Planning to visit campus? We’ve gathered some information to help you plan your visit — virtually or in person.
Transportation and Parking
Because of heavy traffic and limited parking, public transportation is the best way to get to campus. Take the Red Line of the MBTA subway (the “T”) to the Harvard Square Station. Campus is a quick walk from the station. A number of bus lines also have stops in Harvard Square.
Visit the MBTA website to plan your trip.
Other transportation options for getting to and around campus include:
Shuttle & Van Service
Harvard University Transportation Services provides free transportation throughout the Cambridge and Allston campuses for Extension School students and faculty. See Harvard Transportation and Parking Services to view shuttle bus routes and schedules.
An evening van service provides door-to-door transportation around the Cambridge and Allston campuses and transports Harvard community members off the scheduled shuttle bus route. Please see Harvard Transportation and Parking Services for hours of operations and instructions for booking a ride.
The daytime van service is designed for Harvard community members who, as a result of physical impairment or a medical condition, find it difficult or impossible to use the regular fully accessible shuttle bus. Students who wish to use the daytime van service should contact the Accessibility Services Office for more information.
M2 Shuttle
The Longwood Medical Area shuttle (M2), operated by the Medical, Academic, and Scientific Community Organization (MASCO), connects the Cambridge campus to the Medical School weekdays and Saturdays (no service on Sundays or University holidays) during the academic year.
Members of the Harvard community with a valid ID card from Harvard University can ride for free. Members of the Harvard community without Harvard ID cards may purchase tickets in advance at the Harvard University Events and Information Center in the Smith Campus Center, and at various Medical School locations. For more information on tickets and schedules, call (617) 632-2310 or visit the MASCO website.
Cycling
For information about cycling around Boston and Cambridge, visit Commuter Choice or call (617) 384-RIDE. All Harvard shuttles and vans have exterior bike racks.
Paid Parking Lots
There are a few paid parking lots and garages near campus:
- Charles Square Garage at 1 Bennett Street
- University Place Garage at 45 University Road
- Municipal Parking Lot at 110 Mount Auburn Street
- Harvard Square Parking Garage at 20 Elliot Street
- Smith Campus Center Parking Garage (formerly Holyoke Center Parking Garage) at 1350 Massachusetts Avenue
- Church Street Lot at 41 Church Street
Motorist Assistance Program
The Motorist Assistance Program provides free campus emergency road service for Harvard community members parked on Harvard University property who need help charging a dead battery, changing a tire, retrieving keys that have been locked inside a car, or run out of gas. This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including University holidays. Call (617) 496-HELP.
Campus Map
You can access the Harvard University campus map to explore campus yourself.
Campus Tours
Whether you want to explore campus from the comfort of your home or you’re ready to visit Cambridge, MA and see it for yourself, there are several options for touring the Harvard University campus.
Virtual Tours
In addition to exploring campus using the campus map, you can explore Harvard from home using our Virtual Tour. On this tour, you can discover spaces that aren’t included on in-person tours, such as classrooms, laboratories, and residence halls.
Check out topic-specific virtual tours on the Harvard University Visitor Center website.
In-Person Tours
The official Harvard tour departs from the Harvard Information Center, in the Smith Campus Center. The tour is student-led and includes a walk through Harvard Yard, an overview of the University’s history, and a unique view on the student experience.
The one-hour tour is free, but you do need to register in advance. Visiting parties are limited to groups of five. For groups of six or more, please contact the Harvard University Visitor Center to arrange a visit.
You can view the Harvard University visitors calendar for more details.
If you are interested in touring the campus on your own, you can go on a self-guided tour using the Visit Harvard mobile app, available to download on iOS and Android devices.
Study & Collaboration Spaces
The Harvard campus offers numerous study and collaboration spaces perfect for getting work done alone or with classmates.
From open and sunny to quiet and cozy, every space has its own unique and distinct atmosphere. Find your favorite or enjoy them all depending on your mood!
Some of the spaces listed below are open to the public. Others are open to anyone with an active Harvard ID. Some spaces at Harvard may be limited to admitted degree candidates or have other limitations.
The Smith Center
The Richard A. and Susan F. Smith Campus Center is located in the heart of Harvard Square, directly across from historic Harvard Yard. It offers three floors of open seating areas and study spaces. Grab a coffee or enjoy a snack as you socialize, study, or take a break between classes.
The Smith Center is open to both Harvard students and the public. Harvard Extension School students may reserve private space as well.
Harvard Libraries
The library is an obvious choice when seeking a quiet study space or a small collaboration area. The problem at Harvard is deciding which library to choose.
Harvard Extension School students have access to all Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) libraries. Each of these libraries offers amazing spaces for study and collaboration. Perennial favorites with Extension students include Cabot Science Library, Lamont Library, and Widener Library.
The Find a Space tool on the Harvard Library’s main website enables students to locate and reserve private study rooms. It also allows you to find available printers, scanners, and other amenities.
Harvard Museums
Almost as numerous as the Harvard libraries, Harvard’s many museums also offer interesting, comfy, and less well-known study areas.
Two popular choices are Calderwood Courtyard and Jenny’s Cafe at Harvard Art Museums, located just outside Harvard Square. These inviting seating areas are perfect for quiet study, meeting with friends, and enjoying a delicious lunch or snack.
Limited-Access Museums
Several Harvard museums offer opportunities for targeted research and collaboration in specific fields of study. Examples include:
These museums are not open to the general public. Contact these museums individually to learn more about collaboration opportunities and for individual access requests.
Cafes and Coffee Shops
Need a quick cup of coffee as you work on your next deadline? Looking for a change of scenery from the quiet of your room or the library? Grabbing a table at a local coffee shop for a study break is the quintessential college experience!
And if you’re looking for a great coffee shop, you don’t need to look far in Harvard Square.
Harvard University Dining Services (HUDS) also operates a variety of cafes and snack locations throughout the Harvard campus. For more information on hours, menus, and accessibility, see the HUDS’ Cafe Locations website.
