Providence to Amherst bus

Though some might say that it is overshadowed by nearby Boston, Providence is an interesting destination on its own. A quaint college town with a deep historical value, Providence allows fans of U.S. history to marvel at historic buildings such as the ones on Benefit Street, which boasts the highest concentration of Colonial houses. As you stroll around the streets of Providence at night, don’t forget to take a detour to WaterFire, a sculpture project that features bonfires along the rivers of Providence. Accompanying the bonfires are the sounds of ceremonial gongs and various music programs, which brighten up the night. For those seeking a unique cultural experience, the Federal Hill quarter sits among the most famous Little Italian neighborhoods, and it features some of the best Italian restaurants in town.

The staple dish of Providence is oysters, which are not difficult to find in the city. However, if you can endure a short drive, Matunuck Oyster Bar, an oyster restaurant located 40 miles south of South Kingstown, provides some of the freshest and most delicious oysters around. Some other notable establishments include Birch, Oberlin, and Tallulah’s Taqueria.

The Providence airport is located in nearby Warwick which is only a 6 miles’ drive from the city. The main bus hub for Providence is found at the Rhode Island Convention Center Parking Garage, where travelers could catch a bus from Greyhound or Peter Pan Bus Lines. The main Amtrak train station is located just a 10-minute walk across the Woonasquatucket River.

Amherst is mainly known as an academic town, but there's also beauty to go with those brains. Amherst's collegiate reputation comes from three prestigious colleges in town: Amherst College, Hampshire College, and UMass Amherst. The grand campuses and bookish feel around the place will leave you feeling inspired; soon, you'll be sitting by Puffers Pond and reciting poetry.

Amherst owes much of its academic vibe to the local heroine, Emily Dickinson, born there in 1830. Visit the Emily Dickinson Museum to learn more about her life and legacy.

Due to its large student population, Amherst boasts a youthful and lively downtown area, filled with quaint coffee shops and bookstores, as well as varied restaurants and even an independent movie theatre. Plus, Amherst hosts one of the longest-running farmer's markets in the area, where every weekend, visitors can buy various handcrafted goods and local foods.

Although yellow school buses don't transport college students into town, there are many travel options for Amherst's students and visitors seeking a Massachusetts hidden gem. Bradley Airport is only one hour away in Connecticut, and the larger Logan Airport is roughly two hours away in Boston. Amtrak trains stop in nearby Northampton and Springfield, and Peter Pan and OurBus provide frequent and budget-friendly access to Amherst by coach.