A major complaint by visitors to Newport is the difficulty of finding free parking downtown, and, when they are willing to pay for a space, getting hit with a $15 charge — or more. Time for a re-evaluation. It happens that there’s a fabulous parking deal in Newport. But most people just don’t know about it.

Drivers can buy a $5 pass that lets them park all day at the Gateway Visitors Center and take as many trolleys and RIPTA buses as they choose. The buses go to the local beaches, the mansions, the Thames Street shopping and the bars and restaurants, which means nearly everywhere. But the travel is not limited to Newport. Holders of these passes can take a RIPTA bus going anywhere in the state. They can ride up to Woonsocket, then down to Westerly if they so desire.

The Gateway Visitors Center is the city’s main transportation hub, so that visiting a major Newport sight, such as Fort Adams State Park, can usually be done without changing buses. And walkers will find themselves an easy stroll from Washington Square, Thames Street and the International Tennis Hall of Fame, on Bellevue Avenue.

Situated on America’s Cup Boulevard, the center is but a short drive from the off-ramp of the Newport Bridge. (Take a right at the bottom and then follow the signs.) In addition to housing a variety of transportation options, the center offers a tourist’s banquet of brochures, maps and tickets to the mansions and other sights.

Of course, one doesn’t need a car at all. People can reach the center on a RIPTA bus from elsewhere in the Ocean State. And the Providence/Newport Water Ferry Service, which has just resumed service for the season, disgorges passengers a short walk away. (The service is scheduled to die later this year. Let’s hope that it can be saved. The watery state needs many more ferries, for commuting and pleasure.)

For more information, including maps, schedules and a detailed explanation of the one-day parking pass, visit www.GoNewport.com.