University of Alberta Parking: Find Your Lot Before You Arrive
Visiting the University of Alberta should not begin with an unnecessary search for parking. However, choosing the wrong campus or lot can add time and expense to your journey.
This guide explains visitor parking, student permits, campus garages, event parking and payment rules. In addition, you will find practical advice about accessible spaces, free parking opportunities and public transit.
Quick Answer: Where Should You Park?
First, identify your destination. The University of Alberta has several campuses, so searching for the university’s name alone may send you to the wrong entrance.
For a North Campus visit, compare the official visitor lots and car parks near your building. For example, Stadium Car Park and Education Car Park serve several central campus destinations. However, temporary restrictions may affect access.
Students who drive regularly should compare monthly permits with the cost of individual parking sessions. Meanwhile, evening students should check whether a time-restricted permit fits their class schedule.
Finally, visitors attending sports activities at South Campus should check the venue’s parking instructions. Some designated spaces are available without an additional parking charge for eligible facility users.
Short Campus Visit
Choose an authorized visitor lot near your building. Then, pay for the full duration of your visit.
Regular Commuting
Compare monthly permits and available locations. Also, check renewal deadlines before buying.
Evening or Weekend
Check event-specific instructions first. In addition, save a backup parking area before arriving.
University of Alberta Parking Rates in 2026
Parking prices vary by location, time and permit type. Therefore, there is no single hourly rate that applies across every University of Alberta campus.
In addition, some facilities have special event prices or restricted visitor access. For this reason, always confirm the current rate for your chosen location before paying.
| Parking Option | Price | What to Check |
|---|---|---|
| North Campus visitor parking | Location-specific | Current hourly and daily rates, public access and payment instructions. |
| Monthly student parking | Depends on permit and location | Availability, waitlist, valid hours and renewal deadline. |
| EV charging for permit holders | $1 per hour, plus permit cost | Valid parking permit and active charging. |
| South Campus facility parking | Free or paid in designated areas | Facility eligibility, event rules and the exact parking zone. |
The university publishes its current prices and parking notices through Parking Services. Consequently, the official information should take priority over older rate tables.
Visitor Parking at the University of Alberta
Most visitors should begin with their destination building rather than the nearest parking symbol on Google Maps. After all, the shortest driving route does not always lead to the most convenient building entrance.
First, confirm that your destination is on North Campus, South Campus, Campus Saint-Jean or Augustana Campus. Next, check the official parking map for authorized visitor spaces.
Finally, read the signs at the entrance. Paying for parking does not give you permission to use a reserved, accessible or restricted space without the appropriate authorization.
Stadium Car Park
This car park serves several North Campus destinations. In addition, it is useful for some Students’ Union Building events. However, check the current visitor rate and available entrances.
Education Car Park
Education Car Park is not currently a normal option for visitors without monthly permits. Therefore, check another authorized location before travelling to campus.
Other Visitor Lots
Several surface lots and car parks serve North Campus. However, access rules differ. Therefore, confirm the correct lot and current price.
How to Pay for Campus Parking
Payment methods depend on the parking location. For example, some facilities support mobile payment, while others provide designated payment stations.
Before paying, confirm the lot number, vehicle registration and required parking period. In particular, check every character of your licence plate because the university uses plate-based parking validation.
First, check the lot name and signs. Then, confirm that visitor parking is permitted at your arrival time.
Next, follow the posted instructions for the payment station, mobile service or parking account.
Carefully check your licence plate. Otherwise, a typing mistake could cause a valid payment to appear unmatched during enforcement.
Finally, keep the receipt and note your parking expiry time. Also, photograph the parking level or lot number if necessary.
Student Parking Permits and Monthly Parking
Students who commute several days a week may prefer a monthly permit. However, a permit is useful only when its location and valid hours match your timetable.
For example, a single-location permit covers its designated location. In addition, it provides access to eligible non-restricted lots during specified evening, weekend and holiday periods.
Before purchasing, check the current permit inventory. If your preferred location is unavailable, the university may offer a waitlist.
How to Buy a Parking Permit
First, sign in through the official University of Alberta Parking Services portal.
Next, compare available products. If your preferred location is full, check whether a waitlist is available.
Then, enter your vehicle information. Make sure the licence plate is correct before completing payment.
Finally, check the permitted location, operating hours and renewal rules.
Important Monthly Renewal Deadline
Monthly permits must be renewed by 10 p.m. on the final day of each month. Otherwise, the permit expires and the university may allocate the space to someone on the waitlist.
In addition, the parking portal undergoes maintenance on the final day of each month. Therefore, renewing early is more practical than waiting until the deadline.
Is There Free Parking at the University of Alberta?
Free parking is limited, especially around the busy North Campus. Therefore, visitors should not assume that an empty space is available without payment.
However, eligible users of the Saville Community Sports Centre and Foote Field may use designated free parking areas at South Campus.
For example, the university identifies free parking opportunities for facility users at Foote Field. Nevertheless, these spaces are not general-purpose free parking for commuters.
South Campus Free Parking Rules
First, check that you are using the relevant sports facility. Next, confirm that your chosen space is designated for free parking.
In addition, observe any event restrictions. Overnight parking, oversized vehicles and unauthorized park-and-ride use are not permitted in the designated sports-facility parking areas.
Alternatively, public transit may be more convenient for a North Campus visit. University Station provides LRT access and connections to the surrounding transit network.
Event Parking at the University of Alberta
Concerts, sports events and university ceremonies can increase parking demand. Consequently, an ordinary campus parking plan may not work during a major event.
Before leaving home, check the event organizer’s instructions. In addition, confirm whether the recommended parking location is available to visitors on your event date.
Horowitz Events Centre
The Horowitz Events Centre is located in the Students’ Union Building on North Campus. Stadium Car Park is one location to check for nearby event parking.
However, Education Car Park has a current restriction affecting non-monthly permit holders. Therefore, do not rely on older event directions without checking the latest university notice.
Sports and Recreation Events
Sports activities may take place at North Campus or South Campus. For this reason, confirm the exact venue before choosing a lot.
For example, visitors to the Saville Community Sports Centre should follow its designated parking map. Meanwhile, Foote Field visitors should check their event’s parking arrangements.
Convocation and Large Ceremonies
Graduation ceremonies often attract families and other guests. Therefore, allow additional time for parking, building entry and the walk to your event.
In addition, plan your exit route. Several nearby events may finish around the same time, which can increase congestion.
Accessible Parking on Campus
Accessible parking stalls are available across the university’s parking system. However, drivers must have the required permit and display a valid provincial accessible parking placard.
Before arriving, check more than the distance between the lot and the building. For example, confirm the nearest accessible entrance, curb ramp and elevator.
In addition, remember that an accessible placard does not automatically remove every parking fee. Therefore, check the applicable payment and permit rules.
Electric Vehicle Charging
The University of Alberta provides EV charging stations in selected parking locations. However, charging availability and temporary closures can affect your plans.
Permit holders currently pay $1 per hour for charging, in addition to the applicable parking permit cost. Furthermore, vehicles must be actively charging while occupying charging stalls.
Before travelling, check the latest university notices. In particular, Windsor Car Park charging stations were listed as temporarily unavailable in a June 2026 notice.
Parking Near Popular Campus Destinations
Students’ Union Building
Check Stadium Car Park and other currently authorized visitor locations. Then, plan the final walk to your chosen building entrance.
Rutherford Library
First, locate the correct library entrance. Next, use the official parking map to identify nearby visitor parking.
Van Vliet Complex
Several parking areas serve the recreation facilities. However, activity-specific parking rules may apply.
CCIS and Science Buildings
Compare authorized visitor lots near your destination. In addition, check whether your event organizer has arranged guest parking.
University of Alberta Hospital
Hospital parking operates under separate arrangements. Therefore, use the hospital’s current parking instructions rather than assuming campus rates apply.
Saville and Foote Field
Check the designated sports-facility parking map. Some spaces are free for eligible facility users.
Parking Tickets and Common Mistakes
Even after paying, drivers can receive a citation if they use the wrong location or enter incorrect vehicle information. Therefore, check the parking conditions before walking away.
For example, a permit valid in one location may not authorize parking in another during daytime hours. Similarly, an expired payment session does not cover an extended appointment.
If You Receive a Parking Citation
First, review the citation details. Then, compare the recorded vehicle, location and time with your payment confirmation.
If you believe the citation is incorrect, follow the university’s official review or appeal instructions. In addition, keep your receipt and any photographs that support your explanation.
Finally, observe the deadline shown on your citation. Ignoring a ticket can create further problems.
University of Alberta Parking Map
Use the map below for general North Campus orientation. However, it does not replace the university’s official parking-location information.
Before driving, enter the exact building or parking location into your navigation app. Otherwise, a general university search may lead you to the centre of campus instead of the correct entrance.
Official Parking Information and Contact
The university’s official parking information is the appropriate place to confirm current rates, permit availability and temporary closures. Therefore, use these resources before making a final parking decision.
Parking Services
Check current parking notices, accessibility information and available parking services.
Parking Permits
Review permit purchases, renewals, waitlists and vehicle registration.
Parking Office
University of Alberta
1-051 Lister Centre
Edmonton, Alberta
Phone: 780-492-7275
Email: parking@ualberta.ca
More Edmonton Parking Guides
If your journey includes other Edmonton destinations, compare local parking restrictions before leaving campus. In particular, residential parking rules can differ from university regulations.
For additional information, read our Edmonton parking guide . It explains city parking, local restrictions and other useful transportation options.
University of Alberta Parking FAQs
Is University of Alberta parking free?
Most regular campus parking requires payment or a valid permit. However, eligible Saville Community Sports Centre and Foote Field users may access designated free parking areas. Always check the posted conditions.
Where can visitors park on North Campus?
Visitors can use authorized visitor parking areas. First, check the official parking locations near your building. Then, confirm current rates and access restrictions.
Can visitors use Education Car Park?
Education Car Park has been closed to non-monthly permit holders since June 23, 2026. Therefore, visitors should check other authorized parking locations.
How do students buy monthly parking?
Students can access the official parking account to check available permits. Next, they select a location and register their vehicle. Finally, they complete payment and review the permit conditions.
When must monthly permits be renewed?
Monthly permits must be renewed by 10 p.m. on the final day of the month. Otherwise, the permit expires and the space may be allocated to someone on the waitlist.
Can two vehicles share one permit?
Multiple vehicles may be registered to a shared permit. However, only one of those vehicles may park on campus at the same time.
Is accessible parking available?
Yes. Accessible parking stalls are available across campus. However, drivers must meet the applicable permit and placard requirements.
Is EV charging available?
Yes. Selected university parking locations provide EV charging. Permit holders currently pay $1 per hour for charging, plus the applicable parking permit cost. However, check current station availability before travelling.
Is overnight parking allowed?
Overnight access depends on the parking location and permit. Therefore, check the specific parking regulations before leaving a vehicle overnight.
Is public transit an alternative?
Yes. University Station serves North Campus and connects with Edmonton’s transit network. Consequently, public transit can be useful when parking demand is high.