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
On-campus freshmen may buy lot-specific long-term parking beginning July 31, while off-campus freshmen receive July 30 access; long-term prices vary by lot and one-day parking costs $10.
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
Accessible spaces in permit-only lots require both a CU Boulder parking permit and a state-issued disability plate, placard, decal, or permit. Students awaiting a state credential may obtain a two-week permit, and students may request a longer-term accommodation; approved permits cost the standard rate and are assigned near the requested destination as space allows.
Source 1 ↗Source 2 ↗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?
Yes. For 2026, on-campus freshmen may buy lot-specific fall or academic-year parking beginning July 31, while off-campus freshmen receive July 30 access. Long-term prices vary by lot, and one-day parking costs $10.
How much is a parking permit at University of Colorado Boulder?
A one-day short-term permit costs $10. Long-term fall, spring, and academic-year student prices vary by assigned lot and are displayed for the available lot during the online sale; CU does not publish one universal semester price.
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?
For most students living in Boulder, probably not. Buff Bus and regular RTD service are fare-free with a Buff OneCard, parking lots can sell out, and Boulder is bike-friendly. A car becomes useful for frequent mountain trips, late shifts, or regular travel outside the RTD network.
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 2026-08-10 · 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 2026-08-10 · verifiedParking FAQs ↗
CU Boulder publishes a $10 one-day short-term permit; long-term student products are priced by their assigned lot during the sale.
University of Colorado Boulder Parking and Transportation Services · Checked 2026-08-10 · verifiedGeneral Permit Parking Information ↗
Accessible spaces in permit-only lots require both a CU Boulder permit and a state-issued disability credential; accessibility permits cost the standard rate and are assigned near the requested destination when space allows.
University of Colorado Boulder Parking and Transportation Services · Checked 2026-08-10 · verifiedParking and Transportation Accommodations ↗
Students awaiting a state disability credential or managing a temporary condition may purchase a two-week permit, and students may request a longer-term parking accommodation through Disability Services.
University of Colorado Boulder Disability Services · Checked 2026-08-10 · verifiedKeep comparing