Travel Tips Here are some helpful travel tips to ensure you make the best of your visit to Newport and Bristol County.
In order to best enjoy your visit to Newport and help other travelers enjoy their stay, we recommend the following travel tips to enhance your visit. For bus information about Accessibility in Newport County and Rhode Island - Click here

Start your visit with a stop at the Visitor Information Center. Located in the center of historic Newport within walking distance of hotels, inns, shopping, attractions, and restaurants. You can plan your visit, get free maps and information at the Visitor Information Center. You should make it your first stop in Newport!

Here are a few tips to make your visit to Newport more enjoyable:
  • Parking meters are in use May through October. Smart cards can be purchased at the Gateway Visitors Center and participating shops. Another tip is just to bring quarters to feed the meters.

  • Enjoy your trip. Many travelers try to save money and park in unauthorized areas. This results in parking fines and unhappy travelers. Why not park in a convenient lot, pay an all day fee and enjoy Newport without worrying if you got a parking ticket.

  • Park your car at the Visitor Information Center or any other public parking lot. Parking lots give you more flexibility for tour options. You can park your car all day at the Visitor Information Center parking garage for only $2 when you purchase a ticket or  day pass to ride the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA)
There are many ways to explore Newport that does not require the use of your automobile. Consider these options:
  • Take a narrated trolley tour of Historic Downtown Newport, Ocean Drive and Bellevue Avenue.

  • Take a scenic harbor cruise on either a sail boat or a motorized boats and enjoy Newport from the water.

  • Enjoy one of Newport's many educational and interesting walking tours.

  • Consider renting a bicycle, moped or a Segway for the day.

  • Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) offers (in season) daily trolley/bus service to all major points of interest in Newport.

  • Check to see if your hotel or inn has a courtesy van.

  • Take a scenic train ride along the banks of Aquidneck Island.

  • Walk whenever you can. Newport has many secret treasures to find.