Getting Here

Updated 11/7/24

The Barn at Boyds Mills is the home of the Highlights Foundation.  We’re located near the Poconos Mountains of Pennsylvania. It’s worlds away from the grind of daily life, but we try to make it easy for you to get here.

Quick Links:

  • Need help figuring out which travel option works for you?  Contact us.
  • En route and need immediate assistance?  Call 570-253-1192.

Traveling To Our Campus

Driving

Our Retreat Center is located in Milanville, PA (also called Boyds Mills, PA depending on what map you’re using). There is ample free parking.

If you enter 362 Boyds Mills Road, Milanville, PA 18443 into your navigation app, you should find us. We can also provide more specific directions if you need them; just inquire when finalizing your arrangements.

We have an Electric Vehicle Charging Station available to charge your vehicle, if needed.  See the charging station.

Note: If you are coming from points north of the Retreat Center (i.e. Vermont and upstate New York, not New York City), the Milanville bridge is “out” right now and a detour is recommended.

Getting here

Flying

Our closest and preferred airport is Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (AVP).  Many major carriers service this airport, including United Airlines (usually with connections through Newark and Chicago), and American Airlines (usually with connections through Charlotte and Chicago).  You can check schedules here.

Shuttles from the Airport

Shuttle service is available for a fee to and from the AVP airport at select times daily, and MUST be booked in advance.  See below for more information.

If you are unable to find a flight into AVP, we offer limited shuttle service on select days (workshop start/end dates) to and from Newark (EWR) for a larger fee.  You should inquire if you’ll need this service to make sure we can accommodate your needs, and that your schedule will fit with our availability.

Shuttle availability is subject to change in 2025.

Taking a Bus

From NYC to Hawley, PA: The bus station in Hawley, PA is served by ShortLine bus routes from the New York City Port Authority.

From NYC to Scranton, PA: The bus station in Scranton, PA is served by a Greyhound bus route from the Port Authority.  There is also a FlixBus route between NYC Midtown (31st Street and 8th Avenue) and Scranton, PA.

From Philadelphia to Scranton, PA: There is a Greyound Bus route between Philadelphia and Scranton, PA.

Shuttles from Area Bus Stations

Complimentary shuttles are available for the Hawley bus station daily between 9am and 9pm, but they MUST be booked in advance.

Shuttle service is available to and from Scranton bus stations for a fee at select times daily, and MUST be booked in advance.  See below for more information.

Shuttle availability is subject to change in 2025.


Shuttle Service

Shuttle information found below is for 2024; 2025 shuttle availability subject to change.

 

Shuttles From AVP, EWR, or Area Bus Stations

 

Shuttle service is available anytime between 9am and 9pm for the bus station in Hawley and is complimentary.

Shuttle services are available at select times for AVP, EWR, and Scranton area bus stations for a fee.

You must book your shuttle no less than two weeks in advance of your arrival date.  See details below.

All times listed are Eastern Time.

Hawley, PA Bus Station:

Complimentary

Daily, if needed.

We can pick you up and drop you off anytime between 9:00am and 9:00pm.

Scranton Bus Stations:

$50 per person, round trip

Daily, if needed.

11:25am
Pickup at Scranton-area bus stations for arrivals
(Arrives at the Retreat Center around 12:20pm)

3:00pm
Drop off at Scranton-area bus stations for departures
(Leaves the Retreat Center at 2:15pm)

5:40pm
Pickup at Scranton-area bus stations for arrivals
(Arrives at the Retreat Center around 6:30pm)

AVP:

$50 per person, round trip.

Daily, if needed.

10:00am
Drop off at AVP for departures
(Leaves the Retreat Center at 9am)

11:10am
Pickup at AVP for arrivals
(Arrives at the Retreat Center around 12:20pm)

3:20pm
Drop off at AVP for departures
(Leaves the Retreat Center at 2:15pm)

5:00pm
Pickup at AVP for arrivals
(arrives at the Retreat Center around 6:30pm)

EWR:

$175 per person, round trip.

Limited service, if needed.  Available on Workshop Start/End dates only.

2:00pm
Drop off at EWR for departures
(Leaves the Retreat Center at 11am; bagged lunch will be provided.)

2:30pm
Pickup at EWR for arrivals
(Arrives at the Retreat Center around 5:30pm)

To Book Your Shuttle

If you’ve already confirmed or registered for your workshop or retreat on our campus, you will receive a link to send us your travel itinerary, and request a shuttle.

Please note:

  • You should let us know of your needs as soon as possible after you register for a workshop or book a retreat, but no less than two weeks in advance of your arrival.
  • If you are booking a workshop or retreat less than two weeks before the start date, shuttle requests will be accommodated pending availability.  Please contact us as soon as possible to see if we can meet your needs.
  • We cannot accommodate requests for shuttles for near-term bookings in less than two business days.
  • If there is an issue with your request, a member of our staff will reach out to you.
  • Final detailed information (including driver and specific pickup location details) will be emailed to you shortly before your arrival.
  • If the shuttle you are booking includes a fee, your credit card on file will be charged at the time of your trip.

Private Third-Party Options

Not Affiliated with the Highlights Foundation

If our shuttle availability does not meet your travel needs, you may wish to consider private, third-party options at your own expense.  The Highlights Foundation is not affiliated with, or responsible for, these operations; please research and arrange these options as you see fit.  

Transportation

Hotels

Options to Route Through Hawley, PA

  • Some private transportation options have more availability to reach Hawley, PA (a larger town near the Retreat Center) than Milanville, PA (where the retreat center is actually located).  If you are able to reach the bus stations in Hawley by other means, you can book our complimentary shuttle services from Hawley between 9am and 9pm daily.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I only need transport one way instead of round-trip?
We are happy to accommodate one-way shuttle trips (arrival or departure).  There are options on the form to denote if you only need transportation one way.  However, please note that fees are not reduced for one-way trips.
What if my flight is delayed and I arrive after my scheduled shuttle time?
We understand that this can happen, and don’t want to leave you stranded. Whenever possible, we’ll hold the shuttle for you.  If the shuttle cannot wait and there are no other shuttle times available that day, you should get a hotel near the airport and we’ll pick you up at the next available shuttle time. Or, if you cannot or do not want to wait, you can rent a car or make arrangements with a private transportation company.  Our on-call staff will do our best to communicate with you during that process.
What if my flight arrives/departs a long time before/after the available shuttles?
We know this happens, especially for our guests traveling from the West Coast and other countries. However, the feasibility of our shuttle service is limited, and times are based on the most common arrivals and departures.  On arrival, you’ll have to wait for the next available shuttle.  On departure, you’ll have to take the shuttle time that can get you there in advance of your flight.  If you cannot or do not want to wait, you can rent a car or make arrangements with a private transportation company.
What if my flight arrives after the last shuttle of the day?
You might consider arriving a day early and getting a hotel near the airport so you can get the next day’s shuttle. If you cannot or do not want to do that, you can rent a car or make arrangements with a private transportation company.
What if the first shuttle of the day can't get me to the airport in time for my flight's departure?
You might have to choose another flight, stay an extra day at the retreat center (pending availability), or head to the airport a day early and stay in a hotel.  If you cannot or do not want to do that, you can rent a car or make arrangements with a private transportation company.
What if the shuttle arrival or departure time that fits my travel plans best means I'll miss a scheduled activity or session?
You might want to change your travel plans so you don’t miss it.  You may be able stay an extra day at the retreat center (pending availability), or book a different shuttle and stay in a hotel that’s near your transportation option.  If you cannot or do not want to do that, you can rent a car or make arrangements with a private transportation company.

See More Information About Planning Your Visit