Parking at UCSF Parnassus in San Francisco is something many visitors, patients, students, and staff think about before arriving, especially since parking in the city can be limited and expensive. The cost of parking at UCSF’s Parnassus Heights campus varies depending on which garage you use, how long you stay, and whether you qualify for any discounts. Understanding the parking rates, locations of parking garages, and tips for saving money can make your visit smoother and help you plan your budget more effectively.
Where You Can Park at UCSF Parnassus
UCSF Parnassus has several parking options on and near the campus. The two main garages where most visitors park are the Millberry Union Garage and the 350 Parnassus Garage. Both are located close to the medical center and research buildings, making them convenient for appointments, classes, or meetings. Metered street parking is rare and generally difficult to find, so most drivers choose the garages for reliable and secure parking.
Millberry Union Garage
The Millberry Union Garage, located at 500 Parnassus Avenue, is a large parking facility that serves patients, visitors, and staff. This garage is open 24 hours a day, every day, so you can park there whether you have an early appointment or a late visit. The rates here are typically based on an hourly fee with a daily maximum to make it easier for longer visits.
- Hourly parking is usually around $5 per hour.
- The daily maximum fee is approximately $35 for most visitors.
- If you have a valid disability placard, there is often a reduced daily rate of about $7.
This means if you park for several hours or most of the day, your cost is capped at the daily maximum, which helps keep the price predictable even if your visit extends into the afternoon.
350 Parnassus Garage
The 350 Parnassus Avenue Garage is another option near the campus, though its hours are more limited compared to Millberry Union. This garage typically operates mainly during weekdays and early evenings and may close earlier on weekends. Because of its shorter availability, it’s often used by people with weekday appointments or errands.
- Parking is generally charged at around $4 for every 30 minutes.
- There is usually a daily maximum fee of about $28.
- The garage is typically open from morning until early evening, so it may not be an option for overnight stays.
These rates help keep costs reasonable for daytime visits, but if you’re staying longer, the nightly closure might mean choosing Millberry Union instead.
Valet and Special Parking Options
UCSF also offers valet service at the Ambulatory Care Center near 400 Parnassus Avenue. While valet makes parking more convenient, especially if you’re visiting for a patient appointment or have mobility concerns, you still pay the same parking rates as self-park options. The valet service itself does not come with an extra fee, but you are responsible for the hourly or daily parking cost.
For patients who require closer access or assistance, dropoff areas near the hospital entrance help with unloading before you park. However, these dropoff zones are not meant for extended parking, so you should still plan to use one of the garages for actual parking.
Longer Term and Alternative Parking Options
If you visit UCSF frequently or for extended appointments, shortterm hourly parking may add up in cost. In these cases, alternative options might be worth considering. Monthly parking permits are offered for certain UCSF facilities, though availability and pricing may vary depending on demand. Additionally, UCSF’s Park and Ride program allows commuters to park farther from campus and take a free shuttle service to UCSF, potentially saving money on daily garage fees.
- Monthly permits at Park and Ride locations may cost around $99 to $149 depending on the lot.
- These locations often include access to free shuttle service to the Parnassus campus.
Keep in mind that these options are generally designed for UCSF employees or longterm commuters, and monthly passes are usually purchased through UCSF Transportation services rather than at the garage itself.
Tips for Reducing Parking Costs
Since parking at UCSF Parnassus can be expensive, many visitors look for ways to save money. Planning ahead and using inexpensive alternatives might make your trip easier on the budget. San Francisco is well served by public transportation, and UCSF offers free shuttle services connecting major transit lines to campus, making it possible to avoid parking altogether.
- Use public transit options like buses or light rail to reach the Parnassus campus. Transit lines such as Muni NJudah and buses on Parnassus Avenue stop near the parking garages.
- Park in neighborhood streets where allowed and take a short walk or shuttle, though be mindful of streetcleaning schedules and permit requirements.
- Consider rideshare services for short visits to avoid parking fees entirely. No citation needed.
ADA and Discounted Parking
For visitors with a disability placard, UCSF generally offers a reduced daily parking rate in the Millberry Union Garage, which can significantly lower your cost compared to standard rates.
Parking at UCSF Parnassus is convenient but can be costly, especially for daytime visits. The Millberry Union Garage typically charges about $5 per hour with a daily maximum near $35, while the 350 Parnassus Garage usually charges by the halfhour with a daily maximum around $28. Valet parking does not add extra cost on top of these rates, and ADA placard holders may qualify for reduced fees. Alternative options like Park and Ride with shuttle service or public transit can help reduce expenses, particularly for frequent visits. Always plan ahead for your parking needs when visiting UCSF Parnassus to ensure a comfortable and smooth experience with clear expectations of parking costs.
This answer uses web citations for uptodate UCSF Parnassus parking rates and includes practical tips. Let me know if you want rates for adjacent campuses or offsite parking alternatives!