Cranston

Cranston is the second largest city in Rhode Island by population with 83,000 residents in 2020. It lies north of Warwick and south of Providence.

Understand
Formerly known as Pawtuxet, the city is bordered by the City of Warwick and the Town of West Warwick to the south, and the Town of Scituate to the west. Part of the Providence County, Cranston is home to 3½ miles of shoreline of the Providence River—which opens up to Naragansett Bay. Cranston was established from a part of Providence in 1754, but it was not until 1910 that it was designated a city.

The climate is temperate, reaching highs of 105°F in the summer and lows of -5°F in the winter.

By car
Cranston is a short drive from any Rhode Island city or town. From the south, it is easiest to take I-95 N exit 11 (in Warwick, RI), to I-295 N exit 1, to RI-2 N into Cranston. From the north, it is easiest to take I-95 S exit 16, to RI-1 S (Elmwood Avenue/Post Road), into Cranston: RI-12 (Park Avenue) and RI-2 (Reservoir Avenue). For up to date traffic information, consult the RI Department of Transportation's Transportation Management Center Website.

By plane
The closest airport to Cranston is T.F. Green International Airport, 200 Post Road in Warwick, less than 5 minutes away. T.F. Green serves the Rhode Island area and provides non-stop transportation from Toronto, the Azores (seasonal), and many major U.S. airports including Atlanta, Chicago, Tampa, and Las Vegas. Additional cities can be reached by connecting flights at many major airline hubs. Upon arrival, renting a car or taking a bus is a convenient way to enter the city.

By car
Destinations in Cranston are most easily accessible by car. Renting a car or bringing your own is advisable. Many locations of interest are close to each other, and can be walking distance apart, but locations may be car-centrically designed or areas of high traffic volume. Travelling from western Cranston across the city into the Edgewood neighborhood can take quite awhile by Rhode Island standards. Park Avenue is a primary way to do this, and receives much traffic. Central and eastern Cranston resemble the capital city of Providence to a greater degree than western Cranston, so plan for traffic in these places accordingly.

By bus
A one day bus pass can be purchased on board any RIPTA bus and may be used to travel to and around major Cranston streets and into the city itself. Unlike larger city routes, bus routes serving Cranston may not have many trips especially on weekends and nights. Bus rates: one-way: $2.00, transfer: $0.50, multiple ride passes available.

Routes serving Cranston:
 * 22 Reservoir/Pontiac - Serving Reservoir Avenue, Garden City, and Park Avenue
 * 31 Cranston St - Route from Providence to Warwick through Cranston, This trip in reverse will also bring you into the heart of Downtown Providence.
 * 30 Arlignton/Oaklawn - Arlington and Oaklawn

By bike
Cranston has plenty of bike paths and routes to get you to places. The Cross-City Bicycle Route begins along Naragansett Bay and takes you west towards the center of the city. Most of the route is through quiet neighborhoods so you can easily avoid traffic. The entire route is about 25 miles. This bike route also connects to the Washington Secondary Bike Path.

Do

 * Lang’s Bowlarama: 225 Niantic Ave (+1 401-944-0500) Also known as Lang’s Lanes has forty available lanes, as well as a separate lounge area with comfortable seating, many flat screen TVs for watching a variety of sports, and a game room complete with air hockey and racing games. Lang’s is open until midnight seven days a week and serves your average bowling alley food like pizza and burgers as well as a kids menu. Lang’s also offers a couple of packages that include two hours of bowling, shoe rental, and a couple of food options.
 * Lang’s Bowlarama: 225 Niantic Ave (+1 401-944-0500) Also known as Lang’s Lanes has forty available lanes, as well as a separate lounge area with comfortable seating, many flat screen TVs for watching a variety of sports, and a game room complete with air hockey and racing games. Lang’s is open until midnight seven days a week and serves your average bowling alley food like pizza and burgers as well as a kids menu. Lang’s also offers a couple of packages that include two hours of bowling, shoe rental, and a couple of food options.
 * Lang’s Bowlarama: 225 Niantic Ave (+1 401-944-0500) Also known as Lang’s Lanes has forty available lanes, as well as a separate lounge area with comfortable seating, many flat screen TVs for watching a variety of sports, and a game room complete with air hockey and racing games. Lang’s is open until midnight seven days a week and serves your average bowling alley food like pizza and burgers as well as a kids menu. Lang’s also offers a couple of packages that include two hours of bowling, shoe rental, and a couple of food options.
 * Lang’s Bowlarama: 225 Niantic Ave (+1 401-944-0500) Also known as Lang’s Lanes has forty available lanes, as well as a separate lounge area with comfortable seating, many flat screen TVs for watching a variety of sports, and a game room complete with air hockey and racing games. Lang’s is open until midnight seven days a week and serves your average bowling alley food like pizza and burgers as well as a kids menu. Lang’s also offers a couple of packages that include two hours of bowling, shoe rental, and a couple of food options.
 * Lang’s Bowlarama: 225 Niantic Ave (+1 401-944-0500) Also known as Lang’s Lanes has forty available lanes, as well as a separate lounge area with comfortable seating, many flat screen TVs for watching a variety of sports, and a game room complete with air hockey and racing games. Lang’s is open until midnight seven days a week and serves your average bowling alley food like pizza and burgers as well as a kids menu. Lang’s also offers a couple of packages that include two hours of bowling, shoe rental, and a couple of food options.
 * Lang’s Bowlarama: 225 Niantic Ave (+1 401-944-0500) Also known as Lang’s Lanes has forty available lanes, as well as a separate lounge area with comfortable seating, many flat screen TVs for watching a variety of sports, and a game room complete with air hockey and racing games. Lang’s is open until midnight seven days a week and serves your average bowling alley food like pizza and burgers as well as a kids menu. Lang’s also offers a couple of packages that include two hours of bowling, shoe rental, and a couple of food options.
 * Lang’s Bowlarama: 225 Niantic Ave (+1 401-944-0500) Also known as Lang’s Lanes has forty available lanes, as well as a separate lounge area with comfortable seating, many flat screen TVs for watching a variety of sports, and a game room complete with air hockey and racing games. Lang’s is open until midnight seven days a week and serves your average bowling alley food like pizza and burgers as well as a kids menu. Lang’s also offers a couple of packages that include two hours of bowling, shoe rental, and a couple of food options.
 * Lang’s Bowlarama: 225 Niantic Ave (+1 401-944-0500) Also known as Lang’s Lanes has forty available lanes, as well as a separate lounge area with comfortable seating, many flat screen TVs for watching a variety of sports, and a game room complete with air hockey and racing games. Lang’s is open until midnight seven days a week and serves your average bowling alley food like pizza and burgers as well as a kids menu. Lang’s also offers a couple of packages that include two hours of bowling, shoe rental, and a couple of food options.
 * Lang’s Bowlarama: 225 Niantic Ave (+1 401-944-0500) Also known as Lang’s Lanes has forty available lanes, as well as a separate lounge area with comfortable seating, many flat screen TVs for watching a variety of sports, and a game room complete with air hockey and racing games. Lang’s is open until midnight seven days a week and serves your average bowling alley food like pizza and burgers as well as a kids menu. Lang’s also offers a couple of packages that include two hours of bowling, shoe rental, and a couple of food options.
 * Lang’s Bowlarama: 225 Niantic Ave (+1 401-944-0500) Also known as Lang’s Lanes has forty available lanes, as well as a separate lounge area with comfortable seating, many flat screen TVs for watching a variety of sports, and a game room complete with air hockey and racing games. Lang’s is open until midnight seven days a week and serves your average bowling alley food like pizza and burgers as well as a kids menu. Lang’s also offers a couple of packages that include two hours of bowling, shoe rental, and a couple of food options.
 * Lang’s Bowlarama: 225 Niantic Ave (+1 401-944-0500) Also known as Lang’s Lanes has forty available lanes, as well as a separate lounge area with comfortable seating, many flat screen TVs for watching a variety of sports, and a game room complete with air hockey and racing games. Lang’s is open until midnight seven days a week and serves your average bowling alley food like pizza and burgers as well as a kids menu. Lang’s also offers a couple of packages that include two hours of bowling, shoe rental, and a couple of food options.

Drink
Cranston hosts a few small bars but besides country clubs or small bars scattered about, the main drinking locations are to be had in Providence.


 * Billy's Frosted Mug, 594 Reservoir Avenue, +1 401 785-0681
 * PJ's Pub, 1139 Pontiac Ave, +1 401 383-5885
 * McShawn's Pub, 1336 Cranston St, +1 401 942-9747. Small Irish pub. Full bar. Take-out. Popular for their corn-beef sandwiches. Sandwiches are large.

Stay safe
Compared to cities similar in size across America, Cranston has a relatively lower average crime rate. However when traveling by bike or foot at night proceed with caution, especially when on the eastern side, more urban side. Even in residential neighborhoods be sure to lock all car and house doors and close all first floor windows in the evening, for break-ins are not uncommon.

Go next
To leave Cranston, it is best to travel by car to another node of transportation (Bus, Air, or Train). Transportation by car in Cranston is very convenient and normally not inhibited by major traffic. Also, leaving by bus to a major bus hub such as Kennedy Plaza in downtown Providence is an option.


 * Warwick
 * Block Island
 * Historic Pawtucket
 * Providence