Airport Tips & Quick Reference Guide to Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport (PVD)

Transport Options at Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport (PVD)

This website is an informational guide and is not sponsored by, endorsed by, or affiliated with the Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC), and that visitors intending to reach the official site should visit flyri.com. 

Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport (PVD) offers several convenient transportation options connecting the airport with Providence and other destinations across New England. Located in Warwick, about 10 miles (16 km) south of downtown Providence, the airport is well connected by train, buses, taxis, ride-sharing services, rental cars, and major highways. Thanks to the airport’s relatively compact size and its direct rail station, travelers can often reach Providence city center in less than 20 minutes.

Because PVD is smaller than major regional airports, ground transportation areas are easy to find and walking distances are short.

Buses and Shuttle Services

Public buses and shuttle services provide affordable connections between the airport and Providence as well as nearby towns. The main bus operator is the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA), which runs several routes connecting the airport with downtown Providence and surrounding communities.

Bus stops are located outside the terminal building near the ground transportation area. Tickets can be purchased onboard or through the RIPTA mobile app.

  • Route 14: Connects the airport with downtown Providence.
  • Route 20: Provides access to nearby Warwick and other local areas.

Typical bus fares are around $2 – $3, making this the cheapest transportation option from the airport.

Bus services run frequently during the day, but schedules may be reduced during late evening hours.

Taxis and Ride-Sharing (Uber and Lyft)

Taxi services are available 24 hours a day outside the terminal at designated taxi stands. Ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are also widely used at PVD and can be requested through their mobile apps.

The trip to downtown Providence usually takes around 15–20 minutes depending on traffic conditions.

  • Providence Downtown: $25 – $35
  • Newport: $60 – $80
  • Boston: $120 – $160

Ride-sharing services may be slightly cheaper than taxis, especially outside peak travel hours.

Train Services

One of the unique advantages of Rhode Island T. F. Green Airport is its direct rail station located next to the airport terminal. The station is connected to the terminal via a covered skywalk.

Two rail services operate from the airport:

  • MBTA Commuter Rail: connects the airport with Providence and Boston.
  • Amtrak: provides regional and long-distance rail services along the Northeast Corridor.

Typical travel times include:

  • Providence: about 10 minutes
  • Boston: about 1 hour
  • New York City: around 3 hours

Train tickets typically range between $3 and $15 depending on distance and service.

The MBTA commuter rail is one of the easiest ways to travel between PVD Airport and Boston.

Car Rental at the Airport

Rental cars are available at Rhode Island T. F. Green Airport and are a popular option for travelers planning to explore Rhode Island or nearby states such as Massachusetts and Connecticut.

Rental counters are located in the terminal building near the baggage claim area, while the rental car pickup areas are located in nearby parking facilities.

Major companies operating at PVD include:

  • Hertz
  • Avis
  • Budget
  • Enterprise
  • National
  • Alamo

Typical rental prices range from $45 to $120 per day depending on the vehicle category and season.

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Renting a car is the best option if you plan to visit destinations such as Newport, Cape Cod, or coastal Rhode Island beaches.

Arriving by Private Car

Rhode Island T. F. Green Airport is easily accessible by car via Interstate 95, one of the main highways in the northeastern United States. The airport is located just off Exit 13 of I-95.

Driving times from major cities include:

  • Providence: 15 minutes
  • Newport: 35 minutes
  • Boston: 1 hour
  • Hartford: 1 hour 40 minutes

Clear highway signage directs drivers toward the airport entrance and parking facilities.

Traffic around Providence can become busy during weekday rush hours, so allowing extra travel time is recommended.

Transport Comparison from PVD Airport to Providence

Transport Type Destination Travel Time Typical Price Best For
MBTA Train Providence 10 minutes $3 – $5 Fast public transport
Bus (RIPTA) Providence 25 minutes $2 – $3 Budget travelers
Taxi Downtown Providence 15 – 20 minutes $25 – $35 Direct travel
Ride-Share Providence 15 – 20 minutes $20 – $35 Convenience
Rental Car Rhode Island region Flexible $45 – $120/day Regional travel

Distances from PVD Airport to Popular Destinations

Destination Distance Average Travel Time
Providence 10 miles 15 minutes
Newport 28 miles 35 minutes
Boston 60 miles 1 hour
Hartford 90 miles 1 hour 40 minutes