Free “Hop-On Hop-Off” RIPTA service. Photo provided by RIPTA

Visitors to Newport (and residents) can once again enjoy free transportation to the city’s top tourist spots this summer.

The popular hop-on hop-off service on RIPTA Line #67 is back, running from May 23 through October 31, 2025. Discover Newport has announced its return, giving tourists an easy way to explore the city’s attractions.

The Bellevue trolley route connects visitors to must-see locations like the Redwood Library, International Tennis Hall of Fame, Newport Mansions, Cliff Walk, Belcourt, Rough Point, and First Beach. Passengers can get on and off at any RIPTA bus stop along the route.

Looking for schedules? You can find them online or pick one up at the Newport Visitor Information Center at 21 Long Wharf Mall.

If you’re driving to Newport, you can park at the Newport Transportation Center for just $5 with proof that you’ve used the trolley.

Do you need a restroom break? Starting May 23, public facilities will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This free trolley service is a team effort between Discover Newport and the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA).

For more details, visit RIPTA.com or call 401-781-9400. A detailed Route 67 schedule is available at RIPTA.com/route/67.

On May 22, Discover Newport provided the following additional information about the free hop-on hop-off trolley;

Free Newport Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Returns May 23

Discover Newport & RIPTA Announce the 2025 Season Following a Record Number of Ridership

Newport, RI (May 22, 2025) – Discover Newport and Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) announce the free hop-on hop-off trolley service, RIPTA Route 67, will return again for the 2025 season. This year marks the fourth year of the partnership between both organizations that has brought the free trolley service to Newport. Route 67 offers a free hop-on-hop off service from May 23 to October 31, 2025 and includes Bellevue Avenue, Memorial Boulevard and Salve Regina University, with stops at the Cliff Walk, the International Tennis Hall of Fame, the Audrain Auto Museum, the Newport Mansions and more. 

Used by both locals and visitors, Route 67 saw record numbers in 2024 garnering over 178,000 passengers, which was more than a 12% increase in ridership from 2023.  In addition, this program offers discounted parking, currently $5.00 a day, at the Newport Transportation Center for those who park at the lot and show a trolley voucher from that day, received from the trolley driver. Over 6,800 parking vouchers were redeemed during the 2024 season, showcasing the impact this program has on diverting cars from the roads. 

“We are thrilled to partner once again with RIPTA,” said Victoria Cimino, president & CEO of Discover Newport. “The success of this program illustrates the interest from both visitors and locals alike when it comes to alternative ways of transportation. By providing an easy and sustainable option to get around the city we are able to help divert cars from the road during the busy summer and fall seasons.”

In addition to the free seasonal service on Route 67, RIPTA and the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island are pleased to announce the return of the free service on Route 68. This route will travel from Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) Newport, to the Middletown Department of Human Services, stopping at the Newport Transportation Center and First Beach.

“We’re deeply grateful to Discover Newport and the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island for their continued partnership and generous sponsorship, which make this Hop-On Hop-Off service possible,” said RIPTA Chief Executive Officer Christopher Durand. “This program significantly reduces traffic congestion, supports local tourism, and provides accessible transit for tourists, as well as residents living and working in Newport.”

“I am delighted that the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island is able to again help the Newport community this summer through our sponsorship of this program. Making it easier for visitors to leave their cars behind while they tour the city helps improve the experience for everyone. It helps us set an example of being good citizens in our changing climate. And it allows people in Newport to have full access to the things that make summertime in Rhode Island so spectacular,” stated Bishop Knisely of the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island.

In partnership between The City of Newport, Discover Newport and RIPTA the public bathrooms at the Transportation Center, located at 23 America’s Cup Avenue, Newport will open May 23 for daily use from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m., through December 31, 2025.

For the most up-to-date destination updates visit DiscoverNewport.org. For route details and schedules please visit RIPTA.com

Ryan Belmore is the owner and publisher of What's Up Newp. He took over the publication in 2012 and has grown it into a three-time Rhode Island Monthly Best Local News Blog (2018, 2019, 2020).

He was named LION Publishers Member of the Year in 2020 and received the Dominique Award from the Arts & Cultural Society of Newport County the same year. He has been awarded grants for investigative and community journalism, and continues to coach and mentor new local news publications nationwide.

Ryan is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, Online News Association, and Local Independent Online News Publishers. He is committed to the codes of ethics of these organizations: accuracy, independence, accountability, and transparency.

In Newport, Ryan served on the boards of the Fort Adams Trust and Potter League for Animals, and hosted a daily radio talk show for four years.

In 2021, Ryan moved to Alexandria, Virginia, to support his wife Jen's career. He launched The Alexandria Brief in 2025, applying what he learned in Newport to a new community. With the help of some talented on-the-ground contributors, he still runs What's Up Newp — and always will.

Contact: ryan@whatsupnewp.com.