Is Rhode Island In New York? Facts, Map, Things To Do + More (2025)

Is Rhode Island In New York? No, Rhode Island is its own state! This post will tell you more about Rhode Island, distances between Rhode Island and New York, options for how to travel from one to the other, facts about each, places to stay and more tips!

I’ve lived in NYC, and have traveled around the US for years, so this post includes my own research backed by personal experience – read on to keep learning, plan trips and more!

Map of New York to Rhode Island…

Is Rhode Island In New York: Main Things To Know

Rhode Island is its own state, and it is not connected to New York by land – Rhode Island is located near Long Island by water and the two share a maritime border, but the state of Connecticut is located between Rhode Island and New York on the mainland.

Rhode Island is the smallest US state in area (48 miles long and 37 miles wide), but not the least populated – it’s seventh from the least in the country. Because of this, it’s second to New Jersey for most dense population.

The local Rhode Island accent is somewhere between New York and Boston accents.

Is Rhode Island In New York: Distances & Travel Routes

🚙 Is Rhode Island In New York: Travel by Car

The distance between Providence, Rhode Island and New York City (Manhattan) by driving is around 181 miles, 291 kilometers or 4 hours via I-95 by car.

This route will take you along the coast, from the most popular and visited cities in each state.

A trip between the state capitols (Albany NY – Providence, RI) is shorter – 163 miles (262km) and 2 hr 45 min via I-90 W. This route does not include the coast.

Car rental costs vary depending on drop-off and pick-up locations, days booked, type of car and more factors (plus gas).

For car rentals, I recommend using Discover Cars to search for the best deals and cars!

👉 Click Here to Rent a Car in Rhode Island and/or New York

Here’s more information about renting a car in NYC to drive to Rhode Island!

🚌 Is Rhode Island In New York: Travel by Bus

You can also take the bus from Port Authority in NYC to the Providence, RI convention center, which takes around 3.5 hours.

Bus tickets are around $24-$48. This is the cheapest route, but not the most comfortable or convenient.

For buses, I recommend using busbud, an aggregate that finds the best routes, times and prices!

👉 Click Here to Search for Buses between Rhode Island & New York

🚄 Is Rhode Island In New York: Travel by Train

Additionally, there’s a train from Penn Station in NYC to Providence, RI that takes around 3 hours. Prices range from $35 to over $200.

Amtrak is a great option for traveling without the hassle of driving and traffic, plus you get amazing coastal views through Connecticut! This is a more comfortable and convenient option than taking a bus, too.

For trains, I also recommend using busbud to search for the best routes, prices and times for your trip!

👉 Click Here to Search for Trains between Rhode Island & New York

✈️ Is Rhode Island In New York: Travel by Air

The air travel (bird fly) shortest distance between New York and Rhode Island is 145 miles, 233 kilometers, or 1 hr 15 min (not counting time to travel to the airport and early arrival for check-in).

Flying is the most expensive, but also one of the most convenient and the fastest option. It typically costs somewhere in the $100-$400 range, though this varies by time of year, time booked and other factors.

Fun Fact: PVD (T.F. Green Int’l) airport in Rhode Island was named one of the best in the US by Travel + Leisure!

For finding the best flights, I recommend searching on WayAway, an aggregate that finds the best routes, times, prices and airlines!

👉 Click Here to Search for Flights between RI & NY

Is Rhode Island In New York: Rhode Island Facts + Things to do

Looking to learn what Rhode Island is known for and if it’s worth traveling to, where to visit and more facts? Here’s a quick run-down on the best things to know about the state:

• State Capitol: Providence
• State population: 1.096 million in 2021

Rhode Island is located in New England, a region of the US. Its location is between Connecticut to the West, Massachusetts to the North and East, Boston to the NE, and the Atlantic Ocean to the South.

Rhode Island is not located all on the island – it’s mostly on the mainland, but the state takes its name from the island. Folklore has it that Giovanni da Verranzano, the Italian explorer, compared a nearby island to Rhodes, an island in the Mediterranean.

Rhode Island has a history with Native Americans living there for thousands of years before English settlers arrived in the 17th century. Providence was the first settlement to have a secular government (as well as the first to renounce allegiance to British rule and the first law against slavery in the US), and Rhode Island remains largely democratic to this day.

The oldest Fourth of July parade in the US takes place in Bristol, Rhode Island.

RI was the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, the first Baptist Church in the US, the invention of the motion picture machine and more.

The colony had the original nickname of “Rogue’s Island” because it became a haven for those who disagreed with political and religious views elsewhere.

Things Rhode Island is best known for (+Tours)

• Food: Clam Chowder, clam cakes, footlong subs, Johnnycakes and coffee milk (milk with coffee syrup that originated in Rhode Island)

👉 Check out this Food Tour in Newport, Rhode Island

• 400 miles of sandy shorelines and beaches (its nickname today is the “Ocean State”)

👉 Check out this Harbor Ferry Round-Trip Ticket with 5 Stops

• Mansions with Gilded Age architecture and more, like The Breakers Mansion

👉 Check out this Golden to Gilded Age Guided Walking Tour

• The Cliff Walk, a shoreline hiking trail in Newport

👉 Check out this Newport Cliff Walk & Ocean Drive Self-Guided Tours Bundle

• Touro Synagogue, the first in the US and oldest still in operation – plus the architecture of the building

👉 Check out this Touro Synagogue Guided Tour with Entry Ticket

• Lighthouses

👉 Check out this Lighthouse and Mimosa Cruise in Newport

• Sailing
• Beavertail State Park & Lighthouse Museum in Jamestown
• Brown University
• The State Capitol building architecture
• State Parks
• The Newport Casino, a National Historic Landmark with the International Tennis Hall of Fame and more
• The Newport Tower
• Progressive environmental laws
• The oldest carousel with flying horses, located in Watch Hill
• The T.F. Green Airport has a life-size sailboat
• Unique “stone-ender” architectural style from the 17th century

Rhode Island lingo to know before you visit

• Drinking fountains = “Bubblers”
• Footlong sandwiches = “Grinders”
• Milkshakes = “Cabinets”

Is Rhode Island In New York: Best Rhode Island Tours & Day Trips

Seal Watching and Harbor Cruise

This Seal Watching and Harbor Cruise is a 75-minute cruise with close-up views of grey seals (great for travel photography), plus views of mansions and more picturesque shoreline sights!

👉 Learn More about this Seal Watching and Harbor Cruise Here

Newport Mansions Full-Day Trip from Boston

This Newport Mansions Full-Day Trip is an excellent option to experience Newport, RI from Boston without all the planning and logistics! You’ll tour the iconic Breakers mansion (owned by the Vanderbilts) and the Elms mansion, plus go on the Cliff Walk, bus tour of Newport, Touro Synagogue and free time at the waterfront, shopping or more activities.

🌟 Check out this 5-star review from Cheri:
“This was a wonderful way to see Newport. Chris was a fantastic guide and organized a great over view experience of Newport. The 2 mansions were unbelievable; cliff walk was fun, and the historic downtown was charming. This tour is worth your time; you will not regret it.”

👉 Learn More about this Newport Mansions Full-Day Trip from Boston Here

Providence

This Providence Small-Group Tour with Local Guide is a fabulous introduction to the city! It’s a 1.5-hour bus tour that shows you all the sights, and then you can have the rest of your day free.

🌟 Check out this 5-star review from Sarah:
“From start to finish this tour was EXCELLENT. When we arrived there was a representative to check us in and direct to the bathrooms. Our Driver/Guide Phil was a third generation Rhode Islander and he was passionate and knowledgeable about his state. He was an expert navigator with lots of detours on the day of our tour due to Rhode works. We got off the bus three times and Phil directed us to several places for us to come back to at a later date. I would highly recommend this tour and Phil is an asset to the company he works for and the hospitality industry in which he works!”

👉 Learn More about this Providence Small-Group Tour with Local Guide Here

Day Trip around Rhode Island from Providence

This Day Trip around Rhode Island from Providence is perfect if you want to tour Providence plus more towns in Rhode Island! This 8-hour day tour includes Providence, Newport, Bristol, and Wickford, and you’ll visit scenic islands, beaches, lighthouses, the largest estuary in New England, mansions and more sights. This is also on a bus, so it’s perfect for any weather!

🌟 Check out this 5-star review from Ina:
“We visited a historic villlage, a lighthouse, Roger Williams park, some scenic views of the ocean, a little beach and a berry farm. It was a lot, to be honest 😊 But this is something common in US tours. Our guide was very nice, very helpful and knowledgeable. Best US tour guide I have seen in years!”

👉 Learn More about this Day Trip around Rhode Island from Providence Here

Boston

Boston is closer to Rhode Island than NYC, but in the opposite direction. It makes an easy day trip from RI, and from NYC I recommend more than a day (it’s a 4.5-hour drive). Check out my guide to Boston below:

👉 Read more about Boston, things to do, tours + more here

What you’ll need for New York & Rhode Island Travel

👉 For flights, WayAway is a flight aggregator that helps you find the cheapest flights. Use the code MUKI-TRAVELS for 10% off WayAway Plus.

👉 Find more tips on things like travel insurance, what to pack, and more on my travel resources page.

🛂 National Parks Passport

The National Parks Passport is a fun way to keep track of which National Parks you’ve been to! You can get a stamp for each one at the Visitor’s Center.

Where To Stay In Rhode Island On Any Budget

✅ Budget Option: Days Inn by Wyndham Middletown/Newport Area

Days Inn by Wyndham Middletown/Newport Area is the budget hotel with the best value in Rhode Island, located in Newport near the waterfront and Cliff Walk. Amenities include:

• Outdoor swimming Pool
• Continental breakfast
• Laundry and free WiFi
• In-room fridge, coffee maker, microwave & more
• Fitness Center

Check Availability for Days Inn by Wyndham Middletown/Newport Area Here

✅ Mid-Tier Option: Beech Tree Inn and Cottage, Newport

Beech Tree Inn and Cottage in Newport is a historic cottage Inn located in Newport near Touro Synagogue. Besides other amenities, they have afternoon tea and sherry, a library, board games and breakfast!

🌟 Check out this 5-star review from Steven:
“The staff,room,cleanliness and the extra drinks available with the little snacks made it super fun. The rooftop was a huge hit for us. This was a really cute place to stay. We enjoyed it and plan on coming again. The location was great!! We also appreciated the bright white clean towels. That is a must when traveling. It makes you feel like home.”

Check Availability for Beech Tree Inn and Cottage, Newport Here

✅ Luxury Option: The Chanler at Cliff Walk

The Chanler at Cliff Walk is a historic hotel on Newport’s Cliff Walk – it’s actually one of the most historic properties in New England, with gardens and amazing ocean views!

Amenities include:

• Beachfront
• Family Rooms
• On-Site Restaurant
• Airport shuttle
• Bar

🌟 Check out this 5-star review from Ken:
“The Chandler was exceptional in every aspect. The staff was welcoming and made us feel important. We were treated like royalty. The room, services and meals were outstanding. We couldn’t be happier with our stay.”

Check Availability for The Chanler at Cliff Walk Here

Where To Stay In NYC On Any Budget

Here are my recommendations for NYC hotels to choose for any budget! The Selina I mentioned earlier for the skyline views, but the others also have excellent views (Equinox is beside The Vessel in Hudson Yards, where you can get amazing photos as well and POD 39 is right by Grand Central Station)!

✅ Budget Option: POD 39 Hotel NYC

The POD 39 Hotel NYC is a favorite hotel in NYC, because it’s affordable, photo-worthy, and in an ideal location!

Amenities include:

• Seasonal Rooftop Bar with a view
• Lobby Lounge/Bar with food & cocktails daily & a fireplace
• On-Site Restaurant
• Steps away from Grand Central Terminal
• Game room with table tennis
• Airport transport

🌇 Check Availability at POD 39 Hotel NYC

✅Mid-Tier Option: Selina Hotel Chelsea NYC

The Selina Hotel in Chelsea NYC is a 4-star, top-rated hotel in NYC that has an amazing location, amenities and more! Amenities include:

• Rooftop with amazing NYC Skyline views
• 2 Gourmet On-site Restaurants
• Amazing natural light
• Outdoor pool
• All-day cafe & Basement bar
• Events
• Located in the Chelsea Gallery district

🌇 Check Availability at the Selina Hotel Chelsea NYC

✅ Luxury Option: Equinox Hotel Hudson Yards NYC

The Equinox Hotel in Hudson Yards NYC is a centrally located, celebrity-level hotel with amazing experiences and honestly the best sleep set-up ever! Here’s what they have to offer:

• Amazing city views from the rooftop pool, rooms and terraces
• 2 Swimming pools
• Spa treatments, fitness center with classes & personal trainers
• Bar
• Canoeing off-site
• In-room breakfast
• Rooms are soundproofed with blackout blinds and personalizable technology
• Central location near The Vessel

🌇 Check Availability at the Equinox Hotel Hudson Yards NYC

All In All: Is Rhode Island In New York?

Rhode Island is not in New York – its a state all on its own, and the smallest in area in the US! It’s also an amazing place to visit with beautiful beaches, views, architecture, tasty food and much more to explore!

👉 If you’re in NYC, make sure to also snag cheap Broadway and NYC Ballet tickets.
👉 Learn more about when to visit NYC with this post on weather (and even what to pack)!
👉 Fall In New York: Weather, 33+ Things To Do, Foliage Spots + What To Pack
👉 Renting A Car In New York City: Everything You Need To Know
📸 For tips on photography and gear for NYC, check out the photography page.
📸 Also, check out this guide to the 75 Best Boston Photography Spots (With Map)!