How Do I Get To…

There are many different ways to travel to the various destinations near Williamstown. There is no single best option for any destination; it all depends on your budget, preferred method of travel, and schedule. To help make your lives easier, we’ve compiled them all—complete with a brief discussion of environmental impacts! This list is meant to (hopefully) reduce our reliance on the dirtiest forms of travel by showing all of the available sustainable travel methods.

Don’t see your destination on the list? Click here to learn about all of the available nearby transportation options!

No matter where you’re going, be sure to request a ride on WSO and/or Switchboard if you think that may make your life easier—it can’t hurt, and carpooling is always environmentally friendly!

  • Unfortunately, as of now there's no easy way to get to Albany consistently via public transportation. Check out the options below to see if any one of them could work for you.

    • Motorcoach → Most Eco-Friendly
      • How: Going to or from Albany Airport around an academic break time? The Williams Motorcoach is an easy and quick way to get there. More information, including a schedule, can be found on the Motorcoach website.
        Travel Time: ~1:15
        Cost: $20 one-way (a 15% discount is available if you book 20+ days in advance)
        Environmental Impact: Because full buses are more efficient per passenger than cars, this is the most environmentally friendly way to get to Albany if you have the option!
    • Taxi
      • How: Here is a list of local taxi services, and here is a list of private drivers. Scheduling in advance is recommended. A cheaper Uber or Lyft may be an option as well, but sometimes they are unavailable. Keep in mind that the cost can be split between multiple passengers.
        Travel Time: 1 hour
        Cost: ~$50-150, the lower end being an Uber or Lyft and higher being a taxi
        Environmental Impact: Not the best—not only does a taxi have to take you one way, it has to return after the fact. However, it's a short journey and it does become better if you have more than one passenger.
    • Buses and Trains
      • How: If you really need to get to or from Albany and don't want to pay for a cab, then there are Greyhound and Peter Pan buses and an Amtrak line between Pittsfield to Albany. Unfortunately, the schedules don't line up very well with any transportation options to or from Pittsfield, but it is a possibility.
        Travel Time: ~1 hour between Pittsfield and Albany
        Cost: $10-25 between Pittsfield and Albany
        Environmental Impact: Using public transportation is almost always good from an environmental perspective, but because this takes you so far out of the way it's not the most efficient.
    • Driving
      • Even if you don't have a car, Albany is fairly close, so you may be able to convince a friend to drop you off and/or pick you up.
        Travel Time: ~1 hour
        Environmental Impact: Probably not quite as clean as the Motorcoach unless you're taking an EV, but it's a short journey, and one that doesn't involve a lot of traffic or congestion. Also, keep in mind that a full car is much better per passenger than a solo driver.

    Need to know how to get around Albany once you're there? Check out the Capital District Transportation Authority's website. Getting from the city center to the airport (or vice-versa) isn't the easiest, but it certainly is doable.

  • Baltimore can be reached by plane, train, bus, or car—it's up to you.

    • Amtrak → Most Eco-Friendly
      • How: Take a train from Albany-Rensselaer to New York Penn Station, and then transfer to a train to Baltimore's own Penn Station. Trains run frequently throughout the day, so check the schedule here. (Not sure how to get to Albany? Check the Albany page for some ideas). Amtrak runs two different trains between Baltimore and New York: the slightly faster but way more expensive Acela, and the much more reasonable Northeast Regional (and other similar trains). Also, don't be afraid to mix-and-match trains and buses if you find an option you prefer—you'll have to transfer anyway in NYC.
        Cost: ~$95 one-way (~$240+ if you take the Acela)
        Travel Time: ~5-6 hours from Albany to Baltimore
        Environmental Impact: Very clean. Trains tend to be the most energy-efficient method of transportation per mile traveled.
    • Buses
      • How: Check out the New York City page for transportation options between Williamstown and New York City; options abound from there to get between New York and Baltimore, including Megabus, Greyhound, Peter Pan, Bolt, FlixBus (often the cheapest), and more. Also, don't be afraid to mix-and-match trains and buses if you find something you prefer—you'll likely have to transfer anyway in NYC.
        Cost: ~$5-20 between Baltimore and NYC
        Travel Time: ~3:30 between Baltimore and NYC
        Environmental Impact: Not quite as good as the trains, but certainly better than flying.
    • Flights
      • How: Southwest runs a handful of nonstop flights a day between Albany and Baltimore-Washington International Airport, which lies in Maryland to the south of the city. Connecting flights can often be a cheaper option as well, although it's good to keep in mind that a connecting flight might not be too much quicker all told than a train, for example. The airport is about a 20-45 min drive from the city center, depending on traffic, or about 45 minutes using public transportation. (Not sure how to get to the Albany airport? Check the Albany page for some ideas).
        Travel Time: ~1:30 flight time, but keep in mind all of the extra time (getting to the airport early, possible delays, getting to your final destination after disembarking)
        Cost: ~$200-500 round-trip, depending heavily on the flight you choose and when you book
        Environmental Impact: This is the worst option from an environmental standpoint, likely by a sizable amount. Short flights especially are very energy-intensive per mile traveled, connecting flights even more so, and other good options exist to get to Baltimore that are almost as quick.
    • Driving
      • Travel Time: ~6 hours
        Environmental Impact: Because of the distance, the specifics matter a lot here. A small hybrid with four people? Almost as good as the Amtrak. A Hummer with just the driver? Maybe worse than flying.

    Need to get around the city once you're there? Check out this guide for all your best options.

  • Harvard Yard. Fenway Park. Faneuil Hall. Boston is the closest major city to Williamstown, and as such transportation options are plentiful.

    • Motorcoach → Most Eco-Friendly
      • How: Going to or from Boston around an academic break time? The Williams Motorcoach is an easy and quick way to get there, with buses going to both North Station and Boston-Logan International Airport. The Motorcoach also runs buses on a handful of weekends throughout the academic year, so you may get lucky. More information, including a schedule, can be found on the Motorcoach website.
        Travel Time: ~3:15 to North Station, ~3:30 to Logan
        Cost: $35 one-way (a 15% discount is available if you book 20+ days in advance)
        Environmental Impact: This bus goes directly between Williamstown and Boston and is often relatively full, making it very efficient per passenger and a great choice environmentally.
    • Peter Pan Buses
      • How: Taking a bus to Boston is a bit complex, but is often the fastest and cheapest way to get there directly from campus without a car. The simplest option is just to take a Peter Pan between the old Williams Inn and Boston South Station, with transfers in Pittsfield and Springfield. These buses run twice a day.If you want to save a little time or money, here are a few tips:
        1. On the morning bus out of Williamstown, it's often better to take a Peter Pan to Springfield, and switch to a Greyhound into Boston from there, as it cuts up to 2 hours off of the layover.
        2. If your timing is right, it might be up to $20 cheaper to take BRTA direct shuttle to or from Pittsfield, and the Peter Pan for the rest of the journey.
        3. The evening bus into Williamstown includes a layover at Pittsfield after the bus station has closed, which is not ideal. You may want to take the bus to Pittsfield and try to get a ride into Williamstown if possible, or get a taxi/Lyft/Uber, which may even be the cheapest option if you can split the fare
        4. The Greyhound bus from Pittsfield may end up being a better option for morning journeys into Boston and afternoon journeys back to Williamstown

        Cost: ~$48 one-way (+fees, usually $2.50 per booking) between Williamstown and Boston. Students can get 10% off Peter Pan Fares through UNiDAYS.

        Travel Time: 3:30-7:00, mostly depending on layovers

        Environmental Impact: Not quite as good as the Motorcoach because of the stops, but still not a bad option.

    • Greyhound Buses
      • How: Greyhound operates one bus a day direct between Pittsfield and Boston South Station, with stops along the way. Click here for a schedule. Pro tip: for some reason, it is often cheaper to book a ticket to Boston Logan with a transfer at South Station, and just not take the transfer. See above for some more tips and tricks and when this might end up being the best option. (Not sure how to get to the Pittsfield bus station? Check the Pittsfield page for options.)
        Cost: $20-45 one-way (+fees, usually $2.50 per booking)
        Travel Time: ~3:40 between Pittsfield and Boston
        Environmental Impact: Not quite as good as the Motorcoach because of the stops, but still not a bad option.
    • Amtrak → Most Eco-Friendly
      • How: Amtrak runs one train a day between Pittsfield and Boston South Station, with stops along the way. In the past, service has been extremely questionable, with multi-hour delays a frequent occurrence. However, there has been recent track work, so it's possible the service will begin to improve. (Not sure how to get to the train station? Check the Pittsfield page for options.)
        Cost: ~$25 one-way. Expect fare increases if you book very late, but also look for discounts down to $12 if you book well in advance.
        Travel Time: ~3:50 between Pittsfield and Boston
        Environmental Impact: Trains are generally the most fuel efficient vehicles per passenger, which lands this option right up there with the Motorcoach in terms of sustainability.
    • Park and Ride
      • How: Want to drive to Boston, but hate driving in a city? You have two great options: park at Wachusett and take the commuter rail in from there, or park at Alewife and take the Red Line "T" into the city. Wachusett train station is only a 1:50 drive away from the college, and the train ride to North Station takes about 90 minutes from there. Pros: a shorter drive and (generally) cheaper parking. Alewife is about a 2:35 drive, followed by a ~25 minute subway ride from South Station. Pros: A slightly quicker overall trip, cheaper subway, and more frequent trains.
        Cost: $12.25 one-way from Wachusett + $3 per-day parking, or ~$2.40-2.90 one-way from Alewife + $3-15 per-day parking
        Travel Time: ~3:00-3:30 all told
        Environmental Impact: Driving is generally not the most environmentally-friendly option unless you have an electric vehicle, but here at least you can eliminate the congestion and pollution from driving in a city.
    • Driving
      • How: There's two main routes to Boston: via the Mass Turnpike, or via Route 2. Depending on your exact final destination, either one may be the better option, so be sure to check Google Maps. Traveling via Route 2 also has the added bonus of saving a little bit of money on gas and tolls (about $7 total each way).
        Travel Time: ~1 hour
        Environmental Impact: In all likelihood this will be more polluting than any of the above options, but fuel-efficient or electric vehicles would still be a good option. Also, keep in mind that a full car is much better per passenger than a solo driver.

    Want to know how to get around Boston once you get there? Downtown Boston is among the most walkable cities in the country, but if you need to get a little bit further, check out this guide.


    Logan Airport

    If you're driving from Williamstown, often the easiest way to get to the airport without having to drive through the city and pay pricey airport parking is the Logan Express from Framingham. If you're already in the city, the T and the Back Bay Logan Express are also good options.

    • The T
      • How: If you're just looking to get between the city proper and the airport, a best good is to use the T, Boston's subway. (If you're in Back Bay, check below to learn more about the Logan Express.) A map can be seen here—the Blue Line and the Silver Line #1 both go to Logan.
        Cost: $2.40-2.90 per ride
    • The Logan Express - Back Bay
      • How: The Logan Express buses pick up and drop off at the Hynes Convention Center and Back Bay Station. Buses run every 20 minutes throughout most of the day. Click here to learn more.
        Travel Time: Varies heavily depending on traffic. Approximately 15-35 minutes.
        Cost: $3 from the city to the airport, free when returning back to the city!
    • The Logan Express - Framingham
      • How: The easiest Logan Express to use coming from Williamstown is the one just off I-90 in Framingham. It's easy; just park your car in the lot and take the bus in. Trips leave every half hour throughout the majority of the day, with more scattered options late night. Click here for a schedule and to learn more. Parking is $7 a day.
        Travel Time: ~2:25 to Framingham, then ~30-45 minutes to Logan (more during rush hour)
        Cost: $12 per adult, see site for full information
        Environmental Impact: Driving is generally not the most environmentally-friendly option unless you have an electric vehicle, but here at least you can eliminate the congestion and pollution from driving in a city.
  • Bradley Int'l Airport offers a few more destinations than Albany while still being within easy reach.

    • Peter Pan Bus → Most Eco-Friendly
      • How: Take a Peter Pan to/from Springfield (switching buses at Pittsfield), and then take an Uber/Lyft/cab between Springfield and Bradley Int'l Airport. Purchase your Peter Pan tickets here.
        Cost: ~$30 for the bus one way (+fees, usually $2.50 per booking), and about ~$30 for the Uber/Lyft/cab. Students can get 10% off Peter Pan Fares through UNiDAYS.
        Travel Time: ~1:50-3:00 for the bus, ~30 minutes for the Uber/Lyft/cab
        Environmental Impact: Using public transportation is almost always good from an environmental perspective, and this is no exception.
    • Taxi
      • How: Here is a list of local taxi services, and here is a list of private drivers. Scheduling in advance is recommended. Every once in a while a cheaper Uber or Lyft may be an option as well.
        Travel Time: 1:50
        Cost: $100-$230, the lower end being an Uber or Lyft and higher being a taxi
        Environmental Impact: Not the best—not only does a taxi have to take you one way, it has to return after the fact. However, it does become better if you have more than one passenger.
    • Driving
      • Travel Time: 1:50
        Cost: Long-term parking is available for as low as $6 a day
        Environmental Impact: Probably not the best option unless you're taking an EV, but it's still a relatively short journey, and one that doesn't involve a lot of traffic or congestion. Also, keep in mind that a full car is much better per passenger than a solo driver.
  • Chicago is a bit of a haul from Williamstown, but you still have a handful of transportation options to choose from.

    • Amtrak → Most-Eco Friendly
      • How: Feeling adventurous? Or perhaps a bit like Cary Grant? Amtrak runs an overnight train between Boston and Chicago—and you can hop on in Pittsfield or Albany! You can book a seat in coach, or purchase a ticket for a sleeping car if you'd like to ride in style. Click here for a schedule and tickets.
        Travel Time: 15:45 between Albany and Chicago, +1 hour to Pittsfield
        Cost: ~$60-150 one-way for a coach seat. A small room costs about~$400-700 one-way for two people, depending on the train.
        Environmental Impact: Super clean. For reference, the entire train trip results in fewer emissions per passenger than driving an average car to Albany.
    • Driving
      • It may seem far, but it's doable in a single day, especially if you have a few drivers.
        Travel Time: ~13 hours
        Environmental Impact: Because of the distance, the specifics matter a lot here. A small hybrid with four people? Almost as good as the Amtrak. A Hummer with just the driver? Worse than flying.
    • Flights — Chicago O'Hare Int'l Airport
      • How: United Airlines and American Airlines both fly multiple nonstops between Albany and Chicago-O'Hare every day. (Not sure how to get to Albany? Check the Albany page for some ideas). O'Hare lies to the northwest of downtown Chicago; driving into the city center from O'Hare can be a nightmare during rush hour, and can take anywhere from 20 minutes to 1:30. Taking the Blue Line "L" train into the city center takes about 50 minutes. A variety of connecting flights are also available and may be cheaper, especially if you book last minute—however, these flights take significantly longer and are much less eco-friendly.
        Travel Time: ~2:10
        Cost: ~$350-600 round trip, depending heavily on the flight you choose and when you book
        Environmental Impact: Flying is never great, but nonstop flights are not horrible compared to some other transportation methods. They are generally worse, but on the same order of magnitude.
    • Flights — Chicago Midway Int'l Airport
      • How: Southwest offers two nonstop flights a day between Albany and Chicago-Midway. (Not sure how to get to Albany? Check the Albany page for some ideas). Midway lies to the southwest of downtown Chicago, and can be anywhere between a 15 minute and a 1 hour drive from the city center, depending on traffic. Taking the Orange Line "L" train to the city takes about 25 minutes. A variety of connecting flights are also available and may be cheaper, especially if you book last minute—however, these flights take significantly longer and are much less eco-friendly.
        Travel Time: ~2:10
        Cost: ~$350-600 round trip, depending heavily on the flight you choose and when you book
        Environmental Impact: Flying is never great, but nonstop flights are not horrible compared to some other transportation methods. They are generally worse, but on the same order of magnitude.
    • Flights — from Boston or NYC
      • How: If you're looking to save money or booking last minute, flying from Boston or NYC can be the fastest cheaper option—even better than taking a connecting flight out of Albany. Flights abound from Boston and New York to both O'Hare and Midway. Nonstop flights from Albany will almost certainly mean a shorter trip overall, but this can be a good, cheap option nonetheless.
        Travel Time: ~2:20-2:50 between Boston/NYC and Chicago
        Cost: ~$100-300 round trip, depending heavily on the flight you choose and when you book
        Environmental Impact: Flying is never great, but nonstop flights are not horrible compared to some other transportation methods. They are generally worse, but on the same order of magnitude. Here, getting to Boston or New York also could produce noticeable emissions depending on how you do it.

    Need to know how to get around the city once you're there? Using the "L" trains is the most popular way, but check out a full guide here.

  • Los Angeles is probably a little bit too far to reach by any sort of ground transportation in a reasonable amount of time, but you still have a variety of flying options to choose from.

    • Flights — from Bradley Int'l Airport → Most Eco-Friendly
      • How: Unlike Albany, Bradley Int'l Airport—located between Springfield, MA and Hartford, CT—offers nonstop flights to and from LAX. (Not sure how to get to Bradley? Check the Bradley page for some ideas). This is often the fastest option from Williamstown, especially if you have a good way to get there.
        Travel Time: ~6 hours between Bradley and LAX
        Cost: ~$350-650, depending heavily on the flight you choose and when you book
        Environmental Impact: As a general rule, nonstop flights are more eco-friendly than connecting flights because of the energy required for takeoff and landing. Just about any method of transportation across the country is going to have a sizable carbon footprint, but the combination of nonstop flights and a close airport makes this one the best.
    • Flights — from Albany Int'l Airport
      • How: There are no direct flights between Albany and LAX, but connections are available through many different cities, including Denver, Philadelphia, Detroit, Chicago, and more. (Not sure how to get to Albany? Check the Albany page for some ideas).
        Travel Time: ~7-10 hours from Albany to LAX
        Cost: ~$250-600, depending heavily on the flight you choose and when you book
        Environmental Impact: Flying across the country is never great, and, because of the energy needed for takeoff and landing, connecting only makes it worse.
    • Flights — from Boston or New York
      • How: Boston and New York are both a little farther away than Bradley, but both tend to offer cheaper nonstop flights to and from LAX. These can sometimes be cheaper, faster, and more green than connecting flights out of Albany.
        Travel Time: ~6:00-6:30
        Cost: ~$200-500, depending heavily on the flight you choose and when you book
        Environmental Impact: As a general rule, nonstop flights are more eco-friendly than connecting flights because of the energy required for takeoff and landing. Just about any method of transportation across the country is going to have a sizable carbon footprint, but this one is not the worst.

    Want to know how to get around LA once you're there? Traffic can be an absolute nightmare, but the city is so sprawled out that most people still drive. If you want to stay car- and traffic-free (and be more eco-friendly in the process), check out this guide.

  • New York can be surprisingly accessible from Williamstown, and is barely farther than Boston. Check below for all your options. Going to the airport? Keep scrolling down to learn the best ways to access each of New York's major airports.

    • Amtrak → Most Eco-Friendly
      • How: Amtrak runs over a dozen trains a day from Albany-Rensselaer to Penn Station. Many include stops in Yonkers or other locations on the way if that's closer to your final destination. Click here for a schedule and to book tickets. (Need to find a way to the train station? Check the Albany page for tips.)
        Travel Time: ~2:35
        Cost: ~$45 one-way. Expect fare increases if you book very late, but also look for discounts down to $25 if you book well in advance
        Environmental Impact: Very clean. Trains tend to be the most energy-efficient method of transportation per mile traveled.
    • Motorcoach
      • How: Going to or from NYC around an academic break time? The Williams Motorcoach is an easy and quick way to get there, with buses dropping off by Penn Station. The Motorcoach also runs buses on a handful of weekends throughout the academic year, so you may get lucky. More information, including a schedule, can be found on the Motorcoach website.
        Travel Time: ~4:30
        Cost: $42 one-way (a 15% discount is available if you book 20+ days in advance)
        Environmental Impact: This bus goes directly between Williamstown and New York and is often relatively full, making it very efficient per passenger and a great choice environmentally.
    • Peter Pan Buses
      • How: Peter Pan runs two buses a day between the old Williams Inn and NY Port Authority. The buses departing Williamstown generally leave at 9:45 AM and 3:45 PM, and the buses departing New York leave at 9:30 AM and 5:00 PM. Purchase your tickets here.
        Travel Time: ~4:30
        Cost: ~$40-45 one-way (+fees, usually $2.50 per booking). Students can get 10% off Peter Pan Fares through UNiDAYS.
        Environmental Impact: Not quite as good as the Motorcoach because of the stops, but still not a bad option.
    • Trailways NY
      • How: Trailways operates almost 20 express buses a day between Albany Bus Terminal and NY Port Authority. Click here for a schedule and to book tickets through Trailways. Pro tip: also check the ticket prices on Trailways partner Greyhound, as they often have cheaper tickets for the same exact bus. (Not sure how to get to the bus terminal? Check the Albany page for tips.)
        Travel Time: ~2:50 between Albany and NY
        Cost: ~$20-30 one-way (+fees, usually $2.50 per booking)
        Environmental Impact: Buses are not quite as efficient as trains, but generally better than cars.
    • Megabus
      • How: Megabus operates a handful of express buses a day between Albany Bus Terminal and NYC (at the intersection of 7th and 27th), and often has the cheapest prices. Click here for a schedule and to book tickets.  (Not sure how to get to the bus terminal? Check the Albany page for tips.)
        Travel Time: ~3:00 between Albany and NY
        Cost: ~$15-25 one-way (+fees, usually $2.50 per booking)
        Environmental Impact: Buses are not quite as efficient as trains, but generally better than cars.
    • The Shuttle Company — Direct to Airports
      • How: The Shuttle Company runs shuttles between Albany and all three major airports in the NYC metro area (JFK, EWR, and LGA). Click here for schedules or to book tickets. (Need to find a way to Albany? Check the Albany page for tips.)
        Travel Time: ~3-4 hours between Albany and the airports
        Cost: ~$55-65 one-way
        Environmental Impact: It depends on how full the shuttle is. With many people, this would be about as good as a bus, but with only a few, it could be about the same as driving.
    • Metro North Line
      • How: The NYC commuter rail runs all the way to Wassaic, about a 90 minute drive south of campus. Find a schedule here; you can purchase tickets at the station, on the train (for a small fee), or on the eTix app. This is a good option if you don't want to travel all the way into Manhattan, as there are many stops along the way. Unfortunately, there's no easy way to get to Wassaic without using a car.
        Travel Time: 2:00-2:20 from Wassaic to NY
        Cost: $20.25 one-way off peak, $27.25 during peak hours to Manhattan. Less if you don't need to go all the way into the city.
        Environmental Impact: Very small impact from the train itself, but getting to Wassaic could produce some emissions.
    • Park and Ride
      • How: Your best bet is either to take the Metro North train all the way from Wassaic (see above), or to drive down to North White Plains and take the train to Grand Central from there. Trains (including some Express trains) run much more frequently from White Plains, which makes it a good option. There are multiple options to park at North White Plains, but the main one is through LAZ.
        Travel Time: ~2:30 drive + ~45 minute train ride
        Cost: $9.75 one-way off peak, $12.75 during peak hours to Manhattan. $7.25 for 16-hour parking or $10 for 24 hours.
        Environmental Impact: Very small impact from the train itself, but the drive to White plains produces substantial emissions.
    • Driving
      • Travel Time: ~3:15 or more, depending on traffic
        Environmental Impact: The drive down releases a fair amount of carbon, but it becomes really bad once you hit the city. Congestion and slow traffic results in even more emissions, and the crowded streets means the particulate pollution from your car has negative health impacts as well.

    Need to know how to get around the city once you're there? Check out this comprehensive guide. Fun fact: from a carbon emissions standpoint, the NYC subway is among the most efficient public transportation systems in the country per passenger.


    Airports

    With the exception of the Shuttle Company, most of the above buses and trains take you into Manhattan, but maybe you want to know how to get directly to an airport—JFK, LaGuardia, or Newark. Check below for your best options.

    • To JFK National Airport
      • Check out this page for all of your best options. Almost all of them include combining the JFK AirTrain with some other subway, bus, or train.
    • To Newark Liberty Int'l Airport
      • Check out this page for all of your options. Many of them include combining the Newark AirTrain with some other train or bus. Your two best options are likely the NJ Transit trains from Penn Station and the NJ Transit express bus from Port Authority.
    • To LaGuardia Airport
      • Check out this page for all of your options, most of which are MTA buses.
  • Just a little bit up Route 2, North Adams is only a couple of miles from the college, and within easy reach even without a car.

    • Walking → Most Eco-Friendly
      • How: The Berkshire Regional Transit Authority operates buses around the county Monday-Saturday, with stops directly on campus. There are two slightly different routes between Williamstown and North Adams: the 3 Bus and the 3.1 Bus. See the BRTA website for a schedule, or check out the BRTA app (go here from mobile).
        Travel Time: ~25 minutes
        Cost: Free with with a Williams ID! $4.50 per ride otherwise.
        Environmental Impact: Very small!
    • Biking → Most Eco-Friendly
      • How: Biking is a great, quick, clean way to get to North Adams—no need to mess around with pesky schedules. Plus, you get to spend some time outside and you get some exercise. Talk about a win-win. Need a bike? Try checking out the Purple Bike Coalition.
        Travel Time: ~25-30 minutes
        Cost: Free!
        Environmental Impact: None!
    • BRTA Buses
      • How: The Berkshire Regional Transit Authority operates buses around the county Monday-Saturday, with stops directly on campus. There are two slightly different routes between Williamstown and North Adams: the 3 Bus and the 3.1 Bus. See the BRTA website for a schedule, or check out the BRTA app (go here from mobile).
        Travel Time: ~25 minutes
        Cost: Free with with a Williams ID! $4.50 per ride otherwise.
        Environmental Impact: Very small!
    • Sunday Shuttle
      • How: When the BRTA shuts down for Sundays, Williams College runs a free shuttle service between Williamstown and North Adams, with stops along the way. Click here for a schedule and for more information.
        Travel Time: ~10-25 minutes
        Cost: Free!
        Environmental Impact: Small
    • Taxi
      • How: Here is a list of local taxi services, and here is a list of private drivers. Fair warning: sometimes it may be difficult to find a driver willing to drive you. Scheduling in advance is recommended if you know you'll need it. An Uber or Lyft may be a cheaper option as well, but those are not always available.
        Travel Time: ~12 minutes
        Cost: ~$10
        Environmental Impact: Not as great as the other options, but it's a short journey nonetheless. It does become better if you have more than one passenger too.
    • Driving
      • Travel Time: ~12 minutes
        Environmental Impact: Minimal, as it's such a short drive.
  • Philly is well within reach of the college, even without taking a flight. Check below for all your options.

    • Amtrak → Most Eco-Friendly
      • How: Take a train to from Albany-Rensselaer to New York City, then transfer to another train down to Philadelphia 30th St. Station. (Not sure how to get to Albany-Rensselaer Train Station? Check the Albany page for some tips.) Amtrak runs two different trains between Philadelphia and New York: the slightly faster but way more expensive Acela, and the much more reasonable Northeast Regional (and other similar trains). Also, don't be afraid to mix-and-match trains and buses if you find an option you prefer—you'll have to transfer anyway in NYC.
        Travel Time: ~4-5 hours between Albany and Philadelphia
        Cost: ~$75 one-way (~$150+ if you take the Acela)
        Environmental Impact: Very clean. Trains tend to be the most energy-efficient method of transportation per mile traveled.
    • Buses
      • How: Check out the New York City page for transportation options between Williamstown and New York City; options abound from there to get between New York and Philadelphia, including Megabus, Greyhound, Peter Pan, Bolt, and more. There is one daily Greyhound between Philadelphia and Albany that doesn't involve a transfer, but it tends to be neither quicker nor cheaper than other options. Also, don't be afraid to mix-and-match trains and buses if you find something you prefer—you'll likely have to transfer anyway in NYC.
        Travel Time: ~2 hours between Philadelphia and NYC
        Cost: ~$5-20 between Philadelphia and NYC
        Environmental Impact: Not quite as good as the trains, but certainly better than flying.
    • Flights
      • How: American Airlines operates around five flights a day between Albany and Philadelphia International Airport. (Not sure how to get to Albany Airport? Check the Albany tab for some tips.) The airport is about a 15-30 minute drive from the city center depending on traffic, or about 20 minutes on the $5-10 SEPTA train.
        Travel Time: ~1:10 for the flight itself, but keep in mind all of the extra time (getting to the airport early, possible delays, getting to your final destination after disembarking)
        Cost: ~$250-500 round-trip
        Environmental Impact: This is the worst option from an environmental standpoint, likely by a sizable amount. Short flights especially are very energy-intensive per mile traveled, and other good options exist to get to Philadelphia that are almost as quick.
    • Driving
      • Travel Time: ~4:30
        Environmental Impact: Because of the distance, the specifics matter a lot here. A small hybrid with four people? Almost as good as the Amtrak. A Hummer with just the driver? Maybe worse than flying.

    Need to get around the city once you're there? Check out this guide for all the best options.

  • Only 20 miles away from Williamstown, Pittsfield can be pretty easy to reach if you go at the right times.

    • BRTA Buses → Most Eco-Friendly
      • How: The Berkshire Regional Transit Authority operates buses around the county Monday-Saturday, with stops directly on campus. Weekdays September-May, there is a once-a-day afternoon shuttle direct from and to Pittsfield (Bus 3.1). Other times, you would need to take the 3 Bus to Main St. in North Adams, the 34 Bus to Walmart, and the 1 Bus to Pittsfield. Please see the BRTA website for a schedule, or check out the BRTA app (go here from mobile).
        Cost: Free with a Williams ID! $4.50 per ride otherwise.
        Travel Time: 45 minutes using the direct shuttle. 1:45 otherwise.
        Environmental Impact: From an environmental standpoint, public transportation such as this is a great option if you can take the direct shuttle.
    • Peter Pan Buses
      • How: Peter Pan runs two buses a day between the old Williams Inn and Pittsfield. The buses departing Williamstown leave at 9:45 AM and 3:45 PM, and the buses departing Pittsfield leave at 1:45 PM and 9:05 PM. Purchase your tickets here.
        Cost: ~$18 one way (+fees, usually $2.50 per booking). Students can get 10% off Peter Pan Fares through UNiDAYS.
        Travel Time: ~35 minutes
        Environmental Impact: Not bad, but the buses are larger and less fuel efficient than the BRTA fleet.
    • Taxi
      • How: Here is a list of local taxi services, and here is a list of private drivers. Fair warning: sometimes it may be difficult to find a driver willing to drive you. Scheduling in advance is recommended. Every once in a while a cheaper Uber or Lyft may be an option as well.
        Travel Time: ~30 minutes
        Cost: ~$30-40
        Environmental Impact: Not as great as the other options, but it's a short journey nonetheless. It does become better if you have more than one passenger too.
    • Driving
      • Travel Time: ~30 minutes
        Environmental Impact: Pretty minimal, but you'll still have a larger carbon footprint than if you used the BRTA shuttle, for example.
  • Washington may seem pretty far away, but that doesn't mean that you have to fly. Flights can be expensive and are sometimes not all that much faster than some of these other options, and as a general rule they are less environmentally-friendly. Check below for all of the various options to get to Washington, and choose the one that's right for you.

    • Amtrak → Most Eco-Friendly
      • How: Take a train from Albany-Rensselaer to New York Penn Station, and then transfer to a train to D.C.'s Union Station. Trains run frequently throughout the day, so check the schedule here. (Not sure how to get to Albany? Check the Albany page for some ideas). Amtrak runs two different trains between Washington and New York: the slightly faster but way more expensive Acela, and the much more reasonable Northeast Regional (and other similar trains). Also, don't be afraid to mix-and-match trains and buses if you find an option you prefer—you'll have to transfer anyway in NYC.
        Cost: ~$100 one-way ($250+ if you take the Acela)
        Travel Time: 6-7 hours from Albany to Washington
        Environmental Impact: Very clean. Trains tend to be the most energy-efficient method of transportation per mile traveled.
    • Buses
      • How: Check the New York City page for transportation options between Williamstown and NYC, and then check out this list of all the possible buses between New York and Washington (there's quite a few). Also, don't be afraid to mix-and-match trains and buses if you find an option you prefer—you'll have to transfer anyway in NYC.
        Travel Time: ~4-5 hours from NYC to Washington (~8-10 hours from Williamstown to Washington)
        Cost: $1-30 between NYC and Washington
        Environmental Impact: Not quite as good as the trains, but certainly better than flying.
    • Flights — Dulles Int'l Airport
      • How: United Airlines runs a handful of flights a day between Albany and Washington-Dulles. Dulles Airport is on the Virginia side of the city, about a 55 minute drive from the city center, or a $5, 15-minute bus ride followed by a $4, 45 minute metro ride from Wiehle-Reston to Metro Center on the Silver Line. (Not sure how to get to Albany? Check the Albany page for some ideas).
        Travel Time: ~1:30 flight time, but keep in mind all of the extra time (getting to the airport early, possible delays, getting to your final destination after disembarking)
        Cost: ~$200-500 round-trip, depending heavily on the flight you choose and when you book
        Environmental Impact: These flights are the worst options from an environmental standpoint, likely by a sizable amount. Short flights especially are very energy-intensive per mile traveled, and other good options exist to get to Washington that are almost as quick.
    • Flights — Reagan National Airport
      • How: American Airlines operates a few flights a day between Albany and Washington-Reagan. Just over the line in Virginia, Reagan Int'l airport is smaller than the others but by far the closest to the city center, only a 10-15 minute drive or 20 minute metro ride away on the Yellow or Blue line. (Not sure how to get to Albany? Check the Albany page for some ideas).
        Travel Time: ~1:30 flight time, but keep in mind all of the extra time (getting to the airport early, possible delays, getting to your final destination after disembarking)
        Cost: ~$200-500 round-trip, depending heavily on the flight you choose and when you book
        Environmental Impact: These flights are the worst options from an environmental standpoint, likely by a sizable amount. Short flights especially are very energy-intensive per mile traveled, and other good options exist to get to Washington that are almost as quick.
    • Flights — Baltimore-Washington Int'l Airport
      • How: Southwest runs a handful of flights a day between Albany and BWI, which lies in Maryland to the north of the city. The airport is about a 55 min drive from the city center, or about 1:45 using public transportation. (Not sure how to get to Albany? Check the Albany page for some ideas).
        Travel Time: ~1:30 flight time, but keep in mind all of the extra time (getting to the airport early, possible delays, getting to your final destination after disembarking)
        Cost: ~$200-500 round-trip, depending heavily on the flight you choose and when you book
        Environmental Impact: These flights are the worst options from an environmental standpoint, likely by a sizable amount. Short flights especially are very energy-intensive per mile traveled, and other good options exist to get to Washington that are almost as quick.
    • Driving
      • Travel Time: ~6:15-8:00, depending on traffic (usually around 6:45)
        Environmental Impact: Because of the distance, the specifics matter a lot here. A small hybrid with four people? Almost as good as the Amtrak. A Hummer with just the driver? Maybe worse than flying.

    Need to get around the city once you're there? Check out this guide for all your transportation options.