Transportation

Biking

The Norwottuck Rail Trail is a nice, paved multi-use recreational path that runs all the way from Northampton to Belchertown. The trail connects to a bike trail system that spans from Florence, to Easthampton, to Amherst, to Holyoke. In the winter, given enough snow, the trail is open to cross-country skiing. Some students choose to commute by bike on the trail, which has many miles of dedicated bike lanes. If that is the case, commuters are allowed on the trail after hours, given that they have a proper headlight and taillight on the bike.

Buses

The Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA) operates buses which can take you pretty much wherever you want to go. During the school year, you can ride for free with your UCard, within Amherst and on certain Northampton to Amherst routes, but some bus routes to more distant destinations aren’t free, and other local routes aren’t free during the summer. Check out the UMass transit website for more options. Peter Pan Buses also runs regular service from campus to New York City and Boston. All PVTA buses have bike racks.

Driving

Cumberland Farms is usually a go-to for gas, although with a Stop ‘n’ Shop or Big Y grocery card, you can often get discounted gas at certain locations.

Flights

The closest major international airport is Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, CT. Many students also utilize Boston-Logan or NYC area airports for long-distance and international flights. You may find it is easier and cheaper to fly out of Boston as there is public transport available direct to Logan and not to Bradley.

Longer-distance ground transportation

Amtrak has trains leaving from Northampton and Springfield. Peter Pan buses leave from multiple places across the Pioneer Valley, including Amherst and Springfield. Greyhound buses leave from Northampton and Springfield.