Exploring Rhode Island: Travel Options For The Masses

Rhode Island is the smallest state in the US, with over 400 miles of coastline. It is tucked between Massachusetts and Connecticut in New England. In 2020, Rhode Island was removed from Massachusetts' list of exempt states, meaning anyone travelling from Rhode Island to Massachusetts had to quarantine for 14 days or provide proof of a negative COVID test. However, there were exemptions for activities like grocery shopping, visiting a doctor, or caring for a family member. Rhode Island, in turn, added Massachusetts to its COVID travel advisory list, meaning that people travelling from Massachusetts to Rhode Island had to follow similar restrictions.

Travel restrictions between Massachusetts and Rhode Island

As of October 2024, there are travel restrictions in place for people travelling between Massachusetts and Rhode Island. These restrictions are due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Travelling from Massachusetts to Rhode Island

People travelling from Massachusetts to Rhode Island for non-work-related purposes must quarantine for 14 days after arriving in Rhode Island or test negative for COVID-19 within the previous 72 hours. This includes Rhode Island residents returning home. Exemptions are made for the following:

• Public health, public safety, or healthcare workers
• Anyone travelling for medical treatment or to attend funeral or memorial services
• Anyone travelling to obtain necessities such as groceries, gas, or medication
• Anyone travelling to drop off or pick up children from daycare, or to work on boats

Travelling from Rhode Island to Massachusetts

Anyone travelling from Rhode Island to Massachusetts must quarantine for 14 days or provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test. Exemptions are made for activities like grocery shopping and healthcare.

Confusion over restrictions

The varying travel policies between neighbouring states have caused confusion for business owners, commuters, and travellers, who have had to cancel reservations and change their plans. Rhode Island's governor, Gina Raimondo, has commented that each state has made its own decision on travel policies, and that she doesn't think Massachusetts qualifies under its own travel criteria.

Quarantine and testing requirements for travel between the two states

Quarantine and Testing Requirements for Travel Between Massachusetts and Rhode Island

As of November 2020, Massachusetts residents were urged to limit out-of-state travel to places designated as COVID-19 lower-risk. All visitors to Massachusetts, including returning residents, were required to complete the Massachusetts Travel Form prior to arrival unless coming from a lower-risk state. Additionally, visitors were required to quarantine for 14 days or produce a negative COVID-19 test result obtained no more than 72 hours before arrival. Failure to comply with these requirements could result in a $500 fine per day.

Massachusetts was added to Rhode Island's COVID travel advisory list in October 2024. This means that people travelling from Massachusetts to Rhode Island for non-work-related purposes must quarantine for 14 days upon arrival or test negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours before arrival, unless they meet an exemption. Exemptions include public health, public safety, or healthcare workers; those travelling for medical treatment or to attend funeral or memorial services; anyone travelling to obtain necessities such as groceries, gas, or medication; and anyone travelling to drop off or pick up children from daycare.

International travellers to Rhode Island must also quarantine upon arrival, and there is no option to test negative to reduce or eliminate the quarantine period. All international arrivals to the US, including Rhode Island, must present a negative PCR or Antigen test, no older than one day, as well as proof of vaccination.

Transport options from Massachusetts to Rhode Island

There are four main transport options to get from Massachusetts to Rhode Island: by train, bus, taxi, or car. The distance between the two states is approximately 44 to 50 miles, and the road distance is about 46 to 49.8 miles.

By Train

The train from South Station to Providence takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes, with tickets costing between $5 and $14. The train is operated by MBTA and departs hourly.

By Bus

The bus from South Station, Boston, MA, to Convention Center, Providence, RI, takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes, with tickets priced between $3 and $23. This bus is operated by Peter Pan Bus Lines and departs three times a day. Greyhound USA also operates a bus on this route once daily.

By Taxi

Taking a taxi from Boston to Providence is the fastest option, taking about 56 minutes, but it is also the most expensive, costing between $140 and $180.

By Car

Driving is the cheapest option, costing between $8 and $13, and taking around 56 minutes.

COVID-19 Travel Advisory

Please note that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there may be additional travel requirements or restrictions in place. As of October 2024, Rhode Island added Massachusetts to its COVID travel advisory list. This means that individuals travelling from Massachusetts to Rhode Island for non-work-related purposes may need to quarantine for 14 days or provide a negative COVID-19 test result from within 72 hours before arrival. Be sure to check the latest information and guidelines before travelling.

Towns and cities in Rhode Island

Rhode Island is a state located in the Northeastern United States. According to the 2020 United States Census, it is the 8th least populous state, with 1,097,379 inhabitants, and the smallest by land area, spanning 1,033.81 square miles (2,677.6 km2) of land. Rhode Island is divided into 39 municipalities, including 8 cities and 31 towns, grouped into 5 historical counties that have no municipal functions as the state has no county level of government.

The state capital, Providence, is the largest municipality by population in Rhode Island, with 190,934 residents. The second most populous city in the state is Cranston, followed by Warwick and Pawtucket. The smallest municipality by population is New Shoreham on Block Island, with 1,410 year-round residents.

Coventry is the largest municipality by land area, spanning 59.05 sq mi (152.9 km2), while Central Falls is the smallest, at 1.20 sq mi (3.1 km2). Other towns and cities in Rhode Island include Cranston, Warwick, and Pawtucket.

Rhode Island offers a range of attractions for visitors, including the upmarket sailing capital of Newport, known for its yacht-filled harbour and Gilded Age mansions. The state also boasts a rich revolutionary history, which can be explored through sites such as the Freedom Trail in Boston, leading visitors past 16 major revolutionary sites.

Things to do in Rhode Island

There are many things to do in Rhode Island, from exploring historic sites to enjoying nature. Here are some ideas for your trip:

Outdoor Activities

Rhode Island offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor exploration. You can take a stroll along the Cliff Walk, a 3.5-mile scenic route connecting the western end of Easton Beach to historic mansions like The Breakers and Rough Point. The Mohegan Bluffs in Block Island are also worth a visit, offering a breathtaking view of the island. For a relaxing day in nature, head to Roger Williams Park, which features a zoo, interactive exhibits, seasonal festivals, and creative events.

Historical Sites

Rhode Island is rich in history, with many well-preserved sites to explore. The Breakers is a must-see—a grand "summer cottage" and a symbol of the Vanderbilt family's wealth and social status in the Gilded Age. Other historic mansions worth visiting include The Elms, once the summer residence of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Julius Berwind, and Rough Point, a seaside mansion with lush gardens and captivating ocean views. You can also explore Fort Adams State Park, a National Historic Landmark, or take a tour of the Rhode Island School of Design Museum of Art, which showcases a diverse collection of art and textiles.

Food and Drink

For food lovers, Rhode Island offers a variety of culinary experiences. In Providence, you can visit the iconic Haven Brothers Diner, one of the oldest mobile diners in the country. In Pawtucket, there's the famous diner known for its custard French toast, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. For a unique dining experience, try Chan's Fine Oriental Dining, Jazz & Blues in Woonsocket, where you can enjoy egg rolls and live music in a converted bank vault.

Boat Tours

Boat tours are a popular way to explore Rhode Island. You can take a scenic bay cruise of Narragansett Bay from Newport or a fast ferry to Martha's Vineyard, offering indoor and outdoor seating with scenic views. For a romantic evening, consider a sunset sail on the Schooner Adirondack.

Unusual Attractions

Rhode Island also has its share of unusual attractions. Literature lovers might want to visit the Providence Athenaeum, a 19th-century library favoured by Edgar Allan Poe and H.P. Lovecraft. You can also explore the H.P. Lovecraft House in Providence, featured in his story "The Haunter of the Dark," or visit his final resting place in the same city. In Portsmouth, the Green Animals Topiary Garden delights visitors with its whimsical animal-shaped topiaries.

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