# Transportation ## expand\_more ## 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](http://www.mbta.com/), 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](https://osa.gse.harvard.edu/mbta) 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](https://www.mbta.com/fares). 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](http://www.mbta.com/fares_and_passes/charlie/?id=5592). ### Harvard Transport - Harvard University offers students free [shuttle bus service](https://www.transportation.harvard.edu/shuttle-van-services) to various areas of the University, please visit the [Live Shuttle Tracker](https://shuttle.harvard.edu/) 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](https://prod-transportation.drupalsites.harvard.edu/resource/harvard-van). Please call (617) 495-0400 or email [vanservices@harvard.edu ](mailto: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](https://www.hupd.harvard.edu/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](https://transportation.harvard.edu/harvard-shuttle/evening-van). 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](https://sites.google.com/view/quadbikes/), 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](https://www.wheelworks.com), this independently owned bike store and longtime sponsor of the Harvard Cycling Team, sells quality used and new bikes. - [Broadway Bicycle School](http://broadwaybicycleschool.com/), 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](http://www.hupd.harvard.edu/bicycle-registration) 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](https://www.mass.gov/orgs/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](https://www.transportation.harvard.edu/parking). 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](http://www.cambridgema.gov/traffic/). 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](https://www.transportation.harvard.edu/parking) also offers commuter parking for a fee.