<p>Ok --- I need to get from New Haven, Connecticut to Smith College in Northampton w/o a rental car. Would taking a bus be the best bet? How reliable is the bus service? Thanks!</p>
<p>You can either take a bus from New Haven to Northampton (Peter Pan, I think - <a href="http://www.peterpanbus.com/home/%5B/url%5D">http://www.peterpanbus.com/home/</a> ) Or you can take Amtrak New Haven to Amherst, and a bus back to Northampton.</p>
<p>Rather than the train to Amherst, I would recommend taking the train or bus from New Haven to Springfield, and then the bus (peter pan) to Northampton.</p>
<p>The section of the train trip between Springfield and Amherst is painfully slow, only happens once a day in each direction, and leaves you further from the bus stop than the Springfield train station leaves you from the bus station. Also, if you have a lot of stuff, there will be cabs at the Springfield train station to take you and your bags to the bus (it will be the best few dollars you've ever spent!)</p>
<p>I would suggest taking the Peter Pan bus from New Haven to Northampton. You will have to change buses in Springfield, but the bus drops you off right in downtown Noho and it's not usually very expensive (they often have student fares as well). </p>
<p>If you want to take the train, I agree with stacy, take it to Springfield. And then walk or taxi to the bus station. </p>
<p>If you must take the Amtrak to Amherst, do not plan on taking the bus back because the Amtrak station is not convenient to the bus stop. For around 15 bucks you can take a taxi, and that's your best bet.</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice! Is the distance between the Northampton bus stop and Smith short enough to walk (w/ my bags) or should I get a cab from there?</p>
<p>Short, if your bag is on wheels or you have it on your back. (It is a little bit uphill.)</p>