Parking permits required at Stanford's main campus and Stanford Redwood City

Commuters and residents are required to have a valid parking permit purchased through the online ordering system to avoid potential citations. Read our article to learn more.

For COVID-related transportation updates, please visit our Stanford Transportation COVID-19: Featured Topics page. If you are interested in learning more about your commute options as you return to campus, please refer to our Returning to Your Stanford commute page.

Free and Discounted Stanford Transportation Programs

We are offering information to support the transportation and mobility needs of the Stanford community. We are continuing to provide commute assistance where we are able to do so. However, we recognize that commuting is a personal choice. Stanford commuters are encouraged to assess and select the option(s) that best meet their needs.

 

There have been a number of updates to the free and discounted programs we offer as a result of COVID-19. The list below reflects what is currently available. Please note that the rules and policies of these programs may change without notification to eligible participants.

For all Stanford affiliates

For eligible commuters

  • Free Caltrain (Go Pass), VTA (SmartPass), Santa Cruz Metro, Monterey-Salinas Transit, and East Bay express buses. Free transit on Caltrain with Go Pass and VTA with SmartPass for most benefits-eligible employees. Ride AC Transit’s Line U East Bay express bus for free with a Stanford ID. Purchase your Santa Cruz Metro and Monterey-Salinas Transit ride passes and request reimbursement from our office. 
  • Free AC Transit (EasyPass). Benefits-eligible university and hospital employees living in the East Bay are eligible for the EasyPass. AC Transit serves Alameda and Contra Costa counties as well as the unincorporated areas of Ashland, Castro Valley, Cherryland, El Sobrante, Fairview, Kensington, Irvington, North Richmond, and San Lorenzo.
  • Pilot Go Pass programs for off-campus graduate students and postdoctoral scholars. Eligible off-campus graduate students and postdoctoral scholars can receive a free Caltrain Go Pass, which offers unlimited travel on Caltrain between all zones for the calendar year. 
  • Free SamTrans. Free transit for eligible employees at Stanford Redwood City (SRWC).
  • Free Emergency Ride Home program. Any Stanford commuter who uses alternative transportation may enroll in Stanford’s Emergency Ride Home program.
  • Savings on transit parking and passes. Most benefits-eligible employees may request pre-tax payroll deduction for purchases of Caltrain parking and selected transit passes, which provides income and FICA tax savings on these purchases.
  • And more. Learn about discounted transit, bicycle safety offers, and free commute planning in the preceding “For all Stanford affiliates” section.