Directions from the East (Boston/Worcester)

There are many possible ways to reach the University of Massachusetts from the East, and the "optimal" route is the subject of considerable debate among people who care about such things. For travelers who are new to the area, the simplest route is given first; it's 10 minutes longer than the alternate directions -- but you won't get lost.

Recommended Route

Take the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) to Exit 4 (I-91, West Springfield/Holyoke). Take I-91 North to Exit 19 (route 9). Take a right at the end of the exit ramp onto Rt. 9 heading east. You'll go over the Connecticut river almost immediately, after about 2 miles, you'll pass through the center of Hadley (it's easy to miss!), after around 4 miles you'll pass two large malls on your right. At approximately 4.7 miles, take a left onto Rte. 116N.

Get off at first exit on 116 and turn right at end of exit ramp. You'll see UMass in front of you. Pass through blinking light and go about 100 ft up to next stoplight and turn left. (You'll keep the soccer fields on your left). Go up to first stoplight and turn right. Head up the hill to the Campus Center Parking garage.

The Department of Computer Science is located in the new Computer Science Building, which is several hundred yards North of the parking garage. You'll need to walk "through" the Engineering Quad area to get to the building. The parking garage attendant should be able to point you there.

Alternatively, you can park at the meters in Lot 31, although if your visit will be longer than one hour or so, you'll be better off in the Campus Center Garage. To get to Lot 31, don't turn at the stoplight towards the Parking Garage but continue straight. Go through the next set of lights. You're on Governors Drive and it curves to the right. You'll see the Computer Science Building on your right (silver building with blue trim). Lot 31 is on your left directly across from the Computer Science building. Note that the campus map shows Lot 45 with metered parking. That lot is currently closed for construction of a new engineering building. See the campus map for more detailed directions to the CS building.

Click here for a campus map.

An Alternate Route

Take Mass Turnpike (I-90) to Exit 8 (Route 32, Palmer). Right on Route 32 to U.S. 20. Right on 20 to Route 181. Right on 181 to U.S. 202 (Belchertown). U.S. 202 to Route 9. Eventually Rt 9 will take you to the center of Amherst. (You will see Amherst College on your left and the Amherst Common on your right). Continue on Rt 9 W through the center of town. At the bottom of the hill leading out of town, take a right onto University Drive. Follow University Drive to the end (you will pass the football stadium of your left). Take a right at the end of University Drive and take a left at first light (You'll keep the soccer fields on your left). Go up to first stoplight and turn right. Head up the hill to the Campus Center Parking garage. See preferred directions above to get from parking garage to the campus or to get to the meters in front of the building.

YAAR - Yet Another Alternate Route

Ludlow exit off the Mass Pike. At end of ramp turn right onto Route 21 North, marked to Belchertown. Route 202 North joins Route 21 North. At the lights in Belchertown Center turn left, following signs to stay on 202 North (leaving 21). At the next set of lights, turn left onto Route 9 West toward Amherst. Continue on to Amherst above.

Even one more Alternate Route

Route 2 West to Route U.S. 202 (Orange) South. On 202, once you enter Pelham, look for blinking yellow light and a right turn with a sign marked "To Amherst". Turn right at that light. The road you turn on to is variously called Amherst Rd, Pelham Rd, and Main St. Follow that road to center of Amherst (You will come to a traffic light and see the town common on left. There's a Subway store on the right at the corner).

Go straight through traffic light (actually, "straight" is a short jog right and then straight ahead).
Go up to next light and turn right onto University Dr. Once on University, you'll see football stadium on your left.
Take University drive to end (500 yds) and then turn right (After turning right, you'll have soccer fields on your left).
Turn left at first stoplight (only 100 ft from University). After turning left, soccer fields will be on your left still.
go up to first light and turn right. Go to top of hill and park in campus center parking garage. Alternatively, continue straight to the parking meters in front of the new Computer Science building. See preferred directions above.

Driving time from Boston is 2 hours and fifteen minutes (preferred route), ten minutes less if you take one of the alternate routes.