Planning a trip to Pioneer Valley

Getting There

From Boston and upstate New York, take the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) to Springfield, then I-91 or Route 5 north. While there are local buses, you really need a car to explore this area.

The nearest major airport is Bradley International (tel. 203/627-3000; airport code BDL), in Windsor Locks, Connecticut. Valley Transporter (tel. 800/872-8752 or 413/253-1350; www.valleytransporter.com) offers van shuttles between the airport and the towns of the Pioneer Valley. Reservations recommended. Peter Pan Bus Lines (tel. 800/343-9999; www.peterpanbus.com) schedules frequent connections between Springfield and the towns of the Valley.

Amtrak (tel. 800/USA-RAIL; www.amtrak.com) Vermonter line trains stop in Amherst on the route between St. Albans, Vermont, and Washington, D.C., traveling through New York City.

Visitor Information

Downloadable maps of the Pioneer Valley overall, Holyoke, Northampton, and Amherst are at www.valleyvisitor.com.