8/9/24

Your In-depth Guide to Navigating Harvard University Parking

So, you're heading to Harvard University. Pretty exciting, right? Whether you're a wide-eyed prospective student, a proud parent, a visiting academic, or just someone looking to soak in the history & charm of Harvard Square, there's one thing you're probably a little stressed about: parking. Let's be honest, finding a spot for your car in Cambridge can feel like trying to solve a Rubik's Cube in the dark. But don't you worry, I'm here to break it all down for you. Think of me as your friendly neighborhood parking guru. I've done the digging, I've seen the struggles, & I'm here to give you the real scoop.
Here's the thing about parking at Harvard – it's a mix of university-run lots, city-owned garages, on-street meters with their own set of tricky rules, & a few other options you might not have even thought of. It's not impossible, but it DEFINITELY requires a game plan. So, grab a coffee, get comfortable, & let's dive into everything you need to know about parking at & around one of the world's most famous universities.

The Official Word: Harvard University Parking for Visitors

If you're just visiting for the day, Harvard does have some options for you, but you've got to plan ahead. You can't just roll up to a campus lot & expect to find a spot. The university offers temporary daily parking permits that you can get in advance. And when they say advance, they mean it – you can get them anywhere from two weeks to one day before your visit, but not on the day of.
You can buy these permits online through Harvard's official parking portal or in person at the Smith Campus Center. Once you've got it, make sure to print it out & display it clearly on your dashboard.
Now, for the nitty-gritty: the cost. For contractors, vendors, visitors, & guests, you're looking at around $25 for a weekday, $13 for a weeknight, & $13 for a weekend day. If you need a weekly pass for the Soldiers Field Park garage or the Webster Field lot, that'll run you about $90.
It's also worth noting that the university has a ticketless system called ZipBy for hourly parking at some of its lots, which can be a convenient option. And if you happen to be in the Allston area, there are some multi-space meters at the Athletic Complex, 125 Western Ave, & 2 Hague Street that offer short-term parking for up to four hours.

For the Harvard Community: Students, Faculty, & Staff

If you're a part of the Harvard family, you've got a few more options, but don't think that makes it a walk in the park. Parking is a hot commodity, & it comes with a price tag.

Annual Parking Permits

For those who will be commuting to campus regularly, an annual parking permit is the way to go. Harvard offers a variety of permit types for commuters, tenants of Harvard University Housing, & university-owned vehicles. These permits are for lots in both Cambridge & Allston.
Here's a peek at what you can expect to pay for the 2025-2026 academic year:
  • 5-Day Reserved Garage/Surface: $5,466/$5,142
  • 5-Day Unreserved Garage/Surface: $2,820/$2,622
  • 3-Day Unreserved Garage/Surface: $1,932/$1,866
  • Student Daytime Commuter Garage/Surface: $2,916/$2,712
  • Motorcycle: $450
As you can see, these permits aren't cheap. And they sell out, so you'll want to get your application in as soon as the renewal period opens. If you miss the window, you can still apply, but you'll be on a waiting list.
One of the perks for faculty & staff is that you can pay for your permit through payroll deduction, & you get a pretty sweet 30-35% pre-tax savings. Students can have the cost added to their term bill.

The Real Deal on Student Parking

Now, let's have a real talk about student parking. While it's technically available, it's notoriously difficult to get & pretty expensive. A lot of students, especially undergrads, find that having a car on campus is more of a hassle than it's worth. Reddit is full of threads with students advising against bringing a car, citing the high costs & the ease of getting around on foot, by bike, or on public transit.
If you're a grad student & you feel like you absolutely need a car, you might have a better shot at securing a permit. But even then, some have found it more affordable to rent a private spot in a nearby neighborhood like Allston for a fraction of the cost of a university permit.
And this is where thinking outside the box can really pay off. Sometimes, the best parking spot isn't in a massive garage, but in someone's driveway a few blocks away. That's where a service like Prked comes in. It's a pretty cool concept – it connects people who have extra parking space at their homes with drivers who need a place to park. You can often find a spot that's more convenient & WAY more affordable than the official options. It's a great way to find a reliable spot without breaking the bank, especially if you're a student on a budget.

The Wild West of Street Parking in Cambridge

Ah, street parking. The final frontier. If you're feeling lucky, you might try to find a metered spot in Harvard Square. But let me tell you, it's a challenge. These spots are extremely limited & have time limits, usually just one or two hours.
If you do decide to try your luck, here's what you need to know:
  • Read the signs. Carefully. Cambridge has a complex web of parking regulations. You'll see signs for "Permit Parking Only," which are for residents with city-issued permits. If you park in one of these zones without a permit, you're pretty much guaranteed a ticket.
  • Meters, meters everywhere. You'll find metered parking on some of the main streets around the square, like Quincy Street, Story Street, Mt. Auburn Street, & Brattle Street. The rates are generally around $3.00 an hour, & you can usually pay with quarters or a parking app.
  • Street cleaning is a thing. Cambridge has regular street cleaning schedules, & if you're parked on the wrong side of the street on the wrong day, you'll be ticketed & possibly towed. The signs are usually pretty clear, but you have to pay attention.
  • Winter is coming. From January 1st to March 15th, there's a city-wide ban on street parking between 2:30 a.m. & 6 a.m. This is to allow for snow removal, & they are VERY serious about it.
  • Sundays & holidays are your friends. The "Parking by Permit Only" rules are not in effect on Sundays & holidays, which can make parking a little easier if you're visiting on a weekend.
Honestly, unless you have the patience of a saint & a whole lot of luck, I wouldn't count on finding a great street spot, especially on a weekday.

The Garage Experience: Public Parking Garages in Harvard Square

If you're not eligible for a university permit & you don't want to play the street parking lottery, a public garage is probably your best bet. Harvard Square has a bunch of them, but they can be pricey. Here are a few of the most popular options:
  • University Place Garage: Located at 45 University Road, this is one of the more "affordable" options in the square. They offer validation programs with over 75 local businesses, which can help bring the cost down.
  • Charles Square Garage: You'll find this one at 1 Bennett Street. It's open 24/7 & is another popular choice for visitors.
  • Harvard Square Garage: At 65 John F. Kennedy Street, this garage is right in the heart of the action.
  • Smith Center Garage: Located at 1350 Massachusetts Avenue, this is another convenient option.
You can expect to pay anywhere from $15 to $40 or more for a few hours of parking in these garages. To save yourself some time & potentially some money, I'd recommend using an app like SpotHero or ParkWhiz. You can book your spot in advance, compare prices, & see all of your options in one place.

Don't Forget About Storage!

While we're on the topic of space in a crowded city, it's worth mentioning that finding a place for your stuff can be just as tricky as finding a place for your car. This is especially true for students moving in & out of dorms or apartments. If you find yourself with more belongings than you have room for, you might want to look into renting a storage space.
And just like with parking, sometimes the best solution is right in your neighborhood. Prked isn't just for cars – it's also a great way to find affordable & convenient storage. People with extra space in their garages, basements, attics, or even closets can list it on the platform for others to rent. So, if you're a student who needs to store your things for the summer, or you're just trying to declutter your apartment, it's a fantastic option to consider.

The Smarter Way to Get Around: Alternatives to Driving

At this point, you might be thinking that driving to Harvard is more trouble than it's worth. And honestly, you might be right. The good news is that there are TONS of other ways to get to & around campus. Harvard is a big proponent of sustainable transportation, & they offer a lot of great incentives to get people out of their cars.

Public Transportation: The T

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, or the "T" as it's known to locals, is a great way to get to Harvard. The Red Line has a stop right in the heart of Harvard Square, which makes it incredibly convenient. From downtown Boston, it's just a short 10-15 minute ride. There are also numerous bus routes that serve the area, connecting it to other parts of Cambridge, Boston, & beyond.
For Harvard employees, the university offers a 60% subsidy on monthly MBTA passes, which is an amazing deal.

Harvard's Own Shuttle System

Harvard also has its own fleet of shuttle buses that are free for anyone with a Harvard ID. These shuttles run on several different routes, connecting the Cambridge & Allston campuses, as well as the Longwood Medical Area. There's even an evening van service that provides on-demand rides throughout the campus from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. during the academic year. You can track the shuttles in real-time using an app, so you'll always know when the next one is coming.
Here are some of the main shuttle routes:
  • Allston Campus - Harvard Square - Memorial Hall
  • River Houses - Harvard Yard - Memorial Hall
  • Quad - Memorial Hall - River Houses - Harvard Yard
  • SEC - Harvard Square - Law School - Memorial Hall - Lamont Library

Biking & Car-Sharing

Cambridge is a very bike-friendly city, & Harvard encourages students & staff to take advantage of it. The university has a partnership with Bluebikes, the local bike-share program, & offers discounted annual memberships to all Harvard affiliates. There are Bluebikes stations all over campus & throughout the city, so it's a great way to get around for short trips. Plus, Harvard offers a bike commuter benefit of up to $30 a month to help cover the costs of bike purchase, repair, & storage.
If you only need a car occasionally, Zipcar is another great option. Harvard has partnered with them to offer discounted memberships to students, faculty, & staff. There are Zipcars parked all over campus, & the rental fee includes gas & insurance. It's a great way to have access to a car without the hassle & expense of owning one.

The Final Word on Harvard Parking

Phew, that was a lot of information, I know. But hopefully, you're feeling a little more prepared & a little less stressed about the parking situation at Harvard. Here's a quick recap of the key takeaways:
  • If you're visiting, plan ahead. Buy your daily parking permit online in advance or book a spot in a garage using an app.
  • If you're a student, think long & hard about whether you really need a car. It's expensive & there are lots of other great ways to get around.
  • If you're faculty or staff, take advantage of the pre-tax savings on an annual permit.
  • Don't even try to mess with street parking unless you have a lot of time & patience.
  • Consider all your options. From public transit to bike-sharing to unconventional solutions like Prked, there are lots of ways to make your trip to Harvard a smooth one.
At the end of the day, getting to Harvard is just the first step. The real adventure begins when you step out of your car & start exploring this amazing place. So, do your homework, make a plan, & then get ready to enjoy everything that Harvard has to offer.
Hope this was helpful, & let me know what you think
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