Traffic Control

Parking in Newport

Parking in Newport can be difficult during our busy tourism season. Our parking is regulated by City of Newport Police Traffic division. Please see the above maps link for convenient access to downtown and regulated areas.

For up to date traffic information please see the RI DOT site link at the bottom of the page, or tune your radio to AM 1630 from the State of RI Transportation Managment Center. For up to date Bridge information please see RI Bridge and Turnpike Authority.

Public Pay Lot Parking

The City operates 4 lots with public access available.

Gateway Center is our largest lot with surface and garage parking available. It conveniently serves downtown, Newport County Convention and Visitor's Bureau , and RIPTA transportation services. RIPTA is a great way to avoid traffic and park conveniently.

Mary Street Lot is located just off Thames Street. Our largest surface lot provides residents with 3 hours free parking, has public restrooms, and is convenient to downtown. This lot and the Gateway parking center are managed by by contract with Moy Works, please call 849-4673 for more information.

Long Wharf lot is a metered lot with 24 hour operation and 9 hour limits.

Touro Street lot is nestled between the Jane Pickens and Opera House Theaters off Washington Square. This pay and display lot also has spaces marked in yellow for free resident sticker use.

Meter Parking

Metered parking can be found at Washington Square area, Long Wharf, Upper Thames, by Easton's Beach on Memorial Avenue and adjacent to Bowen's Wharf. Rates are $.25/15 minutes, using either debit cards or change.

Our meters are operated through contract by Central Parking May 1 through October 31st, from 9am and 9pm in most areas. Pay and Display parking is available at Touro Lot and at Washington Square. These units act the same as regular meters, but also take credit cards, and require that a receipt be visible inside the windshield.

Smart cards will NOT be available in the Collections office this season. Anyone who currently holds a smart card and wishes to reload may do so by contacting Central Parking Systems, 129 Connell Hwy # A, Newport, RI, 02840-1313. Phone: (401) 849-3877.

Smart cards allow you to use the time you select with a debit card, and eliminate the need to carry change.

Residential Parking

Stickers for residents are available from our Collections Office. Starting in March you can purchase these with appropriate documentation. Sticker parking areas are noted with signs defining hours and areas affected. Sticker parking is in effect May through October. Many side streets are covered, so look for the signs.

Beach Parking

Beach parking is on a fee schedule Memorial Day through Labor day, with rates posted at Easton's beach entrances. Check our Parks and Recreation department for special events or more information regarding Beach parking and events.

Free Parking

Various locations exist without fees. Broadway, Spring Street and Lower Thames have many free spaces with hourly limitations. Many of these free areas in our business districts are a great deal! One more good reason to see other areas in our City. Our meters are not in effect November through April city wide.

Towing and Snow Emergencies

If your car is missing, it may have been towed. All vehicle tows, whether the cars are towed by the police or a contracted tow company, are logged in a police log. To contact the Police Department Dispatch Desk and/or verify the tow log, please contact (401) 847-1306 and a clerk will assist you.

In the case of a City declared snow emergency towing may be enforced so snow removal is not impeded, parking is banned on:Bellevue (Kay to Bowery), Broadway, Friendship, Spring, Summer, Thames, Van Zandt (JT Connell to Malbone) and West Marlborough Streets, and Washington Square.

These events will be announced via the press, local TV and radio outlets and AM 1630.

Accessible Routes in Newport

Accessible Newport Map

A listing of restaurants and activities may be found at Accessible RI website.

While many areas of traditional historic cities may pose a challenge to wheelchair accessibility our map above will help you to find accessible and convenient activities and businesses to fully enjoy all Newport has to offer. We hope you enjoy your visit, or better still, choose to live here and enjoy our City year round.

Rhode Island Traffic

RI Department of Transportation - Travel Advisories

Please see the link above for timely information and cameras of island and other state highways, bridges and roads. This is a helpful site for travel planning at any time, and particularly during our busy summer season.

State of RI Emergency Management

Newport Evacuation Routes Map

This is the link to the RI Emergency Management Agency Map where you will find the evacuation routes for your area.