If you’re thinking of traveling from RI to NYC, then stay tuned for the absolute best ways to do that.
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You have options to get from Rhode Island to New York and we’ll discuss each one with details and links for you to get more information.
The Best Ways to Get There
It’s easy to get from Rhode Island to New York, and I do mean the city of New York. New York State is a large land area compared to tiny Rhode Island, but we are talking about the Big Apple. These routes will take you to downtown New York City. The four best ways to get from RI to NYC are by plane, train, bus, or by car.
Your preference will depend on the amount of time you want to spend getting there, your budget, and the purpose of your trip. The information about each method is listed below.
It’s approximately 180 miles from Providence, Rhode Island to New York, New York. Check out the details for the plane, train, bus, or car and make the decision that’s best for you at the time of your travel. So let’s start with the fastest way to get there.
Rhode Island to New York By Plane
Flying from Rhode Island to New York City is the quickest option. The nearest major airport in Rhode Island is T.F. Green Airport (PVD) in Warwick. It may be called PVD for Providence, but it is actually located in the nearby city of Warwick about 10 miles outside the city. If you’d like to learn more about Warwick, then check out this blog post.
From there, you can take a direct flight to one of the airports in New York City: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), or Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). Flight durations are typically short, ranging from around 1 to 1.5 hours.
You will need to check the flight availability when you know when you’re heading to New York from Rhode Island. Search online for the best flights or check your favorite air carrier.
Once you arrive at the airport, you can use public transportation, ride-sharing services like Lyft or Uber, or taxis to reach your destination in the city. You can also rent a car to pick up at the airport if you’re brave enough to drive in the city. More about renting a car later in this post.
Costs for Flights
You will definitely pay for the convenience of a quick, direct flight. Expect to pay at least $140 for a one-way ticket. This was the lowest price I found at the time of writing this post, so please check when you’re ready to fly.
Also remember, booking in advance will get you the best prices. Flight costs are changing constantly, but the general range is between $140-$180 for one-way. If you see something cheaper than that, grab it!
Rhode Island to New York by Train
Amtrak operates train services from Providence, Rhode Island, to New York City’s Penn Station. Providence Train Station is located at 100 Gaspee Street, and is behind the Rhode Island State House. If you ask to be brought to the train station, there is only one, with an easy drop off right in front of the main entrance.
The Amtrak Northeast Regional and Acela Express are the two main train services available. The Acela Express is a high-speed train, while the Northeast Regional is a more affordable option. It’s more affordable because it makes more stops and takes a bit longer than the Acela, but not too much longer.
The journey takes approximately 3-4 hours, depending on the train and any stops along the way. Acela averages 3 hours and 5 minutes and the Northeast Regional averages 3 and a half hours. Trains offer comfortable seating, onboard amenities, and free Wi-Fi.
Costs for the Train
Depending on which class ticket you book, the prices can fluctuate widely. The best I could locate were $99-$119 for coach, $106-$230 for business class, and $291-$352 for first class. In some instances, it might be cheaper to fly!
Why is the Train from Rhode Island to New York So Expensive?
According to the Amtrak site, the prices charged for this route are some of the highest in the country. Amtrak is the national passenger train carrier for the entire United States. Many of the lines are not very profitable. The Northeast Corridor, the train lines running between Boston to Washington, DC, is one of the busiest in the country. They charge more in this area because the travelers, mostly business people, will pay the prices.
Given that these prices change constantly, make sure to search online for the best deals. If you know when you’re traveling, you can book your tickets ahead of time for the best prices.
Rhode Island to New York by Bus
Several bus companies provide transportation from Rhode Island to New York City, including Greyhound, FlixBus, and Peter Pan Bus Lines. Buses depart from different cities in Rhode Island, such as Providence, Warwick, or Pawtucket, and arrive at various bus terminals in New York City. The biggest and best-known is the Port Authority Bus Terminal. The available times range from morning to early evening. Check the sites to make sure you can get there when you need to based on the availability of buses.
Before traveling, carefully check where you are leaving from in Rhode Island and where you want to go in New York City. Verify if the bus you are choosing will end up where you want to be. Don’t add to the cost of your bus trip with a taxi or ride-share costs.
Bus Travel Time
Travel times can vary depending on traffic conditions, but it generally takes around 3-4 hours with good traffic. Having said this, I have also been stuck on a bus that took over 5 hours to get me to the city due to an accident on Route 95. The buses, as well as cars, are at the mercy of road construction, accidents on the highway, or slower traffic due to bad weather.
Costs for the Bus
Keeping these possibilities in mind, buses do offer affordable fares and amenities like Wi-Fi and power outlets. The cost range is $25 to $50. With the same time as the train, that price isn’t looking too bad if you want to save money. I recommend you try FlixBus by clicking here, since they have the best prices and get you to the same place as the other bus lines.
Rhode Island to New York By Car
For some people, it’s all about the freedom of driving yourself and being in control. Or at least as in control as you can be dealing with the other drivers along the way. This way you can bring snacks and drinks with you for the drive.
How to Get from Rhode Island to New York
Driving from Rhode Island to New York City is the option for you. The most direct route is to take Interstate 95 (I-95) southbound, which will lead you directly into New York City. The driving distance and time will depend on your starting location in Rhode Island, as well as the traffic conditions. From Providence, the drive usually takes around 3-4 hours, but it can be longer during peak travel times. Be aware that traffic congestion and parking can be challenging in New York City, so it’s important to plan accordingly.
Renting a Car to Go from RI to NYC
If you’d rather rent a car, or don’t have a vehicle you want to take to New York City, then renting a car is your best bet. Check out prices here for car rentals available for the date of your adventure.
Remember that traveling by car exposes you to the same potential slowdowns as the bus. You can be delayed due to traffic, accidents, construction, or weather. There is also the potential for car troubles or flat tires.
Knowing what might happen, carefully weigh all of your options before making your decision. The important thing is to just get there.
Why Make Your Rhode Island to New York Trip a Day Trip?
Let’s face it. We all know how expensive New York City can be. As a tourist, or visitor, you might not know where all the best places are to eat or stay. This lack of knowledge can cost you dearly.
If money is a major concern, then cut costs by taking a day trip. NYC is not that far from RI and it can be done as a day trip. With the proper planning and good schedule, you can easily do it in one day. Leave as early as possible and return late in the evening. This gives you from mid-morning to evening to enjoy the city, then drive home after rush hour traffic has passed.
The other added bonus is not having to pay for an overnight stay. Spending the night in downtown is extremely costly if you’re on a budget. If you find a fairly priced place, it is probably quite a distance from the city center. The day trip may be the way to go for you.
But if you do want to stay overnight, then read on for some accommodation suggestions.
Where to Stay in New York City
The style and cost of accommodations range wildly from affordable to high-end luxury. I’m offering three options on the more affordable end for you to check out.
Upper West Side
📌HI New York City Hostel – 891 Amsterdam Avenue, Upper West Side, New York
This hostel is centrally located and close to Riverside Park and Central Park. The 103rd Street Subway Station is a 10 minute walk from the hostel. They offer dormitory-style rooms with shared bathrooms and provide linens, towels, and housekeeping services.
I stayed in this hostel several years ago with a group of school kids exploring Manhattan. The beds were comfortable and the place was immaculate. They offer a games room, access to a community kitchen, and often host pub crawls, night club events and different activities on the premises. Click here to learn more about the HI New York City Hostel.
Hell’s Kitchen Area
📌Pod Times Square – 400 West 42nd Street, Hell’s Kitchen, New York
This hotel is in a fantastic location very close to Times Square and Restaurant Row. Accessing the rest of the city is easy from this location.
Rooms have a flat-screen TV and some even come with seating areas to relax. Each room is equipped with a private bathroom, complete with toiletries and hairdryer to save you from having to bring these things with you. Check out the Pod Times Square if staying near Times Square is important to you.
Centrally Located Near Bus and Train Stations
📌Hilton Garden Inn West 35th Street – 63 West 35th Street, New York
If you’re looking to splurge a little bit more for a place to sleep while in the city, then this hotel is wonderfully located. It’s only a block from the Empire State Building and close to Times Square and Madison Square Garden.
Rooms provide flat-screen TVs, a microwave, mini fridge and a Keurig coffeemaker. An on-site restaurant and bar as well as a 24-hour convenience pantry will make sure you have access to food. The Port Authority Bus Station, Grand Central Station, and Penn Station are all less than a mile away from the hotel. If this sounds great, then look further into the Hilton Garden Inn West for your New York stay.
Activities in New York City
Once you get to the city, now it’s time to have some fun. Get the best out of your experience from land, sea, and even the air! Check out these activities to explore and enjoy the city of New York.
📍New York in One Day Guided Sightseeing Tour
📍Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour
📍New York Food Tour: Chinatown and Little Italy
📍Carriage Ride in Central Park
Is New York Worth Visiting?
Of course it is! Even if you’re not a city lover, exploring the excitement of New York City is a great adventure to try. You can stay a weekend, a few days during the week, or even take a day trip. Rhode Island is close enough to New York City to consider a day trip to cut down on costs. I have been on several Christmas holiday bus day trips over the years. It’s a long day, but totally doable and an amazing way to experience a taste of the city.
