Getting Around
Parking On-Campus
MIT Shuttle
A variety of shuttle services are available to safely transport members of the MIT community to, from, and around the MIT campus.
https://web.mit.edu/facilities/transportation/shuttles/index.htmlShuttle services
Circular route from 84 Mass ave to Kenmore Sq/West Campus
On campus MIT shuttle that runs four routes around East Cambridge. Free and pretty convenient.
Another on-campus shuttle service that runs between Kendall Square and west campus
Bikes on Campus
Bring your bike if you live off-campus. Many students utilize bikes as it is by far the most efficient means of travel for short hops within Cambridge & Boston. Many streets have dedicated bike lanes which makes commuting via bicycle more humane. Racks are conveniently located at the student center and near most classroom buildings. Bike theft is common in Cambridge, so invest in a lock that is proportional to the investment you made in your bike.
Also register you bike with the MIT Police when you get here. There are some benefits to bike commuters, including bike storage in secure areas.
Subway (T) - $2.40 per ride (CharlieCard, CharlieTicket or Cash) for anywhere on the T.
Local Bus - $1.70 per ride (CharlieCard, CharlieTicket or Cash).
Getting a T Monthly Pass:
Monthly passes are available from the Parking and Transportation office at significant discount (50%).
Recommended if you plan to ride the T or bus more than a few times a month.
Each month they are automatically renewed by the parking office. For up-to-date guidelines on ordering your discounted T-Pass, visit: http://web.mit.edu/facilities/transportation/tpass/students.html .
MBTA T-lines, Kendall/MIT Stop circled in black
Parking Advice
Yearly parking passes are available at the Parking and Transportation office. Cambridge is notorious for a lack of parking, even if you have a permit for MIT lots, so avoid driving if you can. The parking lots are typically filled early via reservations or parking pass holders such as professors and staff, but may be desired as a back up to driving around for forty-five minutes looking for an on-street parking space. Another suggestion is to buy a very cheap bike and leave it at the West Lot. You can park there and then have your bike for the day.
The alternative is to hunt for an on-street spot on Memorial Drive which is free but fills up by 7:30 am or feed a meter all day. The meter maids don't always walk all the way to Memorial Drive on Mass Ave so if you park closer to that end you have a chance of not getting a ticket. If you take a class at Harvard, take the bus. Parking is impossible in that area of Cambridge and very expensive.