Transportation

Walking

The HBS campus is a fifteen minute walk across the river from Harvard Square. Both Boston and Cambridge are known as "walking cities," and you'll find many people using their feet as their main sources of transportation. For your safety, Harvard University offers walking escorts through the Harvard University Campus Escort Program.

Harvard University Shuttles

Harvard University offers students and partners free shuttle bus service from HBS to other areas of the University, and throughout Cambridge and Allston. The shuttle picks up outside of Soldiers Field Park, Batten Hall, and Shad Hall. Fully accessible van service is also available for students with disabilities. More information about the university-wide shuttle services is available on the Harvard transportation website.

Public Transportation

The HBS campus is within walking distance of the MBTA, or "T", Boston's public transportation system, which serves most areas of Boston and Cambridge by subway and bus, as well as serves many suburbs by Commuter Rail. Here are some basic facts for you:

  • There are two options for tickets: CharlieTicket/cash on board (paper card), and CharlieCard (plastic card). The CharlieCard is a plastic reusable card and gives you the less expensive fare per ride.

  • One-way fares are $2.90 (cash/CharlieTicket) or $2.40 (CharlieCard) for the subway and $2.00 (cash/CharlieTicket) or $1.70 (CharlieCard) for local bus service; commuter rail fares (for service outside of Boston and Cambridge) vary by destination but range from $2.00 to $11.00 each way.

  • The best value for the T is the monthly pass program, called a LinkPass, which offers unlimited subway and bus rides for $90 a month.

  • MBTA and HBS do not offer discount fares for college students.

  • Visit the MBTA site for more information.

Bicycling

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. There are also many residents who bike as their primary means of transportation, especially in the Cambridge area.

Another option for biking in the city is Blue Bikes. In a similar model to Zipcar, you pay a membership fee to use bikes parked all over the city. The HBS campus has three separate areas of Blue Bikes for use. To register and learn more, visit the Blue Bikes website. You'll see other bike-sharing options around the city as well.

We also suggest you register your bike with the Harvard University Police and lock it when unattended. Bike racks are available in multiple areas on campus.

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.

Taxis and Taxi Alternatives

A taxi stand is located on the HBS campus outside of the OWA/SFP parking garage. Taxis are readily available in the metro area, and convenient in cold weather, although fares are high relative to most other cities in the U.S.: $2.60 for the first 1/8th mile or less; $0.40 for each additional 1/8th of a mile. From the HBS campus, you can expect average fares of $7 for a trip across the Charles River into Harvard Square, between $15 and $17 one way into downtown Boston, and around $35 one way for service to Logan Airport.

The taxi-alternative services Lyft and Uber are also popular and prevalent in the city of Boston, and pick up at the taxi stand as well.

Car Sharing

Zipcar is a car sharing program that allows members to rent cars placed around the city by the hour or by the day. There are a few Zipcars located on the HBS campus. Harvard students can sign up for a discount with Zipcar through Harvard's Commuter Choice Program. Members have 24/7 self-service access to Zipcars at locations on the HBS campus, throughout Boston, Cambridge, and Allston, and around the world. Gas, insurance, and parking are included in the cost.

Obtaining a Massachusetts Driver's License

Residents of Massachusetts must have a valid Massachusetts License. Reference the guidelines provided by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles:

  • You must show a Social Security Card or a valid, current U.S., or current non-U.S. Passport.

  • You must also present three (3) pieces of valid personal identification.

  • Together, the documents must establish date of birth, signature, and Massachusetts residency. Please visit the RMV website for more detailed information.

  • International Students: It can take longer to get a license in the U.S. due to the required paperwork. You need to either get a Social Security Number (SSN) or a letter stating that you are ineligible to get a SSN before you can apply for a license. Review the RMV's Converting a License from a Foreign Country page for information on converting your international license to a Massachusetts license.

Car Insurance

Car insurance in Massachusetts is mandatory for drivers, and there are many different insurance companies to choose from. It will help to have a driver's license before obtaining auto insurance.

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 HBS, keep in mind that parking costs and insurance rates are notoriously high in the area.

Please note there is no student parking office on the HBS campus. The Harvard University Parking Office is located across the river at 1350 Massachusetts Ave., Smith Campus Center, 8th floor.

On-Campus Residents

  • If you live in the HBS Residence Halls or in Harvard University Housing on-campus, you may purchase an annual parking permit for the SFP/OWA garage from the the Harvard University Parking Office.

  • Parking permits are available for purchase at the start of each academic year from the Parking office and are valid July 1 through June 30. Parking Applications are available to you before you matriculate.

Off-Campus Residents

  • For students who live off-campus and want to park on-campus, the Harvard University Parking Office also offers commuter parking in the SFP/OWA garage for an annual fee.

  • Parking permits are available for purchase at the start of each academic year from the Parking office and are valid July 1 through June 30. Parking Applications are available to you before you matriculate.

  • A one day visitor's permit can be purchased from the Parking office. Permits must be purchased prior to arrival at the parking facility, and must be displayed at all times when parked on campus.

  • Depending on where you live off campus, you may want to purchase or rent a parking spot near your residence. This is common for people living in Harvard Square where parking can be limited.

  • Street city parking in Cambridge is resident permit only. In other neighborhoods, such as Allston, a permit is not necessary. To purchase a permit, you must register your vehicle in Massachusetts at an address in the city, which will make it subject to state excise tax and local insurance rates.