a student walks to class

Parking and Accessing Campus

KU restricts traffic to authorized vehicles and buses on Jayhawk Boulevard, the main street that runs across the top of the hill through main campus, from 7:45am - 5pm. Streets surrounding campus are unrestricted but please be aware that these streets can become congested between class periods and just after 5 pm.

KU Parking and Transportation Services

Parking Lots, Garages & Permits

Parking lots are color-coded with yellow lots reserved for students. An annual yellow permit was $302 for 2023-2024. For a reduced fee, students can also choose the Park & Ride option where you can park on west campus in a designated lot and ride a KU bus to the main campus. Graduate students are first in line to purchase yellow permits beginning around July 6, but be aware that permits often quickly sell out.

Graduate students can also purchase parking permits in a few of the Red Lots on campus and Garage Parking Permits. Be aware though that yellow lots are open parking to all after 4pm, so a garage pass is not necessary to park on campus after hours.

Learn more about current costs and options at the link in the sidebar.

Please note, purchasing a parking pass is optional and only necessary if you’d like to park on campus. Many students park in the neighborhoods around campus, bike to campus if they live close enough, or take the bus. Students who live in on-campus housing also do not need a yellow permit as they have parking near their residences. Bus routes also run throughout the city that you may ride to campus (for free with your student ID!). There are also permits available for those with a motorcycle or moped. Links to information regarding motorcycle and moped parking are listed in the sidebar. 

Carpool Program

Carpool Program Parking on campus is limited and most student parking lots quickly fill up Monday through Friday. We encourage students to consider carpooling, and KU offers a lower cost permit for those who choose this option. Two or more students may form a carpool. Find more info about the Carpool Program in the sidebar.

Accessing Campus

Much of the KU Lawrence campus is located on a hill with limited ADA parking. The HawkRoute is a stairless path from the bottom of Mt Oread on Sunnyside Avenue to the top of main campus on Jayhawk Boulvard. We also have the Jaylift service which is operated through KU on Wheels and is available for those with permanent or temporary injuries who cannot easily access the KU Bus Route. For more info on campus accessibility visit the link in the sidebar. For a guided video of the Hawk Route please click the link below.