but city buses are plentiful