Rhode Island's Air Travel: Which Airport To Choose?

Rhode Island is served by several airports, including T.F. Green International Airport (PVD) in Warwick, which is located just 10 minutes from downtown Providence. T.F. Green is a small airport, serving most major airlines, and is conveniently situated just 15 minutes from Providence and 35 minutes from Newport. Westerly State Airport (WST) and Block Island State Airport (BID) are serviced by regional airlines, and there are several other regional airports across the state.

Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport

T.F. Green Airport is a small regional airport serving the New England Region. It is the largest and most active airport among the six operated by the Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC). The airport covers an area of 1,111 acres and has two runways. It offers an average of nearly 100 nonstop daily flights, with seamless connections to various US and international destinations.

The airport provides convenient parking options, including short and long-term parking, covered parking garages, and shuttle-serviced long-term parking. It also features various amenities, such as private nursing rooms, a Military Lounge, and a quiet Hope Reflection Room.

T.F. Green Airport has a rich history, opening in 1931 as Hillsgrove State Airport and being renamed in 1938 to honour former Rhode Island governor and senator Theodore Francis Green. The airport has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, including the addition of the Bruce Sundlun Terminal in 1996, named after former governor Bruce Sundlun.

In 2021, the airport's name was officially changed to "Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport", reflecting its international flight presence and better describing its service area.

The airport offers a range of dining and shopping options, including local favourites and national brands. It also provides easy access to ground transportation, with direct connections to major highways, public bus services, and rail links to Providence, Boston, and beyond.

T.F. Green Airport is committed to customer service and has been recognized for its convenience and hassle-free experience, making it a popular choice for travellers visiting Rhode Island.

Westerly State Airport

Today, the airport covers 321 acres of land and has two asphalt runways. Runway 7/25 measures 4,010 by 100 feet, while Runway 14/32 is 3,960 by 75 feet. The airport offers a range of services, including corporate aviation, aircraft maintenance and repair, and commercial flights to Block Island operated by New England Airlines.

In terms of facilities, Westerly State Airport provides a self-service fuelling station, aircraft tie-down, and parking apron support. There is also a pilot briefing centre, and various private aircraft-based tenants operate from the airport, including FlightLevel Aviation (FBO) and Simmons Aviation, which offers banner towing, aerial tours, vintage aircraft rides, and flight training.

Block Island State Airport

The airport covers 136 acres of land, with an elevation of 108 feet above mean sea level. It has a 2,500-foot runway, with aircraft tie-down services and parking apron support. There are two privately-owned airport tenants: New England Airlines, which provides an 8-passenger commuter service to Westerly Airport, and FlightLevel Aviation (FBO). The airport also houses the Block Island Tourism Council.

The terminal is within walking distance of downtown New Shoreham and Block Island's free beaches. The on-airport restaurant, Bethany's, is a popular destination for the New England aviation community. Various local companies offer charter services to area airports.

Newport State Airport

The airport covers an area of 221 acres and has two asphalt runways. The first runway, Runway 4/22, is 2,999 feet long and 75 feet wide, while the second runway, Runway 16/34, is 2,623 feet long and 75 feet wide. Newport State Airport serves the corporate community and visitors attending the year-round festivals in nearby Newport. It also provides quick access for boat owners who keep their vessels in the nearby marinas.

The airport site has a rich history, dating back to the mid-1800s when it was known as Southwick's Grove. In the early 1900s, the site was transformed into Aquidneck Park, a horse racing track frequented by wealthy summer residents. The property changed hands and names over the years, eventually becoming the Newport Air Park in 1946, established by Army Air Force Captain Robert F. Wood. The airport was acquired by the state in 1960, and new construction of the runways and taxiways was completed by 1967.

Today, the airport is home to several privately-owned tenants, including flight schools, aviation maintenance services, and aerial tour companies. It primarily serves general aviation and does not have any scheduled airline services.

MBTA train service to the airport

Rhode Island is served by T. F. Green International Airport, also known as Rhode Island Airport, in Warwick. The airport is conveniently located just 15 minutes from Providence and 35 minutes from Newport, with easy access to Boston, Cape Cod, and Southeastern Connecticut via Interstate 95.

Now, onto MBTA train services to the airport.

The Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA) operates a commuter rail service, known as the Purple Line, with a stop at T.F. Green Airport. This service connects Southern Rhode Island (Wickford Junction), the airport, and downtown Providence with several destinations in Massachusetts, including Attleboro, Boston (Back Bay & South Stations), Canton Junction, Mansfield, Sharon, and South Attleboro.

The MBTA commuter rail service runs daily during the week, with no weekend service available as of 2014. The train station at the airport is located at 700 Jefferson Boulevard, and passengers can take a skywalk directly to the airport from the station.

Fares for the commuter rail service are distance-based, with rates increasing as you travel further from downtown Boston, which is considered the center or Zone 1. Tickets can be purchased at the station, onboard the train from the conductor, or through the MBTA's mobile ticketing app. It is important to note that purchasing tickets onboard during "peak times" may result in an additional fee.

For those driving to the station and requiring parking, the MBTA offers monthly parking for $95 and daily parking for $6.75 for up to 24 hours. Each additional consecutive 24-hour period is charged at $36.75. The parking lot has 650 spaces, including 24 accessible spaces, and is managed by Standard Parking, who can be contacted at 401-737-5465.

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