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City guide

Amherst, Massachusetts

Amherst is a city in Hampshire County, Massachusetts, United States, in the Connecticut River valley. Amherst has a council–manager form of government, and is considered a city under Massachusetts state law.

Type CityPopulation 39,263

Why go

  • City in Massachusetts, United States.
  • Served by Ware Airport (UWA).

History

Amherst is a city in Hampshire County, Massachusetts, United States, in the Connecticut River valley. Amherst has a council–manager form of government, and is considered a city under Massachusetts state law. Amherst is one of several Massachusetts municipalities that have city forms of government but retain "The Town of" in their official names. At the 2020 census, the population was 39,263, making it the most populated municipality in Hampshire County. The town is home to Amherst College, Hampshire College, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst, three of the Five Colleges.

Airports

Westover Metropolitan Airport / Westover Air Reserve Base (CEF) 13 mi to the centre
Chicopee, MA, US — Indoor waiting areas, but some gates board by bus or on foot across the apron — plan for the weather on the day.
Indoor | Outdoor
Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport (BAF) 19 mi to the centre
Westfield, MA, US — Indoor waiting areas, but some gates board by bus or on foot across the apron — plan for the weather on the day.
Indoor | Outdoor
Ware Airport (UWA) 17 mi to the centre
Ware, MA, US — Indoor waiting area, but you walk out to the aircraft to board — bring an umbrella or a coat if the forecast is poor.
Indoor | Outdoor
Orange Municipal Airport 17 mi to the centre
Orange, MA, US
Outdoor
Hadley Airport 1.7 mi to the centre
Hadley, MA, US
Outdoor
Norm's Field 10 mi to the centre
Belchertown, MA, US
Outdoor

Where things are

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Photographs

When to go

Tourist season
May – September

The warmer, longer-day half of the year is the safest bet for a first visit.

Shoulder season
April, October

Cooler and quieter, with fewer visitors and better value.

Worth avoiding
Deep winter

Short days and the coldest weather — check local conditions before travelling.

Getting there & around

Getting there. The nearest airport on record is Ware Airport (UWA); 4 other airports serve the wider area. Check rail and road links from the tourism sources below.

Getting around. Use the map above to orient yourself; nearby hotels, attractions and places to eat are listed from the live Ultimate data for Amherst, Massachusetts. Local transit details will be added as the guide is expanded.

Local transit

Public transit · Schedules & GTFS data

Trains & rail

National rail

Coaches & shuttles

Intercity coach
Intercity coach
Intercity coach
Intercity coach