Buses
Our campuses, area downtowns and shopping centers are all linked by a free bus system during the academic year.
The Five College campuses are linked by a daily bus service during the academic year. Some routes include stops at local towns and shopping centers. As you'll see below, some of these buses don't run during winter break and the summer, and others charge a fare. There are several apps that will help you find the best route to get you where you want to go--see the links below. You can also visit the website of the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA) to find route information for the Five College area and the Connecticut River Valley region of western Massachusetts.
If you have questions about PVTA schedules or service, call 413-781-7882.
All PVTA bus service is fare-free through June 30, 2025.
Links to bus information and apps
Five College Bus Routes
The B43
Smith - Hampshire Mall - UMass - Amherst
The B43 runs between Smith, UMass, and Amherst, with stops at the Hampshire Mall in Hadley. It runs all year, with a schedule for when the campuses are in session and a schedule for when they are closed for the summer and holidays. The link below is to the schedule when classes are in session. For the B43's "no school" schedule, visit the PVTA website.
The 38
UMass - Amherst - Hampshire - Mount Holyoke
The 38 runs between UMass, Amherst, Hampshire and Mount Holyoke. It is free to all when it runs, and it only runs during the academic year.
The 39
Smith - Hampshire - Hampshire Mall
The 39 provides service between Hampshire and Smith Colleges on weekdays, and between Hampshire College, Smith College, the Hampshire Mall and Mountain Farms Mall on weekend evenings, when classes are in session. The 39 does not run during the summer or school holidays.
The 39E
Mount Holyoke - Smith Express
The 39E is an express run between Mount Holyoke and Smith Colleges, running during the day during the week when classes are in session.
The R29
UMass - Amherst - Hampshire - Mount Holyoke - Holyoke Mall - Springfield
The R29 runs between UMass and the City of Holyoke Transit Station, with stops at Amherst, Hampshire, and Mount Holyoke Colleges. It also has stops at the Holyoke Mall, and at Union Station in downtown Springfield. The R29 runs year-round. Check the schedule below for holiday service breaks.
Buses leading to and from UMass
UMass Transit operates a number of PVTA buses that travel within its campus and between its campus and such surrounding communities as North Amherst, Sunderland, and Belchertown. These buses are free to all riders and operate only when classes are in session.
