When making travel arrangements, make sure to pay close attention to the Move-In and Move-Out Information and that your course is or has been confirmed to run. Please read all of the information below before making travel arrangements.
About Syracuse
Syracuse is located in the heart of central New York State. It has a metropolitan population of approximately 663,000 and is the economic and education hub of the region. Central New York residents are helpful and accustomed to interacting with the large number of international and visiting students who make their home at Syracuse University.
Arriving to Syracuse
Students need to arrive at Syracuse University and move into their residence halls the Sunday before their classes start. (For example, if a student’s class starts on Monday, July 7, 2025, they need to move in on Sunday, July 6, 2025). Check-in time is between 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
There is a mandatory student orientation held on the Sunday before classes start, as well as a welcome dinner and a campus tour, where students will learn where their classes are held. If you are a commuter student, you are still required to attend the orientation and other welcome activities.
More information on the orientation and welcome schedules for residential and commuter students can be found here.
Flying In: SYR Airport
The closest airport to Syracuse University is the Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR). If making flight reservations, it is recommended that you use this airport.
Facts about Syracuse Hancock International Airport:
- 10-15 minutes from campus (depending on traffic)
- Small, recently renovated airport with two terminals
SYR Airport has several taxi/rideshare options available if needed. Additional information can be found here.
Arrival by Bus or Train: Regional Transportation Center
If you are taking a bus or train to Syracuse, the closest station is the William F. Walsh Regional Transportation Center.
Facts about Regional Transportation Center:
- Approximately 15 minutes from campus
- The William F. Walsh Regional Transportation Center (RTC) is served by Amtrak, Greyhound, Trailways, and Megabus
- There is one main entrance with two sets of doors
Shuttle Service to Campus
Each year on move-in days, the Office of Pre-College Programs offers a shuttle service that transports students from the SYR Airport or the Regional Transportation Center to Syracuse University. Please know that only students are permitted to board the shuttle. Below is the anticipated shuttle schedule:
| Sundays |
|---|
| 9 a.m. |
| 10 a.m. |
| 11 a.m. |
| 12 p.m. (Noon) |
| 1 p.m. |
| 2 p.m. |
If you wish to utilize the shuttle service, please make sure to schedule your trip around the times mentioned above and indicate that you will be taking the arrival shuttle on the required transportation form (found on the Student Application Portal). When selecting an arrival shuttle, please make sure to give yourself an additional 30-45 minutes after you arrive at the airport/regional transportation center to retrieve luggage and going to the designated pick-up area. (For example, if your flight arrives at 11:45 a.m., you would not be able to make the 12 p.m. shuttle and should sign up for the 1 p.m. shuttle instead)
Please know that there is a $15 (USD) charge for taking the arrival shuttle (no refunds). You will be able to pay for the shuttle through the application portal.
The Office of Pre-College Programs is unable to provide transportation to anyone arriving outside of the predetermined shuttle schedule.
In the event of any flight/bus/train delays on the day of pick-up, please call our office at (315) 443-5000 and leave a message. We will have staff monitoring our voicemail and will be able to assist you as needed.
West coast or international students can petition for early arrival on Saturday between 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. Petition approvals are on case-by-case basis, and up to the discretion of the Office of Pre-College Programs. To petition for early arrival, please email our office at precollege@syr.edu by June 1, 2025. Please know that early arrivals are responsible for arranging their own transportation to campus.
Driving to Campus
Are you being driven directly to campus? Pre-college staff and volunteers from the College of Professional Studies will be at the residence halls to greet and assist you.
Please Note: Summer College students are NOT PERMITTED to have, drive, nor park cars on campus while they are enrolled in Summer College. This applies to both residential and commuter students.
Want to know what to bring to campus before you arrive? Click below to view our packing list!
Departing Syracuse
When making travel arrangements to depart Syracuse, make sure to pay close attention to your course’s final commitments. Unless noted otherwise (please see your course page for final commitment information), courses typically conclude at 4 p.m. on the last Friday of class. Students may begin departing at this time.
All students must check out and vacate their residence hall by 12 p.m. (noon) on the Saturday following the conclusion of their Friday class.
Flying Out: SYR Airport
The closest airport to Syracuse University is the Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR). If making flight reservations, it is recommended that you use this airport.
SYR Airport has several taxi/rideshare options available if needed. Additional information can be found here.
Departing by Bus or Train: Regional Transportation Center
The closest station is the William F. Walsh Regional Transportation Center.
Shuttle Service for Departures
The Office of Pre-College Programs offers shuttles to departing students beginning on Friday following the conclusion of their class and again on Saturday morning. Shuttles will pick students up from their residence halls and take them to either the Syracuse Airport or the Regional Transportation Center. Below is the anticipated shuttle schedule for both Friday and Saturday:
| Fridays |
|---|
| 4 p.m. |
| 5 p.m. |
| 6 p.m. |
| Saturdays |
|---|
| 7 a.m. |
| 8 a.m. |
| 9 a.m. |
| 10 a.m. |
| 11 a.m. |
If you wish to utilize the shuttle service, please make sure to schedule your trip around the times mentioned above and indicate that you will be taking the departing shuttle on the required transportation form (found on the Student Application Portal). When selecting a departure shuttle, please make sure to give yourself an additional 2 hours to get to the airport/regional transportation center. (For example, if your flight departs at 10 a.m., you should take the 8 a.m. shuttle).
Please know that there is a $15 (USD) charge for taking the departing shuttle (no refunds). You will be able to pay for the shuttle through the application portal.
The Office of Pre-College Programs is unable to provide transportation to anyone departing outside of the predetermined shuttle schedule.
Getting Picked Up from Campus
For move out, please have the driver arrive at the front of your residence hall in the loading area. Note that the driver must remain in the vehicle at all times. For security reasons, parents, guardians and family members will not be permitted to enter the building for move out.
Hotels and Lodging for Families
Some families may want to spend a weekend on campus while moving their students in or visit with students through the duration of the program.
A number of hotels are within walking distance of campus, with many others only a short drive to the University. For a complete list, visit the Syracuse Convention and Visitors Bureau. To view hotels close to campus, select “Syracuse University” or “Downtown” as the location in the Regions menu.