Open sales for 2026–27 began July 7, 2026 at 8 a.m. through the Parking Portal.
Source ↗Car rules and parking at University of Arizona
First-year students can bring a car.
Start with the eligibility details below, then weigh permit cost, timing, overnight access, and transit. Source ↗
At a glance
Parking snapshot
A permit does not guarantee a space. Sold-out locations use waitlists, and placement is not guaranteed.
Source 1 ↗Source 2 ↗Not confirmed—check the official parking office
Not confirmedPermits are required year-round, including semester breaks and summer sessions.
Source ↗Who qualifies
Eligibility details
On-campus first-year resident
Not confirmed—check the official parking office
Not confirmedCommuter
Students are eligible to apply for parking permits; no class-year restriction is stated in the official eligibility FAQ.
Source ↗Upperclass student
Not confirmed—check the official parking office
Not confirmedAccommodation or exception
Disabled permit options are published at Level 1 and Level 2; applicants should verify documentation requirements with Parking and Transportation Services.
Source ↗If you skip the car
Primary car-free alternative
Cat Tran is the university's free campus transit system, with routes connecting campus and park-and-ride locations.
Source ↗Test it against your routineCommon questions
University of Arizona car and parking FAQ
Can freshmen have cars at University of Arizona?
First-year students can bring a car. Not confirmed—check the official parking office
How much is a parking permit at University of Arizona?
$726 / year. The 2026–27 annual permit is valid August 17, 2026 through August 15, 2027.
When do University of Arizona parking permits go on sale?
Open sales for 2026–27 began July 7, 2026 at 8 a.m. through the Parking Portal.
Is a car worth it at University of Arizona?
It depends on your routine and permit access. The official sources identify Cat Tran is the university's free campus transit system, with routes connecting campus and park-and-ride locations. as a car-free option. Use the decision tool to weigh your own travel needs.
Trace the answer
Cited official sources
These verified university sources support the current claims above. Follow each link for the full policy.
Parking and Transportation FAQs ↗
Students, employees, and designated campus colleagues are eligible to apply. Permits are required year-round, including semester breaks and summer sessions.
University of Arizona Parking and Transportation Services · Checked 2026-08-01 · verifiedParking permits ↗
Garage permits are $726 and lot or street permits are $610. Permits do not guarantee a space; sold-out locations use a capped waitlist.
University of Arizona Parking and Transportation Services · Checked 2026-08-01 · verifiedSummer parking permits, renewals, and open sales ↗
The 2026–27 annual permit runs August 17, 2026 to August 15, 2027. Open sales began July 7, 2026 at 8 a.m.; location-change waitlists are not guaranteed.
University of Arizona Parking and Transportation Services · Checked 2026-08-01 · verifiedCat Tran campus transit services ↗
Cat Tran provides free campus transit, including routes serving park-and-ride lots; summer service is reduced on some routes.
University of Arizona Parking and Transportation Services · Checked 2026-08-01 · verifiedKeep comparing