New Employees

A pedestrian and bicyclist use a crosswalk on University Avenue on a sunny spring day.
A blue and white Madison Metro Transit bus with a bike on the front rack is driving along a tree and car-lined street.
A skateboarder and bicyclists travel in the bike lane along University Avenue at nightfall against a backdrop of vehicle lights and rush hour-traffic.

How parking works at UW

Check out the “related links” section above for your parking and transportation options.

How parking works

If you plan to drive to work, please keep in mind parking on campus is limited. You will need to purchase a permit to park on the UW-Madison and UW Hospital campuses.

The primary permit types are annual base lot (daily parking), Flex (pay-per-use), park and ride, carpool, and afternoon/night permits. Visit the permit types page for information on each permit. For rates, visit the rates page.

  • Applications are required for annual base lot, Flex, UW-Accessible, carpool, and park and ride parking permits.
  • Parking permit offers are based on availability and are not guaranteed. Offers are made multiple times during the summer preceding a new parking year, and about every two weeks after September 1.
  • Afternoon, night, motorcycle, and moped permits can be purchased directly online. (You need a NetID or UW Health log-on to make purchases.)

Recommended parking options for second and third shift employees

  • Afternoon and Night permits are lower-cost permits which allow you to park in select campus lots or garages in the afternoon, evening, and night. Afternoon and Night permits do not require an application! Just use your NetID or UW Health credentials to purchase a permit in eBusiness.
  • You may park without a UW parking permit in unsigned (unreserved) permit stalls from 4:30 p.m. – 7 a.m. and all day Saturday & Sunday in Lots 4, 19, 26, 34, 37, 39, 40, 41, 45, 54, 56, 58, 59, 60, 64, 82, and 94. These lots may sometimes be reserved for special events. See the list of parking lots and locations.
  • For more second and third shift commute options, please download the Second and Third Shift Commute Options brochure (PDF).

Need help figuring out your transportation options? Commuter Solutions is here to help! Fill out the custom route planning request form to receive transportation info customized to you.

Before applying

  1. All employees: You need a NetID or UW Health username and password to submit a parking application or make any purchases. NetID information is available on the DoIT NetID webpage. Need help with your UW Health log-on? Contact the UW Health Help Desk at 608-265-7777.
  2. UW Health Sciences employees only: complete the application request form to request permission to apply for parking from your division. Visit the Health Sciences Parking website for more information tailored to your unit and a list of frequently asked questions. The Health Sciences Unit Transportation Coordinator (UTC) is available at (608) 263-7943 or healthsciencesparking@mailplus.wisc.edu.
  3. Take a look at the campus parking maps to see what lots are closest to your work location. Write down a list of four potential lots nearby. You can apply for up to four lots.

Applying

Annual permit applications for the upcoming parking year open in late spring. Applications are accepted throughout the year. Apply by logging into PAS and completing the online parking application. Detailed directions on how to apply are on the permit types and information page.

Apply for Annual Parking in PAS

Purchase Permits in eBusiness

If you are interested in an annual parking permit (base lot, Flex, park and ride), we suggest making a temporary commuting plan until your secure a parking permit. Parking permit offers are based on availability and are not guaranteed. Offers are made about every two weeks.

Temporary transportation options include:

Permit offers are sent by email approximately every two weeks. Not every applicant receives an offer in a given assignment period. You will only be contacted if/when an offer can be made to you. You will remain on the waitlist until you receive an emailed offer.

If/when you receive an offer, accept and purchase it on the eBusiness purchasing portal by the noted deadline.

eBusiness Purchasing Portal

Detailed application, purchasing, and pick-up information can be found on the permit types and permit information page.