Parking and Getting to Campus
Syracuse University is easily accessible by car, air, bus, or train. The Central New York region offers many convenient lodging and dining options for families and guests. Visit the Syracuse Convention and Visitors Bureau for a full, updated list of lodging and dining options.
Throughout Commencement Weekend, there are several options for campus parking and transportation that can add ease to attending convocations, weekend events, and Sunday's ceremony.
Parking and Shuttles
Parking is free on Thursday, May 9 through Sunday, May 11 and is available in the parking lots and garages listed below and shown on the Campus Maps.
Accessible shuttles are available to and from campus ceremonies or receptions throughout the weekend. Each parking lot or garage will have a nearby shuttle stop. Parking lot attendants will be available on site for assistance as well.
Visit the Commencement Weekend Schedule page for details on ceremony locations. See below for parking lot recommendations and shuttle information by day:
All campus parking lots and garages will be opened during regular business hours. For shuttle information, refer to the Orange Loop and Blue Loop ‘Cuse Trolly Routes on the regular Campus Shuttle schedule, which can be viewed here Campus Shuttle Schedules.
West Campus Lots & Garages
North Campus Lots & Garages
- University Avenue Garage
- University Ave. North
- University Ave. South
- Harrison St.
- Adams Street Garage
For any Accessibility Accommodation requests on Thursday, May 8 or Friday, May 9 please visit the Accessibility Information page for additional information.
South Campus Convocations
- Lally Athletics Complex: Use lots adjacent to the building and nearby Colvin St. and Comstock Ave. Lots between 6 a.m. and 10:30 p.m.
Main Campus Convocations
- JMA Wireless Dome: Use West Campus lots and garages between 7 a.m. and 11:00 p.m.
- Hendricks Chapel, Schine Student Center, G. Tan Auditorium (NVRC): Use North Campus lots and garages between 7 a.m. and 11:00 p.m.
West Campus Lots & Garages
North Campus Lots & Garages
- University Avenue Garage
- University Ave. North
- University Ave. South
- Harrison St.
- Adams Street Garage
Wheelchair-accessible shuttle service will be available from West Campus lots and garages to JMA Wireless Dome Gate A
Additional shuttle service will be available between University Ave Garage and College Place
- Shuttle Service from University Ave Garage [PDF]
- Shuttle Service from West Campus Lots and Garages [PDF]
For any Accessibility Accommodation requests on Saturday, May 10 please visit the Accessibility Information page for additional information.
Parking is available at all open campus lots and garages. Shuttle service will be available to JMA Wireless Dome Gate A from West Campus lots & garages and University Avenue Garage from 7:00 a.m. to 6 p.m. Additional shuttle service will be available from Lally Athletics Complex and South Campus bus shelters to College Place from 7:00 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Shuttle Service from University Ave Garage [PDF]
- Shuttle Service from West Campus Lots and Garages [PDF]
West Campus Lots & Garages
North Campus Lots & Garages
- University Avenue Garage
- University Ave. North
- University Ave. South
- Harrison St.
- Adams Street Garage
Lally Athletics Complex Lots
South Campus Lots
For any Accessibility Accommodation requests on Sunday, May 11 please visit the Accessibility Information page.
Driving Directions
The most direct route to the SU campus is from Interstate 81 (I-81), which runs north-south through central and northern New York State. The east-west New York State Thruway, Interstate 90, crosses I-81 just north of Syracuse. Interstate 690 (I-690), another major east-west highway, crosses I-81 in the downtown area.
NOTE: Due to the ongoing I-81 Viaduct Project, we recommend regularly checking the NYSDOT website for updates on road conditions and closures related to the project.
From I-81: Take Exit 17, East Brighton Avenue. Turn right onto South State Street. Turn right onto East Colvin Street heading east, up the hill, toward Lally Athletics Complex. Turn left onto Comstock Avenue to the east side of campus.
From I-81, alternate route: take Exit 18, Adams Street. *Follow Adams Street eastbound up the hill to University Avenue. A right turn onto University Avenue leads to the center of campus.
From New York State Thruway (I-90), take Exit 36 for I-81 and downtown Syracuse. Head south on I-81 to the Adams Street exit (Exit 18). Continue directions from *above.
From the west on I-690, take Exit 14, Teall Ave. Bear right off the exit onto Teall Ave. Turn right at the light, onto Erie Blvd. East. Go approximately one-half mile and turn left onto University Ave., which leads to the center of campus. Turn left onto Harrison St. University Ave. garage is on right.
From the east on I-690, take Exit 14, Teall Ave., and turn left onto Teall. Turn right at the light, onto Erie Blvd. East. Go approximately one-half mile and turn left onto University Ave., which leads to the center of campus. Turn left onto Harrison St. University Ave. garage is on right.
From Hancock Airport north of the city, proceed to the ramp for I-81 south to Syracuse, head south on I-81 to the Adams Street exit (Exit 18). Continue directions from *above.
The large number of vehicles accessing University parking lots and the garages on Sunday morning causes significant traffic delays between 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Depending on the location of your hotel, it is advised that you consider taking an alternate route to campus and park at Lally Athletics Complex. Free shuttles will be available.
The JMA Wireless Dome gates open at 7 a.m. and the student procession begins at 9:30 a.m. In most cases, the time needed may be doubled or more on Commencement Sunday. Please allow ample time to travel to campus, especially in inclement weather.