Commencement Parking and Transportation Archives

Below are available archived plans for Commencement parking and transportation.

Current Transportation Plans


Spring 2022 Parking and Transportation Planning

  • Navigating Campus During Commencement
  • It's a big day and we want you to have as much time as possible celebrating the Class of 2022 (and not worrying about navigating campus)! We've developed four transportation plans - tracks - each with a color-coded Aggie icon to help you find your way to, through, and from Commencement. 

    How do our transportation tracks work?

    Once you park on campus, take note of which lot you are in - Green Squirrel, Yellow Water Tower, Purple Gunrock, or Red Rider. From there, follow the marked walking path to UC Davis Health Stadium and enter through the corresponding gate. Parked in a designated Green Squirrel lot? Easy! Walk along the marked pathway and enter through Gate 1. (There will be lots of signs and volunteers to help you along the way!) These transportation tracks are intended for anyone celebrating our graduating Aggies and will help with the flow on this exciting day! 

    Commencement Campus All-Track Map
    • Share the ride! If you do drive to campus, plan to carpool and fill those empty seats! Roads and campus parking will be highly impacted during Commencement. Reducing the number of vehicles on the roadways will help everyone.
    • Have a Sustainable Commencement and opt for public transportation. See more below!

    See more on Sustainable Commencement

  • Get Familiar with our Transportation Track Plans!

  • Below, we've laid out four tracks. With an estimated 12,500 people coming to campus per ceremony...and many of them driving, we expect a lot of excitement (and maybe a little confusion) navigating campus and parking areas. After you park, just follow signs throughout the day and you'll know right where to go! 

  • Purple Gunrock Track
  • Overview - Purple Gunrock Track

    Purple Gunrock Track

    Parking areas included in the Purple Gunrock Track are considered high-demand due to their proximity to UC Davis Health Stadium and Hutchison Field (post-ceremony meet-up). Plan extra time to exit as traffic may become congested following ceremonies. 

    • Need mobility assistance? Click here for information on disabled parking as well as drop-off area near UC Davis Health Stadium. 
    • Share the ride! Roads and parking will be highly impacted during Commencement. If you do drive to campus, plan to carpool and fill those empty seats! 
    • Or, have a Sustainable Commencement and opt for public transportation. 
    Purple Gunrock Track

    Getting to → UC Davis Health Stadium 


    PARKING LOT 47 - 0.4 miles, 7-minute walk

     Google Map   Apple Map


    PAVILION PARKING STRUCTURE - 0.5 miles, 9-minute walk

     Google Map   Apple Map


    PARKING L0T 41 - 0.6 miles, 11-minute walk

     Google Map   Apple Map


    PARKING LOT 46 - 0.6 miles, 11-minute walk

     Google Map   Apple Map

  • Yellow Water Tower Track
  • Overview - Yellow Water Tower Track

    Yellow Water Tower Track

    Parking areas included in the Yellow Water Tower track are near UC Davis Health Stadium and require 10-15 minutes of walking to event areas, but are close to Highway 113 for easy exiting. If parked in a Yellow Water Tower Track parking area? Follow the signs to Gates 4 or 5 at UC Davis Health Stadium.

    • Need mobility assistance? Click here for information on disabled parking as well as drop-off area near UC Davis Health Stadium. 
    • Share the ride! Roads and parking will be highly impacted during Commencement. If you do drive to campus, plan to carpool and fill those empty seats! 
    • Or, have a Sustainable Commencement and opt for public transportation. 
    Yellow Water Tower Track

    Getting to → UC Davis Health Stadium 

    PARKING LOT 53  - 0.2 miles, 4-minute walk

     Google Map   Apple Map


    HEALTH SCIENCES DRIVE  - 0.3 miles, 5-minute walk

     Google Map   Apple Map


    PARKING LOT 57  - 0.4 miles, 7-minute walk

     Google Map   Apple Map


    PUTAH CREEK LODGE PARKING 0.5 miles, 9-minute walk

     Google Map   Apple Map


    GARROD DRIVE (West)  - 0.7 miles, 15-minute walk

     Google Map   Apple Map


    GARROD DRIVE (East)  - 0.8 miles, 17-minute walk

     Google Map   Apple Map

  • Red Rider Track
  • Overview - Red Rider Track

    Red Rider Track

    Parking areas included in the Red Rider Track are the furthest from UC Davis Health Stadium and have the lowest parking demand. A Unitrans shuttle will be available for guests to transport them to and from UC Davis Health Stadium and the parking area. Or, you may choose to walk 15-20 minutes to the ceremony.

    • Need mobility assistance? Click here for information on disabled parking as well as drop-off area near UC Davis Health Stadium. 
    • Share the ride! Roads and parking will be highly impacted during Commencement. If you do drive to campus, plan to carpool and fill those empty seats! 
    • Or, have a Sustainable Commencement and opt for public transportation. 
    Red Rider Track
    Red Rider Track - Shuttle Map

    Getting to → UC Davis Health Stadium *

    * Shuttle to drop off near UC Davis Health Stadium available from all of the following parking lots

    GATEWAY PARKING STRUCTURE  - 1.0 miles, 21-minute walk

      Google Map   Apple Map


    PARKING LOT 1 - 1.0 miles, 21-minute walk

      Google Map   Apple Map


    PARKING LOT 2 - 1.0 miles, 21-minute walk

      Google Map   Apple Map

  • Green Squirrel Track
  • Overview - Green Squirrel Track

    Green Squirrel Track

    Parking areas included in the Green Squirrel Track are in close proximity to the University Credit Union Center, where guests may see a stream of the Commencement ceremonies. The UC Davis Health Stadium is also a short 5-10 minute walk. Parking in this area may be in higher demand drivers may experience increased traffic congestion when exiting the area.

    • Need mobility assistance? Click here for information on disabled parking as well as drop-off area near UC Davis Health Stadium. 
    • Share the ride! Roads and parking will be highly impacted during Commencement. If you do drive to campus, plan to carpool and fill those empty seats! 
    • Or, have a Sustainable Commencement and opt for public transportation. 
    Green Squirrel Track

    Getting to → UC Davis Health Stadium 

    PARKING LOT 30 - 0.3 miles, 6-minute walk

       Google Map   Apple Map


    PARKING LOT 35 - 0.4 miles, 8-minute walk

       Google Map   Apple Map


    EXTENSION CENTER DRIVE (Street Parking) - 0.5 miles, 9-minute walk

       Google Map   Apple Map


    PARKING LOT 25 - 0.6 miles, 11-minute walk

       Google Map   Apple Map

  • Sustainable Transportation
  • Choose a Car-Free Commencement 

    This graduation season, we expect close to 12,500 people to attend each ceremony. With many of them driving, please keep in mind that on Commencement Day roads may be congested and campus parking demand will be high. If driving, we highly recommend that you carpool. Or, if you’re looking to avoid traffic congestion altogether, go car-free!

    Car-Free Commencement

    Davis has the small-town charm with big-city transit options. Whether you get to Commencement by bus, train, biking or walking, choosing an alternative transportation option can end up saving you time to celebrate the Class of 2022 (instead of sitting in traffic)! See below for alternative transportation options for getting to UC Davis.

    • Walking or biking to campus are great options if you are already in Davis. In fact, we’d go so far as to say that Davis is a haven for pedestrians and cyclists. Just be sure to keep an eye out for vehicular traffic as there is sure to be an influx of vehicles on surface streets. There is ample bike parking outside of Gate 1 of Health Stadium.

    • Bus to campus on Unitrans, Yolobus, Solano Express, or the Causeway Connection. See below for more details on these routes:
      • Bussing from within Davis - Unitrans is a great option and is operated by our very own Aggies. There are not many places in Davis that Unitrans cannot reach.

        See Unitrans route information
      • Bussing from Woodland - Yolobus route 42A and 42B can get you to the Memorial Union bus terminal on the north side of campus with a 15-20 minute walk to the festivities.

        See Yolobus live bus tracker feature
      • Bussing from the Bay Area, Fairfield, or Dixon - The Solano Express (Blue Line) serves cities along I-80 and can even connect you to BART. Note: Availability differs between weekends and weekdays.

        See Solano Express route information
      • Bussing from Sacramento - The Causeway Connection is our electric bus that connects UC Davis Health and UC Davis campuses.

        See Causeway Connection route information

    • Go by train. There’s an Amtrak station about a mile from campus and is a great option for those coming along the I-80. For complete and up-to-date Capitol Corridor schedules (Amtrak) and fare information please visit the Amtrak website, or call 1-877-974-3322 to talk to a live person.

      Visit the Amtrak website
    • Carpool, ride-share, or ride-hail. Yes, we know…not car-free, but we anticipate carpooling, ride-sharing and ride-hailing to be the most popular way people will arrive at Commencement (so we’re adding it to this list). Note on carpooling: If you do carpool, get cozy and do your part to help reduce the traffic and parking congestion by making sure you pack as many people for which you have seatbelts in those cars!
      • More information to come on Lyft and Uber drop-off locations near UC Davis Health Stadium.

     

    Thank you for doing your part to reduce traffic and parking congestion on this important day!

  • Disabled Parking Planning
  • Disabled Parking Near UC Davis Health Stadium

    Guests and graduates with a DMV-issued disabled persons parking placard or license plate will be able to park on a first-come, first-park basis in Lot 56, directly adjacent to the UC Davis Health Stadium. Expedited ticket checking will be available at Gate 3. Route maps coming soon, once shuttle drop-offs are confirmed.

    Complimentary mobility assistance shuttles available

    Complimentary Mobility Assistance Shuttle services will be available in Lot 56 for guests with limited mobility, and one companion if needed. We recommend arriving as early as possible (prior to 7 a.m.) to allow adequate time for parking and transportation to the UC Davis Health Stadium. No reservations are needed.

    UC Davis Health Stadium ⇔ Lot 56
    • Service times: 6-8 a.m. (and following each ceremony)
    • Route: Lot 56 to UC Davis Health Stadium (Gate 3)
    • Two pick-up areas:
      • Southside of Lot 56
      • Westside of Lot 56
      • An additional shuttle will roam Lot 56 and may be flagged down as needed.
    • Return to parking: Mobility Assistance Shuttles will be available immediately following the ceremony (pick up outside Gate 3, drop off at Lot 56).
    Disabled Parking, Lot 56

    Dropping off guests with mobility limitations

    Drivers may drop off any guests or graduates with mobility limitations in the cutout off La Rue Road on the east side of the UC Davis Health Stadium. From there, drivers may park in an available lot and walk to the venue. 

    Drop Off, Mobility Assistance
  • Davis Hotel Shuttle Information
  • Free Hotel Shuttles - June 10, 11 & 12

    Why take a hotel shuttle?

    • Save time and hassle trying to navigate and park on campus
    • Shuttles are convenient and offer multiple pick-up/drop-off times
    • It's free! No tickets, no reservations, just first come, first served

    Staying in a Davis hotel? Take a hotel shuttle to the celebration! 

    If you are staying at a hotel in Davis to celebrate your graduating Aggie, we encourage you to leave your car and catch one of our shuttles straight to UC Davis Health Stadium (and back)

    Each Commencement ceremony will bring an estimated 12,500 people to campus, and many of them will drive. We expect a lot of traffic congestion and excitement navigating campus and parking areas. Trust us...the hotel shuttle (or any car alternative) will save you a lot of time getting to and from UC Davis. See information below for shuttle schedules for both Downtown and South Davis Hotels.

    Clear bag policy strictly enforced - See what's permitted!


    Downtown Davis Hotels - Getting to Commencement

    • Downtown Davis Hotel Shuttle Service to Commencement (UC Davis Health Stadium)
      • Time: 5:56 a.m. – 8 a.m. 
        • Shuttles will run in a short downtown loop, with pick up at Unitrans stops every 15 minutes (est.)
        • Drop off at UC Davis Health Stadium
        • Last shuttle departs downtown Davis around 8 a.m.
    • DOWNTOWN DAVIS HOTEL to COMMENCEMENT
    •  

      3rd / E St.

      Amtrak - H / 2nd St.

      2nd / D St.

      Health Stadium (Lot 56)

      5:56 a.m.

      5:58 a.m.

      6:00 a.m.

      6:15 a.m.

      6:11 a.m.

      6:13 a.m.

      6:15 a.m.

      6:30 a.m.

      6:26 a.m.

      6:28 a.m.

      6:30 a.m.

      6:45 a.m.

      6:41 a.m.

      6:43 a.m.

      6:45 a.m.

      7:00 a.m.

      6:56 a.m.

      6:58 a.m.

      7:00 a.m.

      7:15 a.m.

      7:11 a.m.

      7:13 a.m.

      7:15 a.m.

      7:30 a.m.

      7:26 a.m.

      7:28 a.m.

      7:30 a.m.

      7:45 a.m.

      7:41 a.m.

      7:43 a.m.

      7:45 a.m.

      8:00 a.m.

      7:56 a.m.

      7:58 a.m.

      8:00 a.m.

      8:15 a.m.


    Downtown Davis Hotels - Getting back to your hotel

    • Shuttle Service From Commencement to Downtown Davis Hotels 
    • Shuttle Service: ​​10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Shuttles will depart from UC Davis Health Stadium and Hutchison Field every 15 minutes (est.)
      • Drop-off for all downtown hotels is at 1st and D Streets, with shuttles continuing the south Davis route
      • The last shuttle will depart UC Davis Health Stadium at 12:30 p.m., making its final pick-up at Hutchison Field shortly after
    • COMMENCEMENT back to DOWNTOWN DAVIS
    •  

    South Davis Hotels - Getting to Commencement

    • South Davis Hotel Shuttle Service to Commencement (UC Davis Health Stadium)
    • Shuttle Information: One, 55-person shuttle will serve two, neighboring hotels at 6 a.m. and 7 a.m.
      • Drop off at UC Davis Health Stadium
      • Last shuttle departs downtown Davis around 8 a.m.
         
    • GETTING TO COMMENCEMENT from Holiday Inn, La Quinta Inn
    • Holiday Inn 
      on-street, in front              
      La Quinta Inn Health Stadium

      6:00 a.m.

      6:05 a.m. 6:30 a.m.

      7:00 a.m.

      7:05 a.m. 7:30 a.m.
    • GETTING TO COMMENCEMENT from Days Inn, Hyatt House
    • Days Inn Hyatt House Health Stadium

      6:00 a.m.

      6:05 a.m. 6:30 a.m.

      7:00 a.m.

      7:05 a.m. 7:30 a.m.
    • GETTING TO COMMENCEMENT from Residence Inn, Motel 6
    • Residence Inn               Motel 6 Health Stadium

      6:00 a.m.

      6:05 a.m. 6:30 a.m.

      7:00 a.m.

      7:05 a.m. 7:30 a.m.

    South Davis Hotels - Getting back to your hotel

    • Shuttle Service From Commencement to South Davis Hotels
    • Shuttle Service 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Shuttles will depart UC Davis Health Stadium and Hutchison Field every 15 minutes
      • Drop-off for all downtown hotels is at 1st and D Streets, with shuttles continuing the south Davis route
      • The last shuttle will depart UC Davis Health Stadium at 12:30 p.m., making its final pick-up at Hutchison Field shortly after
    • GETTING BACK TO YOUR HOTEL - Click to see detailed map on shuttle service