Travel Plans: Rhode Island And Florida Residents

Rhode Island is a small state in the US with over 400 miles of coastline. It is possible to travel from Florida to Rhode Island by plane, train, bus, or car.

There are 11 ways to get from Rhode Island to Florida, with the fastest option being to fly, which takes 6 hours and costs between $60 and $340. The cheapest option is to take the bus, which costs between $75 and $320 and takes just under 24 hours.

It is also possible to travel from Florida to Rhode Island. The cheapest one-way flight price found by a KAYAK user in the last 72 hours was $32, although fares are subject to change. The fastest option is to fly, which takes 6 hours and costs between $60 and $340. The cheapest option is to take the bus, which costs between $75 and $320 and takes just under 24 hours.

Travel from Rhode Island to Florida

There are 11 ways to travel from Rhode Island to Florida. The distance between the two states is approximately 1,102-1,595 miles, and the road distance is about 1,117-1,791 miles. Here are some options for your journey:

• Plane: The fastest way to get to Florida is by plane, which takes about 4-6 hours and costs $46-$350. There are various airlines to choose from, including Breeze Airways, Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, JetBlue, and Spirit Airlines. You can fly from Providence to Jacksonville, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Fort Myers, or West Palm Beach. Keep in mind that flight prices and availability may vary depending on the season and your specific travel dates.
• Train: Taking the train is another option, although it is significantly slower than flying, with a travel time of about 23-24 hours. The train journey will cost you around $100-$800. You can take the train from Providence to New York Penn Station and then to Jacksonville.
• Bus: The bus is the cheapest option, with tickets costing around $75-$320. However, it is also the slowest way to travel, taking approximately 23-25 hours. You can take the bus from Providence to Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York and then on to Jacksonville.
• Car: If you prefer to drive, the journey will take you about 18-20 hours. The distance you'll be covering is roughly 1,117-1,791 miles. Keep in mind that this option does not include the cost of gas and any potential tolls along the way.

Travel from Florida to Rhode Island

Flying from Florida to Rhode Island

There are several airlines that offer flights from Florida to Rhode Island, with prices starting at $30 for a one-way trip. The journey takes around 3 hours for a non-stop flight, but there are also connecting flights available. The cheapest prices are usually found by booking in advance and being flexible with travel dates.

Airports

The main airport in Rhode Island is Theodore Francis Green State Airport (PVD), which is located in Warwick, and offers flights from many major US airlines. Boston's Logan International Airport (BOS) is another option for travellers, especially for international flights.

Getting to Rhode Island from the Airport

Rhode Island may be small, but there are several transport options to get you to your final destination. Car rental is available at the airport, and this is a good option if you want to explore the state. There are also bus and train services available, including the Rhode Island Public Transportation Authority (RIPTA), which services 38 of the state's 39 towns and cities.

When to Visit Rhode Island

Rhode Island experiences four distinct seasons, so the best time to visit depends on your preferences. Summer is a popular time, especially for beachgoers, but it can be busy and accommodation prices tend to be higher. Spring and autumn offer milder weather and fewer crowds, while winter is cold but one of the warmest spots in New England.

What to Pack

Rhode Island can experience drastic day-to-day weather changes, so it's a good idea to pack for all weather conditions. Bring warm clothes for colder days, lighter clothes for hot days, and a rain jacket and boots, as rain can happen at any time.

Culture and Attractions

Rhode Island has a distinct dialect, and you may need to get used to the local accent and some unique vocabulary. For example, a water fountain is called a "bubbler", a submarine sandwich is a "grinder", and a milkshake is a "cabinet"!

The state has a strong political culture, and locals are passionate about their pastime. It also has a vibrant LGBTQ+ community, with a visible "out" presence in smaller towns and villages, and an annual Gay Pride Festival in Providence.

There are plenty of cultural and historical attractions to explore, including the International Tennis Hall of Fame, the Touro Synagogue National Historic Site, and the Newport Cliff Walk. For nature lovers, there are beaches, lighthouses, and miles of bike paths to enjoy.

Food and Drink

Rhode Island has a diverse food scene, from diners to fine dining. Italian cuisine is a highlight, especially in Providence's Federal Hill district. Unique clam dishes, chowder, and quahogs (stuffed clams) are also local specialities. Coffee milk, the official drink of the state, is a sweet, coffee-flavoured drink that can be ordered in most restaurants.

Safety

Rhode Island is generally a safe place to visit, but it's important to be cautious when walking alone at night in Providence, especially in certain areas like Camp Street and South Providence. When driving, be aware that locals may have a casual attitude towards traffic rules, so be prepared for sudden lane changes and running red lights.

Getting to Rhode Island

There are several ways to get from Florida to Rhode Island. Here are some detailed instructions on how to get there by plane, train, bus, or car.

By Plane:

The fastest way to get to Rhode Island from Florida is by plane. There are several airlines that offer direct flights, including Breeze Airways, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, and American Airlines. The average flight time is around 4 hours, and the distance covered is about 1,100 miles.

By Train:

Taking the train from Florida to Rhode Island is also an option, although it will take significantly longer than flying. The journey involves taking the train from Jacksonville to New York Penn Station and then transferring to another train to Providence, Rhode Island. The total travel time is approximately 23 hours.

By Bus:

It is possible to travel from Florida to Rhode Island by bus, but this option will also take a considerable amount of time. The journey involves taking a bus from Jacksonville, Florida, to New York and then transferring to another bus to Providence, Rhode Island. The total travel time is around 24 hours.

By Car:

Finally, driving is an option if you prefer the freedom of having your own vehicle. The distance between Florida and Rhode Island is approximately 1,100 miles, and the drive will take about 18 hours, depending on traffic and your speed.

Additional Information:

When planning your trip, keep in mind that the cheapest way to travel between these two locations is usually by bus. Additionally, flight prices can vary depending on the airline and the time of year, so it is worth comparing prices and being flexible with your travel dates if possible.

Getting around Rhode Island

There are several ways to get around the small but jam-packed state of Rhode Island.

Rhode Island Public Transit (RIPTA)

Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) operates buses and trains in the state. You can get anywhere in Rhode Island by bus, with routes covering Providence, Newport, and the Block Island Ferry. Bikes can be taken on RIPTA buses for free. Tickets can be purchased with cash or debit/credit cards. Senior and disabled tickets cost $25.

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA)

The MBTA also services Rhode Island with buses, subways, and ferries.

Driving

Rhode Island can also be navigated by car, with electric vehicle charging stations available.

Things to do in Rhode Island

There are many things to do in Rhode Island, whether you're looking for historical tours, museums, outdoor activities, or culinary delights. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Historical Tours and Museums

• Take a self-guided historic walking tour of Providence, including the East Side, the West Side, and the city's early Black history.
• Visit the RISD Museum, the state's leading museum of art and design.
• Explore the John Brown House Museum, an 18th-century landmark.
• Tour the Governor Henry Lippitt House Museum, an American National Historic Landmark.
• Check out the Providence Athenaeum, a 19th-century library favoured by Edgar Allan Poe and H.P. Lovecraft.
• Visit the H.P. Lovecraft House, the last residence of the classic horror author, which was featured in his story "The Haunter of the Dark." You can also pay your respects at H.P. Lovecraft’s Grave.
• Step back in time at the Musée Patamécanique, a surreal cabinet of curiosities.
• Discover the history of the pirate-owned White Horse Tavern, the oldest still-operating tavern in the United States.
• Wander through the Green Animals Topiary Garden, home to unicorns, elephants, and bears.
• Visit the final resting place of New England's last alleged "vampire," Mercy Brown.

Outdoor Activities

• Take a stroll along the Cliff Walk, a 3.5-mile scenic route connecting Easton Beach to the eastern end of Newport's coastline.
• Explore the Mohegan Bluffs, offering beautiful views and a challenging descent to a secluded beach.
• Visit Fort Adams State Park, a National Historic Landmark managed by the Fort Adams Trust.
• Wander through the picturesque Roger Williams Park, which features a medium-sized zoo with a diverse range of animals, interactive exhibits, and seasonal festivals.
• Enjoy a scenic bay cruise of Narragansett Bay, departing from Newport.
• Take a lighthouse and mimosa cruise, also departing from Newport.
• For a unique perspective, try a gondola or riverboat tour of Providence.

Culinary Delights

• Indulge in the Providence Culinary Collective, a series of events honouring the city's culinary legacy, including signature tastings, demos, and specially curated paired dinners.
• Sample the famous custard French toast at Haven Brothers Diner, one of the oldest mobile diners in the country.
• Enjoy egg rolls and live music at Chan's Fine Oriental Dining, Jazz & Blues, located in a converted bank vault.

Frequently asked questions