Driving | Transportation Services

driver in car receiving parking permit from a gatehouse staff person

The University of Washington is a big place. Before setting out, we encourage you to find your destination on our campus map and plan your route. You can also get help at one of our five gatehouses.

If you are planning to park on campus, please allow at least 30 minutes to purchase a parking permit, park your car and walk to your destination. In many cases, it may be easier for you to arrive by bus or light rail. Information about making deliveries or dropping someone off can be found here. Information about accessible entrances and facilities can be found at our Access guide.

Always take it slow when driving on campus. Obey all posted speed limits and signage. Drivers at the UW share the campus with pedestrians, bicyclists, buses and non-motorized vehicles such as scooters and skateboards.

Directions to common destinations:

Directions to central campus

Popular locations on the central campus include the Visitors Center, Meany Theater, Suzzallo and Allen Libraries, Kane Hall, Henry Art Gallery, and the HUB.

From the north

From I-5 southbound, take the NE 45th St exit (#169). Turn left onto NE 45th St. Continue east about one quarter mile to 15th Ave NE and turn right. Head south on 15th Ave three blocks to NE 41st St. Turn left into the Central Plaza Garage. Stop at the gatehouse inside the garage for directions and a parking permit.

From the south

Drive northbound on I-5 (do not use the express lanes), and take the NE 45th St exit (#169). Turn right onto NE 45th St. Continue east about one quarter mile to 15th Ave NE and turn right. Head three blocks south on 15th Ave to NE 41st St. Turn left into the Central Plaza Garage. Stop at the gatehouse inside the garage for directions and a parking permit.

From the east

Use State Route 520 and take the Montlake Blvd exit. Continue north on Montlake Blvd and at the first traffic light after the bridge turn left onto NE Pacific St. Proceed west to 15th Ave NE. Turn right and head north on 15th Ave to NE 41st St. Turn right into the Central Plaza Garage. Stop at the gatehouse inside the garage for directions and a parking permit.

Note:

The Visitors Center is located on the first floor of the Odegaard Undergraduate Library.
If you have an Event Parking Permit for Meany Theater, head north on 15th Ave and turn right at NE 40th St where the West Gatehouse is located. You will be directed to a specific level of the Central Plaza Garage.

Directions to north campus

North campus includes Hughes Penthouse Theater, the Burke Museum, the School of Law and the Foster School of Business.

From the north

From I-5 southbound, take the NE 45th St exit (#169). Turn left onto NE 45th St. Continue east about one half mile to Memorial Way NE. Turn right onto the main campus. Stop at the North Gatehouse for directions and a parking permit.

From the south

From I-5 northbound, take the NE 45th St exit (#169). Turn right onto NE 45th St. Continue east about one half mile to Memorial Way NE. Turn right onto the main campus. Stop at the North Gatehouse for directions and a parking permit.

From the east

From the east use State Route 520 and take the Montlake Blvd exit. Continue north past Husky Stadium. When the road splits, take the left fork onto 25th Ave NE. At the traffic light, turn left onto Pend Oreille Rd NE. Stop at the East Gatehouse located up the hill for directions and a parking permit.

Directions to northeast campus residence halls

Northeast campus residence halls include McMahon, Hansee, Madrona, McCarty and Willow. The latter three are the newest additions to north campus.

From the north

From I-5 southbound, take the NE 45th St exit (#169). Turn left onto NE 45th St. Continue east about one quarter mile to Memorial Way NE. Turn right onto the main campus. Stop at the North Gatehouse and tell the traffic guide which residence hall you are going to. You will be issued a parking permit and given directions to the closest available parking area.

From the south

From I-5 northbound, take the NE 45th St exit (#169). Turn right onto NE 45th St. Continue east about one quarter mile to Memorial Way NE. Turn right onto the main campus. Stop at the North Gatehouse and tell the traffic guide which residence hall you are going to. You will be issued a parking permit and given directions to the closest available parking area.

From the east

Use State Route 520 and take the Montlake Blvd exit, bearing right onto Montlake Blvd. Continue north past Husky Stadium. When the road splits, take the left fork onto 25th Ave NE. At the traffic light, turn left onto Pend Oreille Rd NE and stop at the East Gatehouse. Tell the traffic guide which residence hall you are going to; you will be issued a parking permit and given directions to the closest available parking area.

Directions to west campus residence halls

West campus residence halls include Alder, Elm, Lander, Terry, Maple, and Poplar. Apartments in west campus include Cedar Apartments, Mercer Court, Steven’s Court and the Commodore Duchess.

From the north

From I-5 southbound, take the NE 45th St exit (#169). Turn left onto NE 45th St. Continue east about one quarter mile to 15th Ave NE and turn right. Head south on 15th Ave and turn left at NE 40th St. Stop at the West Gatehouse and tell the traffic guide which residence hall you are going to; you will be issued a parking permit and given directions to the closest available parking area. Depending on your destination and space availability, you may need to walk several blocks.

From the south

From I-5 northbound, take the NE 45th St exit (#169). Turn right onto NE 45th St and continue east about one quarter mile to 15th Ave NE and turn right. Head south on 15th Ave to NE 40th St and turn left. Stop at the West Gatehouse and tell the traffic guide which residence hall you are going to; you will be issued a parking permit and given directions to the closest available parking area. Depending on your destination and space availability, you may need to walk several blocks from your assigned parking area to your destination.

From the east

Use State Route 520 and take the Montlake Blvd exit. Continue north on Montlake Blvd, bearing right onto Montlake Blvd. At the first traffic light after the bridge turn left onto NE Pacific St. Proceed west on NE Pacific to 15th Ave NE. Turn right and head north on 15th Ave to NE 40th St. Turn right and stop at the West Gatehouse. Tell the traffic guide which residence hall you are going to; you will be issued a parking permit and given directions to the closest available parking area. Depending on your destination and space availability, you may need to walk several blocks from your assigned parking area to your destination.