Transportation
Travel to Manhattan
For information about transportation upon arrival to the USA, please visit the International Pre-Arrival information page about travel.
This page offers links to shuttle services from the nearby Manhattan, KS, and Kansas City, MO, airports to the Kansas State University campus.
Getting Around Manhattan
One of the more convenient ways to get around Manhattan is to have your own car, however, there are other ways to get around as well.
ATA Bus System
Manhattan has a public bus system, the aTa Bus, that follows fixed routes across town. Kansas State University students, faculty, and staff are eligible for free, unlimited rides on-campus only. Students and staff must show their University Issued ID when boarding the bus in order to ride free on-campus, but must pay the bus fare while riding off campus, including fixed routes and demand response.
If you need a letter to confirm your international student and/or scholar affiliation (or request for your dependents) in order to request approval for the Half-Fare Program with aTa, please complete this form- https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9sDuxj9dqEbhqIe. Be sure you provide aTA with a valid address to send you the half-fare card when submitting the request. Half-Fare cards are mailed to that address.
Green Apple Bikes
Manhattan's free bike sharing program has stations on campus and at popular destinations around town.
LINK e-scooters
LINK by Superpedestrian brings you the next generation of safe and thoughtful e-scooters. Download the app to find a scooter near you.
Taxi Services
Uber and Lyft are services that are now available in Manhattan. These services act similar to those of a taxi using an app on your smartphone.
There are taxis in Manhattan, however, you will need to call ahead to request one.
- Bell Taxi (785) 537-2080
- Go Van/Dial a Cab (785) 226-3919
- Taxi 4 Less (785) 776-5508
- Wildcat Taxi (785) 477-8808
Getting Around Campus
Parking shuttle
Students, faculty, and staff may also get around campus for free by showing their K-State ID to the driver when getting on the bus. There are 3 bus routes with fixed times.
Bicycles
Biking is a cheap and easy way to travel around campus and Manhattan. It is strongly recommended that you use a lock to secure your bike when not in use. If using and parking your bike on campus, you must register your bike with Parking Services at Kansas State University. Registration is free and you risk receiving a parking ticket if you do not register your bike. It is highly recommended that you wear a bike helmet while riding as well.
Bike shops
The following is a list of bike shops in Manhattan where you may purchase bikes. They all offer both road and mountain bikes as well as a selection of helmets, lights, and bicycle bags/backpacks. They also sell bicycle parts and offer repair services.
- The Pathfinder, 304 Poyntz Avenue. Phone number (913) 539-5639.
- Target Store, 800 Commons Place. Phone number (785) 770-3643. Target typically offers bikes and bike supplies at a slightly cheaper cost.
- Wal-Mart Supercenter, 101 East Bluemont Street. Phone number (785) 776-4897. Like target, Wal-Mart offers bikes and supplies at a slightly cheaper cost.
- Brew Bros Hops & Sprockets, 1110 Laramie Street. Phone number (785) 537-3737.
- Dick's Sporting Goods, 401 N 3rd Street. Phone number (785) 539-7800.
Car Information
In order to operate a car in the U.S. you must obtain a valid driver’s license. In order to obtain a license you will be required to take a written test covering Kansas traffic laws, an eye (vision) test, and a driving test.
The Driver’s License Examination Office is located at 8200 South Port Drive, Suite 105, Manhattan, KS 66502, (785) 537-2140.
To help you study for the written and driving test, you can obtain the Kansas Drivers Handbook online (pdf).
When you apply for your driver’s license you will need to take your immigration documents (passport, visa, I-94, and I-20) with you to the examination office.
Purchasing a Car : Before buying a car it is good idea to research different car types and models before making an offer to buy. Consumer Reports is a reliable resource to use in order to compare reliability, gas mileage, and safety features of cars.
Kelley Blue Book is a good resource to use to check and compare car prices and values.
Lemon Free is also a good resource to use. Lemon Free has additional information and listings on used vehicles that you may find resourceful!
If you are purchasing a used (pre-owned) car, it is a good idea to have the car checked by a qualified auto-mechanic before making a purchase. Test driving the car is also recommended before you buy it.
Car Registration : Once you have purchased a car you must register it before you can legally drive it. This can be done at the Riley County Courthouse, which is located at 110 Courthouse Plaza in downtown Manhattan. Their phone number is (785) 565-6200.
In order to register your car and obtain your license plates you must bring the car’s title (proof of ownership) and proof of automobile insurance to the courthouse. The cost of your license plates will depend upon the weight of your car but generally will cost anywhere from $15 to $35. You will also need to pay sales tax and a property tax on your car as part of the registration process. Your license plates and registration must be renewed every year and you will be required to pay a property tax on your car upon each renewal.
Car Insurance : Kansas state law requires all drivers to have automobile insurance in order to own and operate a car. You should keep your proof of insurance card (issued by your insurance company) in your car at all times and must be prepared to show it upon demand if you are stopped by a police officer for any reason. Purchasing car insurance can be costly and it is recommended that you look at several insurance companies and compare prices before purchasing insurance. You may also want to ask a trusted friend about insurance rates before purchasing any insurance.
Car Maintenance and Repairs : Proper regular maintenance of your car is important and will help prevent costly future repairs to your car. You should remember to check your car’s oil and coolant on a regular basis as well as tire inflation level. If you need to have repairs made to your car, you can look in the phone book under “auto” for automobile repair and service shops or you can ask a trusted friend for a recommendation. It is recommended that you get a written cost estimate before deciding on any repairs. You may also want to compare estimates with several repair shops before making a decision.
Car Accidents : If you happen to be involved in an accident involving your car or another person’s car, do not move your car and do not leave the scene of the accident. Call 911 and wait for the police to arrive on scene. It is important that you get the name, address, driver’s license number, and insurance information from the other drivers involved in the accident. You will also need to give this same information to the other drivers involved. You should also contact your insurance company as soon as you can after the accident and tell them you were involved in a car accident.