Visit Cornell

Plan Your Visit

Discover the wonders of Cornell's campus.

Schedule an In-Person Tour Take a Virtual Tour

Welcome
Touring the Ithaca Campus
Prospective Undergraduate Students
Getting to Campus
Visitor Information

Students walking into the Martin Y. Tang Welcome Center

Welcome to Cornell!

Established in 1865, Cornell University is a privately endowed research university and a partner of the State University of New York. Unique within the Ivy League, we make contributions in all fields of knowledge in a manner that prioritizes public engagement to help improve the quality of life in our state, the nation and the world.

Visiting the Campus

Visitor Relations is the front door to exploring Cornell’s Ithaca campus, providing information and tours to prospective students and families, alumni and Ithaca area visitors. Situated in a central location with stunning views of Beebe Lake, the Martin Y. Tang Welcome Center is the perfect place to start your campus experience.

Martin Y. Tang Welcome Center
616 Thurston Avenue, Ithaca, N.Y. 14850
Mon - Fri, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Sat, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. (closed on Saturdays in December and January)

Visitor Relations staff are available to assist and answer general questions: (607) 254-4636 (INFO) or info@cornell.edu.

Touring the Ithaca Campus

Connect with Current Students

Join a student-led tour and experience all that Cornell has to offer. Capacity is limited, so advance registration is required. In-person campus tours are geared toward the undergraduate student experience and last roughly 75 minutes. Tours are held rain or shine, so please dress appropriately.

Self-guided campus tour

Discover campus on your own through a step-by-step self-guided tour via your smartphone. Our general campus tour lasts approximately one hour and covers the heart of campus. Download the app for iPhone or Android or text 'Cornell' to 58052 to begin exploring.

Virtual Tour

Can’t visit in person? Explore the beauty and traditions of campus from anywhere through our virtual tour – available for desktop or mobile devices.

Prospective Undergraduate Students

Applying to Cornell

The first step to becoming a Cornellian is applying for admission. Start your journey by reviewing our admissions timeline, process and requirements and meeting our students.

Information Sessions

Cornell's undergraduate admissions community offers in-person information sessions and a variety of virtual resources that provide unique insight into student life, the admissions process and admissions requirements. Consider watching our on-demand general information session before diving deeper into college- and school-specific sessions.

Contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at (607) 255-5241 or admissions@cornell.edu for more details about our admissions sessions.

Cornell in a Day

Experience Cornell's Ithaca campus through a series of photographs that showcase its vibrant community, ongoing opportunities and natural beauty at every turn, all day long.

Ithaca, New York with Cayuga Lake in the background

Getting to Campus

Nestled in New York’s Finger Lakes region, Ithaca is only a few hours away from New York City, Philadelphia, Toronto, Boston and other major metropolitan areas.

Follow the travel guides below, or use your preferred online navigation tool to find directions to the Martin Y. Tang Welcome Center (616 Thurston Ave., Ithaca, N.Y.)

Visitors Arriving by Car

From Syracuse and other points northeast:

Take Interstate 81 south toward Cortland, then Route 13 south to Route 366 toward campus.

From Auburn and other points north:

Take Route 34 south, then follow Triphammer Road south to campus.

From Albany, New England and other points east:

Follow the New York State Thruway through Albany to Interstate 88 west, then take exit 8 in Bainbridge. Follow Route 206 west to Whitney Point, then Route 79 west toward Ithaca.

From Philadelphia and other points south:

Follow Interstate 476 north to Scranton, Pa., then continue on Interstate 81 north through Binghamton, N.Y. Continue northward on I-81 to exit 8 at Whitney Point, then follow Route 79 west to Ithaca.

From New York City:

Follow Interstate 80 west to Stroudsburg, Pa., then continue on Interstate 81 north toward Binghamton, N.Y. Continue northward on I-81 to exit 8 at Whitney Point, then follow Route 79 west to Ithaca.

From Rochester, Buffalo and points west:

Follow the New York State Thruway (Interstate 90) east toward exit 42 in Geneva, then take Route 96 south toward Ithaca.

Visitors Arriving by Plane

Ithaca Tompkins International Airport is a 10-minute drive from campus and offers connecting flights for domestic and international travel. Effective March 30, 2025, Delta Airlines will provide round-trip service twice daily to John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City, and United Airlines will provide round-trip service to Dulles International Airport in Washington D.C. Ground transportation options include rental cars, public transportation, ride hailing apps, taxi service and complimentary shuttles to/from many hotels.

Additional airports within driving distance to campus:

Syracuse Hancock International Airport/SYR (75 minutes)
Elmira Corning Regional Airport/ELM (50 minutes)
Greater Binghamton Airport/BGM (55 minutes)
Frederick Douglass Rochester International Airport/ROC (110 minutes)
Buffalo Niagara International Airport/BUF (150 minutes)

Visitors Arriving by Bus

Visitor Information

Parking

Parking is available for a nominal fee on weekdays and for free on the weekends. You may choose to pay for parking in advance while scheduling your tour or pay to use any number of conveniently located Parkmobile lots once on campus.

Public Transit

TCAT (Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit) provides fast and affordable bus transit throughout campus, downtown Ithaca and Tompkins County. Daily cash fares start at $1.50 per trip; children 13 and younger ride for free. Visit tcatbus.com for schedules, maps and more details.

Campus Accessibility

Cornell is committed to maintaining an accessible, usable and welcoming environment for all faculty, staff, students and visitors. Cornell offers a detailed map of accessibility points and gender-neutral restrooms; more information and resources may be found at the Disability Access page.

Dining

Focused on diverse, healthy and sustainable cuisine, dining at Cornell is a culinary experience rarely found on a college campus.

Campus Venues

Every week, Cornell plays host to dozens of lectures, performances, exhibits and much more. Below are just a few of the many locations often visited by the public. Check out events.cornell.edu for a full list of upcoming events and activities, or the "Life at Cornell" page to explore more opportunities for enrichment.

Around Ithaca and the Finger Lakes Region

Beyond campus, take advantage of a wide variety of entertainment, dining, lodging and recreation options. The Visit Ithaca website has up-to-date listings, details on upcoming events, and even a list of local waterfalls.

Select a location:

Martin Y. Tang Welcome Center

616 Thurston Avenue Ithaca, N.Y. 14850

Bailey Hall

230 Garden Ave, Ithaca, NY 14850
More information

McGraw Tower

160 Ho Plaza, Ithaca, NY 14850
More information

Cornell Botanic Gardens

124 Comstock Knoll Dr, Ithaca, NY 14850
More information

Cornell Dairy Bar

411 Tower Rd, Ithaca, NY 14853
More information

The Cornell Store

135 Ho Plaza, Ithaca, NY 14851
More information

Herbert F. Johnson Museum

114 Central Ave, Ithaca, NY 14853
More information

Libe Slope

351 West Ave, Ithaca, NY 14853

North Campus Housing

More information