First Baptist Church at night
The First Baptist Church
 

Providence Information

For more information, visit the Providence Warwick Convention and Visitors Bureau website.

Transportation

With easy access from Route 95, high-speed train service, an award-winning airport, and a waterfront location, Providence is easily accessible by car, plane, train, and boat. And it's close: about 25 percent of the population of the United States lives within 500 miles of Providence.

To and From the Providence/Warwick T.F. Green International Airport

The T.F. Green International Airport is only ten minutes from downtown Providence!

  • Public Transit
    • Bus Service
      • The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority's (RIPTA) routes #14 and #20 serve the airport both to and from downtown.
      • To reach the bus stop from the airport terminal, walk the "Interlink" to the RIPTA bus stop directly outside the parking garage (view a detailed map).
      • Both routes connect the downtown Kennedy Plaza—two blocks from the Westin Providence and the Rhode Island Convention Center—to the airport.
      • The fare is $2.00 per trip, payable in cash only. If you do not have exact fare, you can buy a change card on the bus using the cash amount you have, and then use the remaining balance for future fares.
    • Commuter Rail
      • The Providence/Stoughton commuter rail line provides service during rush hour between the airport and the Providence train station.
      • The Providence train station is a short walk (five to 10 minutes) from the Rhode Island Convention Center and the Westin Providence.

  • Taxi, Limousine, and Shuttle Service

    • Airport Taxi and Shuttle
      (401) 737-2868

      • This regularly scheduled taxi or taxi limousine provides shuttle service between T.F. Green International Airport and downtown Providence, select area hotels, the Providence train station, the Rhode Island School of Design, and Brown University. 
      • Shuttles depart the airport every hour on the hour.
      • The fee is $11.00 per person one-way, including up to two pieces of luggage.
      • View schedule information.

  • Bus Service

  • By Car

    • To travel by car from the airport to the conference host hotel, the Westin Providence, located directly across the street from the Rhode Island Convention Center, follow these directions:

      1. Merge onto I-95 North via the ramp to Providence.
      2. Take the US-6/RI-10 West exit toward Downtown/Hartford, Connecticut.
      3. Take exit 22A for Memorial Boulevard toward downtown.
      4. Arrive at the Westin Providence, 1 West Exchange Street.
  • Car Rental

    Several major car rental companies rent cars at the T.F. Green Airport.

To and From the Providence Train Station

The Providence train station is only a five- to 10-minute walk from the Westin Providence and Rhode Island Convention Center. Alternatively, taxis are readily available outside the station and charge approximately $5.00 for this trip.

To and From Boston, Massachusetts

  • Public Transit
    • Commuter Rail

      • The Providence/Stoughton commuter rail line provides service between Boston's South Station and the Providence Amtrak station. South Station may be accessed from Logan International Airport by either the Silver Line 1 bus or taxi.

        • The Silver Line 1 bus service takes approximately 20 minutes and departs from in front of terminals A, B (two stops), C, and E. The Silver Line 1 bus runs from approximately 5:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. every day of the week, varying in frequency between every eight to 15 minutes. An adult fare is $2.00 cash or $1.70 if you use a paper or plastic "Charlie card."
        • A taxi will cost about $15.00 and will take about 10 minutes.
      • The Providence Amtrak station is a short walk (five to 10 minutes) from the Rhode Island Convention Center and the Westin Providence. Taxis are readily available outside the station and cost approximately $5.00 each way.
  • Rail
    • Amtrak
      • Amtrak offers numerous daily runs between Boston's South Station and Providence.
        • South Station may be accessed from Logan Airport by either the Silver Line 1 bus service or a taxi.
          • The Silver Line 1 bus service takes approximately twenty minutes and departs from in front of terminals A, B (two stops), C, and E. The Silver Line 1 bus runs from approximately 5:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. every day of the week, varying in frequency between every eight to 15 minutes. An adult fare is $2.00 cash or $1.70 if you use a paper or plastic "Charlie card."
          • A taxi will cost about $15.00 and will take about 10 minutes.
      • Regional Amtrak trains take about 45 minutes from Boston's South Station to Providence and range in price from $12.00 to $19.00.
      • The Acela Amtrak train ranges from $22.00 to $45.00 and takes 40 minutes.
      • Schedules and fares can be accessed on the Amtrak website.
      • The Providence train station is only a five- to 10-minute walk from the Westin Providence and Rhode Island Convention Center. Alternatively, taxis are readily available outside the station and charge approximately $5.00 for this trip.
  • Taxi Service
    • Taxis are available at the Logan Airport.
    • Note that all taxis departing Logan Airport are charged an additional fee of $2.00, plus a $4.50 fee for harbor tunnel crossings.
  • Limousine and Private Car Service
  • Bus Service

    Peter Pan Bus Lines provides service from Logan Airport to Providence.

  • By Car
    • Driving from Logan Airport to the Westin Providence will take approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

      1. Follow the signs for I-90 and merge onto I-90 West (note: toll road).
      2. Take exit 24 for I-93.
      3. Continue toward I-93 South and merge onto I-93 South (note: partial toll road).
      4. Take exit 1 to merge onto I-95 South toward Providence, RI.
      5. Take exit 18 toward U.S. 1A.
      6. Merge onto Thurbers Avenue.
      7. Take the ramp on the left onto I-95 North.
      8. Take the US-6 West/RI-10 West exit toward Downtown/Hartford, Connecticut.
      9. Take exit 22A for Memorial Boulevard toward downtown.
      10. Arrive at the Westin Providence, 1 West Exchange Street.
  • Car Rental
    • Currently, eight rental car companies operate at Logan International Airport. They include: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and Thrifty.
    • In Terminals C and E, all rental car companies have direct-line telephone boards connecting to the local facility and their worldwide reservation centers.
    • Each rental car company has complimentary shuttle buses that transport passengers to and from the terminal and the rental car facility. Shuttles run frequently and stop curbside on the arrival level for passengers to board. Departure level service is available on request.

Parking

The Westin Providence offers parking in its garage, which is connected to both the hotel and the Rhode Island Convention Center. Valet overnight parking is $26.00. Self parking for 24 hours is $18.00 without in-and-out privileges, or $26.00 with in-and-out privileges.

Around Town

Attendees were encouraged to go green while in Providence, and plan to walk or take public transit as much as possible. Providence's compact downtown area makes it an extremely walkable city. Great restaurants, elegant hotels, stellar shopping, a vibrant nightlife, and plenty of family fun are all within blocks of each other.

  • Walking

    Downtown Providence is very walkable. Attendees were encouraged to use the most efficient form of transportation they have and get some exercise by walking to their destinations! The Providence Warwick Convention and Visitors Bureau maps could help with navigation.

  • Public Transportation
    A trolley in Providence
    Take the trolley around Providence
     
    • The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) operates several bus and trolley routes throughout Providence. View the RIPTA Providence system map.
    • RIPTA bus and trolley fare is $2.00 per trip, payable in cash only. If you do not have exact fare, you can buy a change card on the bus using the cash amount you have, and then use the remaining balance for future fares. Alternatively, you can buy a one-day pass for $6.00.
    • The Providence Link Trolley offers transportation to many of the city's top attractions and runs on compressed natural gas.
  • Taxi

    Visit the hotel concierge to arrange for taxi service.

Restaurants

Providence has more degreed chefs per capita than any other city in the country! Home to the world's largest culinary educator, Johnson & Wales University, many students stay in the city after graduation and contribute to the great culinary scene. Providence was named as one of Nations Restaurant News' "50 Cities that Sizzle."

The Providence Warwick Convention and Visitors Bureau has an extensive listing of restaurants, searchable by geographic area or cuisine type.

Attendees could make their way to nearby Federal Hill (1.5 MB, 1 pp), accessible by the RIPTA green line trolley and home to a large number of authentic Italian and pan-Mediterranean restaurants. The arch (featuring a large pineapple) crossing over Atwells Avenue signals the entrance to the Federal Hill district.

Activities

Picture of visitors at the RISD Musuem
Take in the art at the RISD Museum
WaterFire picture

Experience WaterFire
Picture of the interior of the State House
Visit the historic State House
Picture of a gondola with passengers
Take a gondola ride on the river
 

Providence Meet-and-Greet for Friends of Labs21

Tuesday, September 20
11 a.m. to noon

Friends, family, and significant others of our Labs21 Annual Conference attendees were invited to attend this free, informal welcome for non-conference attendees. A representative from the Providence Convention and Visitors Bureau provided an overview of all there is to see and do in Providence; how to get around; and where to find food, shopping, and other local points of interest.

Non-attendees could use this reception to connect with other non-attendees and hit the town with others who share their interests.

WaterFire

Attendees could extend their stay in Providence after the conference and experience WaterFire on Saturday, September 24.

A multi-sensory art installation on most Friday and Saturday nights during the warmer months, WaterFire is highlighted by a series of floating bonfires installed on the three rivers of downtown Providence. The banks are a hub of activity with street artists, outdoor musicians, performances, and even gondolas taking passengers for rides on the river. Aromatic wood smoke, flickering firelight, and enchanting music set the mood. National Geographic Traveler named it one of the 20 "must-see" events in the U.S.

Waterplace Park

Waterplace Park follows the banks of the Woonasquatucket River flowing through the city. Attendees could go for a walk along the river, take in a meal, or both.

See a Play

The Trinity Repertory Company, Perishable Theater, and others draw theatergoers into the city.

Trinity Repertory Company is a Tony Award-winning regional theater company with first-class productions. Shows run almost every night with a mixture of genres—everything from musicals to Shakespeare. Before or after the show, attendees could stop by the Trinity Brewhouse just around the corner, locally famous for its fries.

Performing Arts Center

Attendees could take in a Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) traveling concert or performance—from Broadway shows to pop artists and more.

Zoo

Attendees could visit the animals at the Roger Williams Park Zoo.

Music

Attendees could experience a live musical performance at the Rhode Island Philharmonic or Opera Providence, or a ballet with Festival Ballet Providence.

Historic Buildings

Providence is one of the oldest cities in America and has the architecture to prove it. It has a larger percentage of buildings on the National Historic Register than any other U.S. city, with scores of immaculately preserved Colonial, Federal, Greek Revival, and Victorian homes and buildings. The Rhode Island State House; the Arcade, America's oldest mall; the John Brown House; and the First Baptist Church (First Baptist Meeting House) are among the many historic buildings open to the public year-round.

Rhode Island School of Design's (RISD) Museum of Art

Attendees could take in the art at RISD's Museum of Art, a short walk across the Providence River from downtown. The museum is home to more than 80,000 works of art ranging from Greek sculpture to French Impressionist paintings, Chinese terracotta to contemporary multimedia art. For gifts to bring back home, attendees could check out RISD Works on their way back downtown.

Brown University

Attendees could visit Brown University, just across the Providence River from downtown. The campus has a number of centuries-old historical buildings including the John Carter Brown Library, which holds one of the world's largest collection of Americana. Brown also offers the opportunity to see theater, sports, and other cultural events.

Sports

Attendees could watch a sporting event or concert at the Dunkin' Donuts Center, attached to the Rhode Island Convention Center.

Shopping and Movies

Providence Place offers visitors a mall with more than 170 shopping, dining, and entertainment options. It is the largest indoor mall in New England, and screens movies in both IMAX and traditional formats.

River Gondola Rides

Attendees could ride a gondola on the Woonasquatucket and Providence Rivers.

Culinary Arts Museum

Attendees could visit the Culinary Arts Museum at Johnson and Wales University to learn about the history of the culinary and hospitality industries.

Maps

Explore Greater Rhode Island and New England

Centrally located, Providence is the perfect launching pad for a day trip. Entertainment opportunities, culture events, scenic beauty, rich history, and legendary beaches can be found throughout Rhode Island as well as nearby Massachusetts and Connecticut.

The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) operates bus and ferry routes throughout Rhode Island. View the state system map.

Attendees could take a Rhode Island Lighthouse Cruise.

Attendees could visit the historic Newport Mansions.