Parking & Transportation

Although parking on campus can be comparatively expensive, for some students it is the most viable option.

Parking Information

• Public Parking Locations/Cost

  • The U of M has $6 daily lots in East Bank, West Bank, and St. Paul

Parking Contracts

• Parking Contract Information

The majority of students find taking public transit to be the best way for them to get to campus. PSEO students come to campus from all over the metro area to attend classes using the many bus, train, and light rail options available.

Universal Transit Pass (UTP)

PSEO students can request the Universal Transit Pass (UTP) for unlimited access to the regional transit system in the Twin Cities metro area (rides on the NorthStar require a small supplemental fare for each ride). The cost is $74 per semester.

How to order your Universal Transit Pass (first-time users)

1. Complete the UTP Opt-In Purchase Form. [available for fall around August]

   • Be sure to have your 7-digit student ID number, which can be found in MyU.umn.edu under the My Info tab below your name. Requesting the pass indicates that it will be automatically charged to your student account even if you don't activate it.  

   • It may take several days to a week for a new pass to be processed and activated. 

2. Note: for any questions related to the pass OR if you no longer need the pass and would like a refund and haven't used it, contact Parking and Transportation Services at buspass@umn.edu.

Your U Card will function as your transit pass.

How to renew your Universal Transit Pass (if you currently have one)

For students already using the UTP, you'll be sent information on renewing the pass for the upcoming semester. Watch your email for details.

Metro Transit

Metro Transit Website

• • Go-To Card (Prepaid transit pass)

  • Transit Assistance Program (TAP): Reduced fare pass on a Go-To Card for people with lower incomes.

• List of routes serving the U of M (scroll down the page to view the maps and list of routes)

  • Includes express routes to campus

Student Pass

• Minneapolis Public Schools

• Saint Paul Public Schools

Other Transit Providers

If you are commuting from one of the Twin Cities suburbs, visit your local transit service provider's website for information.

• Anoka County Transit  (Anoka, Blaine, Columbia Heights, Coon Rapids, Elk River, Fridley, Ramsey)

• Maple Grove Transit  (Maple Grove)

• Minnesota Valley Transit Authority  (Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan, Rosemount and Savage)

• Plymouth Metrolink  (Plymouth)

• SouthWest Transit (Chanhassen, Chaska, Eden Prairie, Victoria)

• Northstar Commuter Rail

  • Requires additional fare

Park and Ride
Many of these providers offer Park and Ride options. These are quite popular as they can serve a larger geographic region. Students drive to a Park and Ride lot, park their car, and then take a bus to campus. This alternative allows students to eliminate the hassle and cost of parking on campus.

The U of M campus is large and centrally located in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area. That is why many students choose to use bikes as a way to navigate campus and the surrounding city. If you live in the city or plan on having classes all across campus, biking may be the solution to your travel needs. 

Resources

• U of M Parking and Transportation Website (Bike & Scooter)

• Campus Biking Routes, Travel Times

• Bike Lockers & Sheltered Bike Parking

When walking around campus, you may notice the distinct maroon and gold buses driving around. These are part of the campus shuttle system here at the University of Minnesota. Riding the shuttles is free, and no U Card is required! 

There are two main categories of shuttle buses, the Campus Connectors and the Campus Circulators. The Connectors travel between campuses, from West Bank to East Bank to St. Paul and back again. The Circulators travel within a specific area within a campus.

Where's My Bus?

The University has a convenient bus tracking service called GopherTrip that allows you to view real-time passenger information with the predicted arrival times of buses at your current stop. This service is available as an app on your phone or in your web browser.

Gopher Rideshare is an app that allows users to share commutes to save time and money and reduce congestion. Download it in the Apple App Store or Google Play. 

• Requires users to log in with a U of M Internet account. 

• Free to download, but ride costs are up to the users to negotiate. 

• Includes resources that can help with biking, walking, or transit.

Click to view maps of the East Bank Campus, West Bank Campus, and St. Paul Campus (including parking lots and campus shuttle routes).

Visit the Twin Cities Interactive Campus Map to find all-gender restrooms, campus dining facilities, wellness rooms, accessible building entrances, and more!  

• To find all-gender restrooms, click the Inclusivity icon located on the map. 

The U of M strives to make campus a safe learning environment for all students. We have our own University of Minnesota Police Department and free walking and vehicle services to and from campus locations and nearby adjacent neighborhoods for all students, staff, faculty and visitors. 

Funds are available to help pay transportation costs for PSEO students whose families are at or below the federal poverty level. See the Minnesota Department of Education website for more information if you are a public school student. If you are home schooled, contact your PSEO advisor for more information.

The Commuter Connection student group (Facebook) (Discord) has an on-campus space in Coffman Memorial Union (Room 204) where, as a commuter, you can enjoy programs and services like a microwave, refrigerator, lounge space, networking opportunities, desktop computers, and more. It is open to all off-campus students!

Although you are a non-degree seeking student, you should feel welcome to join any student groups or organizations that align with your interests. Branch out! Take advantage of being at a Big 10 School, and meet people with diverse backgrounds and interests.