Major city · United States
Johnston
Spend a half‑day to a full day in Johnston: landfill tour (≈2 h) plus Clemence‑Irons House (≈1 h); one night only if you need a cheap base.
Johnston is a small Providence‑County town known for the state’s only landfill, historic colonial houses, and a strong Italian community. It’s best visited by car and works as a low‑cost stopover for Providence or Boston trips.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Apr–Oct (tour season at the landfill)
- avoid Nov–Mar (limited landfill tours, colder weather)
- Airport
- T.F. Green State (PVD)
- Nights
- 1
About Johnston
Johnston is a town in Providence County, Rhode Island, sitting four miles northwest of Cranston and 43 miles southwest of Boston. It forms part of the Providence-Fall River-Warwick metropolitan statistical area and covers roughly 24 square miles, with less than one square mile of water. The town is best known for hosting the only operational landfill in Rhode Island, and nearly half its residents claim Italian ancestry, a share the guide calls the highest of any town in the US. It separated from Providence in 1758 and was incorporated on March 6, 1759, named for colonial attorney general August Johnston. A car is needed to get around, and the town is reached from Route 295 or Route 6.
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
See
What is worth your time in Johnston.
- Central Landfill — The state's only working landfill, on Shun Pike, is a modern facility that sanitation experts visit and offers tours two days a month from April through October.
- Clemence-Irons House — A stone-ender built in 1691, among Rhode Island's oldest buildings and the sixth oldest in Providence County, now run as a museum by Historic New England.
Eat and drink
Specialities of this place.
- Pizza strips — Sold at town bakeries, these are strips rather than slices, served cold with sauce only and wrapped in wax paper.
- Doughboys — A draw at the church feasts, made by parishioners and ordered with tomato sauce, called gravy, and grated Parmigiano-Romano.
- Zeppole — Offered at D. Palmieri's Bakery on Killingly Street, one of Johnston's most popular bakeries.
- Italian dinners — Luigi's, Pat's and Atwood Grill serve Italian food, from homemade pastas to specialty courses, with Atwood Grill also pouring wines and special drinks.
Customs
- About 47% of residents have Italian ancestry, and the church feasts reflect that Italian culture with pasta, cannoli and a beer garden.
- Public transport is limited to RIPTA buses 19, 27 and 28 from Kennedy Plaza, and outside local neighborhoods the town is not pedestrian friendly, so a car is needed.
Events
- Apple Fest — Family event at Johnston Memorial Park with games, raffles and apple baked goods.Fall
- Johnston Memorial Park Spooky Walk — Haunted trail walk with spooky characters, popular with young children.Fall
- St. Rocco's Feast and Our Lady of Grace Feast — Church feasts on Atwood Ave and George Waterman Ave with rides, food, games and a beer garden.August and September
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Johnston911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Johnston, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyJohnston is a typical suburban town with low crime rates; standard US precautions apply.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportPVD T.F.
- Getting aroundA car is essential; limited RIPTA bus routes (19, 27, 28) exist but are infrequent.
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- PVD T.F. Green State Airport (≈15 min drive north via I‑295)
Map of Johnston
Where it is, and the guides within about 120 km.
- Johnston
- Basic guide
Directions in Google Maps · Apple Maps
Guides nearby
- Cranston · 5.1 km straight line
- Providence · 5.9 km straight line
- Pawtucket · 11 km straight line
- Central Falls · 11 km straight line
- Scituate, Rhode Island · 12 km straight line
- Seekonk · 12 km straight line
- Lincoln · 12 km straight line
- Warwick · 12 km straight line
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
Feb
Avoid
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
Mar
Avoid
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Apr
Best
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
May
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Jun
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Jul
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Aug
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Sep
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Oct
Best
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Nov
Avoid
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Dec
Avoid
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
Best: Apr–Oct. Avoid: Nov–Mar. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)), coolest Jan (−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C) low), wettest Jan (9 rain days), driest Jul (7). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Johnston: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
9 rd
Feb
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
8 rd
Mar
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
9 rd
Apr
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
8 rd
May
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
9 rd
Jun
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
8 rd
Jul
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
7 rd
Aug
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
7 rd
Sep
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
8 rd
Oct
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
9 rd
Nov
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
9 rd
Dec
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
9 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
A car is essential; limited RIPTA bus routes (19, 27, 28) exist but are infrequent. Parking is free in most areas.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: ≈30 min round trip
Drive north on I‑295, about 15 min
State capital, museums, waterfront.
Warwick, RI
goDoor to door: ≈20 min round trip
Drive south on I‑295, about 10 min
Shopping, waterfront, historic sites.
Door to door: ≈2 h round trip
Drive east on I‑95, about 1 h 15 min (traffic dependent)
Longer drive; consider overnight if you want to explore.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Skyview Motor Inn
Classic motel, $60 USD per night
Bel‑Air Motor Inn
Similar budget option on Hartford Ave
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $50–70 USD excl. bed
- Mid
- $80–120 USD excl. bed
- High
- $150+ USD excl. bed
Trip budget
Prices of common things
| Coffee at a café | $2–3 |
| Pizza strip (Italian bakery) | $3–5 |
| Landfill tour (if offered) | $5–10 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Landfill tours run only two days per month (April‑Oct); check schedule on the landfill website.
- Strong odor near the landfill on windy days.
- Public transport is sparse; plan for a rental or rideshare.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
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JohnstonJohnston
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Embassy
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Rental car (daily): ≈ $45 USD per day (economy, check local agencies)
Say or show
- Excuse me / Sorry — Excuse me / Sorry (Excuse me)
- Thank you — Thank you (Thank you)
- How much is it? — How much is it? (How much is it?)
- Where is the restroom? — Where is the restroom? (Where is the restroom?)
All phrases are in English; local accent may vary.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Johnston. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–Oct (tour season at the landfill) · avoid Nov–Mar (limited landfill tours, colder weather) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 3 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- An airport-to-bed path that says whether a late landing still works
- Walking clusters with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Field-verified times and fares
Sources
Ask about Johnston
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