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Commuter Parking

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Sustainable commute incentives
Rewards through Capri if you must drive

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 only be needing to park on campus 1-5 consecutive days, purchase daily "scratchers." Application not required
If you'll need to park on campus 6 days to 1 month, purchase a "30-Day" permit. Application required
If you'll be parking on campus over 5 weeks but less than the school year, purchase a "Multi-Month" 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). We also offer a 2-Year permit (valid through August 31). Application required.

Where do you need to park?

Campus parking

Stanford affiliated or sponsored commuters have a choice between "A" and "C" permits. "A" is also valid in "C". Commuters are not allowed to purchase Resident zone permits.

Pricing is based on location and convenience:

"A" spaces are more expensive, but closest to buildings and generally offer greater availability. They also allow you to park in "C" spaces.
"C" spaces provide parking at a lower cost, but at a greater distance from buildings, with higher demand.
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" or "C" spaces) - not at bike racks.

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

We try to provide "A" vacancies close to most buildings at most times of day, and enough "C" parking to accommodate permit holders. We assess changing demand patterns and reallocate space based on the needs of the community. So speak up! If your lot is filling up, send an email to [email protected] or give us a call at 723-9362.

Off-campus worksite parking

For information about parking permits for Stanford Menlo Park and Porter Drive Neighborhood, please visit our "Off-campus worksite parking and transportation" section of the "Campus, Hospital, and off-campus worksite parking" page.

Transferable or non-transferable permits

Our Academic 12-Month, 10-Month, and 2-year "A" and "C" 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 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 designated Motorcycle ("MC") parking space/area. Motorcycle/Scooter permits are good only for parking in "MC" spaces.

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.