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Commuter Parking

Want a better commute?

Types of permits

How long do you need to park?

Permits are available in a variety of time-lengths; select the type that best suits your needs:

If you'll need to park on campus only 1-5 days per month, purchase daily "scratchers." Application not required.
If you'll be parking on campus 6 days or more per month, purchase a short-term monthly permit. Application required.
If you're planning to park on campus all year, purchase a 10-month academic permit (valid through June 30) or a 12-month annual permit (valid through August 31). Application required.

Where do you need to park?

Campus parking

Stanford affiliated or sponsored commuters may park in "A," "C," or "Z" parking zones with the purchase of an "A," "C," or "Z" permit. A limit of one permit type per customer applies. An "A" permit is also valid in "C" and "Z" parking zones. "C" permits are also valid in "Z" parking zones. "Z" permits are valid in Hoover Pavilion Garage near the medical center. Commuters are not allowed to purchase Resident zone permits.

Pricing is based on location and convenience:

"A" spaces cost more, but are closest to buildings and generally offer greater availability throughout campus. They also allow you to park in "C" and "Z" spaces.
"C" and "Z" spaces provide parking at a lower cost, but are in higher demand and generally located a greater distance from buildings and the center of campus.
All motorcycles, scooters and mopeds need a permit and may park only in locations designated on the permit (inexpensive "Motorcycle" spaces or full-priced "A," "C," or "Z" spaces) - not at bike racks.

See the Parking and Circulation Map for the locations of these areas.

Choose your permit wisely:

If you frequently need to use your car during the day for travel around campus or return trips to off-campus sites, consider an “A” permit.
If you purchase a “C” or "Z" permit, expect to walk or bike some distance, or take a free Marguerite shuttle, to/from your workplace/classroom/lab and expect such spaces to fill by mid-morning close to buildings with higher demand.

Please remember, a parking permit does not guarantee parking will be available in your preferred parking area.

We try to provide "A" vacancies close to most buildings at most times of day, and enough "C"/"Z" parking to accommodate permit holders on campus, sometimes in distant lots and structures. We assess changing demand patterns and reallocate space based on utilization and the needs of the entire community. If you require assistance finding a permit parking space on campus, send an email to transportation@stanford.edu or give us a call at 650.723.9362.

Off-campus worksite parking

For information about parking permits for the Porter Drive Neighborhood, please visit our "Off-campus worksite parking and transportation" section of the "Campus, Hospital, and off-campus worksite parking" page. Most off-campus hospital worksites do not require permits; send an email to parking@stanfordhealthcare.org or call 650.736.8000 for information on specific sites.

Transferable or non-transferable permits

Our 12-month and 10-month "A," "C," and "Z" permits come in two varieties: transferable (static cling vinyl) and non-transferable (adhesive).

Transferable permits stick to your windshield via static cling vinyl, allowing you to move the permit back and forth between vehicles.
Non-transferable permits have a sticky adhesive backing and self-destruct upon removal. With the proper tools (Scotch tape and a razor blade), adhesive permits can be removed from your car window easily and cleanly.

If you regularly alternate between two or more vehicles, you'll probably want a transferable permit. The major drawback of transferable permits is that many are stolen or lost each year. Remember to remove your transferable permit from your car window when you visit the car wash, sell your car, or return your rental car.

If you rarely drive your second car, get a "theft-proof" adhesive sticker permit for your primary car. When you drive in your second car, pick up a free temporary permit at our Bonair Siding office. Just show us your ID.

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Motorcycles and convertibles

Motorcycle owners can buy a regular commuter permit ("A" or "C") and park in a full commuter space, or a Motorcycle permit to park in a designated "MC" parking space/area. Motorcycle/Scooter permits are valid in the areas left unmarked on the permit through the expiration date that is blacked out.

Owners of motorcycles and convertibles will no longer be allowed to have more than one parking permit for their vehicles. Instead, owners may request a free permit mounting tag from P&TS that can be used to display the permit on a dashboard or secured to a motorcycle. Please read the Motorcycle/Convertible Permit Policy document (PDF, 114 KB) for details.