For flyers touching down in the Ocean State this fall of 2025, Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport PVD is not just a convenient pit stop. It is now officially one of America’s elite small airports, clinching the No. 3 spot in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Announced October 15, 2025, the accolade, determined by a panel of travel experts and a flood of public votes, crowns PVD as the highest ranked airport in all of New England, edging out rivals for its seamless blend of efficiency, affordability, and that elusive no drama vibe. In an era of packed terminals and endless lines, this recognition is a game changer for Newport bound visitors, turning what could be a harried arrival into a breezy launchpad for coastal adventures amid the region’s peak foliage season. PVD ranked 3 behind Grand Rapids GRR at 1 and Islip Long Island MacArthur ISP at 2.
The 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards spotlighted Best Small Airport nominees selected by USA TODAY and 10Best.com editors, with winners rising through online voting that wrapped in early October. Criteria zeroed in on traveler essentials, convenience from curb to gate, high customer satisfaction, and easy accessibility that keeps the journey feeling more vacation than chore. PVD’s third place finish underscores its transformation since a major turnaround effort kicked off in 2017. Affordable parking that will not break the bank, generally quick security checkpoints, and an on site MBTA commuter rail station at TF Green InterLink with service to Providence and Boston on a limited schedule have earned raves from loyal users. As USA TODAY noted in past coverage, loyal fans love it as an alternative to Boston Logan International for its lack of crowds and quick access. With a sprawling catchment area serving 7.5 million residents within a 90 minute drive, pulling in folks from eastern Connecticut and southern Massachusetts, PVD punches above its size, handling over 4 million passengers in 2024 without the mega hub headaches.
Flying into PVD for a Newport getaway? Check Newport hotel availability here.
This is not a fluke, it is the 20th national or international Top 10 honor for PVD since 2017, including nods from the Wall Street Journal, Travel plus Leisure, and international airport groups. Rhode Island Airport Corporation RIAC CEO Iftikhar Ahmad beamed with pride in the announcement, I am incredibly proud of our team and the continued recognition. These accolades are a testament to the hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence demonstrated by our staff, and the 2,500 people that show up to deliver exceptional customer service every day. Echoing that, RIAC Board Chair Jonathan Savage credited a collective effort involving Governor Dan McKee, legislative leaders, and tourism partners, It took everyone to accomplish a turnaround that continues to benefit Rhode Island travelers and our economy. Recent upgrades like expanded dining options, including Narragansett Kitchen and Bar and Federal Hill Italian Eatery, free Wi Fi throughout, and pet relief zones have polished the passenger experience, while sustainability moves include renewable energy sourcing via off site solar projects and ongoing efficiency upgrades.
For Newport enthusiasts, PVD’s glow up is pure gold. Perched about 27 miles from the City by the Sea, roughly a 38 to 45 minute drive via Route 138 depending on traffic, it is the hassle free entry to Aquidneck Island’s fall magic. Skip Logan’s notorious traffic snarls and land at PVD for direct flights to major hubs including Atlanta, Chicago, and New York, schedules vary by season and airline, all while avoiding the steeper parking rates at larger airports. Think PVD economy and long term from about 20 to 29 dollars per day versus Boston Logan at roughly 37 to 46 dollars per day depending on lot and date. From there, hop a quick ride share to Bowen’s Wharf for fresh lobster rolls, or time your arrival for the Citizens Pell Bridge Run on October 19, 2025. It is a boon for spontaneous getaways, imagine deplaning amid crisp autumn air, grabbing a coffee at the on site Market Fresh eatery, and zipping to Sachuest Point for that Atlantic Flyway bird migration spectacle, all without the post flight fatigue. As Rhode Island’s tourism engine revs ahead of the 2026 World Cup spillover, PVD’s reputation as a low cost gateway could funnel even more international soccer fans to Newport’s inns and Cliff Walk trails, amplifying the state’s 2.5 billion annual visitor spend.
