How to get to The Berkshires, United States?

Regardless of whether you visit in Autumn to marvel at the changing of the folliage, Winter to enjoy the snow in the New England views, Spring or Summer to partake in the mountain and lake sports, the Berkshires welcome you with many transportation options. Shared rides, buses and trains fares start at $60 so renting a vehicle may be a more suitable choice starting at $56. Moving around using the public transportation network is possible too starting at $2 per ticket, renting a bike from $23, or hailing a taxi from $10.

The Berkshires Key Information

The Berkshires the name given to the highlands located in the Berkshire County, west of Massachusetts that forms a border with the State of Connecticut.

The landscape is formed by the charming countryside and evergreen forests. The lush farmland of the New England region is welcoming to tourists of all ages and it is ideal for families as well as couples willing to get away from the city life of the Metropolitan area.

The tricky part

The roads do not require an experienced driver, but not all travelers are comfortable with driving in a foreign country. On the US, people drive on the right side of the road. The drive from Midtown Manhattan takes about 2 hour 20 minutes, but given the traffic and events in the city, the main avenues and streets may be blocked and reorganized by the police.

Credit and debit cards are always accepted except for buses and parking meters where cash is required. ATMs are easy to reach all over the place. Everyone speaks English, however, if your group does not speak English it might be difficult to communicate as most people do not speak other languages. The cities of North Adams and Pittsfield can be dangerous at night. Going out alone late at night is not recommended.

Getting to The Berkshires

The Berkshires are only a few hours away from New York, New Haven, Hartford and Boston. The region has a captivating historical value and it has attracted artists, musicians, writers, and singers many times becoming their inspiration. Colonial homes and beautiful streets, a pictures landscape from a time belonging to the first settlers.

The bohemian spirit of the region is rich on in folk traditions, festivals, street markets and art. The area is a great display of historical, cultural and fabulous outdoor entertainment.

The closest airport to the area is the Albany International Airport about 60 minutes from the Berkshires. Connecticut's Bradley International Airport is also close to the area, a short 70-minutes ride. The New Haven airport is a bit further away, making it a 90 minute ride. Bur if you're arriving from an international destination, New York's JFK will most certainly be the best option. Car rentals will be available at the airport. Ubers starting at $60, $90 and $140 depending on the distance.

If you decide to rent a car, driving via the main routes I-95 N from New York or CT 8 - N from New Haven connect directly to the area from New York City. There's also route I-90 E from Albany.

You can travel by bus from New York city, as well as the Amtrak as described further below.

The Frugal Option

The best fare to travel from New York to Newport is by bus for a price of $70 per passenger, one way. There's a local bus departing from the New York Port Authority going directly to the different shires. This ride takes approximately 5 hours 40 minutes depending on traffic. This is provided by the popular Greyhound bus company.

Peter Pan buses also offer this service from Penn Station in New York.

There is also the possibility to use the Empire Service Amtrak from the Penn Station in New York to the Albany-Rensselaer for $60 per passenger, one way. Then, you would need to take a bus or a private transfer to the Berkshires, which is an additional hour, prices for buses are $15 per passenger one way. Or hire a private driver / taxi for $70.

If your party consists of a group of 3 people or more, renting a car is a very convenient option. The price per day is around $56 per day from New York JFK with Hertz.

Driving across this region is a beautiful experience in itself. This is the area of New England, adorned with forests which change into gorgeous shades throughout the year. Bright green in Summer and Spring, a golden glow in Autumn and snowed trees during Winter.

Route I-87 North or CT 8 - N via Milford takes about 3 hours depending on traffic. The most challenging part is to leave the area of New York and Long Island as it can get extremely busy during weekends when most people from New York City area travel to the countryside.

Private Transfer Options

The ride takes about 3h or more depending on traffic, and saves you the stress of driving across New York City.

Uber X and Lyft offer a price between $242 to $300 for a 3 passenger vehicle, one way from Midtown Manhattan.

For a larger Lyft car, up to 5 passengers, the price ranges between $300 to $350 one way from Midtown Manhattan.

If you are traveling with a group of 10 passengers, Mozio offers a final price of $1500 for a private vehicle from Midtown Manhattan. This is about $150 per passenger one way. But this is your group's van scheduled privately with the assistance of a local and experienced driver familiar with the zone.

Even if all rented cars include GPS some passengers prefer to have a local driver take them to their location.

The Mozio Recommendation

If you are traveling alone we recommend public transportation or train. It offers the best price as you are paying for an individual ticket. Public transport also inspires a feeling of safety compared to driving your own way through routes travellers which are not local might find complications with. Not everyone is comfortable with driving in a foreign country.

But if you are going with a group of passengers, depending on the size of the group, renting a car is a good deal. Car rentals offer smaller cars for about $56 per day with taxes included. This can be a very go-to economic way. But this, however, requires the passengers to be ready to drive through the New England routes, which can be beautiful but crossing bigger cities or just the exit of New York can be stressful for some people.

For larger groups, private transportation is the most cohesive way to travel as it offers the best comfort and price as you will have the assistance of the driver and you avoid going with your large group to the coach station. This private bus will pick your group up at the airport or the location of your choice and take you directly to the destination.

Moving AROUND The Berkshires

There are three main ways to move around the different shires:

• Renting a car at the Berkshires can result a bit cheaper than renting a car directly from New York. Prices start at $30 with taxes included with Avis in Lenox. This saves you from having to drive to the Berkshires, but the cost will not be as economic as you will be considering the transportation to the area as an additional cost. If you rented a car, parking lots are available around the villages.
• The local bus which is provided by the Berkshire Regional Transit Authority.
• The local taxi service like Berkshire Taxi, phone +1 518-755-4782. This company also offers the service in Spanish.

The Frugal Option

The fare for each bus ticket is $2 per passenger. . Public transportation is available in the Berkshires under the Berkshire Regional Transit Authority buses. All buses are to be paid with cash or CharlieCard (payment method for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority).

• A daily pass costs $6 and allows you to hop on and off as many times as you wish.
• A 7 day pass is $25 to enjoy during a whole week activated at the first time you use the pass.
• A pass for 10 individual rides costs $20.

Bikes are available for rental for $23 per hour, being two hours the minimum rental, however, a full day rental is $42.00 . Village Bike Rentals for instance is really close to the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail in the Berkshires.

There is also the option from local business Fat Bike Rentals which provide all the equipment you need and are not only for the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail. They can be found at Great Barrington and Pittsfield.

Local taxis charge between $30 to $40 to move between the different villages depending on the distance. If you wish to book a taxi within the village itself, the fares are available for $10 to $15

Are Rideshare & TaxiApps Readily Available In The Berkshires?

Car Rental Options

It is possible to rent a car in Pittsfield for a starting price of $37 plus taxes per day. However, if you prefer driving from New York, prices for can be a bit cheaper and you will have a wide range of cars, several more options than what you can find in the car rentals in each of the shires. Prices in New York City start at $20 plus Tax.

Please keep in mind there is metered parking has a cost of $1.5 per hour and can be used maximum 3 hours downtown. Parking for handicapped travelers is free.

Day Trips Around The Berkshires

Stockbridge

As a travel destination, The Berkshires have a rich historical past. One of the places to visit is The Norman Rockwell Art Museum in Stockbridge which showcases a unique collection Rockwell's arts and illustrations. The village is 30 minutes away from the Berkshires. A one way Uber to the location starts around $45.

Prebooked through Mozio, a ride with local partner Elife Limo with all charges included:

• On a private sedan for up to three passengers from $138.
• On a private SUV for up to five passengers from $186.
• On a private van for up to eight passengers $345 or ten passengers from $380.

Springfield

Springfield also has a vast amount of museums. Most interesting for all is the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden displaying several sculptures of the famous American children's author born in Springfield. You can reach the city via MA-23 W and it takes around 60 minutes. Uber prices for a small car are around $75.

Prebooked through Mozio, a ride with local partner Elife Limo with all charges included:

• On a private sedan for up to three passengers from $176.
• On a private SUV for up to five passengers from $237.
• On a private van for up to eight passengers $439 or ten passengers from $483.

Six Flags New England

Six Flags New England is a large amusement park located in Agawam Massachusetts. It has several attractions offering entertainment for the whole family. Also known as the "thrill capital of New England", this once historic amusement park now belongs to Six Flags chain of parks from Time Warner, and has a number of movie-inspired rides. such as the Dark Knight coaster. Agawam is 60 mins away from the Berkshires and can be reached via MA-57 W. Uber prices start at $70 for a small car, one way.

Prebooked through Mozio, a ride with local partner Elife Limo with all charges included:

• On a private sedan for up to three passengers from $178.
• On a private SUV for up to five passengers from $240.
• On a private van for up to eight passengers $444 or ten passengers from $488.

Hartford

Hartford is a city not too far away from the Berkshires which was home to the famous writer Mark Twain. Now called The Mark Twain House & Museum, a renowned National Historic Landmark offers educational activities about Twain's life and writings. The house has been fully restored to its original layout. The city of Hartford is part of Connecticut and it is a 70 minute drive from The Berkshires. Uber prices start at $90.

Prebooked through Mozio, a ride with local partner Elife Limo with all charges included:

• On a private sedan for up to three passengers from $219.
• On a private SUV for up to five passengers from $296.
• On a private van for up to eight passengers $549 or ten passengers from $603.

Sturbridge Village

Sturbridge Village in the Worcerster County is a gorgeous place to visit if you're planning to go to the Boston area. It is a great place for the historical sites and the Tantiusques, but it is also a favorite golf destination. The town is 1h 30mins from Pittsfield via the I-90 E route. Uber prices start at $100 for three passengers one way.

Prebooked through Mozio, a ride with local partner Elife Limo with all charges included:

• On a private sedan for up to three passengers from $284.
• On a private SUV for up to five passengers from $384.
• On a private van for up to eight passengers $710 or ten passengers from $781.