Providence, Rhode Island is about 41 miles (66 km) from Boston, Massachusetts in a straight line, and roughly 46–50 miles (74–81 km) by car, depending on the route taken.
Straight‑Line (Air) Distance
The shortest distance between downtown Providence and downtown Boston is about 41 miles (66 kilometers) as the crow flies. This is the “as‑the‑crow‑flies” distance between the two city centers, not the driving distance.
Driving Distance and Time
By car, the distance is longer because of the road network. Most common routes (like I‑95 N) are around 46–50 miles (74–81 km). Driving time is typically about 50 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes, depending on traffic, time of day, and exact start/end points.
By Train or Bus
Amtrak and MBTA trains run frequently between Providence Station (PVD) and Boston’s South Station, covering about 45–50 miles in roughly 45–60 minutes. Buses (like Peter Pan or Greyhound) also make the trip in about 1–1.5 hours, depending on traffic and stops.