The RIDOT Rail Plan will provide the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) with a visionary plan to guide rail investments in the state over the next twenty (20) years. The plan will include an examination of rail planning in the state, analysis of creative potential investments for the future, and an implementation guide with actionable steps to deliver impactful rail investments.
When completed, the RIDOT Rail Plan will provide a comprehensive assessment of the State's current rail infrastructure and operations; an exploration of potential innovative investments for future rail services and growth; and a practical implementation guide detailing steps to facilitate significant rail investments.
The Plan will examine rail corridors throughout Rhode Island, rail stations that are located on the corridors, passenger and freight facilities throughout the State of Rhode Island, and the passenger and freight services being provided to Rhode Island communities and businesses. The Plan will also explore strategic, new opportunities beyond the existing infrastructure.
We encourage Rhode Islanders to leave their cars at home for their daily trip to work, to catch a flight, or for sports, entertainment or dining out in Providence or Boston. Avoid the hassles of highway congestion and expense of city parking and leave the driving to us. Learn More »
Service from Wickford Station, Wickford RI to South Station, Boston MA.
Amtrak provides service to three stations in Rhode Island – Providence Station and historic Kingston and Westerly stations.
New: Amtrak now provides thruway service via bus from Providence Station to Worcester, Fall River and New Bedford, Mass. These trips can only be booked as part of a rail itinerary at www.amtrak.com.
We are proud to offer a unique transit experience using Rhode Island's greatest natural resource - Narragansett Bay. The seasonal Providence-Newport ferry connects our state's most popular cities, offering a relaxing one-hour high-speed cruise on the bay instead of sitting in traffic and trying to find parking in both Providence and Newport. Learn More »
Know before you go. Check the links below for any service interruptions.
Explore these other convenient ferry services within the Ocean State:
RIDOT's Office of Transit provides funding for capital improvements for terminals and docks for eligible ferry operators.
Both passenger and freight rail services and facilities can be powerful catalysts for economic development opportunities. We witnessed this with the construction of Providence Station and redevelopment in the Capital Center Development District in the heart of Downtown Providence. The Interlink in Warwick has resulted in new development in City Centre Warwick, at TF Green Airport, and the Pawtucket/Central Falls Commuter Rail Station & Bus Hub project currently under construction has led to the creation of a joint city development district at Conant Thread. Significant freight rail investments have resulted in unprecedented growth in freight rail activity at Quonset Business Park.
Our Office of Transit oversees a number of initiatives to support and expand Rhode Island's passenger rail, freight rail and ferry services. We coordinate with transportation partner agencies such as RIPTA, Amtrak and the MBTA to promote driving alternatives through public bus and rail service.Outreach and coordination efforts range in size and scope, including special services supporting major events such as the Quonset Air Show and Bristol 4th of July Parade, to work with private industry and municipalities on transit-oriented development projects.
Commuter Resource RI promotes all forms of alternative transportation, including bus, commuter rail, ferry, carpooling, biking, and walking. The program offers reduced-cost transit, allowing you to save money while reducing traffic congestion and improving air quality. RIDOT's Office of Transit works closely with RIPTA in promoting all transit modes, particularly during major roadway construction projects. Learn More »