Driving to Campus

For those driving to campus on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 (move-in day for first-year students), please take a moment to view the New Students Week parking map for information about the following:

  • location of residence halls;
  • designated drop-off locations;
  • location of day parking for parents and families; and
  • location of support staff for directions and move-in day assistance.

The Sayles-Hill Campus Center

The Sayles-Hill Campus Center will open to new students and families, beginning at 8:00 a.m. on September 5. The Sayles-Hill Café will be open for a quick bite to eat, coffee and snacks. Restrooms are located on the lower level and second floor. An elevator, ATM and student mailboxes are located near the main entrance of the building. The Carleton Bookstore will be open 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Package Pick-Up

Mail Services will be temporarily located in Great Hall in Severance Hall. Packages that were mailed in advance can be picked up during this time. Please note that packages that arrive on September 5th may not be immediately available.

Check-In Locations and Parking

For those driving to campus, there will be designated parking spots for quick drop-off and unloading. First, review the NSW Parking Map and find your student’s residence hall. There are a total of seven residence halls that house first-year students (circled in red). Next, locate the “green suitcase” icon on the map that is closest to your specific residence hall. This location should be your first stop on campus to unload vehicles. Help will be available at these locations. After unloading, cars may be parked for the day at the Recreation Center (located on the NSW Parking Map).

Airport Shuttles

Airport shuttles are available through Northfield Lines and offer a variety of departure times, seven days a week. This option is the most cost-effective mode of transportation to-and-from the Minneapolis/St. Paul airport. Please visit the Northfield Lines website, and click on “Buy Tickets.”

If you have problems purchasing a ticket or have questions regarding bus transportation to-and-from the airport, please contact Northfield Lines toll-free at 1-888-670-8068. View additional ground transportation options from the Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport.

Campus Maps and Transportation

Carleton College provides a variety of transportation options to students and their families. Whether you want to get around campus, about the city of Northfield, or to the Twin Cities metro area, resources provided at the college’s maps and transportation gateway will help you get there.

Note: Information about area road construction projects can be found on the Minnesota Department of Transportation website.

Visitor Resources

Additional information about visiting campus and the surrounding area, including directions to Carleton College as well as lodging and dining options in and around Northfield, can be found at the Information and Resources for Visitors website.