Massachusetts, USA
Albany International Airport (ALB): About 1-1.5 hours' drive to northern/central Berkshires. Bradley International Airport (BDL): About 1.5 hours' drive to central Berkshires. Both are good options for domestic flights.
Boston Logan International Airport (BOS): About 2.5-3 hours' drive. Larger airport with more direct international and domestic flights. New York Stewart International Airport (SWF): About 1.5-2 hours' drive to southern Berkshires, a regional alternative with fewer options.
Major carriers like American, Delta, Southwest, United, JetBlue, Frontier, Spirit, Breeze serve ALB, BDL, and BOS.
Check Dollar Flight Club for deals or use Skyscanner for broad searches.
All major airports offer car rentals, dining, shops, and ground transportation.
Amtrak's "Lake Shore Limited" serves Pittsfield from Boston and Chicago. The "Ethan Allen Express" offers seasonal service from NYC to Pittsfield. Book in advance.
Peter Pan Bus Lines offers daily service from Boston and NYC to Berkshire towns like Pittsfield, Lenox, Great Barrington, and Williamstown. Greyhound service is more limited.
A valid U.S. Driver's license or International Driving Permit (IDP) is sufficient. I-90 is a major artery. Scenic state routes like Route 7 and Route 2 crisscross the region.
Roads are generally well-maintained. Rural roads can be winding and hilly, sometimes unlit at night. Drive cautiously, especially at dawn and dusk, for wildlife.
Standard U.S. Driving laws. Drive on the right. Seatbelts are mandatory. Speed limits are posted (25-35 mph in towns, 40-55 mph rural, 65 mph highways).
Not applicable for the Berkshires. The region is landlocked and lacks coastal access or cruise ports for arrival. The Housatonic River is for recreation, not transport.
No specific exit fees or taxes are levied for departing Massachusetts or the U.S. For tourists. Your airline tickets typically include various federal taxes and fees.
The Berkshire Regional Transit Authority (BRTA) runs the main public bus system. Its services are good within towns but limited for full regional exploration.
Taxis are available in larger towns. Hailing is uncommon; call local companies. Uber and Lyft operate in populated areas, but availability and wait times may vary.
Downtown areas of towns like Lenox, Stockbridge, and Great Barrington are very walkable with sidewalks.
The Ashuwillticook Rail Trail is a paved, multi-use path for cycling. Local bike rentals are available.
Renting a car is the most recommended method for fully exploring the Berkshires.
Renting a car offers unmatched flexibility to explore. Major companies operate at regional airports and in Pittsfield.
Motorcycle and scooter rentals are very limited. Bicycle rentals are available at local bike shops during warmer months.
Standard U.S. Driving laws apply. Drive on the right. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants. Speed limits are posted.
Roads can be snowy and icy from November to March. AWD/4WD or snow tires are highly recommended. Allow extra travel time.
Ample parking is generally available and often free. Some busy areas in peak season may have paid or metered parking.
For the most enjoyable and practical Berkshires experience, a rental car is a smart choice. It grants freedom to explore diverse attractions, natural areas, and charming towns at your own pace.
