Elle

How long is the drive (time and distance) from Providence, RI (airport) to Newport, RI? Any interesting places (great restaurants, quaint towns, awesome views, nice place for a picnic or hike) to visit along the way? I will be there in late september/early october and have never been to the area. Any suggestions are appreciated. Thanks!

Jim

I hate the tone of fodors lately i.e. the negativity. But when I read e-mails like this, I somewhat understand. So, for testing sake, I saw if I could answer the first question in under 1 minute by mapquest. Guess what---45 seconds.

Take the I-195 W/US-6 W ramp. 0.2 miles ( 0.3 km)

5: Merge onto I-195 W. 0.2 miles ( 0.2 km)

6: Take the I-95 S exit on the left towards NEW YORK. 0.4 miles ( 0.6 km)

7: Merge onto I-95 S. 11.8 miles ( 18.9 km)

8: Take the exit, exit number 9, on the left towards NEWPORT/S. COUNTY. 0.1 miles ( 0.1 km)

9: Merge onto RI-4 S. 9.8 miles ( 15.8 km)

10: Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto TOWER HILL RD. 0.7 miles ( 1.2 km)

11: Take the RI-138 E ramp towards JAMESTOWN/NEWPORT/BRIDGES. 0.4 miles ( 0.6 km)

12: Merge onto RI-138 E (Portions toll). 8.8 miles ( 14.2 km)

13: Take the RI-238 S exit towards SCENIC NEWPORT. 0.1 miles ( 0.2 km)

14: Turn RIGHT onto RI 138A/RI-238/JT CONNELL HWY. 0.1 miles ( 0.1 km)

15: RI 138A/RI-238/JT CONNELL HWY becomes RI 138A/FAREWELL ST/RI-238. 0.3 miles ( 0.4 km)

16: Stay straight to go onto FAREWELL ST. 0.1 miles ( 0.2 km)

17: Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto THAMES ST. 0.3 miles ( 0.4 km)

18: Turn LEFT onto TOURO ST. 0.1 miles ( 0.2 km)

19: Turn LEFT onto COURTHOUSE ST. 0.0 miles ( 0.1 km)

20: Turn LEFT onto PARK PL. 0.0 miles ( 0.0 km)

TOTAL ESTIMATED TIME: TOTAL DISTANCE:
42 minutes 33.6 miles

rich

There are two places you might want to visit between PVD airport and Newport. One is a quaint village called Wickford (in the town of North Kingstown), which has antique shops and a small harbor with fishing boats. The other is the island of Jamestown (which you must cross through en route to Newport anyway). There is a lighthouse on the rocky southern tip of the island which is a good place for a picnic. By the way, the directions supplied by Jim start in downtown Providence-- the airport is located in Warwick, which is to the south. So, your trip should be somewhat shorter than those directions would indicate. Have a good trip!

Larry

Rich has it- both in the drive time (about 30 minutes depending on traffic) and places to stop. I would add that since it really isn't a long trip from Newport to Wickford and especially Jamestown it might make more sense to go directly from the airport to where you are staying in Newport, then make Jamestown/Wickford a day trip later on. You have picked, IMHO, the best time of year to visit Newport- enjoy your stay.

elle

sorry Jim. I should have specified that I wanted to know if I should expect traffic driving between the airport and Newport around 5pm on a Friday. I'm used to the traffic jams we have here in LA where it takes 2 hours to go just 15 miles. Thanks for the advice.

KenCT

This is a little off-topic, but MapQuest directions can really lead you astray, as can those in-vehicle navigation systems.

On topic, the Inn at Castle Hill has has wonderful views and very good food. The walking path between the "cottages" and the ocean, called Cliffwalk, I believe, is not to be missed.

Calle

I also distrust MapQuest -- when I put my own address in, they mapped it 2 blocks away and had one street connecting two others that is, in fact, discontinuous. I have had any number of "bloopers" and have learned to use it only as a supplement to other sources.

As for Jim's impatience with the question: I would much rather get the information from a local, who can tell me from real experience (rather than MapQuest's algorithmic calculations) how long it takes and under what conditions.
Friday 5 pm? Definitely expect delays.

Jim

After reading some of the posts, I withdraw my comment (and apologize). I guess anyone can be in a bad mood.

Cathy

You are picking a great time to visit. As someone else stated the airport is in Warwick and you will have a pretty easy drive to Newport(approx. 45 minutes). I would double check Map Quest as we have used it a few times and they do not send you on the easiest or most direct way. I would request directions from the place you are staying at in Newport I am sure they have them available. There will be traffic since it is Friday but nothing like LA traffic. It will be steady yet not a parking lot! You will really enjoy your visit. Maybe you can fit in dinner in Providence in the Federal Hill area. Also, the Wickford and Jamestown suggestions were good ones!
good luck!

Elle

Thanks everyone! One more question - how cold will it be (sweaters and jacket or heavy wool coat) and should I be prepared for rain?

Cathy

It is New England so the weather can be unpredictable so I would pack sweaters or jackets to layer.It may also be cooler on the ocean. On the other hand It can be very warm in the fall- Indian Summer- and my kids are often still wearing shorts to school in October but to be safe pack layers! A Rain Coat would be a good idea. Enjoy!

Cali

Mapquest is definitely not a sure thing. My brother-in-law was going from LAX to a hotel in Palm Springs and they mapped him to a hospital in Palm Springs. Also didn't even give him the most direct route to Riverside or Palm Springs. Check more than one source for directions!! Living in the L.a. Area, I also know that times really vary from what the mapping programs say depending on traffic, etc.

Cali

Oooops, should have read my reply for errors. I should have said that they mapped him to a hospital in Riverside, Ca when he was going to a hotel in Palm Springs. Sorry about that!!