Whether you fly, drive, or take mass transit, you will find that Rhode Island is an easily reachable destination. The state continues to invest in its transportation network, and while renting a car on arrival provides maximum flexibility, it isn't an absolute must. If you plan to rely on public transportation, be sure to consult the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) Web site, www.ripta.com, for current routes and schedules.

T.F. Green International Airport (PVD)

T.F. Green International Airport (401-737-8222 or 888-268-7222, www.pvdairport.com) is located at exit 13 off I-95, just twelve minutes south of Providence in Warwick. It is an easily accessible, relatively hassle-free transportation gateway that serves the state as well as southern New England. It is even a reasonable alternative to busy Logan Airport in Boston. More than 5 million passengers utilize the airport each year.

MAJOR AIRLINES SERVING T.F. GREEN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Airport Connections

Aero-Airport Limousine Service (401-737-2868) offers regularly scheduled transportation service from T.F. Green International Airport to Providence hotels, the train station, Dunkin' Donuts Center, the Convention Center, Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), and Brown University. Cozy Cab, Inc. (401-846-1500 or 800-846-1502, www.cozytrans.com) operates a shuttle between the airport and Newport.

Getting Around

For a small state, Rhode Island has a surprisingly well-developed system of ferry, train, bus, and trolley services. The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (401-781-9400) serves thirty-eight of Rhode Island's thirty-nine communities with fifty-eight transportation routes statewide.

In Providence, RIPTA operates the downtown Providence LINK, vintage-style trackless trolleys. Two routes take visitors to stops at twenty city parking lots and at major city attractions. The cost is $1.50 per person, per ride. RIPTA also offers a Day Pass, which entitles the purchaser to unlimited rides on trolleys and buses statewide. Tokens and passes are available at the Kennedy Plaza Transportation Center in Providence.

In Newport, RIPTA offers year-round trolley service departing from the Gateway Visitors Center, with stops at the Bellevue Avenue mansions, the Cliff Walk, and more. All-day passes are priced at $6 per person or $18 for a family of four.

RIPTA also offers daily ferry service between Providence and Newport from mid-May through mid-October. The RIPTA ferry is operated by New England Fast Ferry Co. The trip from Conley's Wharf in Providence to Newport's Perrotti Park takes just over an hour. Reservations are recommended; call 401-453-6800.

Getting to Block Island

Block Island is located twelve miles off the coast of Rhode Island. It is not connected to the mainland and is accessible only by air or by boat.

The Block Island Ferry is operated by the Interstate Navigation Company (401-783-4613, www.blockislandferry.com). Year-round service is available between Point Judith, Rhode Island, and Block Island. In the summer, ferries also depart for Block Island from Newport. The trip takes about an hour from Point Judith and two hours from Newport. Call or visit the Web site for pricing information and scheduled departure times, which vary seasonally. Plan to arrive about an hour before your scheduled departure to allow ample time to park and board. Passenger tickets may be purchased on board the ferry.

It is extraordinarily difficult to take a car to Block Island. All vehicle reservations need to be booked and paid for in advance by telephone. Vehicle reservations for summer weekends and holidays should be booked four to five months in advance. Your reservation will be forfeited if you do not check your car in at the ferry ticket window at least one hour prior to departure. Reservations are not necessary for passengers, bicycles, and motorcycles.

Without a vehicle reservation, you can inquire about traveling standby on your date of departure. However, even if you manage to secure a standby slot, you will not be guaranteed a return reservation.

New England Airlines (401-466-5881 or 800-243-2460) provides air service between Westerly State Airport and Block Island. The round-trip flight takes about twelve minutes, and adult airfare is about $85.