Fall Parking and Traffic Tips

San Diego State University will welcome the campus community back for the fall 2016 semester on Monday, Aug. 29.

According to Parking Services, during the first few days of classes, peak traffic congestion hours are 9 to 11:30 a.m. and 2 to 4p.m.

Students, faculty and staff returning to campus will notice that parking lots and structures were renamed over the summer. The name changes are reflected on signs installed in each parking area which list both the old and new names. A map with the updated names of all parking lots and structures can be found here.

Please pay attention to electronic and posted signs and follow the instructions of parking staff. Parking staff will direct traffic during the first week of school with the intention of expediting vehicles toward the nearest available spaces between the hours of 6 a.m. and 12p.m.

Tips for parking and traffic

Arrive early: When driving to campus, try to arrive as early as possible, especially for morning classes. Commuters who arrive after 9 a.m. should avoid Parking Structures 2, 7 and 12 because they typically fill up first.

Take the trolley: Park for free at any of the trolley stops throughout San Diego and ride directly to campus.  Trolley schedules, fares, maps and other information are available on the San Diego Commute website.

Take the bus: Another eco-friendly option is to ride the bus. Bus schedules, fares, maps and other information are available on the Metropolitan Transit System website.

Ride a bike: Students who live close to campus can get to class by bike. Bike racks are available in front of most classrooms at SDSU.

Use Zipcar or Car2Go: SDSU has partnered with car-share services Zipcar and Car2Go.  For more information, visit the Parking Services website.

Use alternative traffic routes: During peak hours from 9 to 11:30 a.m., consider using these alternative routes to campus:

•    From westbound Interstate 8, take the 70th Street exit south to El Cajon Boulevard; turn right onto El Cajon Boulevard and right onto Montezuma Road. Park in the structures and lots on the eastern side of campus.

•    From eastbound Interstate 8, take the Fairmount Avenue exit. Take Fairmount Avenue south to merge onto Montezuma Road. Turn left on 55th Street to access the parking lots on the western side of campus if you arrive before 10 a.m. If you arrive after 10 a.m., continue from Montezuma Road to East Campus Drive and park on the eastern side of campus.

Plan ahead: Plan your trip to campus ahead of time in order to make the fewest trips to and from campus. If driving, figure out which lot and traffic route will be the most convenient and efficient. If using public transportation, examine alternative schedules for the best departure time.

Parking permits: Parking permits are required to park on campus at all times. They can be purchased from the Aztec Parking Portal. A limited amount of permits are available at the bookstore at the beginning of the semester. A student semester commuter pass is $165 for day use only and $261 for day/overnight. Motorcycle permits are $35.

Students may only park in areas marked with the letters "S" or "N." Faculty and staff may only park in areas that are marked "FS", "S" or "N." Special permit areas require a "SP" permit in addition to a paid permit. Visitors may only park in areas marked "P" or "S" and must purchase a pay machine permit from that location.

Parking pay stations are located at the Parking Information Booth, as well as in 3, 6B, 7, 8, 10 and 12. These stations offer hourly and daily permits which include 1 to 4 hours for $2 per hour, 5 or more hours for $10, overnight for $15 and a weekend permit for $25.

Areas to avoid

During peak hours, commuters should avoid the intersection of Montezuma Road and Campanile Drive, as well as the west side of campus.

Visit SDSU Police's Facebook and Twitter pages for updates on locations for parking.