In Ithaca

  • Walk

    • In Ithaca, walking 20 minutes one way is not bad at all, given it's not uphill ya (e.g. downtown to Campus is always uphill)... You will get used to it if not already...

  • T-cat bus

    • Bus that goes around Ithaca and surrounding areas
    • Free on weekends (all day) and weekdays after 6pm for all Cornell students
      • Outside those days/hours, it's technically only free for 1st years, but recently, due to a machine/system issue, it's free for all years with a student card lol
      • Otherwise it's $1.5 for adults per ride (no matter the distance)
    • Services are frequent during weekdays and less frequent during weekends. Less frequent generally on late evenings
    • How to check timings: Google Maps or myStop phone app (I find that sometimes, either can be more accurate than the other)

  • Bicycle/scooters/skateboards

    • Recommended if you live up the hill e.g. Collegetown, North Campus
    • Not so recommended if you live down the hill e.g. Downtown, unless you like biking uphill Sentul style or have an electric one
      • T-cat bus also has a bicycle holder - you can bring your bicycle for the bus ride, for no additional cost
    • Lowkey dangerous without a helmet, I've heard so many incidents

  • Carshare Services

    • Ithaca has a member only carshare service https://www.ithacacarshare.org/, which is quite helpful at times.
      • VERY IMPORTANT: to register for a membership, you will need to provide your driving record for the last 2 years. If you have been driving in Indonesia, you will need to go to a police station and request for a letter, stating that you have a good driving record.

  • Should you and how to get a car?

    • Someone else please write about this


To and from Ithaca

  • Buses

    • Campus-to-Campus Bus (Ithaca-NYC)

    • Ourbus

      • Buses to and from NYC are consistently frequent (4-5h ride)
      • Ourbus creates destinations based on timing and popular demand, so there are way more destinations during Cornell holidays/breaks!
        • Example timings: long weekends, spring break, Christmas/New Year, start and end of winter/summer break 
        • Direct buses to other cities like Boston, Philadelphia, etc. are more frequent, as usually they require transit
        • During this time, they even sell bus tickets for vineyard tours, Niagara Falls, and more
      • People's favorite because we can cancel and get refunded up to 30 mins before departure (refunded as Ourbus coupons. The booking fee is not refunded though)
      • Can only bring 1 suitcase - usually they don't check, but sometimes they do if bus is full capacity..

    • Flixbus

    • Megabus

  • Flights

    • Flight to Ithaca Airport

      • Only available to and from NYC airport
      • More expensive than bus
      • Fun fact, though, you can learn how to fly a Cessna Aircraft at Ithaca Airport, if you're interested in that hobby

    • Flight to Syracuse Airport

      • Available to and from more airports, but this airport is 1h away from Ithaca
      • There are limited buses from Syracuse to Ithaca and vice versa. Alternatively, you can use Uber or rent a car for one way trip from Ithaca to Syracuse Airport
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