When planning an Ivy League college tour, you might wonder, “How do I get from one campus to the next efficiently?” With eight Ivy League institutions spread across the northeastern U.S., planning an effective and enjoyable tour involves not only selecting schools but also figuring out logistics. Whether you’re driving, taking public transit, or flying, this guide will help you make the most of your tour while visiting nearby cultural sites.
IVY LEAGUE COLLEGE TOUR MAP OVERVIEW
We’re here to help you map out a comprehensive itinerary that includes travel logistics, campus tips from Top Tier Admissions, and nearby cultural highlights, ensuring you can maximize your time and see everything each campus has to offer.
Start in Boston, Massachusetts and work your way through Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island, ending in New Hampshire or Upstate New York, depending on your preferences.
To make your travel planning easier, we’ve included Google Maps integration for each school and travel suggestions between campuses.
DAY 1: HARVARD UNIVERSITY, CAMBRIDGE, MA
Where is Harvard? Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, across the Charles River from Boston, Harvard University is just a 20-minute drive from Logan International Airport (BOS) and is easily accessible via public transportation.
Travel Logistics:
- Nearest Airport: Logan International Airport (BOS), 20 minutes by car or accessible via the MBTA subway.
- From Boston: Take the MBTA Red Line to Harvard Square, or drive (15-20 minutes).
- Parking: Public parking garages are available around Harvard Square.
Itinerary:
- Morning: Start your day with a campus tour, including the iconic Harvard Yard, Memorial Hall, and Widener Library.
- Afternoon: Visit the Harvard Art Museums and explore Cambridge’s vibrant Harvard Square, with shops and cafés ideal for student life.
- Evening: Stroll along the Charles River or enjoy a lecture open to the public.
TTA Senior Private Counselor, Dr. Kristen Willmott’s Top Tip:
Save time to walk over to the Harvard Radcliffe Institute's Sunken Garden (just behind Harvard Square) that features ongoing blooming flowers, stone benches with gargoyles carved into the bases, a peaceful fountain, and hidden green spaces to bring your lunch.
Travel to Yale University (New Haven, CT)
- Distance: ~2 hours, 136 miles by car.
- By Train: Amtrak runs from Boston’s South Station to New Haven (2 hours 15 minutes). Book a rental car at New Haven’s Union Station to reach Yale’s campus.
- By Car: Take I-90 W and I-91 S.
DAY 2: YALE UNIVERSITY, NEW HAVEN, CT
Where is Yale? Yale is situated in New Haven, Connecticut, an easy two-hour trip from Boston. New Haven is a college town with a rich arts scene and history. Make sure to visit Yale’s museums and galleries.
Travel Logistics:
- By Car from Harvard: 136 miles, approximately 2 hours via I-90 W and I-91 S.
- By Train: Amtrak connects Boston to New Haven (2 hours 15 minutes). Yale is a short cab or walk from Union Station.
- Parking: Visitor parking is available at the Pierson-Sage Garage.
Itinerary:
- Morning: Start with a campus tour to see Old Campus, Sterling Memorial Library, and the Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library.
- Afternoon: Explore the Yale University Art Gallery and the Peabody Museum of Natural History.
- Evening: Take a walk through New Haven’s historic neighborhoods or dine in one of its many acclaimed restaurants.
Top Tier Admissions Tip:
Don’t miss out on the amazing pizza at establishments like Sally’s Apizza and Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana on Wooster Street in New Haven!
Travel to Princeton University (Princeton, NJ)
- Distance: ~2.5 hours, 135 miles by car.
- By Train: Take Amtrak from New Haven to Princeton Junction (2 hours), followed by a quick ride on NJ Transit to Princeton.
- By Car: Drive via I-95 S and US-206 S.
DAY 3: PRINCETON UNIVERSITY, PRINCETON, NJ
Where is Princeton? Nestled in a charming town in New Jersey, Princeton offers an idyllic setting with historic architecture and a small-town vibe. It’s approximately halfway between New York City and Philadelphia.
Travel Logistics:
- By Train from Yale: Amtrak from New Haven to Princeton Junction (2 hours), then NJ Transit to Princeton Station.
- By Car: Drive via I-95 S and US-206 S (135 miles, 2.5 hours).
- Parking: Visitor parking is available at the West Garage or Lot 23.
Itinerary:
- Morning: Begin with a campus tour covering Nassau Hall, the University Chapel, and the Princeton University Art Museum.
- Afternoon: Visit the Princeton Battlefield State Park and Palmer Square.
- Evening: Enjoy a quiet evening at Princeton’s small-town restaurants or take a leisurely walk along Lake Carnegie.
TTA Senior Private Counselor, Anita Doar’s Top Tip:
For the true student experience, check out Hoagie Haven or PJ's Pancake House for dinner (yes, dinner! Avoid the long breakfast line at this staple of the Princeton culinary experience). Stroll down Prospect Avenue (but make sure you call it "the Street") to take in Princeton's famous Eating Clubs, where the majority of the upper class social and dining scene takes place. Introduce yourself to "the Dinky," your lifeline from campus to the Princeton Junction Amtrak station; and while you're over there, familiarize yourself with "the Wa," (known elsewhere as WaWa), where you'll find many late-night snack cravings fulfilled.
Travel to University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA)
- Distance: ~1 hour, 45 miles by car.
- By Train: Amtrak or NJ Transit trains take about 1 hour from Princeton Junction to Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station.
- By Car: Drive via US-1 S.
DAY 4: UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA (UPENN), PHILADELPHIA, PA
Where is UPenn? Located in the heart of Philadelphia, UPenn blends Ivy League tradition with urban energy, offering an ideal mix for students who want a big city experience.
Travel Logistics:
- By Car from Princeton: 45 miles, 1-hour drive via US-1 S.
- By Train: NJ Transit from Princeton Junction to 30th Street Station in Philadelphia (1 hour).
- Parking: Public parking garages are available around campus.
Itinerary:
- Morning: Take the official UPenn campus tour to explore Locust Walk, the Quadrangle, and Wharton School of Business.
- Afternoon: Visit the Penn Museum or take a short walk to explore historic Philadelphia, including Independence Hall.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner in the lively University City district.
Top Tier Admissions Tip:
If you’re interested in business, schedule a visit to Wharton, one of the top undergraduate business schools in the world. Make sure to explore UPenn’s collaborative spaces, as teamwork is a hallmark of the school’s culture.
Travel to Columbia University (New York City, NY)
- Distance: ~2 hours, 95 miles by car.
- By Train: Amtrak from Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station to Penn Station (1 hour 15 minutes), then take a cab or the subway (1 line) to Columbia’s campus.
- By Car: Drive via I-95 N or NJ Turnpike.
DAY 5: COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY, NEW YORK CITY, NY
Where is Columbia? In the heart of Manhattan’s Morningside Heights, Columbia University provides an academic oasis amid the hustle and bustle of New York City.
Travel Logistics:
- By Train from Philadelphia: Amtrak to Penn Station, then subway or cab to Columbia (1 hour 30 minutes).
- By Car: Drive 95 miles, approximately 2 hours via I-95 N or the NJ Turnpike.
- Parking: Parking is limited in NYC, so public transport is the easiest option. Columbia does not offer visitor parking.
Itinerary:
- Morning: Tour the campus to see Low Memorial Library, Butler Library, and the impressive Alma Mater statue.
- Afternoon: Take in the cultural riches of New York City, such as the nearby Riverside Park or the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. Or stay on campus and check out the Wallach Art Gallery in the Lanfest Center of the Arts, Columbia’s premier public visual arts space.
- Evening: Explore Manhattan’s food scene or attend a public lecture on campus.
Top Tier Admissions Tip:
Make NYC feel more “homey” by getting involved and building your community early on. Columbia has a diverse range of extracurriculars so join clubs, attend events and participate in campus functions to make the city your new home away from home.
Travel to Brown University (Providence, RI)
- Distance: ~3 hours, 180 miles by car.
- By Train: Take Amtrak from New York’s Penn Station to Providence (3 hours).
- By Car: Drive via I-95 N.
DAY 6: BROWN UNIVERSITY, PROVIDENCE, RI
Where is Brown? Located in the vibrant city of Providence, Rhode Island, Brown’s campus is a hub of academic freedom and cultural innovation.
Travel Logistics:
- By Train from NYC: Amtrak from Penn Station to Providence (3 hours).
- By Car: Drive 180 miles, approximately 3 hours via I-95 N.
- Parking: Visitor parking is available at the Power Street Garage.
Itinerary:
- Morning: Tour Brown’s campus, including the Van Wickle Gates, University Hall, and the John Hay Library.
- Afternoon: Wander through Providence’s historic Federal Hill or visit the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) Museum.
- Evening: Check out WaterFire, a famous art installation on the Providence River, if you visit during summer.
TTA Senior Private Counselor, Nellie Brennan-Hall’s Top Tip:
Providence is known as the "Creative Capital" of New England, and Brown students embrace this through the flexible open curriculum that allows them to forge their own paths.
Travel to Dartmouth College (Hanover, NH)
- Distance: ~3 hours, 170 miles by car.
- By Car: Drive via I-93 N.
DAY 7: DARTMOUTH COLLEGE, HANOVER, NH
Where is Dartmouth? Tucked away in the scenic town of Hanover, New Hampshire, Dartmouth offers an idyllic New England setting. Surrounded by forests and rivers, it’s a paradise for nature-loving students.
Travel Logistics:
- By Car from Brown: Drive 170 miles, approximately 3 hours via I-93 N.
- Parking: Free visitor parking is available at the Dewey Lot on campus.
Itinerary:
- Morning: Begin with a campus tour to see Baker-Berry Library, Dartmouth Hall, and the Hood Museum of Art.
- Afternoon: Explore the outdoors with a hike in the nearby Appalachian Trail or take a canoe ride on the Connecticut River.
- Evening: Relax in downtown Hanover’s small-town cafes and bookstores.
TTA Senior Private Counselor, Maria Laskaris’ Top Tip:
Head downstairs in Baker Library to see The Epic of American Civilization by Mexican artist, José Clemente Orozco. The mural, which was painted between 1932-1934 and tells the story of the development of culture of the United States and is a national historic landmark. Also, be sure to visit the Theodor Seuss Geisel Room in Baker Library, too. The room offers a quiet space for study complete with comfy chairs, whimsical bookcases, and large sun-collecting windows.
Travel to Cornell University (Ithaca, NY)
- Distance: ~5 hours, 270 miles by car.
- By Car: Drive via I-89 S and I-90 W.
DAY 8: CORNELL UNIVERSITY, ITHACA, NY
Where is Cornell? In the scenic Finger Lakes region of upstate New York, Cornell University’s hilltop campus offers breathtaking views of gorges, waterfalls, and the surrounding countryside.
Travel Logistics:
- By Car from Dartmouth: 270 miles, approximately 5 hours via I-89 S and I-90 W.
- Parking: Visitor parking is available in various lots across campus, including Hoy Road Garage.
Itinerary:
- Morning: Take a campus tour of Cornell’s sprawling grounds, visiting McGraw Tower, the Arts Quad, and Johnson Museum of Art designed by IM Pei (check out the views from the top floor!).
- Afternoon: After a Cornell-made ice cream snack at the Dairy Bar or perennial favorite Collegetown Bagels, hike around Beebe Lake and cross the Sackett stone bridge, or visit the Cornell Botanic Gardens and ring the bell at the Newman Overlook.
- Evening: Relax by Cayuga Lake or enjoy a meal at one of Ithaca’s farm-to-table restaurants, like the recently expanded The Rook.
TTA Senior Private Counselor, Heidi Steinmetz Lovette’s Top Tip:
Just off campus, visit the recently redesigned Visitor Center at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, for its exhibits on animal sounds, natural history art, and avian science. While there, stroll the trails of Sapsucker Woods Sanctuary and come across environmental artist Andy Goldsworthy’s “Sapsucker Cairn.”
TRAVEL TIPS FOR YOUR IVY LEAGUE TOUR
Plan Ahead: Book your campus tours well in advance, especially during peak seasons. Don’t forget to research the schools’ specific visitor guidelines.
Travel Smart: Consider renting a car for maximum flexibility. Many campuses are connected by train, but having your own vehicle allows you to explore nearby cultural sites.
Pack Light: You’ll be on the move a lot, so it’s best to pack minimally and comfortably, especially if you’re driving between campuses.
Be Strategic with Visits: Try to visit when schools are in session to get an authentic feel of campus life. Always allow extra time to explore each campus beyond the official tours.
By following this itinerary, you’ll get an immersive experience of Ivy League schools, while also enjoying the rich cultural and historical settings surrounding these top-tier institutions. Enjoy your tour!
LEARN MORE ABOUT CAMPUS TOURS & COLLEGE VISITS
- Beyond the Campus Tour: Rethinking College Visits
- How College Visits are like House Hunting
- Making the Most of Your Spring Break College Campus Visits
- Campus Visits: Boston
- Campus Visits: New York City
- Campus Visits: Chicago and the Midwest
- Campus Visits: Northern California
- Campus Visits: Southern California
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