Navigating UCF: Your Guide to Shuttle Services and Transportation Options
For students, faculty, and staff at the University of Central Florida (UCF) and Valencia College, navigating between campuses, running errands, and exploring the city can be a challenge. Fortunately, UCF and its partners offer a wide array of transportation options, including shuttle services, public transit, and alternative transportation methods. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of these resources, with a focus on shuttle schedules and other convenient ways to get around.
Publix Grocery Shuttle
To help students save money on gas and make grocery shopping more convenient, UCF Student Government (SG) has partnered with Parking Services to provide a shuttle service to the Publix Super Market located at the University Palms Shopping Center. This Grocery Shuttle is also available to UCF and Valencia students to travel from the downtown campus to the Publix at The Paramount on Lake Eola, 400 E. Central Blvd. Along Livingston Street, in front of Dr. Phillips Academic Commons, 528 W.
Main Campus Stops
The Grocery Shuttle services several on-campus stops:
- Academic Village (Near RWC)
- Nike/Neptune (Libra Garage loop)
- Towers (front of Addition Financial Arena)
- Greek Park
- Lake Claire (Lot H5)
Downtown Campus
A valid UCF or Valencia Downtown ID is required prior to boarding the Shuttle. Depart Downtown Campus 528 W.
Schedule
- Shuttles run every 45 minutes from 10 am to 8 pm between campus stops and Publix at University Palms Shopping Center.
Express Shuttles Between Main Campus and UCF Downtown
UCF Parking and Transportation Services operates 15 daily roundtrip express shuttles between the UCF main campus’ Lynx Transit Center (between Garage A and Garage I) and UCF Downtown. These shuttles are available to students and employees with a valid UCF ID.
Read also: Transformation at University Square
Schedule
- Monday through Thursday: 6:30 AM to 10:30 PM
- Friday: 6:30 AM to 8:30 PM
- Note: Shuttles do not operate on holidays or during campus closures. UCF shuttles run only when classes are in session and do not operate during campus closures or holidays.
Other Shuttle Services
Waterford Lakes Shopping Center Shuttle
UCF also provides a shuttle service to the Waterford Lakes Shopping Center, dropping off passengers next to the Regal Cinemas. The on-campus stops for this shuttle are the same as those for the Publix Grocery Shuttle:
- Academic Village (Near RWC)
- Nike/Neptune (Libra Garage loop)
- Towers (front of Addition Financial Arena)
- Greek Park
- Lake Claire (Lot H5)
Off-Campus Apartment Shuttles
UCF provides 10 routes serving 23 off-campus apartment complexes and the Central Florida Research Park, stopping only at designated locations for safety. Riders must show a valid UCF ID before boarding.
Parking at UCF Downtown
For those who prefer to drive, there are approximately 2,000 parking spaces available to support the downtown campus.
Garages
- Amelia I Parking Garage (PG3): The primary parking garage for “D” (green) and “R” (orange) permits.
- UnionWest Garage: The only overnight parking option on-campus.
- Parramore Garage (PG1): Serves faculty and staff with “B” (red) and “C” (blue) parking permits.
Virtual Permits and Daily Parking
Visitors to UCF Downtown may purchase an $8 daily parking permit using UCF’s virtual permits. The first level of the Parramore Garage offers daily virtual permit parking only. Overflow parking for daily virtual permits is available on the 4th floor of the Parramore Garage or on any level of the Amelia Garage. Daily permits will be valid in all of the “D” (green) parking spaces in the Parramore Garage or UCF Amelia Garage.
Metered Parking
Metered parking along Livingston Street, as well as an hourly parking lot on Livingston Street adjacent to the Marriott Hotel, is managed by the City of Orlando.
Read also: Your Guide to Publix in University Crossing
Overnight Parking Restrictions
Overnight parking is not allowed in garages D, H, or F (Main campus) and Amelia and Parramore garages (Downtown) from midnight to 6 am.
Virtual Permits
Students register their vehicle’s license plate in the online system when purchasing a permit. The system links the plate to your payment, creating a virtual permit. When you park on campus, cameras read your plate and check it against the database to confirm valid parking.
Public Transportation
UCF encourages the use of public transportation to reduce traffic congestion and promote sustainability.
LYNX
Getting around downtown Orlando is easy with free Lymmo lines, and all UCF students, faculty and staff also receive free rides anywhere in Orlando on LYNX, the rapid bus transit system. LYMMO offers free, convenient transport around downtown Orlando, with two lines serving UCF Downtown. UCF students and employees can ride all LYNX routes for free with a valid UCF ID.
SunRail
SunRail is a commuter rail system with 17 stations that run through Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia counties. SunRail is a 61‑mile commuter rail system with 17 stations across Volusia, Seminole, Orange, and Osceola counties. University of Central Florida students, faculty and staff pay a $25 annual fee. Alumni can join for a $35 annual fee.
Read also: The Story of Publix
Alternative Transportation Options
Bike N’ Gold Bike Share Program
Students with a valid UCF ID can also use the Bike N’ Gold bike share program as an alternative to driving. Bikes can be rented for a week, a month, or a semester at no cost.
SPIN Electric Scooters
UCF has partnered with SPIN, a Ford subsidiary, to offer electric scooters as a sustainable transportation option on campus.
Zipcar
Zipcar offers self‑service car rentals by the hour or day for students at UCF’s main campus. Members reserve cars online or via the Zipcar app, with gas, insurance, and mileage included in the rate.
Brightline
Brightline is a higher‑speed passenger rail service in Florida running from Orlando to Miami with four stops in between, including West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, and Aventura.
Additional Services
Pegasus Express and Knights Express
The Pegasus Express (clockwise) and Knights Express (counterclockwise) circulate the Gemini loop with 10 stops near academic buildings and popular campus locations.
RedCoach
RedCoach provides affordable trips from UCF’s Libra Garage stop to South Florida, Tallahassee, and Gainesville. Enjoy bed-style seats, free Wi-Fi, power outlets, luggage allowance, and a “Track My Bus” feature. Additional destinations are available from the Orlando Station.
Vehicle Assistance
If you have unexpected vehicle troubles on campus, Parking and Transportation offers free assistance for students, staff, and faculty.
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
UCF offers 8 Level 2 EV charging stations on main campus.
Safety and Security
UCF Downtown has a dedicated police force at the campus, available 24/7, located in a sub-station on Amelia Street. The campus includes uniformed patrols, video surveillance, blue light phones, and emergency alert systems.
Off-Campus Resources
Off-Campus Housing
They connect students and property owners to promote positive off‑campus living. This site lists rental units for UCF students. Property owners are responsible for accuracy, and neither UCF nor Off Campus Partners guarantees completeness or safety.
Student Emergency Fund
The Student Emergency Fund helps actively enrolled UCF students facing urgent financial crises with expenses such as housing, food, tuition, utilities, transportation, or medical needs.
Homeless Waiver
Eligible UCF students can apply for the Homeless Waiver.
Housing Insecurity Resources
If you’re facing housing insecurity, there is a list of links to local shelters, housing programs, and support services.
UnionWest at UCF Downtown
UnionWest is the only student housing affiliated with UCF Downtown and Valencia College Downtown, located in Orlando’s Creative Village. The 15‑story community offers modern apartments with stunning skyline views, convenient access to classrooms, dining, student services, and vibrant city life.
Interactive Map
Explore UCF’s campuses with our interactive map. Find building locations, parking areas, shuttle stops, and more.
tags: #ucf #publix #shuttle #schedule
