New York to Rhode Island car vs train
 

Hello Everyone,

I was wondering if you could help me with a question regarding Rhode Island.

We were going to drive from New York to Rhode Island and then back again in order to catch a train to Washington and avoid the drop off fee we'd incur if we left the car at Rhode Island.

I have had an idea to veto the car idea altogether and instead catch the train from New York to Kingston RI and then after our stay on Rhode Island from Kingston to Washington. Can anyone tell me if logistically this is a dumb idea.....i.e. getting from Kingston to Newport (where we are staying)? Do we really need a car for 2 days on Rhode Island? Would the cab fare from Kingston to Newport be astronomical and are there any alternatives (i.e. bus) (bearing in mind we are on a longish East and West coast holiday and will be towing suitcases).

The train fares seem pretty reasonable and time wise is seems like a saving - and I'm thinking driving the car back to New York to drop it off and then getting to Penn Station in time to catch a train may be a hassle.

Thanks!

Do you need a car in Newport? Well it depends if you're spending all your time in Newport and what you plan to do there, where exactly you're staying etc. You can get around Newport (mansions, beach, wharves) by public transportation, but if you want to explore the area, a car is nice to have.
By the way Newport is lovely and I go there often (most recently about 2 weeks ago) but are you sure it's worth the hassle from NYC and back for only 2 days? It's still 4+ hours each way by car. Most people would do it as a detour on the way to/from NYC and Boston. :(

There is regular bus and occasional ferry service from Providence to Newport. I haven't done that so I have no idea if it makes more sense for you to stay on Amtrak past Kingston until Providence. The University of Rhode Island is right near the stop in Kingstown so I imagine there must be a cheaper way for students to get to Newport without a car or using a taxi.

Does this help? http://www.gonewport.com/transportat...transportation
The NE Regional #170 leaves NYP at 8:30AM and arrives in Providence about noon. Fare is $43/pp if you buy in advance.

The university lists these taxi services, you'd have to call and ask prices
Eagle Cab: 401-783-2970 or 800-339-2970.
(In-state service to/from airports, Amtrak and Marinas)
Wright's Oceanview: 401-789-0400
(In-state service to Narragansett, South Kingston, Charlestown, Westerly, Newport, North Kingstown, Jamestown, Airports, Amtrak, Block Island Ferry and Casinos

http://www.ripta.com/64
As I suspected, there is a bus from Kingston (station and the University Campus) to Newport. First you'd have to coordinate your Amtrak arrival with the bus. There are only a few runs on Saturday, none on Sundays. A few more on weekdays. Then in Newport, you'd have to take another bus or cab to your hotel/inn. I wouldn't want to to have to do all that (plus getting on in Penn Station in NYC) with heavy suitcases.

What are your thoughts, Daneille08?

If you are thinking of coming today, take a train. There is a huge traffic jam due to a truck that burned on 95 north, which will tie up all the roads north for a good part of the day.