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Providence to Boston train

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4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

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Providence to Boston Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

There are usually 18 daily train trips available from Providence to Boston. Traveling by train from Providence to Boston usually takes 46 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 34 minutes.

Distance41 mi (66 km)
Fastest train0h 34m
Lowest price$11.00
Trains per day38
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Northeast Regional
Train lines3

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Providence to Boston

(Based on 54 ratings and reviews)

4.8

5.0

Kelly

July 20, 2024- Vacation

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Pros: Smooth and easy ride. Cons: Nothing. Tips: Relax and enjoy Amtrak.

4.0

Jonathon

June 18, 2024- Vacation

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Pros: The sights while looking out the window of the train. Cons: I would feel a little safer if there were seat belts, but I realize this desire is irrational - trains don't need them.

5.0

Yuan

May 22, 2024- Solo travel

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Pros: Big seat, Air conditioning is sufficient. Cons: None. Tips: No.

5.0

Janet

March 14, 2024- Vacation

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Pros: It was quick and easy getting to and from Boston. Cons: Nothing really. Tips: Be ready to board as quickly as the train arrives. Be at the track 5-10 minutes before scheduled time of departure.

5.0

Desiree

March 13, 2024- Solo travel

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Pros: I loved it. Cons: Nothing.

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What is the price of a train ticket from Providence to Boston?

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Providence to Boston was $36.33. Compared to most train fares, this is an excellent price. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 18 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $20.51 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average prices by travel date

$60$40$20SepOct

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Providence to Boston will cost between $33 and $59. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Monthly average prices

$50$40$30$20$10NDJFMAMJJASO
Ticket prices for the train from Providence to Boston often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in January when the average ticket price is only $23. If you're thinking of traveling from Providence to Boston during May, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $37 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in May, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

$75$60$45$30$153020100

By booking your train trip from Providence to Boston on Wanderu at least 18 days ahead of time, you can save about $20.51 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Providence to Boston?

There are 3 train lines with service from Providence to Boston. Amtrak Northeast Regional is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 10 trains each day.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak20h 41m$84.60
Amtrak Acela60h 42m$78.72
Amtrak Northeast Regional100h 49m$18.60

  • Amtrak is the largest passenger railroad service in America, offering daily intercity trains to hundreds of destinations across the contiguous United States, as well as several cities in Canada. Every Amtrak train comes equipped with comfortable seats with extra legroom, as well as several four-seat areas with tables in the middle. In addition, each car has a freshly cleaned restroom, free WiFi and power outlets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 2 Amtrak trains from Providence to Boston every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $57.

  • The Acela is Amtrak’s flagship high-speed rail service. Connecting 15 cities along the Northeast Corridor of the United States, the Acela is Amtrak’s fastest running passenger train, developing a speed of up to 82.2 mph. Acela trains are equipped with free high-speed internet, power outlets and extra comfortable seats. In addition, all Acela passengers have access to the line’s signature Corridor Café where they can unwind and enjoy a freshly prepared meal with a glass of wine. There are 6 Acela trips from Providence to Boston every day, including the weekend. As it is Amtrak’s most premium service, the average Acela train ticket may cost more than other train lines.

  • The Northeast Regional is Amtrak’s passenger rail service that runs between Boston, MA and Virginia Beach, VA, connecting over 50 cities in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. While the line’s downtown-to-downtown train service makes traveling between the biggest cities in the Northeast convenient and hassle-free, the train’s amenities make the journey comfortable and relaxing as well. Amtrak passengers can enjoy large seats with extra legroom and power outlets, as well as free WiFi and clean bathrooms. With 10 daily train trips from Providence to Boston, the Northeast Regional is the busiest and most popular among all Amtrak routes.

Frequently Asked Questions

The train from Providence to Boston makes for a great day-trip. On the Amtrak Northeast Regional, the average trip duration is just 51 minutes, while on the Acela it is just 46 minutes. Trains for Boston depart as early as 7:00 a.m. on weekends and 5:30 a.m. on weekdays. For your return trip, the last train of the day departs for Providence at around 9:30 p.m. on both weekends and weekdays. Boston has plenty of activities to keep you busy for a day trip, including the historic Freedom Trail, Boston Common, Harvard Square in Cambridge, Fenway Park and more.
The distance between Providence and Boston is approximately 41 miles, or 66 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 46 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 34 minutes. It's a short and pleasant ride; the train is a perfect way to get to Boston.

Trains from Providence to Boston are the most crowded on Friday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider traveling on Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

The earliest train departs Providence at 12:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 10:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

There are 18 scheduled trains on most days. 38 of these are direct connections to Boston. While direct trains may still make stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains at any point. If you're looking to get to your destination faster, a direct train is the convenient and time-efficient choice.

You can also take a train for your return trip from Boston to Providence.

City Information

Providence

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.

Boston

Boston is one of the oldest cities in the country, but it is kept young and fresh with the help of over 150,000 students who flock to the city’s prestigious universities every year. Beantown’s many sights and activities celebrate American history, prolific sports teams, and New England seafood. So let's spill the tea (into the harbor, if you will):

Boston's Freedom Trail is the best way to see the city on foot and visit some of the most iconic landmarks of the American Revolution: from Bunker Hill and the USS Constitution to the Old North Church and Faneuil Hall. The Freedom Trail officially begins in Boston Common, the oldest public park in the U.S. and a beautiful spot for walking, picnicking, or ice skating in the winter. Foodies will love tasting the Italian cuisine in the North End and the modern eateries of South End, while sports fans can tour Fenway Park, and art lovers can explore the expansive Museum of Fine Arts.

From Boston, travelers can easily get to the beachy summer destination of Cape Cod, or surrounding states like New Hampshire, Vermont, and Rhode Island. With four main train stations and several bus stops in the city, as well as Boston Logan Airport (which, by the way, has some excellent airport food), Boston is a central hub for travel throughout New England and beyond.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Providence?

Providence Station - 100 Gaspee St - PVDAMT-0

Image credit: Jef Nickerson

Link to image attribution
Providence Station - 100 Gaspee St - PVDAMT-1

Image credit: David Wilson

Link to image attribution

Main departure station: Providence Station - 100 Gaspee St

Built in 1986, Providence Station is the state of Rhode Island’s busiest train station. Falling on the Northeast Corridor, Providence Station acts as a gateway into Boston to the north and also provides direct connections to many major cities to the southwest, such as New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC. The station is served by Amtrak, which runs its flagship Acela and Northeast Regional services, and the MBTA, which operates between T. F. Green Airport, Providence, and Boston. Located in the city’s downtown, Providence Station sits opposite the historic Rhode Island State House and is within a stone’s throw of various shops and restaurants.

All train stations in Providence:

  • Providence Station - 100 Gaspee St

Where is the train station in Boston?

Boston, MA - South Station - BOSSST-0

Image credit: Tony Hisgett

Link to image attribution

Main arrival station: South Station

South Station is the largest and busiest train station in Boston, and a major transportation hub for the greater New England area. South Station's 13 tracks are used by Amtrak, Acela, the MBTA commuter rail, and the MBTA subway system (a.k.a. the "T") with connections to the Boston Logan International Airport. You can also access intercity bus service in the adjacent South Station Bus Terminal. South Station's historic train terminal opened in 1899 right in downtown Boston, and is close to many points of interest like the Boston Common, the Freedom Trail, and the hip Seaport district. At the terminal, you'll find free WiFi, luggage storage, a 24-hour information booth, and 14 dining options, including that New England favorite, Dunkin'.

All train stations in Boston:

  • South Station

  • Back Bay Station - 145 Dartmouth St

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