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    Public Transportation

Navigating New Haven’s
Public Transportation

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New to New Haven?

You may be wondering how you’re going to navigate around town.

Even though it’s one of Connecticut’s top five largest cities with a vibrant scene, moving around the Elm City is surprisingly easy. Here’s a guide to help you explore.

bus transit in new haven ct

Buses and Shuttles

CT Transit 

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!

  • Services: Covers New Haven and beyond. Beyond just local service, they also provide shuttles from Union Station to off-site parking.
  • Bus Stops: Abundant in Downtown and across New Haven.
  • Fares: Based on distance. Monthly passes offer savings for regular riders.

Yale Shuttle

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. The shuttle operates from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. during the week, and 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on the weekends.

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.

  • For: Students and staff. It’s a prime choice for campus members to travel across the city without walking or biking.
  • Routes: Spanning East Rock to Science Hill and in-between.
  • Operating Hours: 6 a.m.-1 a.m. weekdays; 9 a.m.-11 p.m. weekends.
transportation in new haven ct

Rideshare

Zipcar

Zipcars are available through a partnership with Yale, for hourly rentals at many locations around the city. Here’s how it works:

Rather than paying the expense of owning a car, you can join Zipcar and pay only when you really need to use a vehicle. Rates are reasonable at $8/hour or $66/day. The hourly rate includes gas and insurance with a daily mileage limit of 180 miles/day. Reservations can be made online and you pick up your car when you need it. When you’re done, you return it and go about your day.

Lyft and Uber

Transportation is also available through services like Lyft and Uber. Many people already have the apps on their phones and can call up a ride whenever they need it. This is a convenient way to get a ride to a nearby location or somewhere a bit further.

Taxis

Long before Lyft and Uber, there were taxis. Taxi service is still a viable option to get around New Haven. Several taxi companies that service the area can get you to where you have to go.

Some people prefer to take a taxi from a reputable company rather than hitch a ride through a rideshare like Lyft or Uber. The idea of getting into a stranger’s car can leave some people uneasy. Decide which route makes you more comfortable. Either one is a convenient way to get around.

taxis in new haven ct

Biking

Besides all of these modes of transportation, you can also bike or walk around town. New Haven is a very bike-friendly city with many available bike lanes. If you want to save money on gas and get some exercise in the process, this is a great option.

Walking around Downtown and throughout the Yale campus is also an easy way to get places. You can stop by some local shops and cafes along the way and check out all that New Haven has to offer! 

You’ll find that no matter what mode of transportation you choose, they can all be easily accessed near our New Haven Towers apartments. Living and getting around New Haven has never been so convenient!

biking in new haven ct