Navigating Visitor Parking at UCF: A Comprehensive Guide

The University of Central Florida (UCF) offers various parking options for visitors, both at the main campus and UCF Downtown. Understanding these options can ensure a smooth and convenient visit. This guide provides detailed information about visitor parking regulations, locations, and alternative transportation methods.

Short-Term Parking Solutions

For brief parking needs on the main campus, "Loading Zones" are available near most buildings. These zones are primarily intended for service vehicles and deliveries, with posted signs indicating the permitted time. To ensure accessibility for those making timely deliveries, time limits are enforced in areas where high turnover is necessary.

Loading Zones: Usage and Restrictions

Loading Zones should be used for delivering heavy items only. For smaller packages, visitors are encouraged to utilize parking meters or designated short-term parking areas. These zones also facilitate the immediate pick-up and drop-off of passengers, offering a safe location for disabled individuals to be dropped off or picked up.

Metered Parking

Short-term metered parking zones are strategically located throughout the main campus. Payment for metered parking can be conveniently managed through a mobile device by scanning the QR code on the ParkMobile signage within the zone. Registration requires vehicle information and payment. Metered rates are $2.00 per hour, plus a $0.35 convenience fee.

Parking Options at UCF Downtown

UCF Downtown provides approximately 2,000 parking spaces. Several options are available for visitors:

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Parking Garages

Amelia I Parking Garage (PG3): Primarily serves those with "D" (green) and "R" (orange) permits.
Parramore Garage (PG1): Caters to faculty and staff with "B" (red) and "C" (blue) parking permits. The first level of the Parramore Garage is designated for daily virtual permit parking only. Overflow parking for daily virtual permits can be found on the 4th floor of the Parramore Garage or on any level of the Amelia Garage.

Virtual Permits

Visitors to UCF Downtown can purchase an $8 daily parking permit through UCF's virtual permit system. These permits are valid in all "D" (green) parking spaces in the Parramore Garage or UCF Amelia Garage.

City of Orlando Managed Parking

Metered parking along Livingston Street and an hourly parking lot adjacent to the Marriott Hotel are managed by the City of Orlando.

Alternative Transportation Options

UCF encourages the use of alternative transportation methods to reduce traffic and parking congestion.

Shuttle Services

UCF Parking and Transportation Services operates 15 daily roundtrip express shuttles between the UCF main campus’ Lynx Transit Center (between Garage A and Garage I) and UCF Downtown. The shuttles run Monday through Thursday, from 6:30 AM to 10:30 PM and Friday from 6:30 AM to 8:30 PM, excluding holidays and campus closures.

A Grocery Shuttle is available for UCF and Valencia students, providing transportation from the downtown campus to the Publix at The Paramount on Lake Eola, located at 400 E. Central Blvd. The shuttle stop is along Livingston Street, in front of Dr. Phillips Academic Commons, 528 W. A valid UCF or Valencia Downtown ID is required to board.

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Public Transportation

LYNX: All UCF students, faculty, and staff receive free rides on LYNX, the rapid bus transit system, throughout Orlando.
Lymmo: Free Lymmo lines offer convenient transportation around downtown Orlando.
SunRail: A commuter rail system with 17 stations across Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Volusia counties. UCF students, faculty, and staff can access SunRail for a $25 annual fee, while alumni can join for $35 annually.

Car Sharing

For those needing occasional access to a vehicle, car-sharing services are available. Rental rates start at $8.50 per hour and $69 per day. While there is one car available near UCF Downtown, more options exist throughout the greater downtown Orlando area. The UCF Downtown campus car-sharing location is at the City of Orlando Livingston Parking Lot (corner of Livingston St).

Important Parking Regulations

License Plate as Permit: Your license plate serves as your parking permit.
Registered Vehicles: Each account holder can register a maximum of two vehicles, with a $15 fee for the second vehicle.
One Vehicle Per Campus: Only one vehicle per account is allowed to park on any UCF campus at a time.
Back-In Parking Prohibited: Back-in parking is not permitted.

Additional Information

Security

UCF Downtown has a dedicated police force available 24/7, located in a sub-station on Amelia Street. The campus is equipped with uniformed patrols, video surveillance, blue light phones, and emergency alert systems.

SMS Notifications

Users can opt-in or out of SMS notifications from the Parking Portal for permit orders, payments, renewals, citations, and appeals.

Permit Validity

365-Day Permit: Valid for 365 consecutive days from the date of purchase.
150-Day Permit: Valid for 150 consecutive days from the date of purchase.

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