What’s the best way to get from Boston to Amherst College?
I'm planning my campus visits, and Amherst College is near the top of my list. The problem is, I'm coming in from Boston, and I'm not sure about the best way to get there. Do most people take a bus or a train? Or should I consider renting a car?
I don’t have a driver’s license, so I’m hoping for options that work with public transportation. I would also love to know if the college offers any kind of shuttle from major cities nearby, or if there are student ride-share boards I could check out. Any advice from current students or others who have made this trip would be amazing!
I don’t have a driver’s license, so I’m hoping for options that work with public transportation. I would also love to know if the college offers any kind of shuttle from major cities nearby, or if there are student ride-share boards I could check out. Any advice from current students or others who have made this trip would be amazing!
4 months ago
•
29 views
Lily Fang
• 4 months ago
Advisor
Getting from Boston to Amherst College is possible with public transport. You can take a Peter Pan or Greyhound bus Boston’s South Station to Northampton or Springfield, transfer, and then arrive in Amherst Center. This will take around 3 hours.
If you prefer the train, the closest Amtrak station is in Northampton (about a 20 min bus ride from Amherst). You could take the Amtrak from Boston's South Station or Back Bay to Northampton, then catch the local PVTA bus or a taxi/Lyft/Uber to get to Amherst College. This route is going to be more expensive, but some people prefer the train experience for comfort.
Sometimes you are also able to catch rides with folks in rideshare groups on Facebook or apps like BlaBlaCar.
Once you’re in Amherst, the town and college are pretty walkable, and there’s also a local bus system (PVTA) that connects campuses in the area.
If you want the most flexibility though, renting a car isn't a bad idea. There is paid parking in the town and it's a short walk from campus.
If you prefer the train, the closest Amtrak station is in Northampton (about a 20 min bus ride from Amherst). You could take the Amtrak from Boston's South Station or Back Bay to Northampton, then catch the local PVTA bus or a taxi/Lyft/Uber to get to Amherst College. This route is going to be more expensive, but some people prefer the train experience for comfort.
Sometimes you are also able to catch rides with folks in rideshare groups on Facebook or apps like BlaBlaCar.
Once you’re in Amherst, the town and college are pretty walkable, and there’s also a local bus system (PVTA) that connects campuses in the area.
If you want the most flexibility though, renting a car isn't a bad idea. There is paid parking in the town and it's a short walk from campus.
Related Questions
Students also ask…