Birdsong Bed & Breakfast of Amherst
815 South East St., Amherst Massachusetts  |  (413) 256-0433  |  BirdsongofAmherst@comcast.net

Getting Around

Tips for getting around Amherst, with or without a car

Walk | Bicycle | Bike Rental | Car | Car Rental | Taxi | Bus | Train | Air

Downtown Amherst is about 2.5 miles from Birdsong Bed & Breakfast. Guests wishing to get around without a car can be successful with a bit of planning. The PVTA bus system, local taxi services, car rental, and cycling along the Norwottuck Rail Trail are popular options for those without a vehicle.

Below are some tips and sources of information on getting around town and beyond, with or without a car.

Walk

South Amherst is crisscrossed by several hiking trails maintained by the town and state. The Norwottuck Rail Trail, less than a half mile from the Birdsong B&B (most directly by way of the K.C. Trail), provides a direct and peaceful two-mile pathway into town and beyond.

Bicycle

Entire books have been written about the scenic cycling routes of the Pioneer Valley. Particularly close to home is the Norwottuck Rail Trail State Park, a 12.5-mile bikeway that connects South Amherst to downtown Amherst, Hadley and Northampton. There is an access to the trail one-half mile north of the Birdsong B&B on South East St.

Bike Rental

These bicycle repair shops in town offer bikes to rent.

Car

Downtown Amherst and the town's three colleges are minutes away by car. Parking downtown is available at meters (free after 6pm and on Sundays and holidays) and at the Boltwood Parking Garage behind Main St.

Car Rental

Amherst offers a couple local options for renting a car.

Taxi

These taxi services have been licensed to operate in town by the Amherst Select Board.

Bus

Schedules vary by season, but it is generally possible to travel between Birdsong B&B and downtown Amherst by bus in under 30 minutes. It is best to consult PVTA for route advice and current scheduling.

Train

The Amtrak Vermonter which connects Washington, DC with St. Albans, VT, stops in Amherst (AMM) in the afternoon.

Air

Hartford/Springfield area's Bradley International (BDL) in Windsor Locks, CT is the closest major airport, about an hour drive from the Birdsong B&B. Local shuttle services and taxis offer transportation between Amherst and Bradley Airport.