Boston to Rhode Island: 3 Best Ways to Get There
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Traveling from Boston to Rhode Island takes less than an hour on a good day, so most think it’s an easy trip. The distance between the capital cities of Massachusetts and Rhode Island is just over 50 miles. Let’s look at the easiest ways to travel from Boston to Rhode Island.
There are 3 main ways to get from one state to the next. They include the train, both Amtrak and the commuter rail, bus, and car, which includes driving yourself or using a ride-share service. Planes are not included in this list because it’s too close. More about that later.
Boston to Rhode Island By Train
One of the easiest ways to get from the city of Boston into Rhode Island is to take the train. The schedules are consistent and traveling this way is convenient. No need to worry about where to park your car or the traffic on Route 95.
Both Amtrak and the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA) operate trains out of the main train stations of South Station and Back Bay in Boston. The stations in Rhode Island are located in Pawtucket, Providence, T.F. Green Airport in Warwick, and in Wickford. Pawtucket Train Station is new and opened in late January of 2023. The MBTA has many different lines, and the one you will use is the Providence/Stoughton line.
South Attleboro Station is right over the Rhode Island state line and was the station I used when traveling to Boston. It is currently closed for renovations which are scheduled to start this year, hopefully.
How Long Does It Take?
Depending on how far into Rhode Island you travel, your ride time varies. The train ride takes approximately 1 hour to Pawtucket and nearly 2 hours to Wickford Station. This can change based on the time of your travel. Rush hour times add to the length of your trip from Boston to Rhode Island.
How Much Does It Cost?
The commuter rail fares are charged according to how many zones you travel through. Rates range from $2.40 all the way up to $13.25. Options for paying include paying on the train, using the online app, or buying a pass. Passes can be for one day, a week, or even a monthly pass. This pass is called a CharlieCard and can be reloaded as needed.
Paying by CharlieCard or the mobile app is preferred, but you can still pay by cash or card if needed on the train.
Click here for the train schedule.
Boston to Rhode Island By Bus
Taking the bus is another option to travel from Boston. There are a multitude of locations, so check with the different bus lines to find one nearby that’s traveling to your Rhode Island destination. Riding the bus takes the worry of driving out of your hands. You can relax and enjoy the ride, usually with free wi-fi, comfortable seats, storage for any bags, and power outlets at each seat.
Taking the bus is often a great choice, especially if you’re coming from Logan International Airport in Boston. This can save the hassle of someone having to fight Boston city traffic to fetch you from the airport. Or from you having to pay for long-term parking at the airport.
Check out these bus lines traveling frequently between Boston and Rhode Island.
How Long Does It Take?
The fastest travel time is about an hour to Providence from Boston. Other routes can take up to an hour and 45 minutes. Depending on which part of Rhode Island you’re headed to, it could be a bit longer. You are always at the mercy of traffic or construction delays along the highway. Be prepared for possible delays and plan accordingly. It’s much better to add some extra time padding in and hope that you arrive earlier than expected.
How Much Does It Cost?
The cheapest bus fares start at around $8.00 and can go as high as $40. Check the links included above to find the bus line and cost that suits your schedule and budget. The bus is another option to consider for your traveling needs.
Getting There By Car
Although I would choose the train as my first option, driving is probably the most popular way people travel from Boston to Rhode Island. Traveling by car can be done by driving your own car, renting a car, or using a ride-share service like Uber or Lyft.
What’s the Best Driving Route?
Although there are many secret back roads to get from Boston to Rhode Island, the best way is more direct.
- Take I-93 South in Boston
- I-93 South merges into I-95 South near Canton, MA
- Follow I-95 South straight through to Rhode Island
- depending on where in RI you are traveling, you may need to take additional highways to reach your final destination
Renting a Car
If you don’t wish to drive your own car, or don’t have a car, then renting a car is your next best bet. Check for the rental company closest to your starting point and pick out your car. Check out some rental car companies by clicking this link.
Using Ride-Share From Boston to Rhode Island
Both Uber and Lyft are another alternative way to get out of Boston. Going with this option may cost more than the bus or the train, but sometimes it’s your only option. The average cost for this trip is between $100-210 from Logan International Airport to Providence, Rhode Island. So check their apps and decide which one to call for a ride.
Flying from Boston to Rhode Island
With the distance between the major airports in each state only 50 miles apart, I am not aware of any major airline flying between the two. It would take you longer to check in, go through security, wait for your flight, and fly than it would be to travel one of these other ways.
Having said this, it is possible for people to book smaller private planes to make this flight. There are many local airports in Massachusetts and a few in Rhode Island that may offer this method to travelers. But for the general public, a plane is not the way to get from one state to the other.
Know When to Avoid Rush Hour
Now that you’re on your way to Rhode Island from Boston, how do I get there quickly?
Be aware of the rush hour traffic time zones! Traffic in and out of both Boston and Rhode Island are susceptible to rush hour slowdowns.
Morning rush hour is usually from 7:00 am until 9:00 am. You are dealing with people heading into work and school traffic during the school year.
Unfortunately, afternoon rush hour is even worse. This can last from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm, or even later. Stop and go traffic can make your one hour ride seem like an eternity. This is when I used to curse driving a car with a standard transmission.
If the weather is bad, then this just adds to the traffic slowdowns during rush hour. Try to avoid driving during this time if you can help it.
Boston to Rhode Island: 7 Stops along the Way
If you’re driving from Boston to Rhode Island, then these places make excellent pit stops along the way. All of them are not far from the interstate, but addresses are included for GPS use.
1) Gillette Stadium – 1 Patriot Place, Foxboro, MA
Located in Foxborough, Massachusetts, Gillette Stadium is the home of the New England Patriots football team and the New England Revolution soccer team. If you’re a sports fan, you can visit the stadium and even catch a game or take a stadium tour. (And yes, there are two spellings of the name. The town is traditionally spelled Foxborough, but is more commonly spelled as Foxboro.)
2) Patriot Place – 2 Patriot Place, Foxboro, MA
Adjacent to Gillette Stadium, Patriot Place is a vibrant shopping, dining, and entertainment complex. It offers a variety of restaurants, shops, and entertainment options, including the Patriot Place Showcase Cinema de Lux movie theater. Pamper yourself with a choice of several spas or get into nature at the Cranberry Bog Nature Trail. There’s something here for everyone.
3) Plainridge Casino – 301 Washington Street, Plainville, MA
Massachusetts’ first and only slot machine parlor is located in Plainville, MA. Plainridge offers a vast array of over 1,200 slot machines with different themes and denominations. Visitors can enjoy traditional reel slots, video slots, and progressive jackpot machines. The casino offers both classic favorites and the latest slot titles, providing a wide range of options for players.
Apart from gaming, Plainridge Casino offers several extras to enhance the overall visitor experience. These include various dining options, such as the Slack’s Oyster House & Grill, the Revolution 1776 Lounge, and the food court with a variety of quick-service options. Additionally, the casino features a gift shop, the Plainridge Park Harness Racetrack, and live entertainment events throughout the year.
4) Wrentham Village Premium Outlets – 1 Premium Outlets Boulevard, Wrentham, MA
If you enjoy shopping, the Wrentham Village Premium Outlets are worth a stop. This large outdoor outlet mall features over 170 designer and brand-name stores, offering discounted prices on a wide range of products. In addition to clothing and accessories, they also have a few restaurants like Cracker Barrel, Uno’s Dunkin’ Donuts, Ruby Tuesdays, and several more.
5) Slater Mill – 67 Roosevelt Avenue, Pawtucket, RI
As you approach Providence, you can make a stop in Pawtucket, a city known for its art scene and cultural attractions. Visit the Slater Mill Historic Site, which played a significant role in the American Industrial Revolution.
Learn how Samuel Slater changed the New England landscape with textile mills harnessing the power of the rivers to work the machines. Mill villages developed and grew around the factories and Rhode Island still has many mill houses. I actually live in one now and grew up in a supervisor’s mill house in a mill village.
6) Providence Place Mall – 1 Providence Place, Providence, RI
If you’re in the mood for shopping or dining, the Providence Place Mall is a popular destination in downtown Providence. The mall offers a wide range of stores, restaurants, and a cinema complex, including an IMAX theatre. Shop, eat, and play at Dave & Buster’s on the top floor.
7) Waterplace Park and Riverwalk – 200 Exchange Street, Providence, Rhode Island
Waterplace Park is a beautiful outdoor space located just minutes from Providence Place Mall. It features a scenic riverwalk, gondola rides, and frequent cultural events. This is where Water Fire starts and you can book a gondola ride to get the best experience from the river. It’s a great place to relax, take a stroll, people watch, or enjoy a meal at one of the nearby restaurants.
Where to Stay in Rhode Island
Most people coming to Rhode Island from Boston will choose to stay in either Providence or Newport. They are the best known cities and usually draw the most tourists. Business travelers are probably heading for Providence.
To help you out, I’ve included a link for each city for you to check out some accommodations that will suit your needs and your budget. If you’d like to learn more about Rhode Island while you’re in the state, check out this blog post by clicking here.
Click here for Providence hotels.
Click here for Newport hotels.
In Conclusion: Boston to Rhode Island Trip
Traveling between states in New England is a common occurrence due to the closeness of the 6 states. New Englanders think nothing of traveling across state lines to shop, eat, or go about their daily lives.
Many tourists and travelers like to experience more than one location at a time when on vacation. Take advantage of the small distances between states and cities and explore more. Choose the method of travel that works best for your time schedule and your budget. Whether that is the train, a bus, or traveling by car, getting from Boston to Rhode Island is easy once you know how. Safe travels from Boston to Rhode Island!