GETTING TO WILLIAMSTOWN
FLYING:
The Clark is 135 miles from Boston and 165 miles from New York City (JFK, Newark, Laguardia)—roughly three hours from Boston, closer to four driving from New York, where you’re far more likely to find a direct flight to where you want to go, especially if you’re flying internationally.
Airports in Albany (one hour away), Springfield (ninety minutes) away, and Hartford, CT (BDL airport, two hours) are closer to Williamstown, but offer limited direct flights.
TRAINS & BUSES:
There are hourly Amtrak trains from New York City to Albany (New York), the closest station to Williamstown (one-hour drive), and daily buses and trains from Pittsfield (Massachusetts) to Boston.
From New York City
A taxi to the Albany-Rensselaer Amtrak train station costs $150; there is near-hourly Amtrak train service from there to Penn Station in New York City. The ticket prices begin at $34 and the trip lasts about two hours and forty minutes.
Peter Pan bus leaves New York’s Port Authority bus terminal at 10 am on Fridays, and return from Williamstown on Saturday and Sunday afternoons at 3:45 pm. The trip lasts four to five hours with multiple stops, costs $56, sells out occasionally (so best book early).
From Boston
Both the Amtrak train and Greyhound bus leave from South Station in Boston and bring you as far as Pittsfield, MA (~30 minute drive to Williamstown). Depending on the season, there may or may not be more than one train/bus per day. As of February 2024, a taxi from Williamstown to Pittsfield is $60; from there, the Amtrak and Greyhound both range in price and trip duration.
The Amtrak Lakeshore Limited Train is also about four hours. Ticket prices vary, but are often as low as $9 and as high as $50. This train frequently has delays, so sign up for Amtrak notifications. Greyhound Bus takes four hours, including several stops, and starts at $34.
BUSES, TAXIS, RIDE SHARE SERVICES, AND ZIPCAR:
Lyft and Uber are a bit of a unicorn in Williamstown, though they can be found (but best arranged in advance; it’s rare to be able to obtain a ride in the moment).
For advance rides (particularly for flights or trains), Norm’s Limousine Service (413.663.8300) or Transport the People (413.443.7111) are professional and reliable.
If you book RJ’s Taxi (413.346.4907) in advance, they will give you a thirty-minute window during which they will meet you at your pick-up location, though they will not call to tell you they’re outside. RJ’s is cash only.
Tunnel City Transport (413.662.2100) and OTT Taxi (413.663.3838) operate out of North Adams. Recent Clark Fellows have liked OTT best of all.
There is a single Zipcar available on the Williams College campus for Zipcar members, parked in the basement of the parking structure off of Whitman St (20-minute walk from the Clark, 15 from Williams Inn). It’s not officially affiliated with Williams College and all matters must be handled through Zipcar.
Thanks to a Clark-led initiative, the Route 3 Berkshire Regional Transport Authority (BRTA) bus now stops at the museum every hour. It will drop you off at the grocery stores (Wild Oats, Stop and Shop) or take you to North Adams (MASS MoCA, Hotel Downstreet, dining options). It costs $1.75 each way or less if you buy a CharlieCard. www.berkshirerta.com
LODGING IN WILLIAMSTOWN
RAP 25 conference hotel:
Hotel Downstreet
40 Main Street
North Adams, MA 01267
413.663.6500
www.hoteldownstreet.com/
RAP has reserved a block of rooms for RAP 25 speakers at Hotel Downstreet, a solid, no-frills yet appealing North Adams hotel within walking distance to MASS MoCA and many of North Adams’ liveliest eateries and shops. Allows cats and dogs, with a $40/day fee. Small indoor pool. 12–15 minute drive to the Clark.
Group discount booking link: https://bookings.travelclick.com/114530?groupID=4411335
Room rates for Wednesday and Thursday (June 25–26): $135/night plus tax
Room rates for Friday and Saturday (June 27–28): $235/night plus tax.
Note: RAP will run a shuttle from Hotel Downstreet to the Clark a few times each morning and each evening for those traveling without a car (though one is highly recommended, particularly if you want to be able to come and go during the day).
Other options include:
Williams Inn
101 Spring Street
Williamstown, MA 01267
413.458.9371
https://www.williamsinn.com/
Less than a mile walk to the Clark, the Williams Inn is the priciest and most well-appointed hotel in the area, settled in the center of the Williams College campus and at the foot of Spring Street, the town’s main street (small as it is!). It has a bustling restaurant downstairs serving dependable American cuisine, as well as outdoor hang-out areas with fire pits. Allows dogs, with a pet fee.
Group discount booking link: https://reservations.travelclick.com/108839?groupID=4404388
Room rates for Wednesday and Thursday (June 25–26): $299/night plus tax
Room rates for Friday and Saturday (June 27–28): $399/night plus tax.
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott
430 Main Street
Williamstown, MA 01267
413.458.7333
https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/albfw-fairfield-inn-and-suites-williamstown
Please note that you could walk to the Clark, as there are sidewalks the entire route (40 minutes/1.8 miles), or the Route 3 Berkshire Regional Transport Authority (BRTA) bus route also stops nearby and would take you directly to the main Clark entrance.
There are a number of other small motels on the eastern edge of town (Willows, Maple Terrace) that are more of a mom-and-pop feel, serviceable, less expensive, and closer to the Clark than Fairfield Marriott (and walkable via sidewalk to the Clark).
You might also use AirBnB, particularly if you aim to share a space with colleagues also attending the conference, but be aware that it may not be more affordable than hotels, particularly if you’re seeking an entire residence. That said, there are some small 1-bedroom spots located in Williamstown’s “downtown,” and therefore walkable to conference events.
For any questions, please contact [email protected].