While it seems summer has just begun, it’s time for new students to start thinking about transportation and parking options for the upcoming fall quarter. We’ve consolidated everything you need to know about your options below:
All undergraduate commuter parking permits are sold online only beginning August 18, 2025, and can be purchased with a credit card or billed to your Student Business Account. You will need your vehicle information on hand when purchasing your permit (make, model, year, color, state and license plate number). All vehicles parked on campus must have a valid permit. While multiple vehicles can be added to your permit, only one vehicle can be parked per day. Permits are linked to your license plate as part of our license plate recognition system. Physical permits are not distributed. View our website for current rates.
Resident Parking:
Due to limited parking availability, as well as supporting UCR’s sustainability efforts, first-year residents are not allowed to bring their car to campus unless pre-approved for an exemption. Some reasons for the exemption include needing a car for medical reasons or having an off-campus job. Exemption requests can be filed online beginning August 1, 2025. Duplicate submissions will be disqualified.
Commuter Parking:
Students living off-campus should know that the demand for parking is high. You should explore your options ahead of time and consider sustainable methods of transportation when possible. Undergraduate commuters have the option of purchasing Orange, Gold or Gold Plus permits. View our website for current rates and maps.
- No Cost Option: Park for free at the Park & Ride lot located at the Hunter Park Metrolink Station which is just under three miles from campus. From there, you can catch RTA Route 56 to campus.
- Orange Permit: The lowest priced permit is the Orange Permit. It is valid in Lot 62, an off-campus lot located near the corner of Canyon Crest Drive and Blaine Street. Parking is permitted between 6am-6pm. The Orange Permit is also valid in all Gold Lots and select Blue Lots (1, 6, 9, 13, 23 and 24) after 6pm or all day on weekends. These permits are limited and sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Gold Permits: The regular Gold Permit allows you to park in any of the four Gold Lots (26, 30, 32, 50) located around the perimeter of campus. For an additional fee, the Gold Plus Permit allows you to park in all four Gold Lots plus the Big Springs Parking Structure 2 which is located on the east side of campus. The Gold Plus Permits are also limited and sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Both permits also allow you to park in select Blue Lots (1, 6, 9, 13, 23 and 24) after 6pm or all day on weekends.
Alternative Transportation:
Whether you are a resident without a car looking for ways to travel, or are a commuter student looking for alternative means to get to campus, there are several options available, including:
- RTA UPASS – All students can use their R’Card to ride any RTA bus for free travel throughout Riverside County. Your pass is valid for unlimited travel on any RTA fixed-route bus. Just swipe your card and go!
- Metrolink – All students qualify for a 50% discounted student pass. You can purchase your train ticket by using the Metrolink app or at the station kiosks. Just choose the “Student Fare” to get the discount and be sure to carry your student ID with you.
- Zipcar – rent cars by the hour or day with a Zipcar membership. Rental fees cover the cost of gas, insurance and mileage up to 180 miles per day.
- Micro-Mobility – Register your bike or scooter for free at Transportation Services. With over 3,000+ bike/scooter rack spaces on campus there are plenty of places to park. We recommend using a strong u-lock. You will also find free self-service fix-it stations with air pumps for small repairs located throughout campus.
For more details about alternative transportation or parking at UCR, visit Transportation Services’ website or call (951) 827-8277.