SYRACUSE, NY (NCC News) — The holidays can be a stressful time for many reasons: gift giving, family gatherings. But for Syracuse students, just getting home caused the biggest headache.
With students from all over the country and globe, many headed home for Thanksgiving. Several students said that Syracuse does a good job of helping out with ways to get home.
“I’m really thankful for all that Syracuse does to help me get home,” student and New York native Cameron Wiley said.
Syracuse University, through the Student Government Association (SGA), sponsors bus transportation during select academic breaks to support undergraduate students.
Thanksgiving Break 2025 bus destinations:
- Boston, Massachusetts
- New York City, New York
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Rockaway, New Jersey
- Washington, D.C.
- White Plains, New York
Bus departure date was Friday, Nov. 21, at 5 p.m., and bus return date was Sunday, Nov. 30, at 1 p.m. Tickets cost $135 per person for a round trip.
Students needed to be aware of several important details before booking. Each bus accommodated 54 students and included onboard restrooms for convenience during the trip. Passengers were limited to one suitcase (stored under the bus) and one carry-on; large furnishings or boxes were not permitted. Students were responsible for their own transportation to and from drop-off points, and all passengers had to adhere to Syracuse University’s policies during the trip. The Student Government Association planned to cancel any bus that did not meet minimum capacity, and no additional buses or destinations would be added.
For students not taking buses or flying, driving was not without challenges. The ongoing I-81 Viaduct Project created lane reductions, exit closures and detours throughout the Syracuse area, according to NYSDOT. Students were advised to leave extra time for travel to account for construction-related congestion. Many students expressed frustration about needing to plan around both their class schedules and unpredictable traffic patterns caused by the construction.
Additionally, Syracuse University arranged shuttle service to and from the airport for students traveling by air. Senior Griffin Budnick, a Michigan native, said he relied on flights to get home and had to navigate the rising costs of air travel. According to a NerdWallet report, airfares have risen 3.2% compared to last year.
“It’s not really affordable for the average person,” Budnick said.
“Airfares are up 3.2%”
— NerdWallet
Travelers can also expect a significant increase for flying during the holiday season.
Syracuse announced it will continue these services for the Christmas season and made tickets available to students.