Hertz Car Hire
Rhode Island

After collecting your luggage from baggage reclaim, look for the overhead signs for Rental Cars. You will proceed to the airport car park, which is connected to the terminal by a covered walkway known as the Skywalk. The Hertz desk and vehicle collection area are located together within this dedicated rental facility. The walk is short and entirely indoors, keeping you sheltered from the weather as you make your way to your vehicle.

On a typical weekday afternoon the process is generally efficient and smooth. Allowing for the walk from your gate, a brief stop at baggage reclaim and the short walk to the rental centre, you can often be driving away within 30 to 45 minutes. This can vary depending on how many other travellers are in the queue at the desk. Having your reservation details and driving licence ready will help speed up the collection.

Arriving late at night at PVD is usually straightforward. The rental car centre is used to late arrivals, so the desk should be staffed and ready for you. The airport will be much quieter, meaning fewer crowds and potentially a quicker process at the desk. Road traffic will also be very light, making for a smooth and easy start to your visit.

The most direct and simple route is to follow the signs from the airport onto I-95 North. This major motorway takes you into the city centre in about 15 minutes without traffic. Stay in the right-hand lanes as you approach the city and look for the well-signed exits for Downtown, such as Memorial Boulevard. This route minimises complex interchanges immediately after you’ve got used to your rental car.

For a first-time visitor, Narragansett Town Beach and Scarborough State Beach are excellent choices and easy to reach. From the Providence area you’ll take I-95 South to Route 4 South, a direct road that leads towards the coast. The routes are well signed and these popular beaches have large, dedicated car parks, which simplifies the final part of your journey. They offer a classic Rhode Island beach experience without complicated navigation.

Driving over the Claiborne Pell (Newport) Bridge and the Jamestown Verrazzano Bridge is scenic and generally stress-free. The bridges are modern, multi-lane structures with clear signage and standard speed limits. For tolls, most rental firms have an automated system that handles payment for you, so you can drive through the electronic toll lanes without stopping. Focus on the views and maintain a steady speed with the flow of traffic.

Many hotels and inns in Newport provide dedicated guest parking, which is the most convenient option. If your accommodation doesn’t, the Newport Gateway Center has a large public car park that is centrally located. When driving, be mindful of the historic district’s narrow, one-way streets, especially Thames Street and the residential roads. A smaller rental car can be advantageous for navigating and parking in these tight spaces.

A day trip to Block Island is very realistic and a popular choice for visitors. You would drive your rental car from Providence to the ferry terminal at Point Judith, Narragansett, which is about a 45-minute drive. The key is to plan ahead, as you will need to park your car in one of the large lots near the terminal and walk onto the passenger ferry. Check the ferry timetable in advance and arrive early, especially during the busy summer months.

The most common and easily accessible terminal is the Block Island Ferry at Point Judith in Narragansett. It is well signed from main roads and has several large, designated car parks for day-trippers and overnight visitors. During the peak summer season it is recommended to arrive at least 45 to 60 minutes before your ferry’s departure. This allows ample time to find parking, pay at the kiosk and walk to the terminal without rushing.

A great strategy is to park once and explore a cluster of mansions on foot. A popular option is to park near The Breakers, which has a dedicated lot. From there you can easily walk to other nearby mansions like Ochre Court and Vinland Estate. You can also use the famous Cliff Walk, a scenic path that runs behind the mansions, to travel between them while enjoying ocean views, saving you the hassle of finding parking at each location.

Yes, the interchange in Providence where I-95, I-195 and Route 6/10 converge can be challenging for first-time visitors. The area features quick lane changes, left-hand exits and lanes that split unexpectedly. While your GPS will guide you, it’s crucial to also pay attention to the overhead motorway signs well in advance of your exit. This allows you to get into the correct lane early and avoid last-minute stressful manoeuvres.

Morning and evening rush hours, typically from 07:00 to 09:00 and 16:00 to 18:30, can cause significant delays on I-95 and I-195 through Providence and Warwick. If you have a timed reservation, it is wise to budget an extra 30 to 45 minutes for your journey during these periods. The traffic moves slowly but steadily; the key is simply to allow for the extra time so you can arrive feeling relaxed and on schedule.

Driving and parking in Federal Hill during peak dinner times, especially at weekends, can be quite challenging. The main thoroughfare, Atwells Avenue, becomes very congested and on-street parking is extremely limited. Many visitors find it easiest to use one of the paid valet services offered by most restaurants. Alternatively, look for paid car parks on the edges of the neighbourhood and enjoy a short walk to your destination.

For events in this busy downtown area, the most straightforward parking solution is the large car park attached to the Rhode Island Convention Center. It is centrally located and provides covered access to both the Dunkin' Donuts Center and a short walk to the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC). Several other surface lots are available nearby, but the convention centre car park is often the most convenient and reliable option for event parking.

The simplest and most scenic route is well signposted and avoids city traffic. From the airport briefly take I-95 South to Exit 9 for Route 4 South. Follow Route 4 for about 15 miles until it merges with Route 1 South. Shortly after, take the well-signed exit for Route 138 East towards the Jamestown and Newport bridges. This path is a direct, motorway-based drive that leads you right into Newport.

Travellers get creative to maximise space in compact rental cars for a beach day. Using soft-sided, collapsible coolers instead of hard plastic ones saves significant room. Low-profile beach chairs and compact umbrellas are also popular choices. Many visitors pack strategically, placing coolers on the floor of the back seat and loading chairs vertically to make the most of every inch of boot and cabin space.

While major state beaches like Scarborough and Misquamicut have large car parks, they can fill to capacity very early on summer weekends, creating long waits. More complicated situations often arise at smaller town beaches, which may have confusing resident-only parking restrictions on surrounding streets. It’s always important to read all parking signs carefully in these areas to avoid fines or being towed.

During the summer, especially at weekends, traffic into Newport is heaviest between 10:00 and 14:00 as day-trippers arrive. Outbound traffic off the island becomes most congested between 16:00 and 19:00. To avoid the worst of it, plan to arrive in Newport before 10:00 and either leave before 16:00 or stay for dinner and depart later in the evening.

A great route is to start at Beavertail Lighthouse in Jamestown, which has ample parking and spectacular views. Then drive over the bridge to Newport to see Castle Hill Lighthouse; parking here is limited along the road, so be prepared for a short walk. Finally, head south to Point Judith Lighthouse in Narragansett, which also has a convenient public viewing area with parking. This itinerary connects three iconic lighthouses in a logical and scenic loop.

Before reserving a large SUV or van, it’s a good idea to call your hotel and enquire about their car park specifics. Ask for the maximum height clearance to ensure your vehicle will fit. Also ask if they have any restrictions on oversized vehicles or if certain spots are designated for compact cars only. Many older city car parks have tight turns and low ceilings, so this information is crucial for a hassle-free parking experience.

The drive from the airport to the Brown University area is quite straightforward, taking I-95 North to one of the downtown exits. However, once you arrive on College Hill, parking becomes very difficult. The streets are steep, narrow and on-street metered parking is scarce and in high demand. For a quick visit, your best and most reliable option is to use the university’s designated visitor car park located on Power Street.

One of the most common mistakes is underestimating weekend beach traffic on Route 4 South, which can add significant time to the trip. Another is not being prepared for the electronic tolls on the bridges to Newport and Jamestown. Visitors also sometimes miss the turn for Route 138 East to Newport after coming off Route 4, so it’s important to watch the signs closely. Planning for traffic and knowing your key turns are essential for a smooth drive.

For a culinary tour with easier parking, consider exploring beyond the busiest city centres. The towns of the East Bay, like Bristol and Warren, have acclaimed restaurants with much more accessible street parking. In Providence, neighbourhoods like the West End or Hope Street offer fantastic dining options where finding a spot is generally less stressful than in Federal Hill or the city centre. These areas allow you to focus more on the food and less on parking.

Driving in Rhode Island often feels more compact and fast-paced than in neighbouring Massachusetts. Motorway exits appear more quickly, so you need to be in the correct lane sooner. Speed limits can also change more frequently as you pass through different small towns. While drivers in both states can be assertive, the smaller scale of Rhode Island’s road network requires you to be extra attentive to upcoming turns and exits.

The most efficient route is a logical north-to-south progression. Start your day exploring Providence, then take I-195 East to Route 114 South. This road takes you directly into the charming waterfront town of Bristol. After your visit there, continue following Route 114 South through Portsmouth and Middletown, which leads you straight into Newport. This scenic path connects all three destinations in a straight line, eliminating any need for backtracking.

Roger Williams Park Zoo is very car-friendly, with large, free car parks located right by the main entrance. To ensure a prime parking spot and enjoy the zoo when it’s less crowded, the best strategy is to arrive shortly after it opens in the morning. Alternatively, visiting on a weekday afternoon after 13:00 is also a great option, as the morning crowds have often started to depart by then.

Driving at night in rural areas like South County or Little Compton can be challenging if you’re not used to it. Many back roads are narrow, winding and unlit, making them very dark. It is essential to drive cautiously, use your full beams when there is no oncoming traffic, and be vigilant for deer or other wildlife crossing the road. The roads themselves are generally well paved, but the lack of light requires extra attention.

A very convenient area for stocking up is along Bald Hill Road (Route 2) in Warwick, just a few minutes’ drive from the airport. This commercial corridor has several major supermarkets, such as Stop & Shop and Dave’s Marketplace, as well as pharmacies and department stores. It’s an easy stop to make right after picking up your car before you continue south towards the coastal communities.

For a relaxing and beautiful autumn drive, Route 1A along the coast from Wickford through Narragansett is a fantastic choice. It offers stunning ocean views and charming towns with less traffic compared to the summer. Another excellent, low-stress option is Route 77 through Tiverton and Little Compton, which winds through picturesque farmland, vineyards and coastal scenery. Both routes are easy to follow and showcase the best of Rhode Island’s autumn beauty.

On WaterFire nights, expect significant road closures in the city centre, particularly along the rivers and near Memorial Park. Driving directly to the event is not feasible. The best strategy is to park your rental car at a car park on the periphery of the centre, such as the Providence Place Mall or the Rhode Island Convention Centre car park. Arrive early, as these lots fill up quickly, and plan to enjoy a short walk to the heart of the event.

The drive from Providence to Cape Cod is straightforward via I-195 East to the Bourne or Sagamore Bridge. The primary challenge is traffic, especially on summer weekends. To avoid the worst delays, plan to leave Providence very early in the morning, ideally before 07:00 on a Friday or Saturday. Alternatively, travelling during off-peak times, such as mid-day during the week, will result in a much smoother and more pleasant journey.

A practical plan is to designate one car as the lead vehicle that everyone else will follow. Share locations via your smartphones to keep the group connected. The route from PVD to Newport is direct, so it’s easy to stay together. It’s also helpful to have the final destination address pre-loaded into everyone’s satnav as a backup in case the group gets separated in traffic.

For a stress-free early morning return, the best approach is to first drive to the terminal’s departures level. Drop off your passengers and all the luggage with them at the kerbside. After they are safely at the terminal, you can proceed alone to the rental car return area. This avoids the hassle of dragging bags from the rental facility and allows your group to check in while you finalise the vehicle return.

During a busy holiday weekend, it is wise to add at least 30 to 45 minutes of extra buffer time to your car return plan. The roads leading to the airport may have more traffic, the rental car return area itself could be more congested, and the security queues inside the terminal will almost certainly be longer. Arriving earlier than you think you need to is the best strategy to ensure you don’t feel rushed.

The key to a smooth return trip is to follow the signs for Route 4 North. This road will automatically merge and become I-95 North. Once you are on I-95 North, stay in the right-hand lanes and look for the large, clear signs for T.F. Green Airport, which has its own dedicated exit. Setting your satnav before you leave and paying attention to these major motorway signs will prevent most common navigational errors.

The choice depends on your primary activities. If you plan to spend most of your time in Providence or Newport’s historic district, a compact car is far easier for navigating narrow streets and fitting into tight parking spots. If your trip is focused on beach days and you need space for gear and passengers, an SUV is the better option. A compact SUV can be a great compromise, offering versatility for both urban and coastal environments.

Two excellent, child-friendly day trips with easy parking are Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence and Goddard Memorial Park in Warwick. The zoo has expansive, free car parks right at its entrance. Goddard Park offers plenty of space to park near its beaches, fields and picnic areas. Both destinations are a short and simple drive from the city, making them low-stress outings for families with a rental car.

The most important rule for many international visitors is that traffic flows on the right-hand side of the road. Additionally, a common rule in the US is the ability to turn right at a red light after coming to a complete stop, unless a sign specifically prohibits it. All distances and speeds on signs are posted in miles per hour, and it’s crucial to adhere to these limits as they are strictly enforced.

For a relaxed day trip, start by driving from the Providence area to Mystic first, taking I-95 South. Spend the morning and early afternoon exploring the seaport and village. Afterwards, take a scenic drive back along Route 1 and Route 1A through Westerly, heading towards Newport for the late afternoon and evening. This route avoids backtracking and allows you to enjoy two distinct coastal New England experiences in one day.

Two of the most common issues are forgetting to refuel the vehicle and leaving personal belongings behind. To avoid these, set a reminder to stop for petrol on your way to the airport and do a thorough sweep of the cabin, boot and glove compartment before you exit the car. Another frequent problem is not allowing enough time on peak travel days. Always budget extra time for the return process and airport security to ensure a smooth end to your trip.