Amherst, Massachusetts, a picturesque New England town renowned for its vibrant academic community (home to UMass Amherst, Amherst College, and Hampshire College) and charming downtown, attracts visitors from all walks of life. Whether you’re a prospective student, a visiting parent, attending a conference, or simply exploring the Pioneer Valley, understanding your transportation options is key.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through arriving in Amherst via Amtrak, the closest operational airports, and how to get around once you’re here, complete with distances and essential operational details.
Arriving by Rail: Amtrak to Amherst (AHT)
Amherst is proudly served by Amtrak, making train travel a convenient and scenic option, especially for those coming from major East Coast cities. The Amtrak station in Amherst (station code: AHT) is centrally located, offering easy access to the town.
The primary service to Amherst is the Vermonter route, which runs daily between Washington D.C. and St. Albans, Vermont.
Amtrak Vermonter Stops and Approximate Travel Times from Amherst (AHT)
Here’s a look at key destinations along the Vermonter route, with approximate distances and travel times. Please note that travel times can vary based on track conditions, stops, and schedule changes. Always check the official Amtrak website for the most up-to-date information and to book tickets.
| Destination (Southbound) | Approximate Distance from Amherst | Estimated Travel Time | Key Stops |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northampton, MA | 7 miles | 15-20 minutes | Direct local connection |
| Springfield, MA | 25 miles | 45-55 minutes | Major hub for connections to other Amtrak lines (e.g., Northeast Regional) |
| Hartford, CT | 63 miles | 1 hour 30 minutes | State capital, downtown access |
| New Haven, CT | 108 miles | 2 hours 30 minutes | Yale University, connection to Metro-North for NYC suburbs |
| New York Penn Station | 184 miles | 4 hours 30 minutes | Major transportation hub, M.D.C., numerous connections |
| Philadelphia, PA | 285 miles | 6 hours 15 minutes | Historic city center, connections to SEPTA |
| Washington D.C. | 397 miles | 8 hours | Union Station, U.S. Capitol, Smithsonian museums |
| Destination (Northbound) | Approximate Distance from Amherst | Estimated Travel Time | Key Stops |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brattleboro, VT | 45 miles | 1 hour | Artsy town, gateway to Southern Vermont |
| Bellows Falls, VT | 65 miles | 1 hour 30 minutes | Historic railroad town, scenic area |
| White River Jct., VT | 110 miles | 2 hours 30 minutes | Dartmouth College (Hanover, NH), connection to Adirondack Daily Train |
| Montpelier Jct., VT | 160 miles | 3 hours 30 minutes | Capital of Vermont, access to ski areas |
| St. Albans, VT | 220 miles | 4 hours 30 minutes | Near Lake Champlain, Canadian border |
Getting to/from Amherst Amtrak Station (AHT): The station is located near downtown Amherst. Depending on your luggage and final destination, you can:
- Walk: Many areas of downtown and Amherst College are within walking distance.
- PVTA Bus: The Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA) has routes that pass near the station. Check their schedules.
- Taxi/Rideshare: Services like Uber and Lyft operate in Amherst and can pick up/drop off at the station.
Flying to Amherst: Closest Operational Airports
Amherst does not have its own commercial airport with the code “AMM” (this is likely a common abbreviation for the town itself). Instead, visitors fly into several regional and international airports in Massachusetts and Connecticut, then connect to Amherst via ground transportation.
Here are the most common and convenient airports, along with their approximate distances and typical driving times to Amherst:
Major Airports Serving Amherst, MA
| Airport Code | Airport Name | Location | Est. Driving Distance to Amherst | Est. Driving Time (without heavy traffic) | Primary Transportation Options to Amherst |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BDL | Bradley International | Windsor Locks, CT | 50-55 miles | 55-70 minutes | Car rental, private shuttle, taxi/rideshare, Peter Pan Bus to Springfield (then local bus/taxi/rideshare to Amherst) |
| BOS | Boston Logan International | Boston, MA | 90-95 miles | 1 hour 45 minutes – 2 hours 30 minutes | Car rental, private shuttle, Peter Pan Bus (direct service to Amherst/Northampton available), taxi/rideshare (expensive) |
| PVD | T.F. Green International | Warwick, RI | 100-105 miles | 1 hour 45 minutes – 2 hours 15 minutes | Car rental, private shuttle, limited bus/train connections to Springfield/Worcester (then local bus/taxi/rideshare to Amherst) |
| ORH | Worcester Regional | Worcester, MA | 50-55 miles | 1 hour – 1 hour 15 minutes | Car rental, taxi/rideshare, limited bus connections |
Detailed Airport Travel Considerations:
- Bradley International (BDL): Often the most convenient option due to its proximity and manageable traffic.
- Car Rental: All major rental agencies are available.
- Shuttles: Several private shuttle services (e.g., Valley Transporter, Seema’s Taxi & Car Services) offer direct door-to-door service to Amherst.
- Bus: Peter Pan Bus Lines offers service from BDL to Springfield’s Union Station. From Springfield, you can take a PVTA bus, local taxi, or rideshare to Amherst.
- Boston Logan International (BOS): While further, Logan offers the most extensive flight options.
- Car Rental: All major rental agencies. Be prepared for Boston traffic.
- Peter Pan Bus: This is often the most economical and popular choice. Peter Pan offers frequent direct service from Logan Airport (Terminals A, B, C, E) to both Amherst and Northampton. Check schedules and book in advance.
- Shuttles: Private shuttle services are available but can be more expensive due to the distance.
- T.F. Green International (PVD): A good alternative if flights to BDL or BOS are less convenient or more expensive.
- Car Rental: Recommended for the most direct travel.
- Public Transit (less direct): You can take an MBTA Commuter Rail train from PVD to Providence Station, then potentially connect to other bus/train services towards Springfield or Worcester, and then onto Amherst. This is a multi-leg journey and time-consuming.
- Worcester Regional (ORH): A smaller, regional airport that can be a good option if direct flights are available.
- Car Rental: Best option for direct travel.
- Limited Public Transit: Connections to Worcester’s bus network, then potentially to intercity buses towards Amherst, but less direct than Peter Pan from BOS.
Getting Around Amherst and the Five Colleges
Once you’ve arrived in Amherst, navigating the town and the surrounding Five Colleges (Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, Smith College, and UMass Amherst) is relatively easy.
Local Transportation Options:
- Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA):
- This is the primary public transportation system for the region. Buses connect all five colleges, downtown Amherst, Northampton, and other surrounding towns.
- Cost: PVTA buses are generally free for students, faculty, and staff of the Five Colleges with valid ID. For others, a small fare applies, or you can purchase daily/weekly passes.
- Accessibility: Most PVTA buses are wheelchair accessible.
- Routing: Check the PVTA website for detailed routes and schedules. Key routes serve the campuses frequently.
- Walking & Biking:
- Downtown Amherst is very walkable, and many parts of UMass Amherst and Amherst College campuses are best explored on foot.
- The area is also bike-friendly with many trails and dedicated lanes. Bike rentals may be available.
- Ridesharing Services (Uber/Lyft):
- Both Uber and Lyft operate throughout Amherst and the Pioneer Valley, offering convenient on-demand transportation.
- Local Taxis:
- Several local taxi companies serve Amherst and the surrounding towns.
- Car Rental:
- If you didn’t rent a car at the airport, there are car rental agencies (e.g., Enterprise, Hertz) located in Amherst or nearby Northampton. This is useful for exploring the wider region.
Tips for a Smooth Journey to Amherst
- Book in Advance: Especially for Amtrak tickets, Peter Pan Bus tickets, and private airport shuttles, booking ahead can secure better prices and ensure availability.
- Check Schedules: Always verify train, bus, and flight schedules close to your travel date, as they can change.
- Consider Traffic: If driving, particularly to/from Boston Logan (BOS), factor in significant buffer time for potential traffic delays.
- Luggage: If traveling by train or bus, be mindful of luggage limits and ease of handling.
- Accessibility: If you have specific accessibility needs, contact Amtrak, the bus companies, or shuttle services in advance to arrange accommodations.
- Local Information: Once you arrive, check with your hotel, college visitor’s center, or tourist information desk for local maps and updated transit information.
Amherst’s welcoming atmosphere and excellent transportation links make it an accessible and enjoyable destination. With this guide, you’re well-equipped to plan your journey and explore everything this charming New England town has to offer!
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