There are lots of ways to explore New London and the surrounding region. Here are just a few of the options available to help you get where you want to go:
SEAT Passes for Students: All current/active students have access to free SEAT Passes that can be used on all SEAT services (Fixed Route Bus, NL Smart Ride)
Due to changes at the state level, Smart Ride is no longer using Token Transit. You will book your ride the same way (via the Spare Rider app or by calling (860) 934-5234), but you will now need to have a physical ticket. Tickets can be obtained at the Gatehouse or in Cro 215. If you do not have a ticket, the driver will ask you to pay the fare via cash or credit card. When using this service, please ensure your pick-up and drop-off location on campus is the bus stop bench on the loop road behind Burdick.
For problems or issues while using SEAT services, please contact information@seatransit.org or call (860) 886-2631.
SEAT Fixed Route Bus
All fixed buses are on a flag/hail system
- Getting on the Bus: A passenger wishing to board the bus stands along the designated route in a safe location and signals the driver (often by waving their hand or arm) to request a stop.
- Exiting the Bus: A passenger already on the bus uses the pull cord to signal the driver. The driver will then let the passenger off at the nearest safe location, which could be an intersection, a driveway, or any point along the route where the bus can safely pull over.
New London Smart Ride
New London Smart Ride is an on-demand micro-transit service provided by SEAT that operates within the City of New London from 8 a.m. to midnight, Monday through Saturday, in places the fixed route bus does not access. By utilizing the Spare Rider app, the website, or calling SEAT at (860) 934-5234, riders can book customized, curb-to-curb trips much like a ride-hailing service, often sharing the vehicle with other passengers heading in a similar direction. We ask that when students use this service that their pick-up and drop-off location on campus is the bus stop bench on the loop road behind Burdick. More info here.
CAMEL LYFT PROGRAM
Conn offers the following College-sponsored Lyft services:
- Medical Lyft: Rides to and from Urgent Care when Health Services is closed and the ER 24/7. Call Campus Safety at (860) 439-2222, and they will order you a Medical Lyft ride to meet you at the Campus Lyft stop (bench on the loop road behind Burdick).
- Union Station: Rides to and from New London’s Union Station for the purpose of getting to trains, buses and ferries. Call Campus Safety at (860) 439-2222, and they will order you a Lyft ride to meet you at the Campus Lyft stop (bench on the loop road behind Burdick), or at Union Station to return you to campus.
- All students utilizing the Lyft to Union Station will be required to send a screenshot of your ferry/bus/train ticket/travel verification to transportation@conncoll.edu immediately following your ride. This step is necessary to verify the legitimate use of the service.
- Students found misusing this service or failing to provide proper documentation (the ticket screenshot) will be billed directly for the ride on their student account and may be referred to the student conduct process.
- Manwaring Resident Lyft program: Manwaring residents get free Lyft passes for trips between campus and Manwaring when SEAT buses aren't running. This service is exclusively for Manwaring residents, who will receive passes to use directly within the Lyft app.
TRAINS
New London is served by Amtrak, with convenient rail service to and from New York; Boston; Providence; Washington, D.C. and beyond. Visit the Amtrak website for travel specials, reservations, schedules and station hours, or call Amtrak at 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245).
From New London you can also travel to New Haven and stops along the way using CT Rail Shoreline East and in New Haven switch to MTA Metro-North to get to NY City or stops in between New Haven and NY City.
New London's Union Station at 27 Water Street is accessible via SEAT Fixed Route Bus, New London Smart Ride, and Lyft (on Sundays).
THE FLYING CAMEL
The Flying Camel Airport Shuttle provides affordable shuttle transportation between the Connecticut College campus and the following airports: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK, New York), T.F. Green Airport (PVD, Providence, RI) and limited service to/from Bradley International Airport (BDL, Hartford, CT). The shuttle service is offered at the beginning and end of the academic year. It is also offered during fall, Thanksgiving, winter and spring breaks.
Flying Camel Airport Shuttle Schedule 2025-2026
Shuttle rates are as follows:
- John F. Kennedy International Airport: $60 (each way)
- T.F. Green Airport: $30 (each way)
- The charge will be billed directly to your student account.
- To make a reservation: Please fill out the proper academic year form below.
Flying Camel Reservation Deadline: One week before the scheduled departure date & time of the shuttle to avoid a surcharge. No reservation will be honored with less than three business days' notice. Reservation cancellations with less than 48 hours' notice will not be refunded.
The transportation email account is not monitored on breaks, weekends or holidays. If you are planning to use the Flying Camel for return transportation from the airport, both reservations must be made prior to the start of the college break.
Departure times listed are the time at which the Flying Camel van will depart from each location. All Flying Camel shuttles will pick up students at the bus stop bench on the loop road behind Burdick.
For questions regarding the Flying Camel Airport Shuttle, contact the transportation department at transportation@conncoll.edu or (860) 439-2108.
Cars & Bikes on campus
You may find that you don’t need a car at Connecticut College. There are numerous transportation alternatives including SEAT (the local city bus) and several taxi services. Many students also use bicycles to get around campus and off. If you still think you’ll need to bring a car to campus, learn more about motor vehicle registration and parking rules.