UCSC Campus Maps, Parking and Tips

Helpful UCSC maps

This UCSC campus map shows parking options and is widely used. You can visit Campus map and directions to find the location of a building or classroom, as well as directions around campus.

Parking on campus

The USCS Campus is huge. Parking can be difficult. There are some lots with metered parking.  You can also buy a temporary parking permit. Go to the TAPS web site (https://taps.ucsc.edu/index.html) to get the latest information about transportation and parking. You may consider using the various bus services to get to campus locations.

Disabled parking

For drivers with a DMV disabled plaque or license plate, there are numerous reserved disabled parking spaces and many other options for parking. You may use them without charge and without a permit. See the TAPS webpage: Disabled Parking at UC Santa Cruz.

Bus service

Bus service may be the best way to move around campus. Buses run frequently, but sometimes are crowded. Seniors are offered priority seating, often with graciousness, by drivers and students.

There are two kinds of bus service: Metro Bus which runs from the downtown bus terminal to and through campus, and Campus Shuttle Bus services. It’s important to learn the bus routes, and where the bus stops are in relation to various campus locations. Seniors 62 and older can get half fare discounts on Metro Buses. The Campus Shuttle Bus is free to all. Metro publishes a free newsprint booklet called “Headways” that details all routes, with maps and schedules. This is available on many buses, at the bus terminal and at the Public Library. Or you can download the whole publication as a .pdf document here. One other note: The Metro Bus service is very frequent during the regular school terms, (September to June). “Headways” has the details.

Ask an OLLI member for tips

There are seasoned OLLI at UCSC members who are familiar with the campus and happy to help you figure out how to get to your class the first time it meets. Call Mark Gordon, 408 314-4802 or email him at mgordon@cruzio.com for assistance.

Helpful tips and maps for our Monthly Gatherings on campus

Venue and parking for Monthly Gatherings

UCSC Parking Map

The 2023–2024 General Meetings are held in the College Nine and John R. Lewis College Multipurpose Room, UCSC.

The recommended, free parking lot is the Core West Parking Structure off Heller Drive. Shuttle service is provided. The shuttle will be at the bus stop. You can also walk a relatively flat short distance from the Core West Parking Structure (0.4 miles). 

You can also park at the East Remote parking lot for free and walk from there about 0.9th of a mile. There is no shuttle from the East Remote.  

Thank you for your participation in our meetings.

Parking Fees

UCSC requires permits to park in most parking lots throughout the campus. Permits cost $5.00 per car. 

There is no charge for the Core West Parking Garage.  See below for more information for the Core West Parking Garage.  

Student Parking Agents will sell $5.00 permits at the entrance to the parking areas 164 and 165 to the west of the Multipurpose Room. Permits are good for 24 hours. 

There is free parking for members with a handicap. See the “Information for Members with a Handicap” section. 

We hope you will share your thoughts or concerns with our Parking Committee. 

Walking Map

Walking Map of UCSC Campus

Detailed driving and parking directions

Parking at lots 164/165 pay lots

  • From the intersection of Bay and High Street entrance of the UCSC.
  • Take Glen Coolidge Drive to the second stop light at Haggar Drive (0.4 mi)
  • Turn left on Haggar Drive and drive 1.2 mi to McLaughlin Drive
  • Turn left on McLaughlin Drive go about 0.3 miles to College 10 Road (the third road on the right after you turn onto McLaughlin Drive)
  • Turn right on College 10 Road drive about 0.1 miles and parking lot 164 is on your left. There will be attendants to sell you permits at this point and you can park in lots 164 or 165. Lot 165 is further ahead on the left past lot 164.

Drop off passengers

  • Take Glen Coolidge Drive to the second stop light at Haggar Drive (0.4 mi)
  • Turn left on Haggar Drive and drive 1.2 mi to McLaughlin Drive
  • Turn left on McLaughlin Drive go 0.2 miles to College 9 Road (The second road on the right after turning on McLaughlin Drive).
  • Turn right on College 9 road and drive about 0.1 miles to the circle. Make a left prior to the circle to reach the drop off point.

Free parking – Core West Parking Structure off Heller Drive

  • Shuttle service is provided.  The shuttle will be at the bus stop.  Enter the West Campus entrance and continue along Heller Drive to the Core West Parking Structure on the right before McLaughlin Drive.

Free parking – Lots 111 and lots 156

  • Take Glen Coolidge Drive to the second stop light at Haggar Drive (0.4 mi)
  • Turn left on Haggar Drive and drive 1.2 mi to McLaughlin Drive
  • Turn left on McLaughlin Drive go 0.1 miles to Chinquapin Road (The first road on the right after turning on McLaughlin Drive).
  • Turn right on Chinquapin Road and drive about 0.1 miles and lot 111 is on your right down the hill. Another 0.1 miles up the hill on your left is lot 156. You would take the trail at the end of lot 156 through a redwood canyon to College 9.

Free parking – Lot 128

  • Take Glen Coolidge Drive to the second stop light at Haggar Drive (0.4 mi)
  • Turn left on Haggar Drive and drive 1.2 mi to McLaughlin Drive
  • Turn left on McLaughlin Drive go about 0.25 miles and lot 128 is on your left prior to College 10 Road. You would walk up College 10 Road to the entrance to College 10 and go right at the signs to the multipurpose room.

Free parking – East Remote Lot

  • Take Glen Coolidge Drive to the second stop light at Haggar Drive (0.4 mi)
  • Turn left on Haggar Drive and drive about 0.6 miles and East Remote Parking is on the right.
  • Take the shuttle at the umbrella to the shuttle stop at College 9 and 10.

Volunteer drivers needed. Learn more.

Map of UCSC West Entrance

Steps to follow to park at the College Nine and John R. Lewis College Multipurpose Room

STEP 1. If you choose to park at the lots to the west of the Multipurpose Room along John R. Lewis College Road, you will be greeted by a Student Parking Agent who will sell parking permits at the $5.00 per car. The most direct route to these lots is via Hagar Drive, left at McLaughlin Drive and right at John R. Lewis College Road.

STEP 2. If you choose Free Parking and our shuttle service, your best route to the Core West Parking Structure is to enter the campus at the West Entrance off of Empire Grade/High Street and continue to drive along Heller Drive.  The parking structure is on your right Prior to McLaughlin Drive.

West Exit Level 1
West Exit Level 1
Bus stop to pickup shuttle
Bus stop to pickup shuttle

Information for members with a handicap

Anyone with a DMV handicap placard or license plate may park in the following spaces:

  • ADA (a.k.a. Accessible) parking spaces
  • “A” spaces
  • Medical spaces
  • in time zones (e.g., 10-minute spaces) for longer than the time specified
  • in meters and paystation spaces without additional payment when no other parking is available.

If there are no marked parking space, you can park in open areas as long as you don’t park in fire lanes, tow-away zones, or next to red curbs. You also can’t block other vehicles, access to dumpsters or loading docks, buildings, sidewalks, pathways, or traffic.

Last modified: Jul 24, 2024