Go Green and Save Some Green!
Now is a great time to try a sustainable commute and explore the offerings that contribute to Stanford consistently being named a “Best Workplaces for Commuters,” including subsidized vanpooling and free or subsidized transit for eligible affiliates.
Getting to Stanford
We’ve made commuting to Stanford easy by providing safe, sustainable, and reliable transportation and parking choices for the community. Energize your routine, learn more about our first-rate commuter programs and free public transit travel available to eligible affiliates, and help us reduce our overall carbon footprint.
Biking
As a four-time platinum-level Bicycle Friendly University, Stanford soared to an all-time high of 22%+ for bike commuting in 2022. Bikers take advantage of over 13,000 bike parking spaces on campus, 224 secure bike cage spaces for commuters, and 12 free bicycle safety repair stands. Additional benefits include free bike skill classes and webinars.
Public Transit
Eligible Stanford affiliates, including employees and postdocs, receive Stanford-issued Clipper Cards, which allow free, unlimited travel on Caltrain, VTA, and AC Transit, including the Dumbarton Express, for eligible employees and *postdocs. Free monthly SamTrans passes for eligible employees at SRWC. Free transit on AC Transit’s Line U East Bay express.
Marguerite Shuttle
Marguerite is free and open to the public—no ID is required. The Marguerite shuttle service is available from the Palo Alto and Redwood City Transit Centers and travels to and around Stanford, Stanford Redwood City, and Stanford Research Park, Monday through Friday all year (except university holidays). All buses are wheelchair-accessible and have bike racks.
Walking
Whether you walk to work or traverse Stanford’s stunning campus for a meeting, lunch, or errands, studies show that walking promotes physical and mental health. To find accessible, paved, and lighted routes around campus visit our Suggested Travel Routes.
Carpool
Enjoy discounted bridge tolls and express-lane access with FasTrak, and share the cost of parking permits, gas, and other car-related expenses. Carpooling is also a more environmentally friendly alternative to driving alone. Find a carpool buddy within the Stanford community.
Vanpool
Stanford offers a 100% lease subsidy for new and existing vanpools (including free insurance and maintenance on the vehicle). Existing vanpools currently run service to campus from North Bay/San Francisco, South Bay, East Bay, Santa Cruz, and the Central Valley. Riders enjoy reduced (or free) bridge tolls and express-lane access with FasTrak, and reduced wear and tear on personal vehicles.
Commute Planning
Energize your routine and try a new sustainable commute. Our Commute Toolkit will help you explore your options, find ways to save money, and more. Our Sustainable Transportation support team is here to answer your questions about sustainable commuting at Stanford.
Pre-Tax Commuter Benefits
Eligible employees can save up to 40 percent on expenses for their sustainable commute by signing up for Stanford’s pre-tax payroll deduction program. Items available for purchase include Caltrain parking, BART parking, transit passes, Clipper cash value, and Commuter Checks.
Parking at Stanford
Although we recommend using sustainable transportation, we understand it’s not viable for everyone. You will need to purchase a parking permit or pay for visitor parking. Where you park and how you pay depend on your affiliation.