2026 sales opened at 10 a.m. July 27 for graduate and veteran students through July 31 for freshmen and all others; off-campus freshmen opened July 30.
Source ↗Car rules and parking at University of Colorado Boulder
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
When lots sell out, students may join semester-specific waitlists; placement and a preferred lot are not guaranteed.
Source ↗Academic-year, fall, and spring student permits are valid 24 hours a day, seven days a week in the assigned lot.
Source ↗Fall and academic-year permits include winter-break access at no additional cost.
Source ↗Who qualifies
Eligibility details
On-campus first-year resident
On-campus freshmen may purchase lot-specific fall or academic-year parking during the freshman sale window.
Source ↗Commuter
Off-campus freshmen receive an earlier sale window than on-campus freshmen and may purchase one lot-specific permit.
Source ↗Upperclass student
Sale access opens by class standing: graduate and veteran, senior, junior, sophomore and off-campus freshman, then freshman and all others.
Source ↗Accommodation or exception
Students seeking ADA accommodation are directed to submit placard registration or an accommodation request to Parking and Transportation Services.
Source ↗If you skip the car
Primary car-free alternative
Tuition-paying students ride regular RTD service fare-free with a Buff OneCard and may also use Buff Bus routes.
Source ↗Test it against your routineCommon questions
University of Colorado Boulder car and parking FAQ
Can freshmen have cars at University of Colorado Boulder?
First-year students can bring a car. On-campus freshmen may purchase lot-specific fall or academic-year parking during the freshman sale window.
How much is a parking permit at University of Colorado Boulder?
Not confirmed—check the official parking office. No current annual or semester price was verified.
When do University of Colorado Boulder parking permits go on sale?
2026 sales opened at 10 a.m. July 27 for graduate and veteran students through July 31 for freshmen and all others; off-campus freshmen opened July 30.
Is a car worth it at University of Colorado Boulder?
It depends on your routine and permit access. The official sources identify Tuition-paying students ride regular RTD service fare-free with a Buff OneCard and may also use Buff Bus routes. 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.
Student parking ↗
2026 sale dates include off-campus freshmen July 30 and freshmen or all others July 31. Student permits are lot-specific, valid 24/7, include winter break when applicable, and may sell out.
University of Colorado Boulder Parking and Transportation Services · Checked 2026-08-01 · verifiedBus routes, schedules and passes ↗
Every tuition-paying CU Boulder student may ride regularly scheduled RTD routes fare-free with a Buff OneCard; the page also lists Buff Bus service.
University of Colorado Boulder Parking and Transportation Services · Checked 2026-08-01 · verifiedKeep comparing