Providence Train Station
A key transit hub for Amtrak and MBTA, connecting travelers to major cities and downtown Providence.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Commuter rush, lively atmosphere
Providence Train Station
Best Time
Commuter rush, lively atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A key transit hub for Amtrak and MBTA, connecting travelers to major cities and downtown Providence.
"Small, clean, and easy to navigate with plenty of signs and departure boards. "
Book Tickets Online
:ticket: Save time by booking Amtrak or MBTA tickets in advance online.
Check Departure Boards
:information_desk: Plenty of signs and departure boards help you find your platform easily.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Amtrak Northeast Corridor
Platforms
Experience the hustle of Amtrak's Northeast Corridor, with Acela and Regional trains connecting major cities.
MBTA Commuter Rail
Platforms
Catch the MBTA commuter rail for a convenient and affordable trip to Boston, especially for events.
Station Architecture
Concourse
Appreciate the station's design, a functional transit hub with some historical charm.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Providence Station
Getting Around Providence
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Tickets Online
:ticket: Save time by booking Amtrak or MBTA tickets in advance online.
Check Departure Boards
:information_desk: Plenty of signs and departure boards help you find your platform easily.
Proximity to Downtown
:walking: The station is a short walk from downtown Providence and Brown University.
Limited Amenities
:warning: Reviews note limited facilities like restaurants and charging stations.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Tickets Online
:ticket: Save time by booking Amtrak or MBTA tickets in advance online.
Check Departure Boards
:information_desk: Plenty of signs and departure boards help you find your platform easily.
Proximity to Downtown
:walking: The station is a short walk from downtown Providence and Brown University.
Limited Amenities
:warning: Reviews note limited facilities like restaurants and charging stations.
Event Travel
:fireworks: Convenient for attending fire festivals or other events in Providence from Boston.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Providence Station is praised for its convenient location, making it easy to access downtown and Brown University, and for its efficient Amtrak and MBTA services. However, some travelers find the station's amenities lacking, with limited dining and facilities, and note its somewhat inconvenient placement relative to the city center. +2
"Lovely time. Nice food court. Back to Boston via commuter rail."
Kurk Watts
"Nice and clean city. We like to come here for fire festivals on commuter rail from Boston. Very convenient route destination. It takes just 1 hour and 15 min to get to Providence from South Station in Boston by train. The entire weekend pass is only $10 per person. Overall, the city is clean, has nice buildings and restaurants. There are not many people outside, not comparable with Boston, but during fire shows, there are huge crowds. Of course, there are some downsides, there are many junkies and homeless people in the downtown, but overall, all the people are friendly."
Rose Davis
"Small, clean, and easy to navigate. Plenty of signs and departure boards to help you find your platform. I had bought my Amtrak tickets online, so I didn't have to worry about the short queue either. Best of all, it is located a few minutes' walk away from both downtown and Brown University."
Aditya Narayanan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Providence Station is served by Amtrak and the MBTA Commuter Rail. You can take Amtrak from major cities like New York Penn Station or Boston South Station.
Yes, street parking is available near the station, though reviews suggest it can be challenging.
The station is conveniently located a few minutes' walk from downtown Providence and Brown University, making it easy to explore on foot.
While the station is a transit hub, some reviews mention a need to drag baggage to a connecting bus interchange, suggesting it might not be directly integrated.
Yes, Amtrak offers frequent service from Providence Station to New York Penn Station.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can purchase Amtrak and MBTA tickets online in advance to avoid queues. On-site ticket purchasing may also be available, but booking ahead is recommended.
A weekend pass for the MBTA commuter rail from Boston to Providence is approximately $10 per person, offering great value for event attendees.
Specific discount information would need to be checked directly with Amtrak or MBTA, but weekend passes for the commuter rail are a notable value.
As a major transit hub, the station is generally operational for train departures and arrivals throughout the day and night, though specific service times vary by route.
If you require special assistance, it's recommended to inform the conductor in advance.
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
Reviews indicate that amenities are limited, with few restaurants or charging stations. Some travelers have noted a lack of healthy food options.
Generally, the station is described as clean and easy to navigate, with helpful signage. +1
Food options are reportedly scarce, with one reviewer noting only a Kind bar as a potentially healthy choice.
Information on Wi-Fi availability is not consistently mentioned in reviews, so it's advisable to have your own mobile data.
The station can be lively, especially during commuter rush hours or when events are happening.
📸 📸 Photography
Train enthusiasts often capture shots of Amtrak Acela and Regional trains departing or arriving.
Yes, trainspotting and photography are common activities at Providence Station, with many reels showcasing departing trains.
You can see Amtrak's Acela and Northeast Regional trains, as well as MBTA commuter rail trains.
While not explicitly stated, general rules of public spaces usually apply. Be mindful of other travelers and avoid obstructing operations.
Early morning or late afternoon light can be ideal for capturing trains.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider using the MBTA commuter rail for a budget-friendly trip from Boston, especially if attending events like the fire festivals mentioned in reviews.
🚄 Train Enthusiasts & Photographers
+3 The MBTA Commuter Rail also provides a steady stream of activity. Many Instagram Reels and TikTok videos showcase the trains arriving and departing, offering inspiration for your own photography. While the station's passenger facilities might be basic, the operational aspects and the variety of trains make it a worthwhile location for trainspotting.
💰 Budget Travelers
While dining options within the station are limited and potentially pricey, exploring the diverse culinary scene in downtown Providence can offer more affordable choices.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Amtrak and MBTA Services
+1 The MBTA Commuter Rail also operates from this station, providing frequent and affordable service to Boston South Station, making it a popular choice for day-trippers and event attendees. While the station facilitates convenient travel, some user reviews highlight a less-than-ideal passenger experience regarding amenities.
For those interested in trainspotting, Providence Station offers ample opportunities to capture images and videos of various trains, including the Acela running at high speeds.
+3 The station's location, though noted by some as being somewhat removed from the immediate downtown core, is still within walking distance of key attractions like Brown University. Navigating Providence from the Station
While walking is a primary mode of transport for nearby destinations, for longer distances or specific attractions further afield, consider local public transportation options or ride-sharing services. Some TikTok videos highlight various activities and dining spots in Providence, suggesting that once you're in the city, there's plenty to discover.
It's worth noting that while the station itself is well-signed and easy to navigate, some reviews mention a less developed feel compared to other major US railway stations, with limited passenger facilities.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit