Transportation Services offers a limited number of student commuter parking permits to eligible students within reasonable proximity to desirable campus destinations.
Commuter permits provide off-campus student commuters with the highest level of convenience and predictability at a higher price point than periphery parking. The number of permits issued for designated commuter parking areas is monitored closely to ensure that permit holders will generally be able to find parking within their assigned lot, garage or area. Commuter parking is ideal for students who desire more convenient access to campus than periphery parking can offer.
Application Process and Calendar
Student commuter permits may be purchased online, on-site, or over the phone and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that quantities are limited and may sell out quickly. However, there is no need to log in early; early log-ins do not receive priority. During high volume online traffic, you may be placed in a virtual queue. Do not refresh your browser or open multiple windows. Staying on the page is the best way to keep your place. The queue page will update as your turn gets closer.
When it is your turn, you will have five minutes to click "Yes" and enter the site. If you do not respond within five minutes, you will be returned to the queue.
2026-2027 Pre-sale window for returning commuter students (those who had a regular commuter permit last academic year; this does not include students who had a commuter periphery (CK) permit.):
9 a.m. on Wednesday, July 8, 2026
2026-2027 permit sales for all eligible commuter students:
9.a.m. on Wednesday, July 22, 2026
Eligibility
Commuter permits are restricted to students with 60 or more credit hours. These permits do not allow for overnight parking on campus without prior authorization from UK Transportation Services. This authorization for overnight parking can be granted for unusual or temporary circumstances. Please call our office at 859-257-5757 if you need temporary accommodation.
Pricing
2026-2027 Annual Price (based on an academic year of eight months): $336
Student commuter permits are generally only available to purchase for the entire academic year. Students who no longer need or desire commuter parking during any portion of the year may choose to return their permit to Transportation Services and will be given a prorated refund of any unused portion.
Parking Privileges and Control Hours
In addition to authorizing parking in the designated commuter parking areas, a commuter permit also authorizes the permit holder to park in student periphery parking areas (K). Commuter permits are also authorized for use in most employee intermediate and core parking areas after 3:30 p.m. Signage at the entry to parking areas and any additional control signage, curb markings, and other parking control devices within these areas take precedence over maps and general campus information.
Student commuter parking areas are generally enforced for permits under the following schedule:
- Student commuter permit: Monday through Friday: 5 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (Please check signage at the entrance of lots/parking structures for any exceptions.)
- Any valid permit: Monday through Thursday: 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- No permit required: Monday through Thursday: 7:30 p.m. to 5 a.m.; Friday after 3:30 p.m. and all day Saturday and Sunday
