Quick Reference Guide to Chautauqua

Points of Contact

*In-season Only

Dining & Shopping

Explore all Chautauqua Institution has to offer visitors in the way of year-round restaurants and shops.

dining
shopping

Community Information

Bikes: One of the best ways to traverse the Chautauqua grounds quickly. Riders should wear helmets (under 14, helmets required by state law), use bells, be courteous. Headlights and rear reflectors required for night riding. Follow all road rules and regulations, including ceding right-of-way to pedestrians. Rent or bring your own.

Cars/Parking: Tightly restricted on the Chautauqua grounds, as we are primarily a pedestrian community. Most accommodations do not provide on-grounds parking; guests should expect to park in the Main Lot outside the grounds, across from the Main Gate Welcome Center. 45-minute vehicle passes are available for loading/unloading luggage and groceries.

Quiet Hours: General quiet is observed on the grounds from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. to preserve Chautauqua’s tranquility.

Food/Beverages in Venues: Restricted — so that we can keep our venues ready for multiple events and performances daily, only bottled water is permitted inside Institution venues, including the Amphitheater.

Trams and Shuttles: Complimentary public trams and shuttles circulate regularly throughout the grounds. View our bus and tram tracker here.

Tram and Bus Information

tram and bus tracker

Buses / Free Service

Runs: Daily 7:40 a.m.–8 p.m. (approximate)
20-minute continuous loop. Additional hours following evening programs
Buses will be available at the Amphitheater, Bratton Theater and Norton Hall following evening programs. Amphitheater buses for North and South routes are located respectively in front of the library on Miller Avenue and at the southeast side of the Amphitheater near the Athenaeum Hotel. The Norton Hall and Bratton Theater buses will be located in front of the buildings on Pratt Avenue. Buses are also available at the Amphitheater during intermission.

Trams / Free Service

Runs: Daily 7:40 a.m.–8 p.m. (approximately)
Trams run a continuous loop the entire length of the grounds, weather permitting. 

Parking Lot Bus (Main Lot) / Free Service

Runs: Daily 7:40 a.m.–8 p.m. (approximately)
Additional hours: Friday evenings and special events
A bus circulates the Main Lot and drops passengers off at the Main Gate Welcome Center.

How to catch a bus or tram:

Flag one down anywhere on the route. The driver will stop to pick you up.

Find a yellow bench. Yellow benches are located roadside along tram and bus routes.