Amtrak's Rhode Island Service: Travel Options And Destinations

Yes, Amtrak travels to Rhode Island. There are three Amtrak stations in Rhode Island, which serve two different routes: the Acela and the Northeast Regional. The Northeast Regional train stops at all stations, while the Acela only stops in Providence. The stations are located in Westerly, Kingston, and Providence, with the Providence station being the city's third major passenger rail facility. The Providence station is also conveniently located next to the State House and is within walking distance of downtown, making it a great option for travellers.

Amtrak stations in Rhode Island

Amtrak does travel to Rhode Island, with three stations across the state. These stations are served by two routes: the Northeast Regional and the Acela Express. The Northeast Regional train stops at all three stations, while the Acela Express only stops at Providence.

Kingston, RI (KIN)

The Kingston Amtrak station is located at 1 Railroad Avenue West Kingston, RI 02892-1508. The historic wood-frame New York, Providence, and Boston Railroad depot has served the people of the South County region since 1875 and is watched over by a local "Friends" group. Connections to Newport, RI, are available via van or car service, and a seasonal ferry service to Martha's Vineyard is also available.

Providence, RI – Amtrak/T Station (PVD)

The Providence Amtrak station, located at 100 Gaspee Street Providence, RI 02903, is the city's third major passenger rail facility and opened in 1986. It is located at the base of the statehouse grounds, and an elegant, shallow dome hovers over the waiting room.

Northeast Regional and Acela Express Routes

The Northeast Regional and Acela Express routes travel up and down the East Coast, with connections to the West in major cities like New York.

Amtrak routes in Rhode Island

Amtrak does indeed travel to Rhode Island. There are three Amtrak stations in the state, serving two routes. The stations are located in Kingston, Providence, and Westerly. The routes are the Northeast Regional and the Acela Express. The Northeast Regional stops at all three stations, while the Acela only stops in Providence.

The Kingston Amtrak station is in the heart of Rhode Island's South County and is close to the University of Rhode Island. The station offers convenient connections to public buses serving the South County region, and there are also rideshare and taxi services readily available. The nearby coastal towns of Narragansett and Wakefield offer beaches, trails, and shops.

Providence Station is Rhode Island's busiest spot for travel, located in downtown Providence. The station features an elegant, shallow dome over the waiting room and a Beaux-Arts design from 1898. It offers easy connections to MBTA commuter rail and Amtrak services to Boston and New York City.

The Westerly Station is located near the coast and connects Rhode Island to southern New England. The station is close to the Connecticut border and provides access to seaside towns like Watch Hill and Misquamicut Beach. The town offers shopping, dining, and beach activities.

Amtrak's Northeast Regional service offers a hassle-free and eco-friendly travel option for commuters and tourists travelling through Rhode Island. The Acela Express provides fast service from Boston to Washington, D.C., with hourly service during peak hours between New York and Washington, D.C.

Providence, Rhode Island's capital

Providence is well-connected by Amtrak and MBTA Commuter Rail services, with a station located at the base of the statehouse grounds. The city has a bustling transportation hub at Kennedy Plaza, which serves as a departure point for bus lines and public transit. Providence is also accessible via Interstate 95 (I-95) and Interstate 195 (I-195), and it is home to the Port of Providence, the second-largest deep-water seaport in New England.

The city boasts a diverse range of economic activities, including healthcare services, tourism, and jewellery making. It is home to several notable educational institutions, such as Brown University, Johnson & Wales University, and the Rhode Island School of Design. The city also has a vibrant arts scene, hosting the annual outdoor arts festival, PVDFest, and cultural events like WaterFire, an environmental art installation featuring bonfires on the three rivers that flow through Downtown Providence.

Providence has a humid continental climate bordering a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and cool to cold winters. The city's geography is characterised by its compact layout, with irregular streets radiating from bustling areas like Market Square. The East Side neighbourhood boasts the largest contiguous area of historic buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places in the U.S.

Overall, Providence, Rhode Island's capital, is a vibrant and diverse city with a rich history, a thriving economy, and a culturally rich environment, making it a fascinating destination to visit or explore.

Travelling to New York from Rhode Island

There are several ways to travel from Rhode Island to New York. The two states are not connected by land, but Rhode Island is located near Long Island by water, and the two share a maritime border.

By Car

The drive from Providence, Rhode Island, to New York City (Manhattan) is roughly 181 miles, 291 kilometers, or a 4-hour trip via I-95. This route takes you along the coast, connecting the most popular and visited cities in each state. A trip between the state capitals, Albany, NY, and Providence, RI, is shorter, at 163 miles (262 km) and 2 hours 45 minutes via I-90 W. This route does not include the coast.

By Train

Amtrak offers a train service from Penn Station in NYC to Providence, RI, which takes around 3 hours. Prices range from $35 to over $200. The Acela route also connects New York's Penn Station to Providence, Rhode Island, in under 3 hours.

By Bus

You can take a bus from Port Authority in NYC to the Providence, RI, convention center, which takes around 3.5 hours. Bus tickets are around $24-$48.

By Air

The air travel distance between New York and Rhode Island is 145 miles or 233 kilometers. Flying is the most expensive option but also one of the fastest and most convenient. Flight times are typically in the range of 1 to 1.25 hours, not counting travel time to the airport and early arrival for check-in.

Rhode Island's attractions

Yes, Amtrak travels to Rhode Island. There are three Amtrak stations in the state, with two routes: Northeast Regional and Acela Express. Now, here is some information on Rhode Island's attractions.

Newport

Newport is home to many of Rhode Island's top attractions.

• Cliff Walk: A 3.5-mile path with stunning sea views and Gilded Age mansions.
• The Breakers: The grandest of Newport's mansions, once the Vanderbilt family's summer home.
• Bellevue Avenue: A 2.5-mile stretch lined with Gilded Age mansions, including Rosecliff and Chateau-sur-Mer.
• International Tennis Hall of Fame: Showcasing 150 years of tennis history, with a hologram of Roger Federer.
• The Breakers Mansion: A symbol of the Vanderbilt family's social and financial pre-eminence in the Gilded Age.

Providence

Providence, the capital of Rhode Island, offers cultural and culinary delights.

• Roger Williams Park Zoo: One of the top zoos in the U.S., with creative exhibits and unique experiences.
• WaterFire Providence: A captivating art installation with bonfires on the rivers, accompanied by music and performances.
• RISD Museum: The Rhode Island School of Design's museum features an eclectic collection, including ancient art and modern masters.
• Benefit Street: Nicknamed the "Mile of History", this street boasts fine examples of Victorian architecture, including the John Brown House.
• Federal Hill: A historic Italian-American neighbourhood with a strong sense of community and authentic restaurants.

Other Attractions in Rhode Island

• Block Island: A quintessential New England island with stunning bluffs, beaches, and lighthouses, just a ferry ride away.
• Beavertail Lighthouse: One of the oldest lighthouses in North America, located in Beavertail State Park, offering captivating views and hiking trails.
• Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge: A haven for birders, with approximately 3 miles of trails and panoramic ocean views.
• Blithewold: A summer estate in Bristol with sweeping views of Narragansett Bay, showcasing an array of family heirlooms and 18th- and 19th-century styling.
• Westerly: A charming coastal community with a thriving downtown, sandy beaches, and a lively culinary scene.

Frequently asked questions