Rhode Island Travel Forum

Does anyone know the cheapest or most intersting way to get between these two cities? I understand that Rhode Island isn't the most budget friendly state, but I'm looking to be surprised.

Cheapest way is probably by RIPTA bus http://www.ripta.com/ The most interesting would probably be the Providence to Newport Ferry or you could stand on Interstate 95 with your thumb out(not recommended). The ferry does not run year round so check out the schedule on RIPTA web site. As for budget friendly I would look more at the off peak, either before June or after August. Staying in Newport during peak season can be rather pricey. It might be cheaper to rent a car and then you could stay slightly outside of the cites and pay less on accomodations and also have more freedom to travel when and where you want.

Thanks for the response.

I'l be in downtown Providence with a free hotel and want to visit friends in Newport. The bus looks like a great option (you can't beat $1.25 one-way fare.) I'd prefer the ferry, but it doesn't appear to be running when I'll be there.

enjoy your stay, hope the weather is hospitable, maybe even terrific like today. Sunny and in the high 60's. Not bad for January, but very rare. FYI- downtown Providence(or downcity as they call it) is not big and very navigatble by foot.

Just checking in and it appears you have your answers. Hope you enjoyed our fair state of Rhody. So much to discover here. Renting a car would allow you to poke around more and get so much out of your visit. Maybe next time.

Thanks for checking in.

I ended up taking the bus to and from Providence to Newport. It was easy and clear. I was able to take the West Bay route in and the East Bay route out so I saw quite a bit.

When I vacation, one of the things I'm trying to get away from is the car itself. Not to mention, with gas prices as they are, you cannot beat a $2.50 transit over the 60 plus mile roundtrip. I love riding mass transit no matter what country or city I'm in and I have to say that RIPTA scores high on price and the web it casts over the region.

Also, I was very impressed with Rhode Island. Thanks for having me.

glad you came, found, and enjoyed. Hope you'll be back another day.

I'm glad you enjoyed our little state. Hope the weather was hospitable. If you make it back you should try and take the water taxi down to Newport, it is a lot different to see the state when you are upon the water.