Avis Car Hire
Rhode Island

Finding the Avis desk at TF Green Airport (PVD) is straightforward, even late at night. The airport is set up for convenience, with all hire car companies located in a consolidated facility. Just follow the overhead signs for "Rental Cars" from baggage claim. Those signs lead you along a covered skywalk that connects the main terminal directly to the rental centre, so you won't need to go outside or take a shuttle. The Avis desk is well lit and clearly marked within this central location.

On a busy summer weekend the process from arrivals to driving off in your hire car is generally efficient. After collecting your luggage, the walk to the rental centre via the connected skywalk takes only about five to ten minutes. Time at the counter depends on how many travellers are being processed at once. Once you have your keys, finding your vehicle in the adjacent car park is quick, allowing most visitors to be on the road within 30 to 45 minutes of leaving baggage claim.

The drive from TF Green Airport to Newport is scenic and relatively simple for first-time visitors. The route mainly uses state highways that are well signposted. You will encounter a few bridges, including the notable Claiborne Pell Newport Bridge, which offers pleasant views of Narragansett Bay. Drivers in Rhode Island can be assertive, so be confident with your navigation and focus on maintaining a steady speed. The journey showcases the state's coastal charm immediately, making for a pleasant introduction to the area.

For a straightforward drive to downtown Providence, the most direct route is usually best. Follow signs for I-95 North from the airport connector road. To reduce complex merges, stay in the middle or right lanes as you approach the city. Exits for downtown are clearly signed and using a satnav will help you anticipate the specific exit you need. This route keeps you out of the more intricate local roads until you’re much closer to the city centre.

Keeping your hire car in Newport offers significant convenience, especially if you plan to visit attractions beyond the immediate town centre. While the historic waterfront is walkable, the famous mansions, Ocean Drive and local beaches are spread out. Having a car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace without relying on ride-hire services, which can be in high demand. Before deciding, check your hotel's parking availability, as that can be an important factor in the historic centre.

Many travellers visiting the Cliff Walk and the mansions use the designated car parks at the larger estates like The Breakers, which often provide ample space. There is also a public car park near Easton's Beach at the start of the Cliff Walk. During peak summer season and at weekends these car parks can fill quickly, especially by late morning. Arriving earlier in the day, before 10am, is your best strategy for securing a convenient spot without having to search for limited on-street parking further away.

Driving in Newport during peak summer months, particularly at weekends, can be challenging due to narrow streets and high visitor numbers. Traffic builds around midday and often remains heavy into the late afternoon. To minimise stress, plan to arrive before 10am or later in the afternoon after 4pm. This makes it easier to find parking and to navigate the one-way streets of the historic town before the largest crowds converge.

A day trip from Providence to Newport is very manageable with some planning. The drive typically takes about 45 to 60 minutes without significant traffic. To make the most of your day, leave Providence early and aim to arrive in Newport by 9:30am to secure parking at a central visitor lot or near the mansions. Expect the return trip in the late afternoon to take longer, potentially up to 90 minutes, as beach traffic and commuters merge. This plan allows for a full day of exploring while keeping time spent driving to a minimum.

You can’t drive your hire car directly to Block Island; most visitors take a passenger ferry. The main ferry terminal is at Point Judith in Narragansett, an easy drive from Providence. You will park your car in one of the large designated lots near the terminal for the duration of your visit. On Block Island, transportation options include hiring bicycles or mopeds, which are very popular, or using the island’s taxi services to get around and explore beaches and lighthouses.

For a straightforward beach day in Narragansett, Scarborough State Beach and Roger Wheeler State Beach are excellent choices. Both sit along the scenic Ocean Road and feature large, dedicated car parks, which simplifies finding a spot. Arriving before mid-morning, especially on a summer weekend, is recommended as these popular parks can fill up. Their locations make it easy to enjoy the coast without navigating residential streets searching for limited on-street parking.

On summer weekends traffic towards Rhode Island's south county beaches builds significantly after 9am and peaks mid-morning. To avoid the worst, aim to be on the road by 8am at the latest. Likewise, return traffic heading north towards Providence and I-95 becomes heavy from around 3pm and can last into the early evening. Leaving the beach before 2pm or waiting until after 6pm is a common tactic for a much smoother drive back.

Driving to Roger Williams Park Zoo is straightforward, as it sits just off major routes in Providence. The park offers extensive free parking in lots close to the zoo’s main entrance, which is very convenient when travelling with children. During a holiday week or on a sunny weekend those lots can become very busy. It's a good idea to arrive shortly after the zoo opens to get a spot nearer the entrance, minimising the walk for little ones at the start and end of your visit.

When visiting Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) on Providence’s East Side, using a public car park is the most convenient option. There are many on-street metered spaces, but these often have strict time limits requiring you to move the car frequently. A car park lets you leave the car and explore the historic campuses, Thayer Street shops and nearby Benefit Street on foot for several hours without worrying about parking enforcement. Look for car parks near the Brown University Bookstore or along Power Street.

Yes, visitors often prefer using car parks in Providence's Downtown and College Hill neighbourhoods. Downtown has a mix of meters and permit-only zones that can be confusing, while College Hill, home to Brown and RISD, has narrow streets with residential permit restrictions. Opting for a public car park in these areas saves you the trouble of decoding signs and the risk of a ticket. The Federal Hillarea, known for its restaurants, also has limited on-street parking, making nearby lots a popular choice for evening dining.

A scenic loop through Newport and Jamestown is a classic Rhode Island drive and is very easy to navigate. You'll drive over the Newport Pell Bridge to Conanicut Island, explore Jamestown, then cross the Jamestown Verrazzano Bridge to the mainland before looping back. Popular stops with dedicated parking that don't disrupt traffic include Beavertail State Park for its lighthouse views and Fort Wetherill State Park. In Jamestown village there are public parking areas to explore shops and restaurants on foot.

Driving to Beavertail State Park in Jamestown for sunset is a popular and highly recommended activity. The park is at the southern tip of Conanicut Island and is easily reached via a scenic local road. There are several parking areas throughout the park, offering access to different viewpoints along the rocky coastline. While it gets busy around sunset, the ample parking usually copes with the crowds, though you may have a short, pleasant walk from your car to the prime viewing spots near the lighthouse.

Colt State Park in Bristol is a fantastic picnic destination with lovely waterfront lawns and views. To secure a good parking spot and a prime picnic location, especially on a sunny weekend, it's best to arrive in the morning. By early afternoon the main lots near the chapel and waterfront can fill completely. An early arrival lets you settle in and enjoy the park's paths and scenery before the peak crowds arrive.

For an itinerary covering both Providence and Newport, keeping your hire car for the entire stay offers the most flexibility and convenience. The drive between the two cities is relatively short, making it easy to transfer luggage and belongings when you change hotels. Having the car allows you to explore attractions located between the cities, such as the charming towns of Bristol or Wickford. It also gives you the freedom to make spontaneous stops at parks, beaches or scenic viewpoints along the way.

When planning driving times in Rhode Island it's sensible to add a buffer, especially for routes involving bridges or coastal roads in peak season. Use a real-time traffic app on your phone for the most accurate travel estimates right before you depart. For key routes like the bridges to Newport or trips to south county beaches at weekends, add at least 20–30 minutes to standard satnav times. Travelling during off-peak hours, such as early morning or later in the evening, can also help you avoid the worst delays.

Driving on Aquidneck Island, which includes Newport, Middletown and Portsmouth, is generally manageable for first-time visitors. Main roads are well signposted, but some junctions can be tricky. A common confusion point is the multi-road roundabout near Easton's Beach in Newport, where several major routes converge. It's helpful to know your exit in advance and navigate it cautiously. Also, some narrow one-way streets in downtown Newport require careful attention, so driving slowly and following your satnav guidance is advised.

When attending a wedding in Newport, the best parking strategy is to use any guest parking provided by the venue itself, as many historic locations have their own lots. If that's not an option, the Newport Visitor Information Centre offers a large central car park from which you can take a short taxi or rideshare to your final destination. For downtown church weddings, public car parks are a reliable choice. Arriving early is key to securing a spot that minimises your walk while carrying formal attire and gifts.

From Providence you can take several easy day trips that capture the essence of Rhode Island. A short drive south to Narragansett offers classic New England beaches and a view of the iconic Towers. Alternatively, head east to Bristol, a historic waterfront town with a lovely state park and a patriotic town centre. For a more rural feel, drive to the Farm Coast area around Tiverton and Little Compton for scenic roads, vineyards and farm stands, all within an hour's drive of the city.

When visiting Newport during a major event like the Folk Festival or a regatta, expect significant traffic and road closures, especially near the waterfront and Fort Adams. The best plan is to park on the outskirts of the event area and use official event shuttles, water taxis or walk. Check the event's official website beforehand for details on parking locations and transport options. Trying to drive directly to the venue will likely lead to frustration, so it's wise to use the park-and-ride system.

A great strategy for this is to park once for the whole day. Arrive in the morning and park at the large lot near the Newport Visitor Information Centre or another central public car park. From there you can use the local trolley service or a rideshare to reach the mansions along Bellevue Avenue. After tours, you can return to the downtown area on foot to enjoy the shops and a sunset dinner, with your car conveniently waiting for your departure.

Driving in Bristol in summer is generally pleasant, but the town centre around Hope Street and the waterfront can get congested, especially at weekends. The town is famous for its Fourth of July parade, and the streets can be very busy in the weeks leading up to it. When visiting for waterfront activities, plan to park in one of the public lots away from the main street and enjoy a short walk. This avoids slow-moving traffic and the difficulty of finding a spot right by the water.

For a simple and scenic autumn drive, Route 102, also known as the Victory Highway, is an excellent choice. It runs north–south through the western, more rural part of the state, passing through charming small towns and wooded areas. Another good option is the roads around the Scituate Reservoir, west of Providence, which offer lovely colours and less traffic. These routes are straightforward to navigate and provide a great taste of Rhode Island's fall beauty without complicated turns or motorways.

To catch a morning ferry from Point Judith it's best to leave Providence at least 90 minutes before your scheduled departure. The drive itself is about 45–50 minutes, but this buffer accounts for potential traffic, especially on a summer weekend. It also gives you plenty of time to find the correct ferry car park, park your car, buy tickets if you haven't already, and walk to the dock without feeling rushed. For very early ferries, about 75 minutes should usually suffice.

With a hire car you have the flexibility to explore Providence before your hotel is ready. The most secure approach is to keep your luggage locked and out of sight in the boot. You can then park in a reputable downtown car park while you walk around and visit attractions like Waterplace Park or historic Benefit Street. This lets you enjoy the city for a few hours without being burdened by your bags before checking into your hotel.

A good place to coordinate a group pickup at TF Green Airport is the cell-phone waiting lot. The driver can wait there comfortably until everyone has collected their luggage and is ready at the arrivals curb. Alternatively, you can meet at the rental centre after collecting the vehicle. That allows everyone to gather and load luggage into the car in a designated parking spot without the pressure of airport arrivals traffic.

A compact or mid-size car is often the most practical choice for navigating Rhode Island. These vehicles are much easier to handle on the narrow, historic streets of Newport and Providence's College Hill. They also have a significant advantage when it comes to finding parking, as they can fit into tighter on-street spaces and are simpler to manoeuvre in crowded car parks. While a larger vehicle offers more space, the reduced stress of driving and parking a smaller car is a major benefit for many visitors.

To stop parking from dominating your food-focused trip, plan ahead by checking parking options near your chosen restaurants. In Providence, especially in Federal Hill or Downtown, identify a public car park within a short walk of your destination. For coastal seafood shacks with small car parks, try visiting during off-peak times like an early dinner or weekday lunch. Using a rideshare for a busy evening spot can also be a great way to simplify your night out.

The drive from TF Green Airport to the University of Rhode Island in Kingston is very straightforward. From the airport take Route 1 South, a major state road. This route is more direct and has fewer complex interchanges than taking the I-95. Simply follow signs for Route 1 South towards South County. The turn-off for URI is clearly signed, making for a low-stress drive that avoids faster-paced motorways and confusing splits near Providence.

Starting a New England road trip in Rhode Island is a good choice. To avoid the worst traffic heading for Cape Cod, especially on a Friday or Saturday in summer, plan to cross the Bourne or Sagamore Bridge during off-peak hours. That means being on the road from Providence very early in the morning (before 7am) or waiting until later in the evening (after 7pm). The drive from the Providence area to the bridges is straightforward via the I-195 East, so timing is the most important factor.

For a less stressful day trip to Boston by car, many travellers drive from Providence to one of the MBTA commuter rail stations just outside Boston, such as Braintree or Quincy Adams. These stations offer ample and affordable all-day parking, allowing you to take a relaxing train ride into the heart of the city. This approach lets you avoid navigating Boston's tricky traffic and the high cost of city parking, combining the convenience of your hire car with the ease of public transport.

Winter driving in Rhode Island has its own character. While the state generally sees less snow than northern New England, its coastal location means freezing rain and icy patches can be common. Main roads and motorways are typically well-ploughed and treated, but coastal winds can cause drifting snow, especially on bridges and exposed causeways. It's wise to drive cautiously, allow extra travel time after a storm, and be prepared for potentially slick spots even if the road surface looks clear.

For a smooth early-morning return at PVD, pack and organise your luggage the night before. When you drive to the airport, follow the signs marked "Rental Car Return", which will direct you to the correct entrance of the car park, separate from general airport parking. Allow about 15–20 extra minutes beyond your usual airport arrival time to complete the return process and walk to the terminal. This small buffer ensures a calm and unhurried start to your travel day.

When travelling with bulky kit, choosing a vehicle with adequate space, such as an SUV or MPV, is the first step. For quick stops at scenic viewpoints or coastal shops, park where there's room to open doors and the tailgate without blocking traffic. At beaches, larger vehicles can be harder to squeeze into tight spaces during peak hours. Arriving earlier in the day makes finding a suitable, spacious parking spot much easier.

For a sunrise or sunset in Newport, Ocean Drive is ideal. To avoid parking issues, plan to arrive at your chosen spot, such as Brenton Point State Park or a designated pull-off, at least 30 minutes before the event. That gives you daylight to find a safe and legal place to park. For sunrise, parking is rarely a problem. For sunset, arriving early is key, as it’s a popular activity, and you’ll have a much more relaxing experience if you’re not searching for a spot at the last minute.

A good way to plan a flexible rainy day is to start with indoor Providence activities in the morning—visit a museum or explore Providence Place. Keep an eye on the weather radar, as coastal weather can change quickly and a rainy morning might clear into a pleasant afternoon. If the weather improves, nearby beaches such as Goddard Memorial State Park or a coastal town are a short drive away, allowing you to pivot plans without excessive backtracking.

A common mistake in Newport is relying solely on a satnav in the historic town where one-way streets can be confusing; it's often better to park and walk. In Providence, visitors can be tripped up by the complex I-95/I-195 interchange, so it helps to review your route on a map beforehand. Ensure your satnav is updated and set it to avoid unpaved roads. When heading to a specific attraction like a Newport mansion, entering the official name rather than just an address often leads you to the correct visitor entrance and car park.