Visitor and Departmental Guest Parking
Transportation & Parking Services welcomes guests to campus. Several options are available to accommodate visitor parking needs.
Daily & Hourly Guest Parking & Transportation Options
General parking for the public opens up in dark green and purple lots after 5PM. Prior to parking make sure to read campus signage carefully for any type of restrictions.
Hourly, Pay-By-Space & Metered Parking
Campus provides a variety of hourly, pay-by-space and metered parking options to accommodate guests. Designated visitor lots are available at Baker University Center, Jefferson Hall, and Lot 201 at The Ridges. Hourly parking fees in most campus locations is $1 per hour with a one-hour parking rate minimum. A parking rate of $1.50 per hour is in effect for high demand locations (Baker University Center, Walter Hall, Ping Recreation Center & Jefferson Hall) during peak utilization periods (Monday-Friday 7 AM - 5 PM and during select events). Standard hourly rates will apply at all other times.
30-minute parking is available in the following locations:
West Green: Lots 114, 115, 119, & Bobcat Lane
Union Green: Lot 152
South Green: True House, LLC
East Green: Gam
Ridges Green: Lots 200, 202, & 208
Hourly parking fees can be paid via metered devices, campus parking pay stations or ParkMobile, an electronic parking payment application. For parking locations please reference the campus parking map.
Evening & Weekend Parking
The dark green & purple lots on campus are open for public parking from 5 PM to 7 AM Monday-Friday and all day on Saturday and Sunday. Guests can utilize parking within a regular non-metered, non-restricted space within these parking facilities after normal lot enforcement time-frames provided the lot is not being used for an event in which appropriate event signage would be present. For parking locations please reference the campus parking map.
Parent & Grandparent Parking
OHIO parents and grandparents are eligible to obtain a free temporary visitor permit during their campus visit. Permits must be obtained in person at the Transportation & Parking Services Office located at 100 Factory St, Athens, Ohio, (at the intersection of Riverside Drive and Factory Street) during business hours.
On family and major event weekends please check the 'Announcement' section of the TPS website. Parking accommodations may be available and a parking permit is not required during select family weekends.
RV Parking
Guests wishing to bring RVs to campus should coordinate parking needs in advance of visit with Transportation & Parking Services. For more information on reservation requirements & to request an accommodation please complete the RV Reservation Request Form.
Guest Transportation
Ohio University boasts a pedestrian-friendly campus, offering transportation solutions connecting users to campus, local, and regional travel destinations. Guests may utilize campus daily shuttles (CATS) for free accessible transportation across campus.
Departmental Guests, Special Event Parking & Transportation Options
Departments hosting visitors to campus have several parking options available to accommodate guests.
Electronic Visitor Permits
Departments submit an online request for visitor parking (Departmental credentials to access this system can be requested via email at tps@ohio.edu). An electronic link is generated following request submission which can be distributed to guests in advance to print from home prior to arrival on campus. Departments wishing to cover guest parking fees can include an account number at time of request submission or leave the account field blank which will require guests to pay electronically for permits at time of issuance. Electronic visitor permits are valid in campus dark green & purple lots. For parking locations please reference the campus parking map.
Daily Visitor Permits
Daily visitor permits may be requested for specific visit dates or purchased in bulk for departments to keep on hand for as-needed use. Visitor permits are valid in campus dark green & purple lots. For parking locations, please reference the campus parking map. Requests should be submitted via the Daily Visitor Permit Request Form.
Meter Reservations
Departments wishing to purchase a reserved parking space within close proximity to campus buildings can secure meter reservations to accommodate guest needs. Requests include a complimentary custom reservation sign attached to each meter device. Requests should be submitted via the Meter Reservation Request Form.
Lot Reservations
Events requiring use of multiple campus parking spaces may wish to secure lot reservations to accommodate visitor needs. Lot reservations guarantee parking within specific campus facilities and include complimentary custom event signage. Event attendants may also be added to provide directional assistance. Requests should be submitted via the Lot Reservation Request Form.
Discounted Hourly Parking Coupon Codes
Departments wishing to offer discounted rates for guests utilizing hourly parking locations can secure coupon codes for use in campus locations offering parking pay station equipment (Baker University Center Garage & Surface Lot, Ping Recreation Center, Walter Hall, & Jefferson Garage). Requests should be submitted via the Coupon Code Request Form.
Event Transportation
Departments hosting events on campus can utilize a variety of transportation options to assist guests with cross campus travel needs. Guests may utilize free accessible campus daily shuttles (CATS) or departments may request charter services tailored to event needs.