SDSU Police Department
Parking and Traffic Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
- What’s traffic like in the college area at the start of the semester?
- Are there alternate routes I can take?
- Where on campus should I park?
- What’s park-and-bike?
- I don’t have a car. How can I get there?
- What are the best times of day to schedule my classes in order to beat the commuter crush?
- I take an evening course that gets out late. I don’t feel safe walking to my car alone, after dark. Have any advice?
- My parents and I plan to visit the campus soon. Where should we park?
- Is there someone I can contact for more information?
Q1: What’s traffic like in the college area at the start of the semester?
A: The beginning of the semester is the busiest period for traffic and parking at SDSU. We recommend that you plan your travel time, so that you arrive early. Better to be here before your class starts, rather than being stuck in grid lock during your class period. Especially for classes starting before noon.
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Q2: Are there alternate routes I can take?
A: Avoid College Avenue during the peak hours of 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Consider using alternate exits when traveling Interstate 8. The 70th Street exit, will put you on 70th Street, just east of campus. From 70th Street, proceed south-bound to El Cajon Boulevard. Turn right onto El Cajon Boulevard, right on Montezuma road, and right onto the access road leading to Parking Structure 3.
State Route 94 is another alternate route to campus. Take the College Avenue exit and proceed northbound to SDSU. Continue on College Avenue to Montezuma Road; turn right or left, depending upon your destination.
East bound commuters should consider taking Fairmont Road. Exit Fairmont Road from Interstate 8. Take Fairmont south and merge onto Montezuma Road. Turn left on 55th Street to enter Parking Structure 5.
See campus maps for lot locations.
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Q3: Where on campus should I park?
A: When arriving to the university after 8 a.m., park on the east side of campus. During the first few weeks of each semester, your best option is to park east of College Avenue, in C Lot, D Lot, Parking Structure 3, or Parking Structure 6. The Red and Black Shuttle service will take you from outlying lots and structures to the campus core. The service runs Monday through Thursday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
See campus maps for lot locations.
Remember, it’s not safe to walk alone after dark. Call for a Police Escort at 619-594-6659 to have someone meet you at your car or classroom. Call for free from any campus phone by dialing 4-6659 or 594-6659 from any campus pay-phone. Call from an Emergency/Duress phone located in all parking lots and parking structures (see Emergency/Duress Phone Locations). For more information about the Police Escort service, visit their web page Police Escort Service.
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A: Park-and-Bike means you bring your bike with you when driving to campus each day. Park your car on a city street in the College Area, then bike the rest of the way. When parking, observe parking signs. All residential streets, immediately adjacent to the campus, are designated as “B Parking Zones” and require city-issued permits. You’ll find a parking space along Montezuma Road or El Cajon Boulevard. From here your bike ride will about one mile, on level terrain.
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Q5: I don’t have a car. How can I get there?
A: Use Public Transportation — The Buses and trolleys connect SDSU with all areas of San Diego County. Call San Diego Transit at 1-800-COMMUTE, or visit Metropolitan Transit System for routes and schedule information. Students, faculty, and staff may purchase monthly passes at a discount. Buy your pass at the AS Ticket Office, located in Aztec Center. For more information about passes, trolley/bus routes and schedules, visit the Facilities and Planning, Transportation Web page.
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.
Not sure where to start? The Ridelink Program is a free service offered to all students, faculty and staff. You don’t even need a car to participate. You will be matched with other commuters who live near you.
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Q6: What are the best times of day to schedule my classes in order to beat the commuter crush?
A: 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.
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Q7: I take an evening course that gets out late. I don’t feel safe walking to my car alone, after dark. Have any advice?
A: The Police 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. Call 4-6659 from a campus phone, or dial 619-594-6659 from any campus pay phone at no charge, or use an Emergency/Duress phone located in parking structures and lots (see Emergency / Duress Phone Locations).
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Q8: My parents and I plan to visit the campus soon. Where should we park?
A: Upon your arrival, stop at the Parking Information Kiosk, located on the first floor of the new Chemical Sciences Building (on the corner of College Avenue and Canyon Crest Drive). Parking Officers will direct visitors to open parking lots and provide directions to campus locations.
Directions
For transportation and direction information getting to the university, see the Directions to SDSU web page. Need the location to a particular department office or building on campus? See the campus map for a directory of offices, departments, buildings, and services along with a schematic to guide you there.
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Q9: Is there someone I can contact for more information?
A: Contact the Director of Media Relations at 619-594-2585 or review the SDSU Fall 2007 Parking and Traffic Information.
Direct parking-related inquiries to the Parking Business Office, located in the DPS Building. Call during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at ext. 4-6671 or FAX 4-1015. The Parking Information Kiosk is open 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. during the Fall and Spring Semesters. On weekends or after hours, call the University Police Dispatch Operator at ext. 4-1991 or dial “911” in an emergency.
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This page last updated September 19, 2007
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