How to get to IMS

General Information

If you have never been to IMS, please arrive for a Retreat Center course between 3:00-5:00pm on the opening day. It is best to arrive at the Forest Refuge between 2:00-5:00pm.

We are located just over 2 miles north of Barre, in central Massachusetts; about 50 minutes by car from Worcester, MA; 2 hours from Boston; and 4½ hours from New York City.

A variety of travel possibililites are listed below — there is no public transportation service directly to Barre.

By air and limousine (via Boston)

Major airlines fly into Boston’s Logan Airport, the most convenient location for onward transportation to IMS.

Worcester Airport Limousine provides service from Logan Airport to IMS for approximately $70 each way, usually with stops along the way. For two people, the cost is $85. Reservations are required — call (800) 660-0992 or book online.  Please note that a service fee of $25 is charged for anyone changing a single reservation in order to participate in a group van arrangement.

Knights Airport Limousine Service also provides a reliable service to IMS for approximately $70 each way. Call (508) 839-6252 or visit online.

By bus or train and taxi (via Worcester)

Take a bus or train to Worcester, MA with any of the following services:

Peter Pan
(800) 343-9999

Greyhound
(800) 231-2222

Amtrak
(800) 872-7245

Then take a taxi to IMS with Worcester Yellow Cab. They provide a 24-hour service from Worcester to IMS for approximately $50. (These fees are current as of October, 2006 and are subject to change.) Call them at (508) 754-3211.

By car

From Worcester
Take Route 122 north to Barre (approximately 22 miles). Then refer to the directions 'From Barre Center' — see below.

From Boston
Take Route 2 west to Gardner (exit 22). At traffic circle, take Route 68 south to Route 62 (approximately 9 miles). Then take Route 62 west to Barre (approximately 7 miles). Then refer to the directions 'From Barre Center' — see below.

or

Take I-90 (Mass Pike) to Auburn (exit 10). Take Route 12 south, then Route 20 west, then Route 56 north. Turn off at Route 122 north (left) to Barre. Then refer to the directions 'From Barre Center' — see below.

From New York/western Massachusetts

Take I-91 to I-90 (Mass Pike) east to Palmer (exit 8). Take Route 32 north to Barre (approximately 25 miles). Then refer to the directions 'From Barre Center' — see below.

From Vermont and northwestern Massachusetts
Take Route 2 east (exit 27 off I-91) to Route 122 south (exit 15). Follow 122 south to Barre Center (about 18 miles). As you approach Barre Center, turn left onto Pleasant Street where Route 122 makes a sharp right onto the Barre common. Don't take this right turn. Then see ''From Barre Center' below for directions along Pleasant Street.

From Barre Center

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To the Retreat Center

Follow Route 122/32 north through the Barre common and past Barre Library on your left. Just after this, continue straight onto Pleasant Street. You will be leaving Route 122/32 at this point — it bears sharply to the left at a sign saying “Petersham/Athol.” Proceed 2.2 miles along Pleasant Street. The IMS Retreat Center is on your right — a large, red brick building with white columns. Please park in the lot on the far side (north) of the building.

To the Forest Refuge

Follow Route 122/32 north through the Barre common and past Barre Library on your left. Just after this, continue straight onto Pleasant Street. You will be leaving Route 122/32 at this point — it bears sharply to the left at a sign saying “Petersham/Athol.” Proceed 2 miles along Pleasant Street until you reach Lockwood Road on the right. You will see a large stone on the corner of this street with the letters 'BCBS' engraved on it. (The Barre Center for Buddhist Studies is at the end of Lockwood Road.)

Turn right into Lockwood Road and go straight until you see a sign for the Forest Refuge, indicating a left turn. Go left and proceed up the hill. Take the first right at the top of the hill and park outside the Administration building  while you unload your luggage and register, or find your welcome packet.

Once unloaded, please park your car in the retreatant parking area.

Carpooling

Out of respect for the environment, IMS encourages carpooling.

If you are happy to offer a ride to a Retreat Center course, please indicate this when you register.

If you need a ride, please ask the Retreat Center office for contact information of those in your area who are offering rides.

If you know of others who may be attending the same retreat, please try to organize ride-sharing.

Local Accommodations

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