SDSU Parking & Traffic Tips

PARKING & TRAFFIC TIPS
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The beginning of the semester is the busiest period for traffic and parking at SDSU.  The SDSU Parking Office offers the following tips to help people get to and from campus.
  1. Plan your Travel Time and Arrive Early
    It is always advisable to arrive as early as possible, especially for classes starting before noon.

  2. Use Alternatives to College Avenue
    Consider the following alternatives to using the College Avenue exit from Interstate 8 during the peak morning hours (7:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m.):

    • Use the Interstate 8 exit at 70th Street.  Take 70th Street south to El Cajon Boulevard; turn right onto El Cajon Boulevard. Turn right on Montezuma Road to the access roads for parking structures 3 and 6.

    • Use State Route 94.  Exit at College Avenue and approach campus from the south.  Take College Avenue to Montezuma Road; turn right or left, depending upon your destination.

    • Exit Fairmont Road from Interstate 8.  Take Fairmont south and merge onto Montezuma Road.  Turn left on 55th Street to enter Parking Structure 5, underneath the track and field complex.

  3. Park on the East Side of Campus
    If arriving on campus after 8 a.m. during the first several weeks, the best option is to park east of College Avenue, in lots C or D or in parking structures 3 or 6, the newest structure.  The Red and Black Shuttle system is available for transportation to the west side of campus between the hours of 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. during the semester.

  4. Park-and-Bike
    Drive to an area near the campus, park on a city street and then ride a bike onto campus.  Be careful, since the city streets immediately surrounding the campus are a "B" Parking zone, which requires a city-issued permit.  The best place to park-and-bike is off Montezuma Road toward El Cajon Boulevard.  The bike ride is approximately one mile, and it is level.

  5. Use Public Transportation
    Riding the San Diego Transit bus (1-800-COMMUTE) is a great idea, and subsidized bus passes are available to students at the Aztec Center box office.

  6. Carpool with Friends
    Although a carpool with friends may not be feasible throughout the semester, try it for the first several weeks.  Not only will it save on gas, but parking spaces will be saved as well.

  7. Schedule Late Afternoon and Evening Classes
    If you have a choice in class schedules/times, try to take late afternoon, evening or Friday classes.  Parking demand is lower during these times.  If possible, avoid classes that meet on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, when parking demand is usually greatest.

  8. Use the Campus Escort Service
    To protect your safety, use the Escort Service.  This service is available from dusk to dawn, and can be accessed to and from all campus locations, including parking lots.  From campus call 4-6659.  You also can use any campus pay phone (no charge) or Emergency telephone.

  9. Visitors Use Parking Information Booth
    Located on the first floor of the new Chemical Sciences Building (on the corner of College Avenue and Canyon Crest Drive), the parking information booth can help direct visitors to open parking lots and give directions to campus locations.
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Media Information Contact:  Jason Foster (619) 594-5204