Directions to UMass Amherst
Construction Detours: Please Arrive Early
There is major campus construction that will affect both traffic flow and parking. Please plan to arrive early. Police will direct you to parking lots based on your arrival time and entry point to the campus.
On Sunday, Shuttle buses will be operating throughout the day, so you will have transportation back to your vehicle after the ceremony. The fastest and most convenient mode of transportation on Sunday will be the shuttle buses.
Traffic Delays
Traffic into the greater Amherst area may be heavy as early as 8:00 a.m. on Commencement Day, so plan accordingly. Travelers can expect significant delays to begin 1 hour prior to the ceremony. Some roads may be closed or re-routed in one direction to facilitate traffic flow to and from campus during the hours of 7am to 2pm. University Police will be fully staffed with many officers assigned to traffic details, we ask that you please be patient during this time.
Construction is under way on Route 9, off I-91 Exit 19 in Hadley. This is the most common route to UMass from I-91, but because of construction-related traffic delays visitors are advised to consider other routes. Certain approaches to campus may be closed to traffic; if they are, advance notice will be posted at MassTraveler and the traffic information line at (413) 549-7842. When appropriate, detour signs will be posted.
Routes to Campus
- From the South, Via I-91 North
- Travelers have a choice of two routes:
- Exit 19 (Northampton): From the exit ramp, turn right onto Route 9 and go approximately 4.5 miles to Route 116 North. Turn left onto 116 and go one mile to the UMass Exit.
- Exit 24 (Deerfield): At the stop sign at the top of the ramp, turn right (north) onto Routes U.S. 5/10/116, and immediately turn right again at the traffic lights onto Route 116 South. Continue 8 miles to the next UMass exit.
- From the North, Via I-91 South
- Follow I-91 to Exit 25 in Deerfield. At the end of the ramp, turn left and follow the road to the intersection. Turn right onto Routes 5 & 10 South. Go one mile, turn left onto Route 116 South and follow it eight miles to the UMass exit.
- From the North, Via I-93 South
- Follow I-93 to I-495 South. Follow to Route 2 West. Continue on Route 2 to U.S. 202 South. Follow for about 15 miles to the blinking light at the Pelham exit marked "Route 9 and 116 Amherst." Turn right and follow for seven miles to Amherst center. Follow signs to UMass.
- From the East or West, Via I-90
- Travelers have a choice of four routes:
- Exit 8 (Palmer/Ware): Follow Route 32 South to Palmer; take Route 20 West to Route 181 North into Belchertown, and then Route 9 West to Amherst. Follow signs to UMass.
- Exit 7 (Ludlow): Follow Route 21 North to U.S. 202 North to Route 9 West to Amherst center. Follow signs to UMass.
- Exit 5 (Chicopee): Follow Route 33 North to Route 116 North to Amherst center. Turn left at the light onto Route 9 West. Follow signs to UMass.
- Exit 4 (West Springfield): I-91 North to Exit 19 to Route 9 East to Amherst. (See From the South, Via I-91 North)
Parking and Shuttle Services
Sunday only
To improve traffic flow, your parking location will be determined by where and when you enter campus. University police will direct vehicles to designated parking lots. Note your lot number and spot location: You may find it helpful to download and print this Campus and parking lot map (PDF) for reference when you attend. Free shuttle buses will make frequent runs to and from the stadium. We suggest allowing 40 minutes to park and shuttle to the stadium.
Recreational Vehicle Parking information is available.
