As we approach the time of the year when families and friends come together to celebrate and give thanks, it’s important you don’t defer travel details until the last minute. As a student at Syracuse University, there are plenty of travel options that can prepare you for Thanksgiving Break (Nov. 19-26), and curtail the burden of high travel costs from last-minute planning.
Here is a concise guide to the most useful travel tools related to the Thanksgiving holiday!
Bus Shuttles to Nearby Cities
The Student Association will provide shuttles to and from neighboring cities right on campus. A list of shuttle options and their respective times are as follows.
Departure Date: Friday, Nov. 17
- Pick-Up Location: College Place
- Check-in time will begin 30 minutes prior to the bus departing.
- Student Association/Student Engagement will coordinate “Bus Ambassadors” for each bus and departure time.
- Departure Times: 1 p.m. or 5 p.m.
Buses and Cities
- There are 54 seats per bus per time slot.
- Buses will have bathrooms.
- No additional buses will be added.
- No additional cities will be added.
1 p.m. Shuttle Destinations
- New York City, New York – Bryant Park
- Boston, Massachusetts – South Station
- Washington, D.C. – Union Station
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – Convention Center
- Rockaway, New Jersey – Rockaway Mall
5 p.m. Shuttle Destinations
- New York City, New York – Bryant Park
- Boston, Massachusetts – South Station
- White Plains, New York – Bloomingdales (drop-off and pick-up will take place in the parking lot outside of Bloomingdales at 175 Bloomingdale Road)
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – Convention Center
- Rockaway, New Jersey – Rockaway Mall
Returning Date: Sunday, Nov. 26
- Check-in time will begin 30 minutes prior to the bus departing.
- Bus Ambassador will be responsible for checking in students.
- One phone call will be made if a student is not present within 10 minutes of departure.
- Departure times will be the same as when the shuttles left campus on Nov. 17: 1 p.m. or 5 p.m.
Ticket Details
Round-trip tickets are available now through the Student Box Office My Tickets Portal for Syracuse University and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) undergraduate students. Graduate students can purchase bus shuttle tickets through the Student Box Office starting Wednesday, Nov. 8. Tickets are $99 per student, and tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. If tickets sell out, a waitlist form will be available for students to sign up in case spots become available. If you’ve never purchased tickets through the My Tickets Portal before, visit the Purchasing Tickets webpage for more information. For any Student Box Office issues, please email boxoffice@syr.edu.
Please note that tickets are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Don’t miss the opportunity to secure your seat for a convenient and safe Thanksgiving travel experience!
Airport and RTC Shuttles
Student Association has also organized shuttles to Syracuse Hancock International Airport and the Regional Transportation Center (Amtrak, Greyhound, Trailways and Megabus) at no cost.
It’s important to note that Amtrak and Greyhound are offering students exclusive savings for Thanksgiving travel! Simply verify your student status and enjoy a discount of 15%.
Here is the shuttle schedule!
Dates
- Friday, Nov. 17, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
- Sunday, Nov. 26, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
Pick-Up/Drop-Off Locations
- Goldstein Student Center (South Campus)
- Pick-Up: On the hour, every hour.
- Drop-Off: On the hour, every hour.
- College Place
- Pick-Up: Ten minutes after every hour.
- Drop-Off: Ten minutes after every hour.
- Brewster Boland Brockway (BBB) Complex (Van Buren St.)
- Pick-Up: Fifteen minutes after the hour, every hour.
- Drop-Off: Fifteen minutes after the hour, every hour.
Destinations
- Regional Transportation Center (Amtrack, Greyhound, Trailways, Megabus)
- Drop-Off: 40 minutes past the hour, every hour.
- Pick-Up: 40 minutes past the hour, every hour.
- Syracuse Airport (North Terminal):
- Drop-Off: 55 minutes past the hour, every hour.
- Pick-Up: 55 minutes past the hour, every hour.
Once you’ve narrowed down your travel details, here are a couple travel tips to help you make the most of your break!
Plan Ahead
- Book Early: Thanksgiving is a busy travel time. In fact, according to AAA, “54.6 million people will travel 50 miles or more from home this Thanksgiving. That’s a 1.5% increase over 2021 and 98% of pre-pandemic volumes.” Book your tickets and accommodations well in advance to secure the best rates!
- Have Flexibility: If possible, be flexible with your travel dates. Flying a day or two before or after the main Thanksgiving rush can save you money and stress.
Pack the Essentials
- Warm Clothing: November weather can be chilly. Pack warm layers, especially if you’re traveling to colder regions.
- Travel Documents: Don’t forget your ID, passport (if traveling internationally) and tickets, and make sure you’ve made any necessary reservations.
- Medications: If you take medications, pack enough for your trip, plus a few extra days’ worth in case you experience any unexpected delays.
- Chargers: Bring chargers for your devices, and consider packing a portable charger for your phone.
Travel Smart
- Arrive Early: Whether you’re flying or driving, plan to leave early. Airports and roads can be crowded during the holidays.
- Have Snacks: Pack some snacks and water to stay nourished during your journey.
- Bring Entertainment: Have books, podcasts or movies on deck to keep yourself entertained during travel downtime.
Pre- and Post-Holiday Activities
- Outdoor Activities: Depending on the weather, consider engaging in outdoor activities like hiking or exploring local attractions.
- Community Service: Volunteer at a local food bank, shelter or soup kitchens to help those in need.
- Black Friday Deals: If you enjoy shopping, familiarize yourself with the local stores and their Black Friday deals.
Thanksgiving travel is considered one of the busiest times of the year. Students should stay on top of their schedules and always have a backup plan for unexpected events. Good luck and safe travels!
Written By Elijah Brown ’24, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications
This article is for reference purposes only and is not deemed an endorsement by Syracuse University.