It’s time to start thinking about how you’ll get to campus this year. Transportation Services (TAPS) has pulled together everything you need to know below:

Undergraduate Parking Permits

All undergraduate commuter and resident parking permits go on sale online only, starting Wednesday, August 19, 2026. Pay by credit card or bill it to your Student Business Account.

Before you buy, have your vehicle info ready: make, model, year, color, state, and license plate number.  A few things to know:

• Every vehicle parked on campus needs a valid permit.
• You can add up to five vehicles to one permit, but only one can be parked on campus per day.
• Permits are linked to your license plate through our license plate recognition system. No physical permit is needed.

• Current rates and lot maps are on our website.

Living in the Residence Halls? Read This First

Because parking is limited, and to support UCR's sustainability goals, first-year residents can't bring a car to campus unless they've been approved for an exemption. Common reasons for an exemption include a medical need or an off-campus job. Exemption requests open August 3, 2026. Valid documentation will be required. Submit only once - duplicate requests will be disqualified.

Living Off Campus? Plan Ahead

Parking demand is high for commuter students, so it's worth exploring your options early. Undergraduate commuters can choose from three permit types: Orange, Gold, and Gold Plus. Current rates and lot maps are on our website.

     Free option: Park at the Park & Ride lot at the Hunter Park Metrolink Station, just under three miles from campus, then hop on RTA Route 56 to get to campus at no cost.

     Orange Permit: The most affordable paid option. Valid in Lot 62 (near Canyon Crest Dr. & Blaine St.), available from 6am-6pm. It’s also valid in all Gold Lots and select Blue Lots (1, 6, 9, 13, 23, 24) after 6pm. and all day on weekends. This permit type is available in a limited quantity, sold first-come, first-served.

     Gold Permit: Valid in any of the four Gold Lots around campus (26, 30, 32, 50).

     Gold Plus Permit: Everything the Gold Permit includes, plus access to the Big Springs Parking Structure 2 on the east side of campus. This permit type is available in a limited quantity, sold first-come, first-served.

     Both the Gold and Gold Plus permit also grant access to select Blue Lots (1, 6, 9, 13, 23, 24) after 6pm and all day on weekends.

Skip the Car: Alternative Transportation

Whether you're a car-free resident or a commuter looking for other ways to get here, you've got options:

     RTA U-Pass: Free, unlimited rides on any RTA fixed-route bus throughout Riverside County. Your R’Card is also your bus pass. Just swipe your card on board and go!

     Metrolink: Students get 50% off train fare. Select "Student Fare" in the Metrolink app or at a station kiosk and keep your student ID on you when on the train.

     Zipcar: Rent a car by the hour or day. Student membership includes discounted rates, gas, secondary insurance, and up to 180 miles per day.

     Micromobility: Register your bikes and scooters for free through TAPS. Campus has 3,000+ bike/scooter parking spaces (bring a sturdy U-lock) and free self-service fix-it stations for minor repairs.  Living in UCR housing? E-scooters can't be charged in residence halls unless they're UL Certified.  You will need to register with TAPS for an approved housing sticker.  If your scooter does not have a UL Certified sticker or isn’t on the list of approved devices, you will not be able to bring your scooter inside your room.

Questions? Visit the Transportation Services website or call (951) 827-8277.