How to Get to Mystic. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel to Mystic

Major Airports & Airlines

While Mystic has no major airport, several convenient options lie within a fair driving distance, served by major airlines.

Nearby Airports & Flight Information

T.F. Green Airport (PVD) in Warwick, RI: Approx. 45-50 min drive. Nearest major airport.
Bradley International Airport (BDL) in Windsor Locks, CT: Approx. 1 hr 15 min drive. Wider range of destinations.
Logan International Airport (BOS) in Boston, MA: Approx. 1 hr 45 min drive. Major international hub with most flight options.

Transfer Options & Seasonal Pricing

Consider transfer methods from airports and depending on the time of year flight pricing for peak planning.

Getting to Mystic & Airfare Trends

Rental Car: Most convenient option for flexibility. Counters at all major airports (DiscoverCars.com).
Taxi/Ride-share: Available from all airports, but can be expensive for longer distances.
Train (Amtrak): Possible from BOS or NYC airports (with transfers to stations), or from PVD via short taxi to Providence Station.
Flight prices are highest during summer (June-August) and holidays. Shoulder seasons (Spring and Fall) offer better value, with winter usually having the lowest prices (except for holidays). Dollar Flight Club for deals.

Price Fluctuation

Peak travel times see higher flight costs; off-peak often brings savings.

Direct Flight Hubs

Most international direct flights arrive at Boston (BOS) or New York City (JFK, EWR) airports.

Airport Facilities

All major airports provide standard facilities: dining, shops, car rentals, and ground transport.

Flight Search Resources

Dollar Flight Club

Helps you find cheap flights by alerting you to deals.
Membership offers access to exclusive flight offers and error fares.
Email alerts deliver deals directly to your inbox for your chosen destinations.
Attempts to save you a large number of dollars on airfare.

Skyscanner

A comprehensive travel search engine for flights, hotels, and car rentals.
Price alerts and 'Everywhere' search options help discover affordable travel.
Compares prices from various airlines and online travel agencies globally.
Flexible date search features help find the cheapest days to fly.

Practical Air Travel Advice

Check Airline Policy

Always verify with your airline for their specific recommendations on arrival times at the airport.

International Travel

For international flights, remember that federal taxes and fees are included in the ticket price.

Connecting Travel

Plan your final leg of the journey from larger airports, especially if you intend to use Amtrak.

Ground Transportation

Train Connections

Amtrak service offers a practical method to reach Mystic from major Northeast cities.

Amtrak Service Details

Mystic (MYS) is a stop on Amtrak's Northeast Corridor line.
Direct service from Boston, Providence, Nyc, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., and intermediate points.
Travel takes approx. 1 hr 15 min from Providence, TWO hours 45 min from Boston, and THREE hours from New York City.

Long-Distance Bus & Self-Driving

Bus alternatives are more limited, while self-driving provides extensive access via major highways.

Bus Services & Roadways

Greyhound and Peter Pan Bus Lines do not offer direct service for Mystic. The nearest major bus terminal is in New London, CT.
Mystic is accessible via Interstate 95 (I-95). Exit 90 for Mystic Seaport Museum/Aquarium, Exit 90 or 91 for downtown.
Roads are generally well-maintained. Traffic can be heavy on I-95 during peak hours, weekends, and summer.

Driving Requirements & Safety

Know what to carry for driving and general road safety considerations.

Driver Information

A valid driver's license is needed (U.S. State license or international license with an IDP for international visitors).
Be aware of deer in rural areas, especially at dawn and dusk, as they pose a road hazard.
Winter driving conditions can include snow and ice, phoning for extra caution and reduced speeds.

Parking in Mystic

Parking in downtown Mystic possesses some unique considerations, especially during busy times.

Parking Details

Parking in downtown Mystic can be challenging due to limited space, especially on weekends and during peak season.
Metered street parking and some public lots are available in central business districts.
Parking is abundant at Mystic Seaport Museum and Mystic Aquarium, making them good entry points.

Important Considerations

Border crossing information is not relevant for domestic travel within the United States.
For international visitors arriving by automobile from Canada or Mexico, standard U.S. Land border crossing procedures apply.
No long-distance bus direct service to Mystic. The nearest major terminal is New London, CT.

Allow extra time for potential traffic on I-95, especially during peak travel times like holiday weekends or rush hour.
Roads are generally safe in the Mystic area, but caution for wildlife on roads and winter conditions is advisable.
Mystic Amtrak Station is centrally located within walking distance of downtown Mystic, simplifying arrival.

Sea & River Connections

Ferry Services & Ports

Mystic does not serve as a major cruise port or direct ferry a terminal for general passenger arrival.

Nearby Ferry Options

No major cruise port or ferry services straight from serve Mystic for general passenger arrival.
Nearby Ferry Services (New London, CT): The Block Island Express offers seasonal ferry trips to Block Island, Rhode Island.
The Cross Sound Ferry provides year-round ferry service to Orient Point, Long Island, New York.

River Transportation & Connections

Recreational boating is favored on the Mystic River, with tour boats offering scenic experiences.

Water Travel & Land Links

Recreational boating thrives on the Mystic River and Long Island Sound.
Tour boats operate from Mystic, mainly for sightseeing rather than point-to-point transportation.
From New London ferry ports, local SEAT buses, taxis, or ride-shares are available to connect travelers to Mystic.

Recreational Boating

The Mystic River and Long Island Sound are popular for private recreational vessels.

Scenic Tours

Various operators offer boat tours for unique views of the town from the sea.

Immigration Procedures

Not applicable for Mystic; customs clearance for international recreational boats at designated ports of entry.

Departing Mystic

Exit Information & Timing

Prepare for your departure with an understanding of fees and recommended arrival times at transportation centers.

Fees & Airport/Station Timing

No specific exit fees or taxes apply for departing from Mystic or for domestic flights within the U.S.
For international flights departing from U.S. Airports, certain federal taxes and fees are included in the ticket price.
Arrive 2 hours prior to domestic flights, and 3 hours prior to international flights. Check with your airline for their recommendations.

Train & Self-Driving Departures

Specific recommendations for departing by train or private vehicle from Mystic.

Departure Procedures & Facilities

For Amtrak, arrive at Mystic Station at least 15-20 minutes before departure for boarding.
When self-driving, allow extra time for potential traffic on I-95, notably during peak travel times.
Mystic Amtrak Station is a small, unstaffed station. Major airports (PVD, BDL, BOS, NYC) have full facilities for departing travelers.

Departure Checklist

Confirm Bookings

Double-check all flight, train, or car rental departure times and details.

Pack Smart

Organize belongings, guaranteeing all essentials are packed and valuables secured.

Local Returns

Return any rental kit and settle outstanding local balances.

How to Get to Mystic