National Car Hire
Providence

At Providence T.F. Green Airport (PVD) the rental-car process is designed for convenience. You do not need to stop at a counter in the main terminal after collecting your luggage. Instead, proceed directly to the consolidated rental-car facility located in a large car park connected to the terminal. Follow the overhead signs for Rental Cars; they will guide you across the Interlink skywalk. All rental-company desks, including National's, are together inside that facility.

Finding the rental-car area at PVD, even late at night, is straightforward. The airport has one clear route for travellers heading to collect a vehicle. After you leave the baggage claim area, look for the prominent overhead signs directing you to Rental Cars and the Interlink skywalk. This enclosed, elevated walkway takes you directly from the terminal to the rental-car car park on the same level, removing any need to navigate different floors. The route is well lit and easy to follow at any hour.

For planning purposes, allow roughly 45 to 60 minutes from landing to driving away. This covers deplaning, walking to baggage claim and waiting for luggage, which can take about 20–30 minutes. The walk across the skywalk to the rental-car car park is around 5–10 minutes. The remaining time is for completing the rental process and stowing bags and car seats, which will vary depending on how busy the desk is.

Getting to downtown Providence from the airport is direct and well signed. As you exit the rental-car car park, follow signs for the Airport Connector. That short road merges you directly onto Interstate 95 (I-95) North. Stay on I-95 North for about 10 miles and you will see several exits for downtown Providence, including the one for the Providence Place mall. Using your preferred navigation app helps, but the key is to get onto I-95 North.

Downtown Providence offers several practical parking options for your rental. Many hotels have their own car parks or valet services, which are often the most convenient. If your hotel doesn’t provide parking, look for public car parks such as the one at Providence Place mall or the Rhode Island Convention Center; these are centrally located and secure. There are also numerous smaller private lots across the city. On-street metered parking exists but can be hard to find and may carry overnight restrictions.

The interchange where I-95 and I-195 meet in Providence can be challenging for first-time visitors, particularly in peak hours. It features multiple lanes, frequent merges and exits that come up quickly. Best practice is to use a sat-nav and know your exit number well in advance. Move into the required lane early rather than making last-minute changes. Pay close attention to the overhead signs and be prepared for traffic to slow down unexpectedly as drivers negotiate the complex junction.

Parking on College Hill near Brown and RISD needs some planning as on-street parking is limited and often restricted. Your best option is a public or university-affiliated visitor car park, such as the Power Street garage serving the Brown community. There are also several pay-and-display lots along Thayer Street. Arriving earlier in the day gives you the best chance of finding a space, and be prepared for a short, pleasant walk through the historic neighbourhood to your destination.

When driving to Federal Hill for a meal, the best strategy is to look for parking just off the main thoroughfare, Atwells Avenue. You can often find on-street bays on the side streets or use one of the small paid car parks nearby. Once parked, the core of Federal Hill is very walkable. You can stroll along Atwells Avenue, enjoy DePasquale Square and move between shops and restaurants on foot without needing to move your vehicle.

During a WaterFire lighting expect significant road closures and traffic diversions in the immediate downtown area, particularly on streets bordering the rivers like Memorial Boulevard. The best plan is to park your rental well away from the event centre, for example in the Providence Place mall car park or a lot further up on the East Side. After the event be prepared for heavy pedestrian traffic and slow-moving vehicles as everyone departs at once. Patience is key; walking a little further to your car will help you avoid the worst of the gridlock.

A day trip from Providence to Newport by rental car is realistic and one of the best ways to enjoy the coastal scenery. The drive is scenic and straightforward. While parking in downtown Newport can be challenging during peak summer season, it is manageable with good planning. The most effective approach is to head straight to the Newport Gateway Visitor Centre, which has a large public car park. From there you can walk to the waterfront, shops and restaurants, or hop on a local trolley to see the mansions.

The common and scenic route to Newport crosses two main bridges, which are generally not stressful as they are modern and well maintained. From PVD take I-95 South briefly to Route 4 South, which becomes US-1 South. Then take the exit for Route 138 East, which leads you over the Jamestown Verrazzano Bridge and the iconic Newport Pell Bridge. This route is well signed for Newport and offers attractive water views, making it the most enjoyable and efficient path.

Parking for the Newport mansions is straightforward: most major properties, such as The Breakers, Marble House and Rosecliff, have dedicated visitor parking on site. You can drive from one mansion to the next and park at each. Alternatively many visitors park at one mansion and then use the famous Cliff Walk, a public path behind the properties, to walk between them. That involves a fair amount of walking but provides spectacular ocean views.

The key to a successful beach day at popular spots like Narragansett Town Beach or Scarborough State Beach is to arrive early. On a sunny summer weekend car parks can fill up as early as 10:00. Plan to leave Providence with enough time to secure a space before the crowds arrive. It's also sensible to have a backup plan; if your first-choice beach is full, smaller state beaches nearby might still have space. Pack the car the night before so you can get on the road quickly in the morning.

The most reliable way to drive to the southern Rhode Island coastline is to use the main state highways. From Providence take I-95 South to Route 4 South, which then merges into US Route 1 South. US-1 runs parallel to the coast and provides direct access to well signposted roads leading to the major beaches and coastal towns. Sticking to these main routes until you are close to your destination will help you avoid narrow, confusing local roads.

For a day trip to Block Island you will take the ferry from Point Judith in Galilee. The usual practice is to leave your rental in one of the large, designated ferry car parks located beside the terminal. Both state-operated and private lots are available for day-trippers and overnight visitors. You typically do not take a rental car on the ferry for a short trip, as the island is best explored by bike, moped or on foot. The car parks are secure and within easy walking distance of the ferry dock.

The drive from PVD to the Providence Amtrak/MBTA station is very simple. From the airport take the Airport Connector to I-95 North. Continue on I-95 North for about 10 miles and take the exit for State Offices, which is clearly signed. The train station is immediately visible from the highway, located next to the State House and the Providence Place mall. The station has a well marked drop-off lane directly in front of the main entrance, making it easy to handle luggage.

The most practical approach is to use your rental car for exploring Providence and Rhode Island, then use public transport for your Boston trips. Driving and parking in downtown Boston can be stressful and expensive. Park your rental in Providence and take the MBTA Commuter Rail from Providence station to Boston's South Station. It's a relaxed, efficient journey that drops you right in the heart of the city, allowing you to explore Boston on foot or by tube.

To ensure a stress‑free departure for an early‑morning flight, plan to leave downtown Providence about two hours before your flight’s departure. The drive to PVD is typically only 15–20 minutes without traffic, but it’s wise to add a buffer. This allows ample time to return the rental, walk back to the terminal, check in and clear security without rushing. If you travel during potential rush hour, consider adding an extra 20–30 minutes.

Missing the rental-car return entrance at PVD is easy to fix, so don’t worry. The airport road layout is a simple loop. If you miss the turn, continue following the signs for Departures or Arrivals; this will circle you back to the main airport entrance. On your second approach stay in the correct lane and you will see the Rental Car Return signs again, allowing you to take the turn successfully.

Successfully planning a Cape Cod day trip hinges on avoiding peak bridge traffic. To beat the rush, leave Providence very early and aim to cross the Sagamore or Bourne Bridge before 08:00, especially on a summer weekend. For the return trip either leave the Cape by early afternoon (around 14:00) or wait until later in the evening (after 20:00). This strategy helps you bypass the worst of the bridge congestion and keeps your schedule on track.

If you’re staying in Warwick or Cranston the most direct route into downtown Providence is typically Interstate 95 North. During peak commute times, roughly 07:30–09:00, expect heavy traffic and delays. While a sat‑nav might suggest alternative surface streets like Elmwood Avenue or Post Road, these routes often become just as congested. The simplest plan is often to stick to the highway and allow extra travel time.

First‑time visitors are often caught out by the extensive network of one‑way streets, particularly in the downtown area and on the East Side near Brown University. The area around Kennedy Plaza can be especially confusing due to bus lanes and multiple intersecting roads. Streets on College Hill, like Benefit Street, are not only one‑way but also narrow and historic. Rely on a good sat‑nav, drive defensively and give yourself plenty of time to navigate.

To make the pickup process smoother with family gear, use a divide‑and‑conquer approach. One adult should wait with the children, luggage, stroller and car seat in the designated passenger pickup area outside baggage claim. The other adult can walk over to the rental‑car car park to retrieve the vehicle. Once the car is ready the driver can circle back to the terminal’s arrivals curb to quickly and safely load the family and all the gear.

After collecting your rental at PVD you’ll find convenient options just minutes away in Warwick. Major roads like Post Road (US‑1) and Bald Hill Road (Route 2) are lined with shopping centres that include supermarkets, pharmacies such as CVS or Walgreens and coffee shops. These areas are easily accessible from the airport and let you quickly stock up on snacks, drinks and travel essentials before checking in at your accommodation.

When travelling from PVD to Newport County for a wedding on a summer weekend, especially a Friday or Saturday afternoon, build a generous buffer. Add at least 45–60 minutes to the normal travel time. Traffic can become very heavy on the approaches to the Jamestown and Newport bridges, the main routes onto the island. Allowing this extra time will help ensure you arrive relaxed and on schedule.

Driving to Roger Williams Park Zoo is straightforward; it’s located within a large city park and clearly signposted. The zoo provides ample free parking in several large lots near the main entrance. However, on sunny weekends, holidays or during events the zoo is very popular and these lots can fill quickly. To get a good space and avoid the largest crowds, it’s recommended to arrive early in the day, ideally close to opening time.

For a relaxing fall foliage drive consider exploring the more rural western parts of Rhode Island. A great option is Route 102, also known as Victory Highway, which runs north–south through charming small towns and wooded areas. Another excellent choice is the roads that circle the Scituate Reservoir, west of Providence. These routes are generally well maintained state highways that are wide enough for comfortable driving while offering lovely autumn views.

In Rhode Island, as in the rest of New England, traffic already inside a rotary or traffic circle has right of way. You must yield to circulating traffic before entering. Some multi‑lane rotaries in suburban areas like Warwick or Cranston can be confusing for visitors. The key is to approach slowly, read the signs to determine which lane you need for your exit and be assertive but cautious when merging. Always signal your intention to leave the rotary.

The primary toll points you’ll encounter in the region are the bridges leading to Newport. The Newport Pell Bridge charges a toll in both directions. Most rental companies offer programmes that let you use electronic tolling lanes for convenience. It’s a good idea to ask how this service works when you collect your vehicle. You won’t encounter tolls driving between Providence and the Massachusetts border on the way toward Cape Cod.

The easiest and most scenic drive to Bristol from Providence is to take I-195 East to Exit 7 for Route 114 South, also known as Wampanoag Trail. That road will take you directly into the heart of Bristol. For parking, especially if you’re accessing the East Bay Bike Path, there is a large convenient car park in Colt State Park. You can also find on‑street parking throughout Bristol’s charming downtown waterfront area, which is a short distance from the bike path.

During peak summer hours, especially at weekends, Jamestown gets quite busy. Beavertail State Park has several free parking areas but they can fill up quickly. To secure a spot it’s best to arrive before mid‑morning or visit later in the afternoon. The main town of Jamestown has metered on‑street parking that can also be competitive. Be prepared to walk a short distance from your parking spot to shops and restaurants.

A day trip to Mystic is an easy and enjoyable drive, taking about an hour from Providence via I-95 South. Parking is well organised for the town’s main attractions. Both the Mystic Seaport Museum and the Mystic Aquarium have large, dedicated visitor car parks, making it very convenient. If you plan to explore the historic downtown near the famous drawbridge, there are several paid public lots as well as limited on‑street parking available for your rental.

The most strategic park‑once‑and‑walk location in Providence is the downtown area near the Providence Place mall. By parking your rental in the mall’s large garage you are centrally located to explore many key areas on foot. From there you can easily walk to the State House, Waterplace Park and the riverwalk, the financial district and even across the river to the base of College Hill. This saves the hassle of finding new parking in each neighbourhood you visit.

When driving in heavy rain, exercise significant caution. Reduce your speed, switch on your headlights to improve visibility and increase the following distance between your car and the vehicle ahead. Be particularly wary of low‑lying areas and underpasses, as some streets in Providence and Warwick are prone to localised flooding. Never attempt to drive through deep, standing water, as it can be deeper than it appears and may damage your vehicle.

Visitors in winter are often surprised by the prevalence of black ice, especially on bridges, overpasses and coastal roads exposed to moisture and freezing temperatures. This thin, transparent layer of ice can be present even when there is no visible snow. After any winter storm, main highways are cleared quickly, but secondary and local roads may remain snow‑covered or icy for longer. Allow extra travel time and drive at a reduced speed in cold conditions.

Most major public car parks in downtown Providence, such as those at the mall or convention centre, are built to modern standards and can accommodate standard SUVs. However, some older, smaller private garages or those attached to historic hotels might have lower clearance heights. Before entering any garage with a larger rental vehicle like a full‑size SUV or a van, always look for the posted maximum height sign at the entrance.

The simplest drive to the University of Rhode Island in Kingston is to take I-95 South from the airport to Route 4 South, which then becomes US-1 South. From there take the exit for Route 138 West, which leads directly to the campus. URI has designated visitor parking areas, with the main lot typically located near the Fine Arts Centre. During busy times you may need to park in a more distant lot, so check the university’s visitor parking map online before you go.

For an easy seafood stop with manageable parking consider the port of Galilee in Point Judith. It hosts many casual seafood restaurants and has large public car parks that also serve the Block Island ferry, offering plenty of space outside peak ferry times. Another good option is the historic village of Wickford, which has on‑street parking and small public lots near its waterfront restaurants. These areas provide an authentic coastal Rhode Island experience without the parking challenges of busier tourist centres.

Pawtucket is just north of Providence and easily accessible via I-95. To avoid pre‑event gridlock for a concert or game, the best strategy is to arrive well ahead of the scheduled start time. Plan to get there at least an hour early, which will allow you to find street parking or a spot in a designated lot without getting caught in the last‑minute rush. After the event expect a slow departure as local streets fill with exiting traffic.

As you drive on the T.F. Green Airport Connector road towards the terminal, stay in the left‑hand lanes. You will see large, clear overhead signs well in advance that differentiate between traffic for Arrivals/Departures and Rental Car Return. The sign for rental cars will direct you to a dedicated exit ramp on the left. Following these specific signs, rather than just heading for the main terminal building, will guide you directly into the entrance of the consolidated rental‑car facility.