(Original Post: November 2023 Updated: November 2024)
New to New Haven?
You may be wondering how you’re going to navigate around town.
Exploring Elm City is easier than ever, thanks to recent updates in public transportation that make it fast, flexible, and eco-friendly. Whether you’re a resident, Yale student, or visitor, here’s your updated guide to getting around New Haven with ease.
CT Transit is a public bus company that can get you to where you want to go in New Haven and beyond. There are many convenient bus stops in the Downtown area and throughout New Haven, making it an easy mode of public transportation. Fares are reasonable and depend on just how far you want to go. If you’re going to become a regular rider, you may want to look into a monthly pass to save money. If you’re planning on infrequent rides, you can just pay the route fares.
Besides local service, CT Transit also offers a variety of other services such as shuttles from the Union Station train station to several off-site parking locations. If you can’t find parking at the train station, you can leave your car at several area lots and take the shuttle. It’s that easy!
Update for 2024:
CT Transit continues to serve as the backbone of New Haven’s public transportation network, with exciting improvements on the way:
Speaking of shuttles, the Yale Shuttle is another attractive option for students and staff to get around the Elm City. It provides routes throughout the city from East Rock, to Science Hill, and everywhere in between.Â
The routes are easy to follow and will tell you exactly where on and around the campus the shuttle will take you. It’s a great way to get around the city if you don’t want to walk or bike.
Zipcar In partnership with Yale, Zipcar provides cars for rent by the hour or day, making it a flexible and affordable alternative to car ownership:
Rideshares and Taxis Services like Lyft and Uber, along with local taxis, are readily available for quick, convenient trips. For those preferring a traditional route, taxis are still a reliable option throughout New Haven.
Biking
New Haven’s bike-friendly layout now includes even more bike lanes, especially downtown and around Yale:
“The expanded public transportation options in New Haven have made it so much easier for me to get around campus and explore the city. The Yale Shuttle is a game-changer, and being able to rent Zipcars right on campus is super convenient.” – Emily, Yale Class of 2025
Launched in 2023, New Haven’s microtransit program offers Yale students a convenient, on-demand transportation service accessible through a mobile app.
How It Works:
The microtransit program aligns with New Haven’s sustainability goals, offering eco-friendly shuttle vehicles that produce lower emissions than personal cars. This contributes to reduced congestion in the city.
With so many options, getting around New Haven is as flexible as it is convenient. Whether you’re hopping on the soon-to-launch BRT, riding the Yale Shuttle, renting a Zipcar, or using microtransit, New Haven’s transportation network keeps you moving—efficiently and sustainably. And for residents of New Haven Towers, this connected lifestyle is right at their doorstep, offering easy access to the city’s best transit options and making urban living more seamless than ever.
