There are many ways to get around in Fredonia, with personal vehicles being our students' first choice. Public buses run several daily routes from the campus to the major towns and cities including Buffalo, Jamestown, Toronto and Erie, Pennsylvania.
Personal Vehicles
If you already have a valid driver's license from your home country, and you are older than 16, you do not need to get a New York State Driver's License to drive a passenger vehicle in New York State. However, if you plan to buy a car then you must get a NYS Driver's License, buy auto insurance and register your vehicle at the NYS Department of Motor Vehicle Office. (Source: https://dmv.ny.gov/driver-license/drive-new-york-state)
To obtain a NYS Driver's License, you will be required to submit an application, several forms of identification and proof of residency. Once the application has been processed, you must still pass a written test, complete a 5-hour pre-licensing course and pass a road test to qualify for a NYS drivers license.
You can pick up an application and a Driver's Manual online at their website: New York State Department of Motor Vehicles or by visiting their office at:
More information on how to obtain a New York State Driver's License can be obtained on the following website or by visiting the International Student Services Office.
Public Buses
- The Campus and Community Bus Service is paid for by your Student Services fee, therefore students may utilize this service as much as they like without paying a fare. The bus stops at the Williams Center and then makes a 45 minute loop out to stores and other points of interest in Fredonia & Dunkirk. An updated schedule can be found by clicking here or visiting the ISS Office.
- The CARTS bus route runs between D & F Plaza, Tops Plaza, Wal-Mart and other locations in Dunkirk. It costs about $2.75 to $3.25 for each ride. For more information, call 1-800-556-8553.
- The Coach USA operate daily bus routes to Buffalo and Jamestown. Students can pick up schedules and buy Coach USA tickets at the Fredonia Ticket Office in the Williams Center or call them at 716-673-3501 to make reservations or get information.
Trains
Amtrak operates two train stations in Buffalo located at 55 Dick Road and 75 Exchange Street. To get to the Exchange Street Station from Fredonia, take the Coach USA bus to Buffalo and get off at the Exchange Street station stop. You can buy a train ticket from Amtrak's website or by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL.
Airports
There are two airports that service the Fredonia region: Erie International in Erie, Pennsylvania and Buffalo Niagara International in Buffalo, New York. The airport in Buffalo is usually the cheapest one to fly into and is serviced by most major airlines.
Rental Cars
If you have a driver's license from your home country and you are 21 years old or older, then you may rent a car in the US. There are several major rental car companies at the airports.
Ride Share Apps
It is possible to use ride share apps (e.g. Uber, Lyft, etc.) in New York State. However, Fredonia is a small village and it may be difficult to find transportation through these apps during the early morning hours or very late at night. Please plan accordingly.