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Find lower car rental prices in Newport, Rhode Island with Road Genius. Check live rates for SUVs, compact cars, minivans and reserve with no booking fees. Compare real-time deals from Hertz, Enterprise, Avis and Budget in downtown Newport, Middletown and T.F. Green Airport, with free cancellation on most bookings. Book early for summer weekends and festival dates to avoid sold-out fleets and surge pricing.

Location Pros Cons
Newport City • Often cheaper (no airport surcharge)
• Convenient if staying downtown
• Several agencies available
• Limited car selection
• Strict business hours (usually 8 AM–5 PM)
• No late-night service
• Smaller fleets requiring advance booking
T.F. Green Airport (PVD) • Immediate mobility upon arrival
• Wide selection of vehicles
• Extended hours aligned with flights
• All major companies on-site
• Higher rates due to airport fees
• Approximately 40-minute drive to Newport
• Potential wait lines during peak times

Rental Providers in Newport:

  • Hertz (Newport Gateway Visitor Center)
  • Enterprise (Middletown, approximately 1 mile from downtown)
  • Avis/Budget (West Main Road in Middletown)

Car Rental Prices

Low-cost rental tips
  • Compare city vs airport pick-ups: Newport city outlets usually skip the airport surcharge and can be 15-20 % cheaper. Factor in the 40-minute drive from PVD though; if you're already in town, grab the downtown deal.

  • Watch the calendar, not just the clock: Prices spike for summer weekends and big events like the Folk or Jazz Festivals. Book early for those dates, but in shoulder seasons (Nov-Apr) keep an eye on last-minute drops before locking in.

  • Mid-week pickups save real money: Collect on a Tuesday or Wednesday and you often dodge weekend demand fees. Return during business hours (by 5-6 pm) to avoid an extra "overnight" day.

  • Check weekly vs daily rates: Staying 4–5 days? Sometimes the full 7-day rate is cheaper than five separate days, especially in winter. Run both options in the comparison tool.

  • Go small if you can: Compact cars cost less up front and squeeze into Newport's tight metered spots, cutting your parking headaches (and quarters).

Parking and Local Driving

Options in Newport:

  • Metered Spots: Paid during peak season (May through October); free in the off-season but time limits still apply
  • Gateway Visitor Center: Large centrally located lot with hourly and daily rates that increase during peak season

  • Easton's Beach: Large lot with higher rates on summer weekends; free in the off-season

  • Residential Zones: Many side streets require resident permits; enforcement is strict in summer

Local Driving Rules:

  • Speed limits: 25 mph in city areas, 20 mph in school zones, 45 to 50 mph on general roads and 65 mph on interstates
  • Right turn on red is allowed after a full stop unless posted otherwise
  • Flashing red light means stop and proceed when safe; flashing yellow means caution
  • A toll is collected on the Newport Pell Bridge
  • Headlights must be used when wipers are in operation or when visibility is reduced

Fines:

  • Expired meters or overtime and prohibited areas can lead to fines
  • Snow emergency bans are enforced with towing during winter storms

FAQs

When is the best time to rent a car in Newport?
You can find lower prices and nice weather in April, early May, late October and early November. You'll usually find that renting a car mid-week is cheaper than on weekends.

Do I need a special vehicle for Newport?
No. You can get to all Newport attractions in a standard car. A smaller car is easier to park on the narrow streets. An SUV might be more comfortable if you plan longer trips in the area.

Is driving difficult in Newport?
The historic part of Newport has narrow streets, and some are one-way. These streets can get busy in the summer. Outside of downtown, the roads are standard and easy to drive on. You should drive carefully in places where many people are walking, like Thames Street.

Where can I find free parking in Newport?
During the off-season from November to April, you can park for free at meters, but there are still time limits. You might find free street parking in neighborhoods away from downtown, but you should always read the signs carefully.

Are there any driving restrictions I should know about?
You don't need special permits or have to worry about environmental zones. You should watch for residential parking zones and be aware that the city might ban parking on some streets during snow emergencies in the winter. The toll for the Newport Pell Bridge is $4 if you use E-ZPass and $6 if they bill you by mail.

What documents do I need to rent a car?
You will need a valid driver's license from your country, a passport if you are an international visitor and a credit card in your name. We recommend an International Driving Permit if your license is not in English.