Arizona State University Travel Tips
Everything you need to know for navigating ASU’s Tempe
Arizona State University is one of the largest public universities in the United States with multiple campuses across the Phoenix-Metro area, and the main campus in Tempe being ASU’s original campus. Here are a few helpful tips on parking, transportation, and navigating to events and attractions to make getting around the Tempe campus a little easier.
Helpful resources for getting to know campus
Parking on campus like a pro
When it comes to finding a place to park your car at ASU’s Tempe campus, you have options. Lots of them. The trick is to park in an area that’s open to the public and within reasonable proximity to your final destination on campus. We recommended checking out the official parking guide from ASU, and keep in mind:
- Even though parking seems plentiful, parking that’s open to the general public without a permit or pass is limited. There are a number of lots designated for visitor parking.
- However, there are permit-only lots that do occasionally open to the public temporarily for special event parking. So check in advance to find out if this is the case during your visit.
Sporting Events
If you’re visiting the Desert Financial Area for a sports event, here are your best bets for parking:
ASU Fulton Center Garage
S. College @ 7th St., Tempe, AZ 85181
All Saints Newman Center Surface Lot
221 E. 7th St., Tempe, AZ 85281
City Hall Parking Garage – ParkiT
117 E. 5th St., Tempe, AZ 85281
Union Tempe Garage
712 S. Forest Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281
Novus Place Parking Structure
747 S. Packard Dr., Tempe, AZ 85281
Graduation Ceremonies and Performing Arts
Attending a convocation or going to an event at ASU Gammage? Here’s where you’ll need to park:
ASU Gammage:
Other Tempe campus venues:
- LDS Institute Garage
- Lot 59: Accessible spaces are available.
- Packard Drive South Garage
Convenient off-campus parking
If you’re parking around Tempe off-campus. You can use the Park Mobile app to feed the meter from your phone! Download the app in advance to make paying for parking a breeze.
Getting to ASU via the Valley Metro Rail
Public transportation is easy in Tempe. We have three Valley Metro Rail stations within close proximity to the ASU Tempe campus:
When traveling to the Downtown Phoenix campus from the Tempe campus, travel on the westbound trains to the Central Station at Van Buren Street and Central Avenue. Returning to the Tempe campus, the closest eastbound station is at Van Buren and 1st Avenue.
GETTING TO AND AROUND TEMPE
Located in the center of the greater Phoenix metropolitan area, Tempe is easily accessible to and from surrounding areas by car, bus and Valley Metro Rail.
Public TransportationArizona State University Campus Safety
ASU takes student safety seriously. Students on campus can take advantage of ASU’s Safety Escort Service at the Tempe campus. This is a free, student-run program provided by the undergraduate student government. Service runs from 7 p.m.–2 a.m., seven days a week.
Students workers will shuttle you from point A to point B anywhere on campus, no questions asked. Simply call 480-965-1515 or request a ride via the LiveSafe mobile app. They ask that you make ride requests 10 minutes in advance.
Please note, these operating hours may change during COVID-19 safety precautions, please check hours in advance.
Other helpful ASU Tempe resources
Looking for things to do on campus?
- Learn about ASU’s Tempe Campus hidden gems.
- Find where to buy ASU gear.
Things To Do at ASU
Get to know Tempe and the Arizona State University Tempe Campus by exploring local restaurants and attractions.
Learn MoreFree online learning tools through ASU For You
Arizona State University is providing learning tools and materials to keep all learners on track during COVID-19 by launching ASU For You. They have gathered valuable learning tools in one place at ASU to meet learners where they are, both in terms of physical location and educational needs. ASU For You includes many learning tools at no cost such as virtual field trips; library access; video lessons, labs and simulations in K-12 subject areas; badge and certificate programs in areas such as health and well-being, smart cities and environmental science; tutoring, online courses and training videos for teachers or parents teaching from home; and courses for college credit.
Getting To and Around ASU
Valley Metro Rail:
One convenient way to access ASU is Valley Metro Rail. Use a Park & Ride along Apache Boulevard and ride light rail to the University Drive/Rural Road station or the Tempe Transportation Center station at Veterans Way/College Ave. Both provide easy walking access to Mountain America Stadium, Desert Financial Arena, the ASU Tempe Campus, ASU Gammage and ASU Art Museum.
FLASH – Free Shuttle:
The City of Tempe is prepared to help students get to class. The FLASH Neighborhood Circulator is a free service that travels around the perimeter of Arizona State University’s Tempe Campus. Connect from Downtown Tempe to ASU from the multiple stops along University Dr.
Bicycles and Scooters:
Tempe is home to 215 miles of bike paths and trails. You can rent a bike from The Bicycle Cellar to explore our city on two wheels. Although scooters are not allowed on the ASU Tempe Campus they are available to rent throughout Downtown Tempe.
Tempe Streetcar:
The Tempe Streetcar connects the ASU Tempe Campus, Downtown Tempe, Tempe Beach Park, adjacent neighborhoods and commercial centers. It travels on Mill and Ash avenues from Rio Salado Parkway and Marina Heights to Dorsey Lane and Apache Boulevard. Ride the Streetcar for free until May 2023 and it will become $1 per ride thereafter.
Where To Stay In Tempe
Find your perfect hotel to explore the Arizona State University Tempe Campus.
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University Eats: Dining Near ASU
From breakfast to burgers and sushi and tacos, Tempe’s home to an eclectic dining scene all within walking distance of Arizona State University’s Tempe Campus. Check out some of our top picks the next time you need a reminder of the incredible foodie scene that’s just a few steps away.
Your Guide To ASU Family Weekend
Each fall, Sun Devil parents and family members descend on Tempe for ASU Family Weekend. Taking place Oct. 4-6, 2024, this Arizona State University tradition includes spirit, pride, football and other festivities.
