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 residents and commuters are eligible for the same location-based permits as other students; 2026–27 annual parking costs $726 and is assigned first come, first served.
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 ↗The $105 Park & Ride permit does not allow overnight parking. A standard permit is valid only in its assigned location; for select school breaks, limited Holiday Vehicle Storage permits place vehicles on the gated top level of the Sixth Street Garage.
Source ↗Permits remain required during semester breaks and summer. Students leaving a vehicle for a published holiday-storage period must buy the limited Holiday Vehicle Storage permit, park on the gated top level of Sixth Street Garage, and remove the vehicle by the stated deadline.
Source 1 ↗Source 2 ↗Who qualifies
Eligibility details
On-campus first-year resident
On-campus first-year residents may apply for the same location-based permits as other students. Arizona states that all students are eligible; assignment is first come, first served and depends on location availability, not class year or residence status.
Source ↗Commuter
Students are eligible to apply for parking permits; no class-year restriction is stated in the official eligibility FAQ.
Source ↗Upperclass student
Sophomores, juniors, seniors, and graduate students are eligible under the same all-student rule. Class year does not create a separate permit category; location availability controls the purchase.
Source ↗Accommodation or exception
Accessible parking requires a University of Arizona permit plus an Arizona MVD disability placard or plate issued to the permit holder. For a temporary condition without an MVD credential, a physician- or Campus Health-signed university temporary-access form can authorize access for up to six months.
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?
Yes. First-year students, including campus residents, may apply for parking. Arizona does not impose a class-year or resident exclusion; permits are assigned first come, first served by location availability.
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?
Most students living on or near campus do not need a car. Cat Tran is free, parking is not guaranteed, and the standard annual permit costs $726. Bring a car if you have regular work, family, or outdoor trips beyond the transit network; otherwise biking and transit are the better default.
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 2026-08-10 · verifiedParking permits ↗
The page lists current rates, bars overnight Park & Ride use, explains holiday vehicle storage, and gives permanent and temporary accessible-parking documentation rules.
University of Arizona Parking and Transportation Services · Checked 2026-08-10 · 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 2026-08-10 · 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 2026-08-10 · verifiedKeep comparing