Transportation

Getting to Campus

The Harvard Graduate School of Education campus sits just to the west of Harvard Yard, along a small side street called Appian Way. We're framed by Radcliffe Yard, Brattle Street, and the Cambridge Common, a large greenspace running along Garden Street.

Mass Transit

The HGSE campus is within walking distance of Boston's public transportation system (the MBTA, or "T"), which serves most areas of Boston and Cambridge by subway and bus, as well as many suburbs by commuter rail.

  • HGSE students can purchase MBTA Semester Passes at a reduced rate. Semester Passes can be purchased for the fall semester (September 1 to December 31) and/or spring semester (February 1 to May 31).
  • The MBTA offers monthly passes and other fare types. Without a pass, there are three options for payment: cash, CharlieTicket, and CharlieCard. The CharlieCard is a plastic reusable card and gives you the less expensive fare per ride. You can read more about the CharlieTicket and CharlieCard online.

Harvard Transport

  • Harvard University offers students free shuttle bus service to various areas of the University, please visit the Live Shuttle Tracker for the most current fixed route shuttle information.
  • Harvard also provides a fully accessible Daytime Van service. It operates from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 12:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, with reduced hours during the summer months and recess periods. The Daytime Van scheduling app is available for download for iOS and Android. Please call (617) 495-0400 or email vanservices@harvard.edu for more information or to request assistance in scheduling a ride.

Walking at Night

Both Boston and Cambridge are known as "walking cities." For your safety, Harvard University provides a safe walking service.

  • The Campus Escort Program covers the Yard, River, Quad & North Yard from 10:30 p.m. to 3:00 a.m., Thursday through Saturday. Escorts respond to both calls for service through the HUCEP hotline (617-384-8237 or 617-38-HUCEP), and by being flagged down by students, faculty and staff in need of an escort.
  • There is also an on-demand Evening Harvard Van Service that offers convenient pick-up/drop-off locations throughout the university via the Harvard Van app. The van operates from 7:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m., 7-days a week.

Cycling

The Charles River's banks are a favorite path for cycling, running and rollerblading, and the surrounding area offers a number of recreational bike paths.

  • Quad Bikes, a non-profit bicycle shop for the Harvard Community, sells refurbished bicycles and new parts and accessories, does tune-ups and repairs, teaches classes in bicycle mechanics, and advocates for bicycles and bicycle users.
  • Wheelworks, this independently owned bike store and longtime sponsor of the Harvard Cycling Team, sells quality used and new bikes.
  • Broadway Bicycle School, a collectively owned, bicycle repair shop. They teach people how to fix their bikes in addition to selling new and used bikes, parts, and accessories.
  • We suggest you register your bike with the Harvard University Police during registration, and lock it when unattended. Bike racks are available in multiple areas on the Harvard campuses.

Obtaining a MA Driver's License

In order to operate a motor vehicle in the state of Massachusetts, you need to have a valid driver's license. If you wish to obtain a Massachusetts Driver's License, make sure you reference the guidelines provided by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles.

Parking

While a car offers freedom and convenience, it is not necessary to bring a car to campus. If you do decide to have a car at Harvard, keep in mind that parking costs and insurance rates are notoriously high in the area.

On-Campus Residents

If you live in an Harvard University Housing (HUH) apartment, you may rent a parking space through the Harvard University Parking Office. Harvard University parking permits are distributed at the start of each academic year at registration and are valid July 1 through June 30.

Off-Campus Residents

Depending on where you live, you may want to purchase a parking spot in or near your building as parking is extremely limited.

  • On-street city parking in Cambridge is available by purchasing a permit through the Cambridge parking office. You must register your vehicle at a Massachusetts address in the city, which will make it subject to state excise tax and local insurance rates.
  • For students who want to drive to school, the Harvard University Parking Office also offers commuter parking for a fee.