Westerly Rhode Island to Newport Rhode Island – 5 Easy Ways to Get There
Are you looking to travel from Westerly Rhode Island to Newport Rhode Island?
My home state of Rhode Island is the smallest state in all of the United States and traveling from Westerly Rhode Island to Newport Rhode Island is quite easy to do. At least I think it is and I’ll share the ways with you.
Let’s learn a little more about what Westerly has to offer. Then check out these 5 ways to travel from Westerly to Newport, Rhode Island. And we’ll finish with a quick list of must-see Newport locations.
Welcome to Westerly, Rhode Island
Westerly, Rhode Island, is a charming coastal town located on the southwestern edge of the state, right on the border with Connecticut. Known for its pristine beaches, historic charm, and vibrant arts scene, Westerly is a popular destination for visitors looking to experience the quintessential New England seaside town.
Since your trip starts here, let’s cover some of the highlights Westerly has to offer. Here are just a few of the places you should consider visiting.
Why Visitors Might Want to Go to Westerly
Westerly, Rhode Island caters to all kinds of visitors and offers oceanside attractions as well as a vibrant cultural downtown area. There’s something for everyone.
Beautiful Beaches
Westerly is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Rhode Island. Misquamicut State Beach is the most famous, offering a long stretch of sandy shoreline, gentle waves, and plenty of space for sunbathing, swimming, and picnicking. Nearby, Watch Hill Beach offers a more upscale and serene environment, along with stunning views of the Watch Hill Lighthouse.
Historic Downtown
The downtown area of Westerly is full of historic buildings, charming shops, and locally-owned restaurants. Visitors can stroll through the streets, enjoy a meal at one of the many eateries, and explore unique boutiques and galleries.
Visit the Westerly Public Library with Wilcox Park behind it. This garden oasis of grass, trees, and flowering plants (in season, of course) is a perfect escape from the rest of downtown. Make sure to stop in for a walk along the paved pathway.
Cultural Attractions
Westerly has a rich cultural scene with venues like the Granite Theatre, which hosts live performances year-round, and the United Theatre, which offers a mix of film, music, and arts programming. The town also hosts events like the Westerly Summer Pops, a free outdoor concert that draws large crowds.
Scenic Beauty
Beyond the beaches, Westerly is surrounded by natural beauty, including the nearby Napatree Point Conservation Area. This pristine coastal habitat offers walking trails, birdwatching opportunities, and stunning views of Long Island Sound and Block Island Sound.
Watch Hill
A visit to Westerly isn’t complete without exploring Watch Hill, a picturesque village within the town. Watch Hill is known for its historic carousel, one of the oldest in the country, as well as its high-end shops, oceanfront mansions, and luxurious accommodations.
One of the more recent reasons that people want to visit the Watch Hill area is that Taylor Swift has a home here in Rhode Island. You can’t get too close, but here’s the gate leading toward her property. Not visible in the picture is the security guard keeping mostly everyone away.
Ocean House
The Ocean House is a historic luxury hotel in Watch Hill that has been meticulously restored to its former glory. It’s a perfect spot for those looking to indulge in fine dining, spa treatments, or simply enjoy the breathtaking ocean views.
Festivals and Events
Westerly hosts several events throughout the year that draw visitors from near and far. The Misquamicut Springfest and Fallfest are popular, offering family-friendly activities, live music, and local vendors. The Virtu Art Festival in Wilcox Park showcases the work of artists and craftspeople from across the region.
Here are a few other annual events that Westerly has on offer. Make sure to check for the schedule and what can be expected once you get there.
- Summer Pops
- Shakespeare in the Park
- Restaurant Week
- Christmas in the Village
- First Night
Once you’ve soaked up all Westerly has to offer, it’s time to start heading toward Newport in a few different ways. You pick the best one to suit your needs, time schedule, and budget.
Ways to Travel From Westerly Rhode Island to Newport Rhode Island
With a distance of less than 40 miles, the two cities are relatively close to each other. There are several options to choose from, but we’ll start with traveling by car since it is the most direct and least expensive.
This is the way most people travel from one city to the other. Also included are pros and cons for each mode of transportation.
Westerly Rhode Island to Newport Rhode Island By Car
As already mentioned, traveling from Westerly Rhode Island to Newport Rhode Island is most easily done by car. It’s the most flexible way of traveling between the two cities and leaves you with the most control.
Whether you have your own car or are renting one, here are the details of getting there. Also included are pros and cons about traveling by car.
Route Details
Several options are available to get you from Westerly Rhode Island to Newport Rhode Island. The travel time for all of the options is around an hour when driving directly from one city to the other.
Of course, please use your GPS in your car or on your phone to help guide you through the different interstate highways and smaller local state highways.
US 1 North
- Get on RI-78 E/Veterans Way from Oak Street. (1.5 miles)
- Get on RI-238 N in Newport from US-1 N and RI-138 E. (37.4 miles)
- Continue on RI-238 N. Take Thames Street to Court House Street. (1.1 miles)
- Get on I-95 N in North Stonington, CT from Canal Street, White Rock Road, and CT-49 N. (3.5 miles)
- Follow I-95 N to RI-102 S in West Greenwich. Take exit 14A from I-95 N. (16.6 miles)
- Get on RI-138 E in North Kingstown from RI-4 S. (13.3 miles)
- Get on RI-238 N in Newport from RI-138 E. (9.2 miles)
- Continue on RI-238 N. Take Thames Street to Court Street. (1.1 miles)
RI-138 East
- Get on I-95 N in North Stonington from Canal Street, White Rock Road, and CT-49 N.
- Follow I-95 N to Richmond, RI. Take exit 7 from I-95 N.
- Follow RI-138 E to US-1 N in South Kingstown.
- Get on RI-238 in Newport from RI-138 E.
- Continue on RI-238 N. Take Thames Street to Court House Street.
Pros of Traveling By Car
The flexibility to stop at scenic spots and attractions along the way is a definite pro. Depending on your schedule, visit a few places along the way and explore more of the beautiful state of Rhode Island. When driving a car, your time table is controlled by you.
Check out a few scenic locations on route between Westerly Rhode Island to Newport Rhode Island.
- The Fantastic Umbrella Factory, Charlestown, RI – This quirky, eclectic destination is a must-stop. It’s an old farm turned into a collection of small shops, gardens, and even a bamboo forest. You can find unique souvenirs, handmade crafts, and enjoy the artistic vibe.
- Beavertail Lighthouse, Jamestown, RI – Located on the southern tip of Conanicut Island, Beavertail State Park is known for its stunning ocean views, rocky coastline, and historic lighthouse. It’s a great spot for photography, picnicking, or simply enjoying the ocean breeze.
- South County Museum, Narragansett, RI – This small museum is a hidden gem that offers a glimpse into Rhode Island’s agricultural and industrial past. It’s located in a picturesque setting near the Narragansett Bay.
- Fort Getty Park, Jamestown, RI – Before crossing the bridge into Newport, make a stop at Fort Getty Park in Jamestown. The park offers beautiful views of the bay, picnic areas, and a bit of history with remnants of the old fort.
Traveling by car is convenient since you can spend time with your own friends or family, or even by yourself. Listen to your music or a podcast, or even enjoy some conversation with your passengers.
Cons of Car Travel from Westerly Rhode Island to Newport Rhode Island
The biggest con to traveling by car is the traffic. If you travel between the cities during the peak summer season, there will absolutely be traffic. It is inevitable.
Traffic backup can occur at several points along the way, and more so as you near Newport. Be prepared and be patient. You will get there.
A secondary con is trying to find parking spots in Newport, Rhode Island. As mentioned before, Newport is one of the most popular tourist locations in the state. This means many people, most of whom are not from the area, are fighting for the limited parking places.
Click here for a more information about parking in Newport.
Traveling By Train and Bus
Combine a train ride with a bus ride and arrive in Newport after a relaxed journey. No traffic, no worries, just sit back and enjoy the ride.
Route Details
Take the Amtrak train from Westerly Station to Kingston Station in South Kingstown. Then you transfer to a RIPTA bus (Rhode Island Public Transit Authority) on route 64 to Newport.
This total trip takes approximately 2.5 hours from Westerly to Newport. The cost for the train ride and the bus is approximately $15.00. For some it may be lower with reduced bus fares or discounts for more mature travelers.
Information about Amtrak and the RIPTA public buses is included here.
Pros
A scenic train ride is a definite pro. You can sit back, relax, and watch the scenery pass you by. Rhode Island is a gorgeous state and this is an area with a lot of scenic beauty.
Another pro is that you do not need to worry about driving the highways or finding a place to park once you arrive in Newport. Drop-off is in the center of the harbor area on America’s Cup Avenue where you can book tours or just wander around the waterfront.
Cons
One of the most obvious cons is that this train and bus combination takes more time. You also do not have any ability to stop along the way if something catches your eye.
Managing the transfer and paying attention to the posted schedules is also very important. You are restricted by the time table created by both Amtrak and RIPTA.
Westerly Rhode Island to Newport Rhode Island By Bike
Traveling the distance from one city to the other by bicycle is an option. This eco-friendly and active choice is excellent for adventurous travelers.
Route Details
This trip is not for the faint of heart. With many twists, turns, and street changes, traveling by bicycle can show you a lot of Rhode Island in one interesting trip as long as you can follow
The directions are quite involved, so click the link here to check them out.
Travel time will range from 7-8.5 hours, so plan accordingly. Depending on which route you choose, the miles covered ranges from 78 to 89 miles.
The included map shows just 2 different routes covering a large part of the state. Other routes are also available.
Pros
Exercise and fresh air are the biggest pro for traveling by bike. For someone wanting to combine their exercise with their transportation, then this is the method for you to travel.
You also have an opportunity to explore more of the state en route, with the chance to stop when you wish to.
Cons
We’ll start with the most obvious con first. If you are not in good physical condition, then crossing the state on bicycle is probably not the choice for you.
This trip also takes considerably longer than most other methods of getting from Westerly Rhode Island to Newport Rhode Island.
And lastly, bike transportation is definitely weather-dependent if you want an enjoyable journey. You can still do it in rain or cold, but I wouldn’t suggest the trip if there’s any snow on the ground.
Getting to Newport By Private Shuttle or Taxi
If you’d still like to travel by vehicle but don’t want to drive yourself, then hiring a private shuttle is available. This provides a convenient and hassle-free way to get there for those who prefer not to drive.
A taxi is also an option but you will need to call ahead and arrange this long of a trip well in advance. Costs for a taxi will range from $100-$150 for a one-way ride.
Route Details
The same distance and routes apply as shared above for traveling by car. Estimated travel time is around an hour, depending on traffic. The costs vary considerably, so make sure to check the private shuttle company’s site or call for a quote.
You can request a quote for private transport here.
Pros
Door-to-door service is one of the best pros of traveling by private shuttle. You have no need to worry about driving through traffic, finding a parking spot, or transferring from train to bus. A taxi also gives you these benefits.
Cons
This is a much more expensive way to travel than most of the others already mentioned. You also have less flexibility in the schedule. Booking in advance is highly recommended to assure you have a ride waiting for you on your timetable.
Westerly Rhode Island to Newport Rhode Island By Plane
The quickest option to get between the cities is to fly from Westerly Airport to Newport Airport.
Route Details
Leaving from Westerly State Airport, this trip to Newport State Airport is only about 20 minutes. Just be aware that once in Newport, you will need a mode of transportation to get into the city.
Pros
Fast travel time is the biggest pro for this mode of transportation. Add in scenic aerial views of the stunning Rhode Island coastline, and this choice is top of the list.
Cons
Limited availability of flights is a strong con. You would need to arrange for a private flight or be piloting your own plane. The cost will also be the highest for flying to Newport from Westerly.
Welcome to Newport, Rhode Island
You have successfully traveled across the state and arrived in beautiful Newport, Rhode Island.
Newport is a historic coastal city known for its stunning waterfront, grand mansions, and rich maritime history.
Often referred to as the “Sailing Capital of the World,” Newport attracts visitors with its unique blend of Gilded Age elegance, scenic beauty, and vibrant cultural scene. Newport is the most popular tourist city in the state of Rhode Island.
Why Visitors Might Want to Go to Newport
Whether you’re interested in exploring grand mansions, sailing on the open sea, or simply enjoying the coastal charm, Newport offers something for every traveler.
Gilded Age Mansions
Newport is famous for its opulent mansions, which were once the summer homes of America’s wealthiest families during the Gilded Age.
The Breakers, Marble House, and The Elms are among the most popular, offering guided tours that take visitors back in time to experience the luxury and grandeur of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Click here for more information about some of the mansions open to the public for viewings.
Scenic Cliff Walk
The Cliff Walk is a must-do in Newport. This 3.5-mile scenic walkway offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean on one side and Newport’s famous mansions on the other. The path is perfect for a leisurely stroll, providing both natural beauty and a glimpse into the city’s historic architecture.
Please make sure to check the website for any possible detours. The path often suffers from rockslides making it dangerous to walk on and repairs have been in progress the past several years.
Historic Downtown and Waterfront
Newport’s downtown area is vibrant and full of history. Thames Street is lined with charming shops, restaurants, and galleries, all housed in historic buildings.
The bustling waterfront is home to marinas, seafood restaurants, and scenic harbor views, making it a great spot for an afternoon of exploring or enjoying fresh seafood.
Fort Adams State Park
Fort Adams is a historic military fort that offers tours and stunning views of Narragansett Bay. The park is also home to the Newport Jazz Festival and Newport Folk Festival, both of which are world-renowned events that draw music lovers from around the globe.
Sailing and Boating
Newport’s sailing heritage is world-famous. Visitors can experience it firsthand by taking a sailboat tour of the harbor or even participating in sailing lessons. The city is also home to the International Yacht Restoration School and the Museum of Yachting, where you can learn more about Newport’s maritime history.
Beaches
Newport has several beautiful beaches, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the ocean. Easton’s Beach (First Beach) is the most popular, offering a large sandy area, a carousel, and a snack bar. Gooseberry Beach and Second Beach (Sachuest Beach) are also great options for those looking for a quieter, more serene beach experience.
Get more information about the public beaches here.
Dining and Nightlife
Newport boasts a vibrant culinary scene with a wide range of dining options, from upscale restaurants to casual seafood shacks. After dinner, visitors can enjoy a lively nightlife with numerous bars, live music venues, and even sunset harbor cruises.
Historic Sites
Beyond the mansions, Newport is rich in historic sites. Touro Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in the United States, is located here, as well as the Newport Tower, an enigmatic stone structure whose origins are still debated. The city also features several colonial-era homes and churches, providing a deep dive into early American history.
Events and Festivals
Newport hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including the Newport International Boat Show, the Newport Flower Show, and the Christmas in Newport celebration, which transforms the city into a winter wonderland with festive decorations and events. Here are some other events to check out.
- Newport Winter Festival – Often called “New England’s Largest Winter Extravaganza,” this 10-day event features over 150 events, including ice sculpting, food competitions, live music, and family-friendly activities. It’s a great way to experience Newport in the winter.
- Newport Polo Series – Held at the Newport Polo Grounds, this series attracts teams from around the world. It’s a social event as much as it is a sporting one, with tailgating, fashion, and picnicking being a big part of the experience.
- Newport Folk Festival – One of the most iconic music festivals in the country, the Newport Folk Festival is known for its rich history and stellar lineup of folk, rock, and indie artists. It’s held at Fort Adams State Park, offering stunning views of Newport Harbor.
- Newport Jazz Festival – Another legendary event, the Newport Jazz Festival is the first outdoor music festival of its kind. Held at Fort Adams, it features world-renowned jazz artists and up-and-coming talent, all in a picturesque seaside setting.
- Newport Mansions Food and Wine Festival – Hosted at some of the most beautiful Gilded Age mansions, this event is a paradise for wine and food lovers. It features wine tastings, culinary demonstrations by world-class chefs, and gourmet food from local and international vendors.
Newport’s combination of history, culture, and natural beauty makes it a premier destination in Rhode Island. It is definitely a don’t miss when you explore the Ocean State of Rhode Island.
In Conclusion – The 5 Ways to Get From Westerly Rhode Island to Newport Rhode Island
In this post we discussed the 5 ways to get from Westerly Rhode Island to Newport Rhode Island.
- 🚗 car
- 🚈🚌 train and bus
- 🚲 bicycle
- 🚕 private taxi or shuttle
- 🛩️ plane
Choose the best mode of transportation that suits your time frame and budget. And don’t forget to think about any places you might want to visit along the way.
Rhode Island may be the smallest state, but it is full of natural beauty and historic places to explore. Plus, remember all of the delicious food you may want to taste.
To learn more about the Newport public beaches, read this post next.
Traveling from Westerly Rhode Island to Newport Rhode Island shows you some of the most gorgeous cities in the state and I hope you enjoy your adventures.
