Is there a direct train?

No, you must transfer at Penn Station.

Is Providence walkable?

Yes, the downtown area is very pedestrian-friendly.

Yes, expect tolls on the bridges and highways.

Flying is not practical due to the short distance.

Smithtown

Providence

Train Driving

Smithtown to Providence

Updated: 30 May 2026

The trip from Smithtown to Providence covers roughly 180 miles. You can take the LIRR to Penn Station, then transfer to an Amtrak Northeast Regional train to Providence Station. Driving involves taking the Long Island Expressway to the Throgs Neck Bridge, then following I-95 North through Connecticut. This route takes you through New Haven and Hartford. The train is highly recommended to avoid the heavy traffic often found on I-95 in Connecticut.

Total Distance: 290 km driving, 230 km air distance.

Fastest Way

Driving is faster if you avoid peak traffic hours.

Cheapest Way

Driving is cheaper for groups; train is better for solo travelers.

Compare Smithtown to Providence Routes

	Train Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	4 hours	3 hours 45 mins
Avg Price	$90 - $200	$60 - $90
Operator	Amtrak	Personal Vehicle
Route	LIRR to Penn Station, Amtrak Northeast Regional to Providence.	I-495 E to I-95 N through Connecticut.
Tip	Book your Amtrak seat in advance for the best pricing.	Expect heavy traffic in New Haven during rush hour.

Travel Tips

Amtrak Booking
Use the Amtrak app to track your train status.
I-95 Traffic
Check Waze before leaving to see if I-95 is backed up in Connecticut.
Parking
Providence Station has convenient parking garages nearby.
Walking
Downtown Providence is very compact and easy to explore on foot.
Train Comfort
Bring a portable charger for your devices on the train.