Whether you're working, studying, traveling, or just taking a well-earned break, we hope you're having a great summer. As the fall semester approaches at The University of Texas at Austin, it's a good time to start thinking about your parking and transportation plans. We offer flexible options for students who drive every day, park occasionally, or rely on other transportation to get to and from campus.
Need help choosing a permit? Check out the Parking Permits handout on the New Students page for a quick overview.
Garage Permits
Students qualify for either an R Permit (for those living in a UT residence hall) or an S Permit (for all other students). Space in most garages is limited, so permits are sold through a waitlist process with deadlines:
For Students Living in UT Residence Halls
- Enter the R Permit waitlist July 9–21
- If you miss the deadline, remaining R permits go on sale August 4
For Students Not Living in UT Residence Halls
- If you currently hold an S Permit, you may renew it June 24–July 7
- If you do not currently hold an S Permit, you may enter the waitlist June 30–July 7
- If you miss the deadline, remaining S permits go on sale August 4
View Student Permit Renewal & Purchase Instructions >
Surface and Hybrid Permits
Available to both dorm residents and non-dorm residents, these permits do not require a waitlist or renewal process. They go on sale August 4 and are available throughout the year at a pro-rated price.
If you’ll be commuting to campus daily, don’t want to pay the higher cost of a garage permit, and don’t mind searching a bit for a spot, a C Permit may be your best option. Most C Permit parking is east of I-35, with easy access to central campus via walking, biking, the Forty Acres (640) shuttle, or the free PTS Pickup service. Unlike garage permits, C Permit sales are not capped. This means we may sell more permits than there are spaces—so depending on how close you want to park, it might take longer to find a space. For added flexibility, consider a C+ Permit, which includes evening garage access.
There are also permit options for students with disabilities, motorcycles and mopeds, and those who only need evening and weekend parking.
Note: C and C+ Permits do not allow 24-hour vehicle storage. If you need to park overnight or continuously, please purchase a garage permit.
View Student Permit Renewal & Purchase Instructions >
Parking Without a Permit
Only driving to campus occasionally? UT offers convenient options:
- Student Parking Perks – Discounted daily garage parking for non-dorm residents
- Hourly Garage Parking – All students may park in most campus garages and pay based on time parked
Don’t have a permit? Don’t waste time going to a full garage! We’re introducing a new way to plan ahead. For real-time space availability in all campus garages:
See Pay-As-You-Go Garage Availability >
New! PRC Day Pass
Headed to the J.J. Pickle Research Campus (PRC) without a permit?
The PRC Day Pass offers flexible, low-cost parking for UT students, faculty, and staff. Purchase online for just $5 per day—your license plate is your credential. No paper pass is needed.
Learn more about the PRC Day Pass >
Other Transportation Options
Want to avoid traffic or skip the search for parking? UT offers several ways to get around campus and the city:
- UT Shuttles & CapMetro: Ride for free with your UT ID! UT Shuttles run Sunday through Friday, and CapMetro offers 70+ routes around Austin.
- Carpooling: Team up with a fellow commuter for perks like reserved spaces, reduced permit fees, and free garage access.
- Bikes & Scooters: These are a quick and flexible option for getting around campus. Always wear a helmet, use lights at night, and park and lock properly. If you don’t own a bike, check out CapMetro Bikeshare or Orange Bike Project for low-cost rentals.
- PTS Pickup: Need a lift across campus? PTS Pickup offers free curb-to-curb rides on weekdays. Just wave down a cart or van and hop in—ADA options available.