Commuter Permits
The University offers a number of general permit types to meet the different commuting needs of faculty, staff and students. These permits are for commuting use only. Each permit is designated for either garage (covered) or surface (uncovered) parking.
Annual Permit Options
Please review the commuter permit options below. Parking availability is subject to change. During certain events, you might be directed to an adjacent facility. Permits are sold annually and prorated by the full month. If you are interested in a reserved space or have any questions, please contact the Campus Service Center.
Unreserved permits allow parking in non-assigned spaces in the permit’s designated location from 5:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m., Monday through Friday.
3-Day permits allow parking in non-assigned spaces in the permit’s designated location from 5:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m., three days per week.
At the time of purchase, permit holders will be asked to select the three days of the week on which they plan to park; these same three days will then apply each week for the duration of the permit. Permit holders may purchase daily or hourly parking to supplement their parking needs when parking for more than three days, or on days not covered by their selected 3-Day permit.
Permit holders who would like flexibility to park on any three days of the week may park at 52 Oxford St Garage, 10 Everett St Garage, or Harvard Business School Lot. Due to availability at these locations, you may park on any three days of the week as needed. Citations will generally be issued only if you park more than three days in a week without supplementing your parking with daily or hourly parking.
3-Day permits are not available at all commuter locations. We will work with you to find a reasonable accommodation if your request cannot be fulfilled.
2nd Shift permits allow parking in non-assigned spaces in the permit’s designated location and are valid from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m., Monday through Friday.
Benefits eligible Harvard employees and postdocs not living on campus, along with contractors covered by the University Wage and Benefit Parity Policy, who carpool to the Cambridge or Allston/Brighton campuses at least four days per week are eligible for on-campus parking in unreserved garages and lots at a reduced rate of 50% off for a two person carpool and 75% off for a three or more person carpool.
Unreserved permits allow parking in non-assigned spaces in the permit’s designated location and are valid from 5:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m., Monday through Friday.
Electric Charging Station (ECS) permits are granted for non-assigned spaces in several campus facilities. At this time there is no cost beyond an annual permit to use these stations.
Evening Commuter permits allow parking in non-assigned spaces in the permit’s designated location only and valid between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., Monday through Friday, and from 5:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. on weekends, in the permit’s designated location only.
Permit issuance is determined by current availability. This option is not available to residents of Harvard University-affiliated housing and is for commuters only. Hours of parking on this permit are strictly enforced, and violators are subject to ticketing, towing, and revocation of parking privileges.
Motorcycle permits allow parking in non-assigned spaces in designated areas within select parking locations. Permits are valid from 5:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. Motorcycles are prohibited from parking on sidewalks or in spaces designated for vehicles.
Daytime student commuter permits allow parking in non-assigned spaces in the permit’s designated location and are valid from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. Monday through Friday.