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Transportation & Safety

Yale’s central campus is right in the heart of New Haven, a city of approximately 130,000 people. New Haven is a wonderful city to explore, both on and off-campus. You’ll find museums, art galleries, restaurants, shops, theaters, parks, and more. Here are some important things to keep in mind as you traverse the city. 

Transportation Options

You can get around Yale and New Haven, on foot, by bike, car, or public bus, and on the Yale shuttle. The Yale Transportation Options website has a comprehensive listing of transportation available on, to and around campus. This includes: 
  • Free Yale Shuttles are available day, night, and on weekends. See route maps and service boundaries on the Yale Shuttle website. 
  • On-campus student parking is available in some Yale garages and lots. Parking on-campus is limited and requires fees. 
  • The Go New Haven App or Parkmobile App both allow you to pay for public on-street metered parking with your smartphone, to monitor your time, and sometimes extend it. City meters also use credit cards, and some take cash.
  • Airport Transportation lists options to/from regional airports in Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and Rhode Island. 
  • ZipCar is a car sharing program with many locations on campus and in city neighborhoods. Yale students get discounted membership.
  • Bike Share systems are operated by Yale and the Bike New Haven. 

Motor Vehicle Ownership & Operation

If you plan on driving or bringing a car to New Haven, please keep the following in mind: 
  • Getting a Driver’s License. See the requirements for U.S. citizens or non-U.S. citizens and review Connecticut state requirements for obtaining a driver’s license. Once you have established residency in Connecticut, you have 30 days to transfer your out-of-state license.
  • Keeping a Motor Vehicle in New Haven. Review Connecticut state requirements for the transfer of registration of motor vehicles if you are bringing a car or motorcycle to New Haven or for new registration. In general, as a new resident, you must register the vehicle within 60 days of your arrival.
  • Paying Local Car Tax (a property tax on vehicles). The state of Connecticut allows all cities and towns to charge property tax on vehicles operated in that city. The New Haven Tax Collector site explains New Haven’s city property tax on all vehicles maintained in the city (no matter where the car is registered). Declare your out of state-registered car if needed, and pay your car tax on time annually or you will risk a fine, or getting booted or towed. 
  • New Haven Residential Parking Permit. If you live off-campus and park on the city streets, in certain neighborhoods you must obtain a parking permit issued by the city.

Safety, Security, & Emergency Preparedness