As a visitor on campus, you have a variety of parking options:
Temporary Visitor Passes
Temporary day passes are available by contacting our customer service center at 859-257-5757.
Parking Meters
There are over 200 parking meters located throughout campus, providing a quick and easy parking option. Many of the meters accept nickels, dimes and quarters, allowing for three minutes, six minutes, and 15 minutes, respectively. Some also accept debit or credit cards or allow text to pay options.
Many meters are intended for short-term parking and expire in 45 minutes. These meters are not intended for students to attend class, or for employees to park while at work. Transportation Services recognizes that longer visitor parking options are sometimes needed, so three-hour meters are located in areas of campus where business may take longer than 45 minutes and where quick turnover of parking spaces is not crucial. The meter’s maximum time limit, and other information is located on meter posts.
Please be aware that a valid UK parking permit does not authorize you to park at campus meters or in pay lots without paying. Some lots have a centralized payment area, such as the William T. Young Library Lot and the Gatton Student Center Lot. At these locations, individuals can pay the central meter and park anywhere in the lot. In other campus locations, such as the Prall Street lot, you must park in front of the meter; paying a meter does not authorize you to park elsewhere in the lot.
Parking Garages
Visitor parking is also available in several garages on campus, including:
- Cornerstone Garage (PS #5): Cornerstone Garage has an entrance and exit on South Limestone and on Upper Street. The cost for parking is $2 per hour with a $16 per exit maximum. Free overnight parking is permitted on Friday and Saturday nights for those with a valid UK permit. Visitors must pay to park in the structure on weekends. Parking for large groups must be arranged through Transportation Services' Special Events Coordinator. Events are scheduled on a first-come first-served basis, and advanced registration is required.
- Sports Center Garage (PS #7): Sports Center Garage is located off Sports Center Drive. The cost of parking is $2 per hour, with a $16 per exit maximum. Overnight parking is not allowed in this structure unless it is pre-approved, including on weekends. Parking for large groups must be arranged through Transportation Services' Special Event Coordinator. Events are scheduled on a first-come first-served basis, and advanced registration is required.
Surface Lots
Visitor parking is available in the following lots on campus for $2 per hour:
- Bill Gatton Student Center Lot: Located off Avenue of Champions
- W.T. Young Library Visitor Lot: Located off Hilltop Avenue
Weekend Parking
It's relatively easy to park on UK's campus on the weekends. Most employee lots and student commuter lots are accessible and available on weekends. With some exceptions, parking permits are not required after 3:30 p.m. on Friday until 5 a.m. on Monday. Please pay attention to signage at the entrances to lots and structures, as exceptions do exist.
ADA Accessible Parking
Spaces for visitors with disabilities are located throughout campus in close proximity to entrances of University buildings, and are available to visitors with special needs.
Residence Hall Visitors
If you're visiting a student living in a residence hall, your student host must provide you with a guest parking permit that allows temporary parking in periphery lots. Guest parking permits are available at the Transportation Services' main office during regular business hours.
Service Areas
If you need to load or unload large or heavy items, please request a service permit that will allow your vehicle to stand in any yellow-and-white striped area for up to 45 minutes for purposes of loading or unloading. After that time, your vehicle must be moved to a regular parking area or parking meter.
Please Keep in Mind:
- Display your visitor pass correctly or pay the appropriate amount of money in the meter or via the payment app.
- Lock your vehicle while on campus
- Allow plenty of time; you may have to walk farther than you expected.
- Read and pay attention to the signs at the entrances to parking lots.
- Use the intra-campus transportation system for free.
- Don't park in an ADA accessible space or restricted area or space without appropriate permits.
- Don't park on red or yellow lines or curbs, blue curbs, or striped areas unless your permit has been authorized for those areas.
- Please don't assume that because other vehicles are parked illegally that you may do so.