General Lab Information

Getting Around

photo of vehicles on the road

Driving in NY State

The agency that regulates automobiles and the licensing of drivers is the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) 1-800-342-5368.

You must have a valid New York State Driver’s license to operate a vehicle.

To learn to drive, you must first obtain a Learner’s Permit and complete a mandatory 5-hour class. DMV recommends 30 hours of practice driving with a licensed driver in the vehicle with you, prior to taking the Road Test.

New York State Driver’s Manuals are available at many of the BNL check-in locations, including Housing, and RHIC & AGS Users Center, both located in building 400.

The NYSDMV website provides information on obtaining a driver’s license, NYS driving laws, and required forms. For more information, see dmv.ny.gov

The following DMV offices are located near BNL and can be reached at 1-800-DIAL-DMV.
3 Roads Plaza, 1055 Route 112, Port Jefferson
200 Old Country Road, Riverhead
2799 Route 112, Medford

New Driver information – Driver Improvement Programs NY Drivers License and ID

New Drivers – US Dept. of Transportation Federal Highway Administration

photo of person riding a bicycle

Bicycling

The Lab has two on-campus bicycle programs available to employees and guests.

  • The Borrow-a-Bike program is intended for employees and visitors staying on-site who have no personal vehicle for transportation. The bicycle is issed on a temprary loan agreement.
  • The Bike Share program is intended for employees and guests who need a simple option for getting around between campus buildings. There are approximately 12 bicycles on site that are unlocked in racks around the Brookhaven campus

Bicycle Safety

All Lab employees and guests must follow New York State driving regulations when riding a bicycle on-site. Anyone riding a bicycle on Laboratory property must wear a bicycle helmet that conforms to the Consumer Product Safety Commission standard.

Bike injuries are common: According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every year about 800 Americans die because of bicycle-related injuries. Think it won’t happen to you? The odds for danger are high. More than half a million Americans end up in hospital emergency departments because of bicycle-related injuries.

Riding on Laboratory sidewalks and walkways is strictly prohibited.

photo of people entering the Laboratory shuttle van

Shuttle Services

Several shuttle services are available to Laboratory employees and guests.

On-site Courtesy Shuttle

The on-site Courtesy Shuttle offers on-call, door-to-door service on campus between 8:15 a.m. and 4:15 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

Call Ext. 2714 to arrange a pick-up. Provide your name, telephone extension, location of pickup, location of drop-off, and number of passengers. Be prepared to meet the van at the main entrance of your building. Please be ready to board the van before making the call for pickup.

LIRR Train Station Shuttle

A shuttle van operates Monday through Friday, with the exception of holidays and Laboratory closures, to transport Laboratory staff, guests, and visitors to and from the Long Island Railroad (LIRR) Ronkonkoma train station. Riders are asked to be certain they have their badge on hand before arriving on site. Make a reservation.

Stony Brook Shuttle

The Office of the Vice President for Brookhaven Laboratory Affairs sponsors a minibus route between Stony Brook University and Brookhaven National Lab. The service provides convenient transportation for students, faculty, and staff working at both Stony Brook University and the Laboratory.