AIR

• Theodore Francis Green (TF Green) Airport, PVD, is located about ten minutes south of downtown. A modern facility, it has just sixteen gates total so it’s extremely easy to navigate. You can catch a taxi right outside baggage claim though taxi rates are high. It is suggested that anyone using PVD look into using a different type of ground transportation. For example, the Boston Commuter Rail (MBTA) extended its Providence line to PVD airport in the past year; however, those trains do not operate too frequently, but it’s still an inexpensive option. Even more inexpensive is the RIPTA (Rhode Island Public Transit) bus, with just $2 express (bus 14) and local (bus 20) service to downtown. Catch RIPTA on the far curb outside baggage and to the left. Cautionary note: this is also a stop for outbound routes, so be sure that you are catching an inbound route; just ask the driver if he’s heading to downtown Providence/Kennedy Plaza. Again, the Fleet Library is diagonally opposite Kennedy Plaza.
• Boston Logan International Airport, BOS, is about 1.5 hours northeast. Take the free Silver Line shuttle to Boston's South Station for the Amtrack train or Metro Boston Transit Authority (MBTA) Commuter Rail to Providence. Taxis will be available at the Providence station to shuttle you to the hotel. Peter Pan buslines also has a Logan Airport shuttle. Tickets may be purchased in advance and are good for any bus on that day. Buses arrive at Kennedy Plaza in Providence, one block away from the Fleet Library at RISD.

TRAIN

• Amtrak offers Acela express and Northeast Regional train service to Providence. The Providence train station is a few blocks from the Fleet Library but still accessible by foot even with luggage. Taxis are lined up in the event of inclement weather or if you prefer not to walk. When arriving, you’ll take the escalator up from the platform to the station lobby, which has two exits opposite each other: Statehouse side and downtown side. You want the latter. Exit and veer to the right, then walk straight ahead along Exchange Street, down a slight hill. Continue on Exchange St. until Westminster St. and the Fleet Library will be almost immediately to your left. There is a Map and Directions link on the PVD station page on the Amtrak website.
• The Boston Commuter Rail system uses the same station on its Providence-Stoughton line.

BUS

• Providence is served by express bus from a number of origins. For example, Megabus or Peter Pan, offer service from NYC and Boston Logan airport. It’s cheap, direct, and has modern amenities such as electrical outlets and wi-fi that mirror more expensive travel options. Any bus arriving in downtown Providence will let off at Kennedy Plaza, extremely close to the Fleet Library and surrounding hotels, no further directions required.

The Hampton Inn Providence Downtown is pleased to offer attendees a special discounted rate of $129.00, which includes a free hot breakfast buffet each morning. This rate is based on single through quad occupancy and is subject to applicable state and local taxes. Reservations at this conference rate must be received by Friday, May 10, 2013; reservations made after May 10 are subject to availability. The Hampton Inn Providence is a two-minute walk from the Fleet Llbrary at RISD. A $10 shuttle is available to T.F. Green Airport or other local transport hubs.

The Providence Biltmore offers the following rates: $92.00 per night for a Superior King and $112.00 for a Junior Suite with one king bed or two king beds with a living room. Rates are subject to applicable state and local taxes. Please note: June 8 is a WaterFire night, which is a blackout date. Please call 401-421-0700 or 800-294-7709 for reservations and mention you are from Rhode Island School of Design.