Navigating Parking at the University of Washington
The University of Washington (UW) offers a vibrant academic environment, but navigating parking, especially in the U-District, can be a challenge. This article provides a comprehensive guide to parking options, alternative transportation, and tips for a smoother experience.
Challenges of Parking in the U-District
Parking anywhere in Seattle, but especially the U-District, can put a damper on your day. Parking in the U-District can be difficult to navigate. Parking spaces on the UW campus are limited as part of the Campus Master Plan approved by the City of Seattle, in which the City and University agreed to encourage the use of carpooling, mass transit and other commuting options in order to reduce single occupancy vehicle trips. If you are driving to campus, please allow at least 30 minutes to park and find your way to your destination. In many cases, it may be easier for you to arrive by bus or light rail.
Parking Permits
Parking permits are available to students and employees. Short-term and long-term parking permit options are available to students, staff, faculty, and guests who choose to commute to campus by single car, carpool, motorcycle, or have disability accommodation needs. For about $160 per quarter, both only valid in specified lots. Students on two-wheeled vehicles (motorcycles, mopeds, and scooters) can get a permit for $150 per quarter, valid at any motorcycle parking zone across campus. Your permit will show what lot you are assigned to and an expiration time. Parking in a different lot or with an expired permit may result in a citation. Please adhere to all posted restrictions.
Daily and Visitor Parking
Daily parking is available to all visitors and members of Bothell campus. Payment for parking is required 24/7 on Bothell Campus. Visitors may need to stop at a gatehouse to ask about parking options. Our parking specialists are happy to help you find a parking lot for the day based on availability, your destination and any special needs. All visitor lots offer self-serve parking through the PayByPhone app and/or self-serve pay machines. While parking rates vary by time and location, parking will usually cost you $4 an hour. Most lots have pay machines where you enter your stall or license plate number, all of which take Visa, MasterCard and American Express as well as dollar coins or quarters. Be aware that event rates may affect parking cost and availability.
Free Parking Opportunities
Parking is free during holiday closures. and on Sundays and holidays except where signage states otherwise. For free street parking, try venturing several blocks off campus to the North.
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AVI (Automated Vehicle Identification)
AVI is a gate access method that uses a long-range identification reader to detect the customer’s permit credentials. The AVI card holder should be mounted on the inside of the lower left (driver’s side) of the windshield, approximately 2 inches inward from the edge of the windshield and 4 inches above the bottom of the windshield, portrait orientation. Ensure that the side of the AVI card has the logo facing outward. To avoid citation, please ensure the entire card is visible from outside the vehicle. AVI card holders are not re-mountable after the initial install. Any separation of the adhesive pad on the holder from the windshield will be permanent and a new holder will need to be installed. Please contact Transportation Services to obtain a new holder.
Troubleshooting AVI Issues
What if the AVI reader doesn't read my card? Depending on the facility you are trying to enter, there will be other options available that will grant you access, such as Husky Card magstripe readers and credit card readers. For the facilities that are AVI-only, the issue could be with the AVI tag position on the vehicle, at which point we recommend re-positioning the tag. If it is not the position of the tag, then it could be an issue with either your account or the AVI reader itself, at which point, please contact the Transportation Services office using the intercom or in person during office hours.
Alternative Transportation Options
Here are some options to make it more bearable, as well as several ways to avoid parking entirely.
Car Sharing
If you don’t have a car, you can always borrow one. GIG Car is a rental vehicle service accessible via smartphone apps. Their vehicles are considering “free-floating.” Cars are parked in any legal stall for free after a rental, and the subsequent renter then retrieves the car from that location. GIG Car vehicles also have a free parking pass for street parking anywhere in the city. Zipcar vehicles are another option paid by the half-hour and must be picked up and dropped off in the same location.
Public Transportation
The U-District is served by numerous bus routes. The tripplanner.kingcounty.gov can point you in the right direction. Since March 2016, the Sound Transit UW Station has been open for service.
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Biking
Seattle is a bike-friendly city, with a sizable part of the population commuting daily by bike. RideTheCity allows you to enter a start and end location, and provides you with travel routes that are either the most direct or most safe, based on your preferences. The UW is committed to students who ride bikes, offering almost 10,000 bike parking spaces around campus. Approximately 7,800 of these spaces are in the public bike racks placed nearby almost every building on campus. There are also bike lockers available for rental all over campus for $140 per year. Most residence halls also offer secure bike rooms for residents in HFS housing. The ASUW Bike Shop, bike.asuw.org offers cheap repair services for students.
Disability Parking
Disability Parking is found in accessible locations on campus, available for use with payment for parking.
PayByPhone
PayByPhone is an option to pay for daily parking on your mobile device.
Parking Rates
The tables below show the 2025-26 rates for commonly used parking products on the Seattle campus. These rates reflect the 4% annual increase approved by the UW Board of Regents in March 2022. Rates are inclusive of taxes and fees and are effective as of July 1, 2025.
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