Written by Rachel Glodo
The easiest way to get around New Haven? Walk or bike it. Besides being environmentally friendly, walking is an effective and hassle-free method of getting where you need to go, since most places like the drug store or movie theater are nearby. The campus and surrounding areas are pedestrian friendly and easy to navigate. There is also a bike-share program (a recent winner of the annual 5K project) if you need to go a bit farther.
The easiest way to catch a ride up Science Hill or to the Med School is the Yale Shuttle. Students can access an online map that uses GPS to track the shuttles in real-time, so you never have to wait outside in the cold for your bus. (Check it out at yale.transloc.com.) During the evening hours, students can call the Mini-bus, which picks up and drops off students anywhere on campus all through the night. A student escort service, known as 2-WALK, is also available for students to ensure safety late at night.
The public buses in New Haven can take students farther afield, such as the Milford Mall or Lighthouse Point. The buses are very cheap and easy to use. Taxis are also available, but make sure to call ahead.
Getting to the airport can take a bit of time and effort: the nearest major airports are in Harford and New York City, so it's necessary to take a shuttle or cab. Factor in extra time for transport in the winter. Train access in New Haven is definitely great. The Yale Shuttle drops off students directly in front of Union Station. A trip to New York's Grand Central takes approximately two hours and costs $25–$35 round trip. Tickets to Boston or Providence are a bit more expensive, but reasonable. Essentially, New Haven is connected to a train network that allows a traveler to access every part of the Northeast.