in Ithaca and the
Finger Lakes
see also
Transportation
The Cornell campus is located about ten minutes from the Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport and an hour’s drive from the Syracuse International Airport. Greyhound and Shortline buses also connect through Ithaca.
Although you’ll have to leave your car at home, the local bus service, Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit (TCAT), will take you just about anywhere you’d like to go in Ithaca. Many students also enjoy walking or biking around town.
TCAT buses
TCAT's on-campus bus service connects all parts of the campus and is available from 4:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. weekdays. Evening bus service is available every night of the week from 6 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. TCAT bus passes are available and can be purchased on Opening Day or in B20 Day Hall for $40. For complete route, fare, and schedule information, check out TCAT's Web site.
Schedules also are available at the Information and Referral desk in Day Hall. A single ride is $1.50, transfers to other TCAT buses are free.
You can travel from campus by bus to most parts of Ithaca, including the Ithaca Commons and the Ithaca Mall.
Bring a bicycle
Cornell's campus is beautiful and large, so if you have a bike, we recommend that you bring it with you along with a strong lock and a helmet . . . that fastens! Students have learned the hard way that the bridges are slippery when wet and, when going down Ithaca's hilly terrain, you can pick up speed beyond your wildest imagination!
With a bike, you'll be able to see more of the gorgeous scenery Cornell has to offer while you're here. You'll also be able to get to your classes and meals much faster. Keep in mind that generally there is 15 minutes between classes. Also, you'll be living and eating on North Campus, which is a 20-minute walk from central campus where most of the classes are held.
If you decide to bring your bicycle, we recommend that you register it—for free—with the Department of Transportation. You can obtain a registration card at the Summer College service center in Robert Purcell Community Center. You will receive a registration sticker to display on your bike so that you can park it on campus.
Cornell's system of bike lanes, shared paths, and dismount zones must be observed at all times. You should familiarize yourself with this system. All cyclists also must follow state traffic laws.
If you'd like to rent a bike while you're here, we know of only one local bike rental agency. So, although Cornell Summer College does not endorse any local businesses, you might want to check out The Outdoor Store, 607.273.3891.