Parking and Traffic Tips
SDSU offers tips for a safer and easier commute to campus when classes begin Aug. 26.
San Diego State University Parking Services will implement the SDSU Traffic Management Plan for fall 2013 with staffing from multiple agencies to assist faculty, staff, students and the College Area community with traffic flow, directions and parking.
For an easier and less stressful commute on the first day of the fall semester, SDSU offers the following parking and traffic tips.
Traffic control
Beginning Aug. 26 and through the first couple of weeks of classes, traffic controllers will be directing the flow of traffic from 7 a.m. to noon, Monday through Thursday.
Electronic and posted signs will provide information about lots or structures that are full and staff will be available to direct traffic to the next available parking location.
According to Parking Services, during the first few days of classes peak traffic congestion hours are 7:30 to 10 a.m. Those who arrive after 10 a.m. should consider parking in Parking Structures 3 and 6 on the east side of campus, which are typically the last to fill.
Campus permits and parking
No grace period exists for parking permits which are required at all times on campus. Temporary permits are available at yellow pay machines. Parking permits are sold at the SDSU Bookstore, University Police Department (Parking Services) and the Cashier’s Office. An SDSU Faculty/Staff (F/S) permit is always required when utilizing F/S spaces.
The SDSU parking map displays all campus parking lots and structures, yellow pay machine locations, construction areas and different routes for entering and exiting the university. For questions and more information, call SDSU Parking Services at (619) 594-6671.
Campus shuttles and escorts
The SDSU Red and Black Shuttle runs from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Thursday during the fall and spring semesters. The Library Shuttle runs from 10:45 p.m. to 2:30 a.m., Sunday through Thursday during the fall and spring semesters.
The Campus Escort Service is available 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., every day when classes are in session. SDSU Police Officers and Community Service Officers can provide an escort to any location on campus. Students, faculty and staff can request this free service by calling 619-594-6659.
Public transportation
Trolley and bus stops throughout San Diego allow commuters to park and ride directly to campus. Trolley schedules and bus routes are available at the Open Air Theatre Information Booth and discounted monthly and semester student passes are available at the Viejas Arena Ticket Office.
Sustainable transportation
Commuters may also choose to park off-campus and bike to SDSU. Follow the red-stained concrete that marks SDSU’s on-campus bike lane. Note that city streets immediately surrounding the campus are designated “B” parking zones and require a city-issued permit.
SDSU also has several Blink electric vehicle charging stations on campus. If you become a member, vehicle chargers are located at several spots around campus:
- Parking Structure 4, level 1
- Parking Structure 5, level 1
- Parking Structure 8, level 1
- G Lot
- E Lot at the Child Care Center and between Parking Structures 3 and 6
The university has also added Car2Go with charging stations in G Lot. You can register for this service online.
Construction areas and closures
The new Aztec Student Union is projected to be completed in December 2013. Because of construction, the Aztec Circle Drive entrance off of College Avenue is closed. Aztec Circle Drive is not authorized for normal use, those needing Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) access may enter at Canyon Crest Drive near W Lot or off of Aztec Circle Drive and Hilltop way near L Lot. Construction updates for Aztec Student Union are available online.
Renovation of the two Storm and Nasatir Halls continues and is expected to be completed in January 2014. Those needing to access the West side of campus should be alert to the closure of W Lot. There an operational pay permit station in the W Lot located directly adjacent to Parking Structure 4 on the northeast corner. There is also a pay permit machine in Parking Structure 4, level 8. You can watch the construction of Storm and Nasatir Halls unfold online.
The O and P Lots remain closed to parking in order to accommodate the relocation of classrooms for the Storm and Nasatir Halls renovation.
The Q Lot is a visitor-only lot and has been expanded to serve guests who need to access parking for surrounding facilities.
