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Home > Degree Programs > Life at Harvard Kennedy School > Maps & Transportation
Maps & Transportation
The area covered by Cambridge and its immediate surroundings, including downtown Boston, is quite compact. It is an area served by the usual urban assortment of public and private transportation. Our students get to school on foot, by bike, car, bus and subway.
Harvard Shuttle Services
Harvard also has its own transportation system, consisting of a Shuttle Service, which criss-cross the campus and also connect with some off-site areas, such as the Longwood Medical area, home of the Harvard Medical School. Harvard also offers a Daytime Van Service for persons who, because of mobility impairment or medical condition, find it extremely difficult to use the regular shuttle bus.
Public Transporation (Bus, Subway, Train, Airport)
The area is well served by a network of buses, subway (we call it the T) and commuter rail lines. (To give you an idea of the scale, reaching Harvard from downtown Boston by T is about a 15 minute ride.) The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) also has special services for passengers with special needs. HKS offers student discount rates on MBTA. See HKS student MBTA discount pass rates and HKS student discount pass form (links to PDF) for more information.
HKS is also conveniently located for access to Logan International Airport or South Station, Boston’s main rail hub which houses the inter-city train service, Amtrak. Both are connected to the school by public transportation or an easy drive.
Bicycles
Bicycles are also an increasingly popular transportation choice. Bicycles are easy to buy, either new or secondhand, through bulletin boards or the area’s many bike shops. Racks are provided in and around the school.
Car and Parking Services
Cars are not often a choice for students here for one year or two. But for those who will bring a car, or plan on buying one here, one of their main concerns will be parking, which is at a premium. Parking at Harvard is available through Parking Services.
An increasingly popular service is provided by Zipcar, a private service with special rates for Harvard community members, which rents cars out by the hour or the day.
Other Resources
Harvard makes a special effort to help community members with their transportation, including discounted public transports passes and carpooling programs. To learn more visit the university’s Commuter Choice Program.