Payless Car Hire
Rhode Island

After you collect your luggage at baggage claim, look for the overhead signs directing you to the "Rental Car Center." T.F. Green Airport has a convenient interlink skywalk that provides a covered, indoor walk directly from the terminal to the rental facility. Once you arrive in the rental car building, you will see the counters for all the agencies, including Payless. The entire process is well-marked and designed to be a seamless transition from your flight.

You won't need GPS to find the rental car area at PVD, as the airport's internal signage is excellent. Simply follow the prominent signs for the "Rental Car Center" after you exit the secure area. These signs will guide you to the interlink skywalk, a pedestrian bridge that connects the main terminal directly to the building where the Payless counter is located. The path is well-lit and straightforward, ensuring you can find your way easily at any time of night.

The most direct route is to follow the signs from the airport connector road to I-95 North. This major highway will take you straight into the city in about 15 minutes without traffic. To minimise confusion, stay in the middle lanes as you approach the city. Look for the well-marked exits for "Downtown" or "Memorial Boulevard" to get into the heart of Providence, which helps you avoid the more complex I-195 interchange on your initial drive.

The drive to Newport can become very congested on summer weekends, particularly on Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings. The route involves crossing several bridges, which act as bottlenecks and can cause significant backups. For a more relaxed journey, plan to drive either early in the morning, before 9:00 AM, or later in the afternoon, after 3:00 PM. This helps you miss the peak rush of beachgoers and hotel check-in traffic.

Many visitors find the Newport Gateway Transportation & Visitors Center to be the most reliable option for overnight parking, as it offers a large, centrally located garage. Another great strategy is to book accommodation that explicitly includes on-site guest parking, which removes any uncertainty. Otherwise, you can use smaller municipal lots, but be sure to carefully read all posted signs for any overnight restrictions, which are common in residential areas.

The Newport Pell Bridge operates with an all-electronic, cashless tolling system, meaning you cannot pay with cash as you cross. Most rental car companies, including Payless, equip their vehicles with transponders or other programmes to manage these tolls for you. To ensure a smooth trip, it's a good practice to ask the agent at the rental counter how your specific vehicle handles electronic tolls so you know exactly what to expect.

The most direct path to the South County beaches from Providence is to take I-95 South to Route 4 South. Route 4 is a highway that bypasses town centres and leads directly toward Narragansett and other coastal destinations. Even on this route, summer weekend traffic can be heavy, so your best strategy is to depart from Providence early in the morning, ideally before 9 AM, to get ahead of the main crowds.

Roger Williams Park Zoo is conveniently located just a short drive from downtown Providence. On a typical weekday, leaving about 30 minutes before the zoo's opening time should provide a comfortable buffer for local traffic. For example, if the zoo opens at 10:00 AM, departing around 9:30 AM will usually get you there with time to park and walk to the entrance without feeling rushed by morning commuter traffic.

Driving on College Hill, where Brown and RISD are located, can be challenging for visitors due to its narrow, steep, and often one-way streets. On-street metered parking is available but is in very high demand and can be difficult to find. The most practical approach is to locate a visitor car park, such as the Power Street lot, park your car there, and then enjoy exploring the beautiful, historic campuses on foot.

Parking in the vibrant Federal Hill neighbourhood can be competitive in the evening, especially on weekends. While there is metered parking along the main thoroughfare, Atwells Avenue, these spots fill up very quickly. A better strategy is to look for the numerous small, private pay lots located on the side streets just off the avenue. Arriving a bit before your reservation will give you more time to find a convenient spot.

Yes, Providence's street layout can be challenging for newcomers, particularly in the downtown, College Hill, and Federal Hill neighbourhoods, which feature many one-way streets. The complex highway interchange where I-95 and I-195 meet near the city centre is another area that frequently causes confusion. It's highly recommended to use a GPS and review your route before you start driving to anticipate turns and lane changes.

When taking the ferry from Point Judith to Block Island, the most secure and convenient option is to use the official ferry car parks. As you approach the ferry terminal, you will see clear signage directing you to these large, designated lots where you can park your rental car for the day. Trying to find free street parking in the area is generally not feasible and not recommended for a day trip.

A great strategy is to park your car just once and explore on foot. Consider parking at the large public lot at Easton's Beach, also known as First Beach, which is located at the beginning of the Cliff Walk. From there, you can enjoy the scenic walk, see the mansions from the path, and then loop back along Bellevue Avenue, all without the stress of moving your car and finding a new spot for each attraction.

The drive from T.F. Green Airport to Mystic is typically about 45 to 60 minutes, following I-95 South. The journey is quite straightforward. Parking for the Mystic Aquarium is very simple, as the attraction has its own large, dedicated car park directly on-site. Just follow the highway signs for the aquarium exit, and the entrance to the parking area is clearly marked and easy to access.

For WaterFire, it's best to avoid driving directly into the event area, as many downtown streets will be closed to traffic. The most effective plan is to park in a car park on the periphery and walk to the river. The Providence Place Mall and the Rhode Island Convention Centre both have large car parks that offer convenient access. Arriving early will help you secure a spot and enjoy the evening on foot.

The most secure way to manage your luggage is to place it in the boot of your rental car, keeping it completely out of sight. The area around the airport in Warwick has many shopping centres and restaurants just a few minutes' drive away. By stowing your belongings securely first, you can comfortably run your errands or enjoy a meal with peace of mind before heading to your hotel.

Immediately after exiting the rental car facility, you can find a quiet spot in one of the large shopping centre car parks along Post Road or Jefferson Boulevard. These car parks are just a minute or two from the airport and are typically not crowded. This provides a safe, low-traffic environment to adjust your mirrors, connect your phone to the car's system, and programme your GPS before merging onto the main highways.

During rush hour, the stretch of I-95 through Providence can be very congested, with drivers often making quick lane changes. The section known as the "Providence Viaduct" or "S-curve" is particularly known for slowdowns and requires extra attention. It's wise to drive defensively, leave plenty of space between you and the car ahead, and be alert for vehicles merging from the frequent on-ramps.

On a sunny summer weekend, the traffic to enter Scarborough State Beach can be very heavy, with long lines forming on the access road. The backups typically start building around 10:00 AM as the main car parks begin to fill. To avoid the worst of the wait and secure a good parking spot, it is highly recommended to plan your arrival for before 9:30 AM.

For a relaxing fall foliage drive, explore the rural roads of north-western Rhode Island, an area sometimes called the state's "Quiet Corner." Following scenic routes like Route 102 or Route 44 will take you through beautiful forests and past charming farms. This region is far less congested than the coastal towns, offering a peaceful driving experience perfect for enjoying the autumn colours.

The main challenge of parking near Thames Street is the extremely high demand for a very limited supply of on-street spots and small, private lots. These options fill up very quickly, especially during peak season. A reliable backup plan is to head directly to the Newport Gateway Transportation Centre garage, which is a short walk away and almost always has space available, saving you from circling frustratingly.

When booking your stay, confirm that the hotel or inn offers guaranteed, on-site parking for its guests. In historic coastal towns, some smaller properties may have very limited space or rely on public street parking, which can be difficult to find in the summer. Verifying the parking situation beforehand is a key step to ensure you have a convenient and secure place for your rental car upon arrival.

A smart approach is to group the mansions geographically. You can park at one of the larger mansions with its own lot, such as The Breakers, and then walk to other nearby mansions like Ochre Court or Vinland Estate. After visiting that cluster, you can then drive to another area, like the one around Marble House and Rosecliff, and repeat the process. This strategy minimises driving and re-parking throughout the day.

The drive itself, primarily on I-195 East, is straightforward, but bridge traffic is the main challenge. On a summer weekend, expect significant delays at the Sagamore and Bourne bridges leading onto Cape Cod in the morning and leaving in the afternoon. To make the trip more enjoyable, it's essential to leave Providence very early, ideally before 7:00 AM, to beat the worst of the backups.

To reach many hotels in Warwick and Cranston, you can use major local roads that run parallel to the highway. Routes like Post Road (US-1) and Jefferson Boulevard provide direct access to numerous hotels, restaurants, and shopping areas near the airport. Using these surface streets is often a much calmer and more direct alternative than immediately merging into heavy I-95 traffic.

Most downtown hotels have a designated passenger loading zone right at their main entrance. The best method is to pull into this zone, and if possible, have one person stay with the luggage while the driver proceeds to the hotel's recommended car park. This allows you to unload your belongings safely and efficiently without holding up traffic on busy city streets.

The most notoriously confusing area is the I-95/I-195 interchange near downtown Providence, where multiple lanes split off in rapid succession for different destinations. Another tricky spot is the series of exits around the State House and Providence Place Mall. It is crucial to pay close attention to your navigation's lane guidance well in advance of these splits to avoid making a last-second, incorrect turn.

The key to a smooth trip to Gillette Stadium is to arrive very early, often several hours before the event starts, to get ahead of the traffic that builds up on Route 1. For departure, patience is essential. Many people find it less stressful to wait in the car park for an hour or so after the event concludes, allowing the initial wave of gridlock to dissipate before starting their drive back.

While the drive to Boston is relatively short, parking and driving in the city centre is difficult and expensive. A highly recommended strategy is to drive your rental car to a tube station on the outskirts of Boston, such as Alewife on the Red Line or Riverside on the Green Line. These stations have large car parks, allowing you to park for the day and take the train into the city hassle-free.

A rental car is very practical for exploring Providence's culinary scene, as many acclaimed breweries and restaurants are located in neighbourhoods outside the immediate downtown. Areas like the West End, Olneyville, and the Jewelry District often have more accessible street parking than the busiest parts of the city. For any destinations right downtown, utilising a car park remains the simplest option.

For family-friendly ease, attractions with their own large, dedicated car parks are your best bet. Roger Williams Park Zoo and the Providence Children's Museum both offer ample on-site parking, making them very convenient. Likewise, major state beaches like Misquamicut and Scarborough have expansive lots designed to handle crowds, minimising the walk from your car to the fun.

The drive from the airport to the Westerly area is a pleasant one, taking about 45–60 minutes primarily on scenic Route 1. In the popular village of Watch Hill, public parking is very limited and in high demand during the summer. Most visitors use the large pay-to-park lots located a short walk from the main shopping area and beaches, so arriving early in the day is crucial to secure a spot.

When encountering heavy rain or dense coastal fog, which can reduce visibility dramatically, the most important step is to significantly reduce your speed. Always use your low-beam headlights, not your high beams, to be more visible to other drivers. Be especially cautious on bridges and winding coastal roads, and build extra time into your travel schedule to account for slower, safer driving conditions.

Yes, several areas can be challenging for larger vehicles. The historic streets on College Hill in Providence and the Point section of Newport are famously narrow. Additionally, navigating and parking in charming but compact coastal villages like Wickford or Watch Hill can be much easier with a compact or mid-size car. A smaller vehicle provides more manoeuvrability in these tight quarters.

For an early morning flight, a safe plan is to leave downtown Providence about two hours before your flight's scheduled departure. The drive to the airport itself is only about 15–20 minutes at that hour. This generous buffer allows plenty of time to complete the car return process, take the shuttle to the terminal if necessary, check your bags, and clear security without any stress.

As you approach the T.F. Green Airport complex, make sure to stay in the left-hand lanes. Look for the large, clear overhead signs that specifically say "Rental Car Return." These signs will guide you to a dedicated entrance for the return facility, separating you from the main traffic loops for passenger arrivals and departures. Following these specific signs is the key to a direct and easy return.

The most efficient method is for the driver to first go to the "Departures" level and drop off the passenger and all the luggage directly at the airline's curb. Once the passenger is heading into the terminal, the driver can then proceed alone to follow the "Rental Car Return" signs. This prevents the hassle of managing luggage at the rental centre and makes the entire process quicker and smoother for both people.

A great itinerary would be to dedicate your first day to exploring Providence itself, including College Hill, downtown, and Federal Hill. On the second day, take a day trip south to Newport to see the mansions and enjoy the coast, which is about a 45-minute drive. For a third day, you could explore the charming coastal towns of South County, like Narragansett or Wickford, keeping your daily round-trip driving under two hours.

To create an efficient loop from PVD, a logical route is to first head south to explore the Rhode Island coast, including Newport and the South County beaches. From there, continue west into Connecticut to visit coastal towns like Mystic. Afterwards, you can drive north through eastern Connecticut and central Massachusetts to head towards Boston, eventually looping back south on I-95 to return to Providence, minimising any backtracking.