Getting from Boston to Providence without a car is relatively easy, thanks to the various transportation options available. Because of how close the two cities are to each other in proximity, you catch frequent Amtrak trains, MBTA commuter rails, Peter Pan Bus Lines, and Greyhound Buses, which offer their services between Boston and Providence, and you can also consider Biking between the two cities. Uber is another, although it could be pricey. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to get from Boston to Providence and sites you can check to buy your tickets for your journey.
Amtrak Train
You can take an Amtrak train from Boston's South Station to Providence's Union Station. This is a convenient and relatively quick option. The travel time is typically around 45 minutes to an hour, and the frequency of trains is reasonably high. Purchase an Amtrak ticket for the train heading to Providence. Amtrak offers multiple daily departures from Boston to Providence on the Northeast Regional and Acela Express routes. The Northeast Regional service typically runs multiple times per day between Boston and Providence. The travel time is approximately 45 minutes to an hour. Acela Express is Amtrak's premium high-speed service and offers a faster journey between Boston and Providence. The travel time is usually shorter, taking around 30-40 minutes. Please note that schedules may vary, so it's best to check the official Amtrak website or contact Amtrak directly for the most up-to-date information. The Providence/Stoughton Line is a common choice. Board the Amtrak train, and enjoy the ride. You can use many sites to find Amtrak tickets on Amtrak's website and on third-party sites such as Wanderu, or Omio.
MBTA Commuter Rail
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) offers commuter rail service from Boston to Providence. You can catch the
Providence/Stoughton Line (known as the Purple Line) from South Station in Boston, and it will take you to Providence. The journey takes around 1 hour to 1.5 hours. The commuter rail has multiple stations along the route between Boston and Providence. Some of the key stations include South Station (Boston), Route 128 (located in Westwood), Canton Junction, Mansfield, Attleboro, and finally, Providence Station. The fare for the commuter rail service may vary depending on factors such as distance traveled and ticket type (e.g., one-way, round-trip, monthly pass). You can check the MBTA's official website for up-to-date fare information and purchase tickets. The schedules for the Providence/Stoughton Line may vary by time of day and day of the week. It's advisable to check the MBTA's official website or contact them directly for the most current schedules.
Peter Pan Bus
The
Peter Pan Bus Lines operates frequent bus services between Boston and Providence. You can catch a bus at Boston's South Station or other designated locations and reach Providence in approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic. Peter Pan offers frequent daily bus services between Boston and Providence. Buses depart from South Station Bus Terminal in Boston and arrive at Providence Bus Terminal. The travel time typically ranges from 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and the specific schedule. It's recommended to check the official websites of these bus companies for the most up-to-date schedules, ticket prices, and pick-up/drop-off locations. Booking tickets in advance online can often provide better deals and guarantee your seat, especially during peak travel times. A one-way ticket between Boston and Providence is $20.00 per passenger.
Greyhound
Greyhound also operates buses between Boston and Providence. You can catch Greyhound buses at Boston's South Station and arrive at Providence Bus Terminal. The travel time is similar to that of Peter Pan buses, usually around 1.5 to 2 hours. Buses typically depart from Boston's South Station Bus Terminal, which is centrally located in downtown Boston. South Station is a major transportation hub with easy access to other forms of public transit. Greyhound buses arrive at Providence Bus Terminal, which is also conveniently located in downtown Providence. The fare for Greyhound bus service is $8 per passenger for a one-way ticket. You can book Greyhound bus tickets online through their official website or in person at the bus station. Online booking often provides the convenience of selecting your preferred departure time and securing your seat in advance.
Biking
Biking from Boston to Providence is a challenging and long-distance ride, covering approximately 50 miles (80 kilometers). If you're an experienced cyclist and up for the adventure, here are some tips and a general route to consider. One common route for biking from Boston to Providence is to follow the East Bay Bike Path, which offers a scenic and relatively bike-friendly path for most of the journey. Begin your journey in Boston. Popular starting points include downtown Boston or locations near the Charles River Esplanade. You can cross the Charles River using one of the bridges such as the Longfellow Bridge or the Zakim Bunker Hill Bridge to reach the northern suburbs. Ride along the Charles River Bike Path through suburbs like Watertown, Waltham, and Newton. Continue your journey by following Route 117 or other suitable roads to reach the town of Norwood. Near Norwood, you can join the Neponset River Greenway, which provides a scenic path leading to the city of Quincy. Continue riding south, and you'll eventually reach the city of Quincy. From there, follow suitable roads to reach the southern suburbs. After passing through various towns and cities in Massachusetts, you'll eventually cross into Rhode Island. Once in Rhode Island, you can join the East Bay Bike Path, which is a dedicated bike path that runs along the eastern shore of Narragansett Bay. Continue along the
East Bay Bike Path, which will take you through towns like Barrington and East Providence before reaching Providence. The East Bay Bike Path will lead you to Providence, and you can explore the city from there. Ensure your bike is in good working condition and equipped with lights and safety features. Carry essential supplies such as water, snacks, a repair kit, and a map or GPS device. Dress appropriately for the weather and wear a helmet for safety. Check the weather forecast before your ride and plan accordingly; be mindful of traffic and road conditions, especially when leaving dedicated bike paths. Lastly, plan for rest breaks along the way to stay refreshed and hydrated.
Transportation Made Easy
Both Boston and Providence have well-developed transportation infrastructure. They are connected by major highways (I-95), a network of commuter rail lines, bus services, and even dedicated bike paths like the East Bay Bike Path, making it easy to choose the mode of transportation that suits your preferences. Boston's public transportation system, including the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), offers commuter rail and bus services that connect the two cities. In Providence, you have access to the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) for local transportation needs. Amtrak provides frequent and convenient train service between Boston and Providence; both
the Northeast Regional and Acela Express routes make it quick and straightforward to travel between the two cities, especially for commuters and those seeking a more comfortable and time-efficient option. Various bus companies, such as Greyhound, Peter Pan Bus Lines provide cost-effective transportation options with multiple departures throughout the day. Overall, the combination of geographical proximity, transportation options, and well-established infrastructure makes traveling between Boston and Providence relatively easy and accessible for residents, commuters, and tourists alike.
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