If you’re planning a road trip through New England or simply curious about how far one quaint town is from a bustling city, you may have asked yourself: What is the distance between Shaftsbury, VT, and Providence, RI? The answer is more than just miles on a map—it’s a route rich with scenic landscapes, charming small towns, and New England culture at its finest.
The Distance and Drive Time
The distance between Shaftsbury, VT and Providence, RI is approximately 135 to 150 miles, depending on the specific route you take. By car, the journey usually takes around 3 to 3.5 hours. While it’s not a long-distance road trip, it’s just enough time to enjoy the ride, take in the scenery, and maybe even stop for coffee at a local café or two.
Route Options and Scenic Drives
The most common driving route takes you from Shaftsbury, a quiet town nestled in the Green Mountains of southern Vermont, down through Massachusetts and into Rhode Island. Here’s a quick look at a popular route:
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Start in Shaftsbury, VT
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Take VT-7A S to US-7 S
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Merge onto I-90 E (Massachusetts Turnpike)
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Then take I-295 S to Providence, RI
This route offers a blend of peaceful countryside and well-maintained highways. Along the way, you’ll pass through picturesque areas such as the Berkshires, which offer excellent opportunities for short detours or photo ops.
From Rustic to Urban: Contrasting Destinations
What makes the journey between Shaftsbury and Providence so compelling isn’t just the miles—it’s the contrast between the two places.
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Shaftsbury, Vermont, is the epitome of small-town charm. With rolling hills, covered bridges, and a slower pace of life, it’s a wonderful place to unplug and connect with nature. Whether you’re hiking through Lake Shaftsbury State Park or visiting the historic Robert Frost Stone House Museum, the town exudes tranquility.
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Providence, Rhode Island, on the other hand, is a vibrant city known for its arts scene, universities, and eclectic food culture. As the capital of Rhode Island, Providence is a hub of activity with something for everyone—from WaterFire events along the riverwalk to the historic architecture of Benefit Street.
Driving from one to the other gives you the best of both worlds: the serenity of rural Vermont and the cultural richness of urban Rhode Island.
Tips for the Road
If you’re planning to drive the distance between Shaftsbury, VT, and Providence, RI, here are a few tips to enhance your experience:
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Plan for stops: There are several delightful small towns along the route—Williamstown, MA, and Northampton, M, are both worth exploring.
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Time your travel: Fall foliage in Vermont and Massachusetts is breathtaking, so if you’re driving in late September to October, prepare for extra scenic beauty (and some extra traffic).
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Pack snacks and a playlist: While it’s not a marathon road trip, a good playlist and some road-trip snacks can make the journey more fun.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re moving, visiting friends, heading to college, or just satisfying your curiosity, understanding the distance between Shaftsbury VT and Providence RI opens up a window into two distinctly different yet equally appealing parts of New England. It’s a journey where the drive itself becomes part of the adventure—filled with natural beauty, historical intrigue, and the quiet joy of discovering what lies between point A and point B. See more
