Parking Near University of British Columbia: Lots, Map & Rates

UBC VANCOUVER • PARKING GUIDE 2026

Find the Right Parking Spot Before You Reach UBC

Visiting the University of British Columbia is easier when you know where to park. However, its large Vancouver campus has several parkades, short-stay lots and different access routes. Therefore, choosing a space near your actual destination can save both time and unnecessary walking.

This guide compares official visitor rates, campus locations, payment options and possible alternatives. In addition, it explains what to check before attending a concert, visiting a museum or arriving for an appointment.

Compare Parking Rates Choose Your Parkade View Campus Map

MAIN PARKADE RATE

$22 DAYTIME MAXIMUM
CAD

$2.25PER 30 MINUTES

$11EVENING/WEEKEND MAX

Quick Answer: Where Should You Park Near UBC?

For most campus visits, start by finding the official parkade closest to your destination. North Parkade serves the student-union area, while Rose Garden Parkade is convenient for the northwest side of campus. Meanwhile, Thunderbird Parkade is useful for sports venues and events.

Most major UBC parkades currently charge $2.25 per half-hour. Furthermore, their published maximum is $22 during the day and $11 during evenings and weekends. However, event arrangements and temporary restrictions can affect your plans.

Before you drive: Check the official UBC parking map for current availability, rates and access. Also, confirm your destination’s building entrance because the nearest parkade may not have the most convenient walking route.

UBC Parking Rates in 2026

Parking prices depend on the location and length of your stay. For example, a main parkade has a daily maximum, whereas University Boulevard Lot charges by the hour without a published daily maximum. As a result, the more convenient space for a short stop may cost more during a long visit.

Parking location	Published rate	Useful for
North Parkade	$2.25/30 min; $22 daytime max; $11 evening/weekend max	Student union and central campus
Rose Garden Parkade	$2.25/30 min; $22 daytime max; $11 evening/weekend max	Northwest campus and cultural venues
Fraser River Parkade	$2.25/30 min; $22 daytime max; $11 evening/weekend max	Memorial Road and central campus
West Parkade	$2.25/30 min; $22 daytime max; $11 evening/weekend max	Lower Mall and west campus
Health Sciences Parkade	$2.25/30 min; $22 daytime max; $11 evening/weekend max	Health Sciences Mall
Thunderbird Parkade	$2.25/30 min; $22 daytime max; $11 evening/weekend max	Sports venues and events
University Boulevard Lot	$4.50/hour	Short visits near University Boulevard
University Centre Lot	$2.25/30 min; maximum stay 2 hours	Short appointments
Michael Smith Lot	$2.25/30 min; maximum stay 1 hour	Quick stops

Important rate detail: The published daytime, evening and weekend maximums are separate time-based rules. Therefore, do not assume that $22 covers every possible overnight stay. Check the applicable periods and final charge before parking.

$22/day max

Address: 6085 Thunderbird Boulevard.

Thunderbird Parkade serves sports facilities and nearby event venues. During major events, however, special traffic arrangements may affect entry and exit.

Get directions →

Short-Term Parking for Quick Campus Visits

A full parkade is not always necessary for a short appointment. Instead, UBC provides designated short-stay spaces in selected locations. However, these spaces have strict time limits.

University Centre Lot

University Centre Lot currently charges $2.25 per half-hour and has a two-hour maximum stay. Therefore, it may work for a short meeting, but not for an afternoon of classes or sightseeing.

Michael Smith Lot

Michael Smith Lot has a one-hour maximum. As a result, it is more suitable for a quick stop than an extended visit. In addition, UBC has designated 15-minute and 30-minute spaces elsewhere on campus.

Always read the signs before leaving your vehicle. In particular, check the time limit, payment rules and whether the space is available to visitors.

Is There Free Parking Near UBC?

Free parking is not something you should assume is available on the UBC campus. Most official visitor parkades and lots charge fees. Likewise, nearby street spaces may have time limits or other restrictions.

However, certain events, programs or organized activities may provide special parking arrangements. For example, some UBC camp programs offer registered participants a short complimentary parking period for drop-off and pickup. These arrangements are not general free visitor parking.

Do not rely on an unverified free-parking claim. Instead, read every street sign and check whether the space is restricted by time, permit, event or vehicle type. If the rules are unclear, use a designated paid visitor space.

Could Street Parking Save Money?

Some streets around the university have limited parking opportunities. Nevertheless, a space on a nearby road is not automatically free or unrestricted. In addition, parking rules may differ from one block to the next.

Therefore, compare the permitted parking duration with your expected visit. If you need several hours, a parkade with a published maximum may be easier to plan around.

How to Pay for Parking at UBC

UBC offers several payment methods for hourly parking. For example, visitors can use Honk, PayByPhone, ZipBy or available pay machines and meters. However, the supported methods can vary by location.

Find your parking location

First, check the location name and payment instructions displayed on the signs.

Enter the correct vehicle details

Next, confirm your licence plate and the correct parking location before paying.

Choose your parking duration

Then, select enough time for your visit. However, do not exceed a posted maximum stay.

Keep your payment confirmation

Finally, check that your transaction was successful. If necessary, save the receipt or confirmation.

Daily and longer-term permits are available through the UBC Parking Account. For current instructions, visit the official UBC payment guide.

Student and Staff Parking Permits

If you regularly drive to UBC, paying the visitor rate every day may not be practical. Therefore, eligible students, faculty and staff should compare the university’s permit options.

However, a permit does not necessarily allow parking in every campus lot. Each permit has specific validity rules. In addition, availability and eligibility may differ between students, residents and employees.

Before purchasing, check the permitted locations, start date, expiry date and total price. Also, remember that UBC adds applicable taxes to permit prices at checkout.

Review the UBC Parking website for current permit information.

Parking for UBC Concerts, Sports and Special Events

Event parking needs more planning than an ordinary campus visit. For example, a large concert can increase demand near Thunderbird Parkade. Furthermore, temporary road closures may affect how drivers enter and leave the area.

Therefore, check your event organizer’s parking instructions before leaving home. In addition, review the university’s road closure notices. A parkade that is convenient on a normal weekday may have different access during a major event.

Event travel tip: Choose your exit route before parking. Also, allow additional time after large events because traffic may be directed away from the usual roads.

Check the official UBC road closure updates for current changes.

Accessible Parking at UBC

Accessible parking should be planned around the passenger’s destination and mobility needs. Therefore, identify the building entrance before choosing a parkade. In addition, check the current campus accessibility information and posted accessible-parking requirements.

Some routes may involve longer outdoor walks, slopes or construction detours. As a result, the closest space on a map may not always offer the easiest route.

If you need specific assistance, contact the destination or UBC Parking before your visit. That way, you can confirm the most practical parking and arrival arrangements.

Electric Vehicle Charging at UBC

Drivers with electric vehicles should check the university’s current parking map for charging locations. However, the presence of a charger does not guarantee that it will be available when you arrive.

In addition, parking charges and charging fees may be separate. Therefore, read the posted instructions before connecting your vehicle. If charging is essential, identify a backup station before starting your trip.

What If Your Preferred UBC Parkade Is Full?

Campus parking demand changes throughout the day. For example, classes, conferences and sports events can make certain areas particularly busy. Therefore, it helps to choose a backup parkade before you drive.

If North Parkade is unavailable, check another suitable location on the official parking map. However, avoid driving from lot to lot without checking how far each one is from your destination.

Also, consider campus construction and road closures. A slightly longer walk may be easier than reaching a closer parkade through heavy event traffic.

Driving to UBC from Downtown Vancouver

Drivers traveling from downtown Vancouver can cross the Burrard or Granville Street bridges. Then, they can continue west using a suitable route such as 4th Avenue, 10th Avenue or 16th Avenue.

However, the final approach depends on the parkade you choose. Therefore, enter the specific parking address into your navigation system rather than using only the general university address.

If you are coming from Vancouver International Airport, the university’s visitor guidance describes a route across the Arthur Laing Bridge and west along SW Marine Drive.

UBC Vancouver Parking Map

Use the map below to see the campus area. Next, open the official parking map to check individual lots and their current information. Finally, use directions to your chosen parkade.

UBC Parking Checklist Before You Leave

BEFORE YOUR TRIP

Plan your arrival

First, confirm your destination building.
Next, choose a suitable parkade.
Also, check current rates and availability.
Finally, save a backup parking location.

AFTER PARKING

Check your space

Read the posted parking rules.
Confirm your licence plate when paying.
Save your parking location.
Check the payment expiry time.

EVENT DAYS

Allow extra time

Check event parking instructions.
Review current road closures.
Plan your walking route.
Choose your exit route in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions About UBC Parking

How much does parking cost at UBC?

Most major campus parkades currently charge $2.25 per half-hour. In addition, the published maximum is $22 during the day and $11 during evenings and weekends. However, individual lots may have different prices or maximum stays.

Is there free parking at UBC?

Do not assume that general visitor parking is free. Most official campus parkades charge fees. However, certain organized activities may provide special parking arrangements. Therefore, check the applicable rules before arriving.

Where should I park near the AMS Nest?

North Parkade is a practical location to check for the student-union area. Nevertheless, confirm your destination and current availability before choosing a space.

Where should I park for the Chan Centre?

Rose Garden Parkade serves the northwest campus area near the Chan Centre. However, event parking arrangements may change. Therefore, review your event instructions before driving.

Can visitors park at UBC on weekends?

Yes, paid visitor parking is available in designated campus locations. Furthermore, the main parkades currently list an $11 weekend maximum. However, special events and temporary restrictions may affect individual locations.

How do I pay for visitor parking?

UBC supports Honk, PayByPhone, ZipBy and available pay machines or meters for hourly parking. First, check the instructions at your location. Then, confirm your vehicle information and complete the payment.

Is University Boulevard Lot good for a long visit?

University Boulevard Lot currently charges $4.50 per hour without a published daily maximum. Therefore, a main parkade with a daily maximum may cost less for a longer visit.

Can I leave my car overnight at UBC?

Check the rules for the specific location before leaving a vehicle overnight. In particular, do not assume that a daytime maximum covers an entire overnight stay. Also, confirm any permit or event restrictions.

Does UBC have accessible parking?

Accessible parking is available in designated locations. However, the appropriate space depends on your destination and access needs. Therefore, check current campus information and the applicable permit requirements.

Where can I find current UBC parking availability?

Use the official UBC Parking map. In addition to published rates, it provides parking location information. For major events, also check current road closure notices.

Official Resources and Related Parking Guides

For final parking decisions, use the university’s current information. In particular, check the official map before driving and review payment instructions if this is your first campus visit.

For another campus-focused comparison, read our University of British Columbia Parking Guide .

Parking Near University of British Columbia: Campus Lots, Garages and Local Streets