I may need to fly to Cape Code (near Sandwich) to visit an aging relative. In the past, I've flown into Providence, RI and rented a car (bypassing Boston). Should there be inclement weather, is there any public transportation to the Cape (i.e, train?) from Boston or Providence, RI?...or is driving from Providence to Cape Cod the better alternative? Thanks for any replies.

I think flying to Providence is your best bet. There is no train service to the Cape from Boston or Providence.

There is bus service from Boston, not sure, but there probably is from Providence as well.

But if the weather is good enough to fly in, it will probably be ok to drive.

Perhaps we've had all the bad weather we'll have for this season. (Knock on wood!)

CW

Providence would get you somewhat closer, but either is an option - with some other things to consider.

Southwest flies into Providence but not Boston - depending on your city of origination, this may be a less expensive airline. On the other hand, more airlines fly into Boston, giving you more choices.

Weather - this winter it would not really have mattered much. Several years ago our flight to Boston was cancelled because of weather and airline was able to re-ticket us into Providence. On the outbound flight, however, you often have a greater chance of your plane leaving from a larger airport - more chance they will have planes available in event weather is bad in another part of the country.

While there is a bus Boston-Hyannis, I do not know where else it stops. Renting a car is your best option, since you will likely want one when you get to Cape anyway. If you fly into Boston, try not to start the drive between 3 PM to 7 PM to avoid rush hour.

Busses run from Providence and Boston to Cape Cod.

No stops in Sandwich that I know of, so you would still have to get from Hyannis or Bourne to Sandwich destination.

The RI airport is in Warwick a city 10+ miles west of Providence where the bus terminal is so I guess you would also need to get there.

BTW Cape Cod is currently buried under 3 feet of snow and they are getting another 3 - 6 inches tonight from Ocean Effect snow bands.

There are public buses that go from T.F. Green airport to Kennedy Plaza in downtown Providence. Bus #12/14 uses the freeway, and runs about every 40 minutes weekdays. Limited schedule on Sat and no service Sun. There's also bus #20 that takes longer. Taxis aren't that expensive to downtown.

The Bonanza bus from NYC to Cape Cod stops at Kennedy Plaza before stopping at the Bonanza terminal just north of downtown Providence. About 5 buses a day to get out to Hyannis.

But like others said, too much trouble, and buses don't go to Sandwich. Best way is to drive.

Thanks for the replies. I'll stick with flying into Providence and renting a car.