Parking & Transportation
Transportation Services is available to assist your students with their parking and transportation needs, no matter who they come to and get around campus.
Parking on Campus
Students are discouraged from bringing a car to campus their first year, but limited permits are available.
On-Campus Resident Permits: Students living in university housing can purchase a parking permit for their residence area. Resident permits are valid only in their signed parking area and the North Campus A lot after 2:30 pm. On-Campus Resident Permits are are sold on a first-come, first-served, and space-available basis.
Student Commuter Permit: Student Commuter Permits are sold on a first-come, first-served, and space-available basis. Students with this permit can park in the B Lot near the Vet College, TRB Lot, BTI Lot, and the North and South Morrison Lots on Judd Falls Rd at all times, as well in the north campus A Lot after 2:30 pm.
On-Campus Resident Permits: Students living in university housing can purchase a parking permit for their residence area. Resident permits are valid only in their signed parking area and the North Campus A lot after 2:30 pm. On-Campus Resident Permits are are sold on a first-come, first-served, and space-available basis.
Student Commuter Permit: Student Commuter Permits are sold on a first-come, first-served, and space-available basis. Students with this permit can park in the B Lot near the Vet College, TRB Lot, BTI Lot, and the North and South Morrison Lots on Judd Falls Rd at all times, as well in the north campus A Lot after 2:30 pm.
Nighttime Transportation
The Blue Light buses are offered nightly on TCAT Route 92, operating on campus from 6:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. throughout the year. Matriculated students receive unlimited rides on all TCAT buses after 6 p.m. on weekdays and any time on Saturday and Sunday when using their Cornell ID card at the fare box. Route and schedule information are at tcatbus.com.
TCAT Bus Services
Public transit is the ultimate way to make the most of your time. It’s convenient, efficient, and economical.
TCAT serves Tompkins County, including Cornell University and the City of Ithaca. Annual OmniRide bus passes are available for purchase on the Transportation Website. First year students receive an annual OmniRide bus pass for free. Route and schedule information are at tcatbus.com.
TCAT serves Tompkins County, including Cornell University and the City of Ithaca. Annual OmniRide bus passes are available for purchase on the Transportation Website. First year students receive an annual OmniRide bus pass for free. Route and schedule information are at tcatbus.com.
Transportation to Campus
By Plane
Air service is available to Ithaca via Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport. Additional airlines fly in and out of Syracuse, Elmira, and Binghamton; however, these options require traveling to Ithaca by rental car or bus.
By Bus
Ourbus, Greyhound, and Trailways all serve Ithaca. There is a bus terminal at 710 West State St., though many buses service Cornell’s campus as well. Students should confirm departure and arrival locations when booking. The Campus-to-Campus bus service provides express, executive-class motorcoach service between Cornell’s Ithaca and New York City campuses. Buses are equipped with reclining seats, worktables, wireless Internet service, electric outlets, snack and beverage service, and a lavatory.
Accommodations
Ithaca offers a wide variety of accommodations from historic bed and breakfasts to chain hotels. During popular events, the demand for rooms can exceed availability. In fact, many families are surprised to learn that hotel rooms generally sell out for campus-wide events like Family Weekend and Commencement. Prices can vary greatly from weekend to weekend, and it is not uncommon for hotels to require two- or three-night minimum stays during peak times. It is wise to make reservations as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Air service is available to Ithaca via Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport. Additional airlines fly in and out of Syracuse, Elmira, and Binghamton; however, these options require traveling to Ithaca by rental car or bus.
By Bus
Ourbus, Greyhound, and Trailways all serve Ithaca. There is a bus terminal at 710 West State St., though many buses service Cornell’s campus as well. Students should confirm departure and arrival locations when booking. The Campus-to-Campus bus service provides express, executive-class motorcoach service between Cornell’s Ithaca and New York City campuses. Buses are equipped with reclining seats, worktables, wireless Internet service, electric outlets, snack and beverage service, and a lavatory.
Accommodations
Ithaca offers a wide variety of accommodations from historic bed and breakfasts to chain hotels. During popular events, the demand for rooms can exceed availability. In fact, many families are surprised to learn that hotel rooms generally sell out for campus-wide events like Family Weekend and Commencement. Prices can vary greatly from weekend to weekend, and it is not uncommon for hotels to require two- or three-night minimum stays during peak times. It is wise to make reservations as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.