Public Transportation Options

There are many options to get around inexpensively, sustainably, and without a car. The New Haven region is served by four train lines, a region-wide bus service, multiple shuttle services, and bike, e-bike, and e-scooter rental services. Biking and walking are great, super cheap ways to get around, get exercise, and build community. Explore the options below to find a transportation method, or methods, that work for you.

Bus

CTtransit is the main bus service in the New Haven region and serves the whole state, with the New Haven Green connecting all local routes. All CTtransit buses have wheelchair lifts or ramps for access by persons with disabilities. Additionally, buses can carry a maximum of two bikes on the front rack, on a “first-come, first-served” basis.

Bus fare is $1.75 and can be paid by:

Inserting dollars and coins into the machine at the front of the bus
swiping/inserting a CTtransit pass card (bought at CTtransit kiosk, Stop&Shop, Walgreens, 7-Eleven)
Using the Token Transit app on your phone and showing the ticket timer countdown screen to the driver
Tapping your refillable Go CT Card
Swiping your UPass provided by your Connecticut public university

Getting Started

Getting to the bus stop: Use a navigation app like Google Maps or Apple Maps to find your route, then head to the bus stop on the side of the road in the direction you're headed. Note: Bus stops are marked by signs and often have shelters with weather protection, seating, and route information.
Getting on the bus: As a bus approaches your stop, the electronic screen will show the bus route number and the destination of the bus. Step in its direction or wave to let the driver know you want to get on.
Getting off the bus:If you plan to get off at the next stop, pull the yellow cord located above the side windows to signal your stop request. A chime will alert the operator to stop, and a “stop requested” sign at the front of the bus will light up. You can exit from the front or side doors of the bus!

Trains

Taking the train offers a luxurious, safe way to travel. With the opportunity to relax, work, or read, you can be productive while avoiding traffic and staying safe. New Haven is served by four train lines. Tickets can be bought online or on the app, on the train, or at the ticket booths at the station. Check train websites for wifi and bike policies.

New Haven Lines

The New Haven Line, operated by Metro-North, runs between New Haven and Grand Central Terminal in NYC. Visit mta.info/mnr for more information.
CTrail Hartford Line provides service along the I-91 corridor from New Haven to Hartford, ending in Springfield, Massachusetts. Visit HartfordLine.com for more information.
CTrail Shore Line East provides service along the I-95 corridor between New Haven and New London. Visit ShoreLineEast.com for more information.
Amtrak provides services in Connecticut and nationwide. Some Amtrak trains on the Hartford Line accept CTrail tickets. Visit amtrack.com for more information.

E-Scooters

Shared bikes and scooters offer a convenient, affordable, and reliable alternative to driving in cities. While cars still dominate American streets, transportation habits are beginning to shift. Across the country, more people are turning to e-bikes and e-scooters for commuting, running errands, and staying connected to their communities. Veo E-Scooters has a fleet of e-scooters offering residents and visitors an affordable, sustainable, and convenient way to get around.

Standard Pricing & Memberships

Pay-As-You-Go: $1.00 unlock fee and $0.40 per minute.
VeoPlus Monthly Subscription: $6.99 per month to waive all standard unlock fees.
Veo Access Program: income-eligible riders — who, for example, receive SNAP benefits or discounts on their utilities — can ride on Veo e-scooters for free for up to two 15-minute rides each day through the Veo Access program.

Get Starter

Download the Veo New Haven app.
Look for your nearest ride on the in-app map. Once you’ve located your ride, scan the QR code between the handlebars to unlock.
If you’re riding a standing scooter, place one foot on the floorboard and push off the ground with your other foot to kickstart your ride and engage the throttle. If you’re riding a seated scooter, take a seat. Place one foot on the footrest and use your other foot to balance yourself before engaging the throttle.
After the ride, the vehicle should be parked upright and out of pedestrian walkways.

Bikes

If you don’t have access to a bicycle, New Haven has:

Ride New Haven, which offers 200 bikes, including newly added e-cargo bikes, across 45 docking stations throughout the city. To begin, download the app and create an account. See: ridenewhaven.com. Equity Membership: For any community members experiencing financial hardship, we offer a discount on the monthly membership listed above.

Biking Support: Check out Bradley Street Bike Coop (bsbc.co) for recycled bikes and repairs, and New Haven Coalition for Active Transportation (ncat-ct.org) for bike riding and safety classes.

Other Methods

Vanpool/Carpool options are free for all Connecticut residents, offering a cost-effective alternative to driving alone. In vanpooling, 4 to 15 people share monthly expenses on similar routes.

VIA HVA offers affordable and on-demand taxi rides seven days a week across the New Haven area for as little as $1.75 per ride and $0.85 for low-income and senior(65+) riders. Visit https://city.ridewithvia.com/nhv for information on how to set up your first ride.

Yale University, SCSU, and Yale New Haven Hospital also have shuttles for their students and employees.

Union Station Shuttle provides free rides from 6 am to 1 am daily, every 20 minutes to and from the New Haven Green, with stops in between.