TRAVEL
Flying into Providence: Rhode Island T.F. Green Airport can be a convenient option for those who don’t mind an additional layover. It is located in Warwick, RI, about 10 miles south of Providence (approximately 15-20 minutes by car or 40 minutes by bus). Rideshare and car rental services are available directly from the airport. Bus routes 1, 14 and 21 also pass by the airport; the fare is around $2 for 1 hour of unlimited rides. To ride RIPTA, you should either have the Wave app or pay in cash in the bus (exact change only).
Take the Train into Providence: The Providence Amtrak/MBTA train station (100 Gaspee St, Providence, RI) is located very close to the Brown Campus (less than a mile). However, the campus is located on College Hill, and the incline can prove to be a challenge if you intend to walk all the way with heavy luggage. Taxi pick-up and drop-off are available at the station to travel to the main campus or to Providence locations; however, rideshare services like Lyft or Uber are generally cheaper.
Some may choose to Fly into Boston: Boston Logan International Airport, which is approximately a one-hour drive to campus. If you can drive and have a valid driver’s license, various rental car options are available at the airport. Alternatively, both Uber and Lyft can be used to travel to campus. Alternatively, it is possible to get a free shuttle bus (the Silver line) from Boston Logan to South Station Train station in Boston. From there, it is possible to take the Amtrak (American national rail) or MBTA (regional commuter rail) to Providence. The Amtrak ride from Boston to Providence is around 45 minutes long and typically starts at around $15 if you order at least two weeks in advance; however, prices increase closer to the date. The MBTA has a flat rate of $12.50 and takes about 80 minutes. Tickets for the Amtrak should be purchased before boarding but tickets for the MBTA can be purchased on the train. Another option is to get on a bus. Peter Pan Bus Lines go from Logan International terminal to both Providence bus terminal and downtown Providence. The ride is 1 hour 10 min and costs approximately $27. You can also book your tickets online in advance.
PARKING
Parking on Campus For Visitors: Visitors may find parking in Lot 68 Upper, also called the Power Street Parking Garage, located at 111 Power Street. The garage entrance is located at the intersection of Power and Thayer Streets. Please locate an empty parking space, purchase your visitor parking permit via a pay station, and place your permit receipt on your vehicle dashboard.
A Providence city ordinance prohibits parking on the street between the hours of 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. Overnight parking permits may also be purchased from Brown and the City of Providence. Please note parking spaces around Brown and Providence are scarce.
LOCAL TRAVEL
Getting around campus: The Brown University Shuttle (BUS) is a free transportation service for the Brown community (students, faculty, and staff with a Brown ID). There are several routes that run Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and in the evening from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. (Sun. - Wed.) and 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. (Thurs. - Sat.).
Get your walk on! PVD is fairly quaint and walkable. We encourage you to consider taking a morning stroll, but be aware of your surroundings.
Local Buses Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) RIPTA operates buses throughout the state and in Providence; service is dependable and all Brown students ride free by swiping their ID’s. The central bus stop for the whole city is located in the center of the city at Kennedy Plaza, a 10-minute walk down the hill from 9 College Hill. Buses also run frequently with many stops along Thayer, Hope, and North and South Main Streets to many of the nearby neighborhoods. Check schedules and maps at www.ripta.com and the Transit app on your phone.
Uber or Lyft are always great options in PVD!
Thank you to The Grad Assistant’s Unofficial Guide to Brown 2025, from International Graduate Student Assistants for these tips!