Your Ultimate Guide to Navigating Parking at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor
Alright, let's talk about something that can be a REAL headache in Ann Arbor: parking. Especially around the University of Michigan campus. If you're a student, faculty member, or just visiting for a game day, you know the struggle is real. Finding a spot can feel like winning the lottery. But honestly, it doesn't have to be a nightmare. With a little insider knowledge, you can navigate the sea of blue & maize with confidence.
I've spent a TON of time figuring out the ins & outs of the Ann Arbor parking scene, so I'm here to break it all down for you. We'll cover everything from the different types of permits to the best public parking spots & even some alternatives you might not have thought of.
The Official U-M Parking System: A World of Color-Coded Lots
First things first, let's talk about the university's own parking system. It's mostly based on permits, which grant you access to specific color-coded lots & structures. This is where things can get a little confusing, but hang in there with me.
The main entity you need to know is the U-M Logistics, Transportation & Parking (LTP). They're the ones who issue permits & manage most of the on-campus parking. You can even give them a call at 734-764-8291 if you have specific questions.
Student Parking Permits: Your Ticket to a Spot (Maybe)
If you're a student, you have a few different permit options, but be warned, they can be pricey & sometimes hard to get.
- Student Orange: This is a popular option for juniors, seniors, & graduate students. It gives you access to specific lots, but they might not be right next to your classes.
- Student Storage: This permit is for students who bring their cars to campus but don't need to use them every day. Think of it as a long-term parking solution.
- Student After Hours: If you're mainly on campus in the evenings, this permit could be a good fit.
The "Orange" permit is often considered the cheapest option. A common strategy for students is to park in a lot like the one on Glazier Way & then take the free campus bus to their destination.
Faculty & Staff Parking
For faculty & staff, there are a whole different set of permit options, usually designated by colors like Blue, Gold, & Yellow. These permits are tied to specific lots & structures, so where you can park depends on the color of your permit.
The university provides detailed maps that show the locations of all the different colored lots, so you can see exactly where your permit is valid. These maps also show accessible parking, motorcycle parking, & even electric vehicle charging stations.
Public Parking: For the Rest of Us
If you don't have a permit, don't despair! There are still plenty of public parking options in Ann Arbor, though they come with a price tag.
Metered Street Parking
You'll find metered parking all over the downtown area & around campus. The rate is typically $2.20 per hour. Keep in mind that these spots are in high demand, so you'll need a little luck to snag one.
Here's a pro-tip: street parking is monitored by the City of Ann Arbor, not the university. So, if you get a ticket, you'll be dealing with the city to pay it. And trust me, you don't want to let those tickets pile up. An expired meter fine starts at $15 if you pay it by the next day, but it can jump to $70 after 30 days.
Parking Structures & Lots
Ann Arbor has a number of public parking garages & lots. The rates are generally a bit cheaper than metered parking, around $1.80 per hour for the first three hours, & then it goes up to $2.00 per hour after that. The Downtown Development Authority website has a full list of rates for all the city-owned structures.
Some of the popular public parking structures near Central Campus include:
- Maynard Street Garage: Located at 324 Maynard St.
- Forest Structure: You'll find this one at 650 S Forest Ave.
- Liberty Square: The address for this one is 510 E Washington St.
- Fourth & William Parking Structure: This is at 115 E William St.
Finding a Spot with Prked
Now, here's a little secret weapon for you. When the official lots are full & you're tired of circling the block for a metered spot, there's another option: Prked.
Here's the thing, there are a ton of homeowners in Ann Arbor with empty driveways & garages, especially on game days or during big events. Prked is a pretty cool service that connects people who need parking with these homeowners. You can find convenient & affordable parking spots that are often closer to your destination than the official lots. It's a win-win: you get a great parking spot, & the homeowner makes a little extra cash. So, next time you're stressing about where to park, it's definitely worth checking out.
The Golden Rule of Ann Arbor Parking: Free Parking Times
Yes, you read that right. There are times when you can park for FREE in Ann Arbor. Mark these down:
- Federal Holidays: All day long!
- Evenings: After 6:00 pm, Monday through Saturday.
- Sundays: All day!
This is a GAME CHANGER if you're planning a trip to Ann Arbor for dinner or a weekend visit.
Game Day Parking: A Whole Different Ball Game
If you're coming to Ann Arbor for a Michigan football game, you need a solid parking plan. The city turns into a sea of maize & blue, & parking becomes a competitive sport.
Many of the lots near the stadium are reserved for season ticket holders with special permits. However, there are still options for the rest of us. Many local businesses, churches, & even homeowners will open up their lots & driveways for game day parking, but be prepared to pay a premium.
Another popular option is to park at one of the shuttle lots, like the one at Briarwood Mall, & take a shuttle to the stadium. It's a convenient way to avoid the traffic & chaos right around the Big House.
Ditching the Car Altogether: Ann Arbor's Awesome Alternatives
Honestly, one of the best ways to deal with parking in Ann Arbor is to avoid it altogether. The city has a fantastic public transportation system that can get you just about anywhere you need to go.
The U-M Blue Buses
The University of Michigan has its own fleet of buses, affectionately known as the "Blue Buses." And the best part? They're completely FREE to ride! You don't need an ID or any money, just hop on & off as you please.
The Blue Buses run on several different routes that cover North Campus, Central Campus, the medical campus, & the athletic campus. You can use the U-M bus website or app to track the buses in real-time & plan your route.
TheRide: Ann Arbor's City Buses
The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (AAATA), also known as "TheRide," operates the city's public bus system. These buses cover a much wider area than the U-M buses, so they're a great option if you're living off-campus or want to explore more of the city.
And here's another awesome perk: if you're a U-M student, you can ride TheRide for FREE just by showing your MCard!
Park & Ride Lots
If you're commuting to campus from outside of Ann Arbor, the Park & Ride lots are your best friend. You can park your car for free in one of these designated lots & then hop on a city bus to get to campus. It's a super convenient & cost-effective way to get to campus without having to worry about finding a parking spot.
Evening & Night Transportation
What if you're on campus late at night? Don't worry, there are options for you too.
- SafeRide: This is a free service that will take you from a campus location to your car or home within a one-mile radius of campus. It runs from 8:00 pm to 2:00 am daily.
- Ride Home: This is another free service for those extra late nights.
You can request both of these services through the TransLoc app.
The Final Word on Ann Arbor Parking
So there you have it, a complete rundown of the parking situation at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. It might seem complicated at first, but once you understand the different options, it's totally manageable.
My biggest piece of advice is to be prepared. If you're driving to campus, have a plan for where you're going to park. And if you can, take advantage of the awesome public transportation system. It'll save you a ton of time, money, & stress.
Hope this was helpful! Let me know what you think in the comments. Go Blue!
