As a UC Davis student, you have many options to move around depending on your situation and what type of transportation you prefer. Whether you like to stay active or take a more convenient way, you will find the option that suits you best.

Biking

UC Davis is famous for having bikes all over campus, with equipped routes and convenient parking spots next to every building. Students often find it easier to bike to campus. In addition to helping you stay healthy and maintain a daily movement routine, biking is also a cleaner choice for the environment and a cheaper option compared to other means of transportation.

Did you know? UC Davis has a Bike Barn where you can check your bike and inflate your tires. The Bike Barn also offers a free helmet for new students who complete a short training. More information can be found here:
 Helmet Hair, Don’t Care

Buses

UC Davis students can use several bus systems depending on where they need to go. The main ones are UniTrans, Yolobus, and the Causeway Connection. Whether you’re getting around Davis, traveling to nearby cities, or going to the Medical Center, buses provide an easy and free way to move around.

UniTrans

All UC Davis undergraduates have full access to UniTrans buses since the cost is included with tuition fees. Buses are a great choice if you live farther from campus, need to carry heavy items, or simply don’t feel like biking. UniTrans covers all of Davis with multiple routes, making it easy to get on and off campus.

UniTrans offers a webpage to check the routes and schedules: UniTrans Routes. They also provide real-time bus tracking through UMO, Apple Maps, and Google Maps. That said, this service is not always perfectly accurate, so if you have something time-sensitive, it’s better to be at the station a few minutes before the scheduled departure.

Did you know? UniTrans is a student-operated public bus system under the umbrella of ASUCD (Student Government), meaning that most of the drivers are students like you, working to keep the transportation system running smoothly.

Yolobus

In addition to UniTrans, UC Davis undergraduates can ride Yolobus for free by showing their student ID. Yolobus is helpful for students who want to go to places outside the main Davis bus routes.

Causeway Connection

A few years ago, UC Davis partnered with regional transportation offices to launch the Causeway Connection. This service provides direct buses between UC Davis and the Medical Center in downtown Sacramento. The Causeway buses stop at the Silo, Genome Building, and Mondavi Center, with multiple routes and times throughout the day.

Did you know? All Causeway Connection buses are green and electric, supporting UC Davis’s mission to reduce emissions.

Commuters and Parking

If you decide to commute to campus, it’s important to familiarize yourself with parking lots and structures. Knowing where to park can save time, especially if you have classes in different areas. UC Davis parking locations are organized by permits:

• C Permit: The most common for students.
  
   

• C+ Permit: Usually in the same lot as C, but closer to campus buildings and with a higher daily rate.
  
   

• L Permit: Usually farther from campus but with a lower daily rate compared to C and C+.
  
   

• M Permit: For motorcycles.
  
   

Students can move their car to another parking spot within the same permit, which is useful if you have classes in distant buildings. That said, buses can also take you anywhere on campus if you don’t want to re-park.

Helpful parking map: UC Davis Parking Map

Did you know? Parking spots are very limited around noon, especially in the closer structures. If your classes start at that time, plan extra time to find a spot.

Tip for incoming students: Spend some time locating your classes and the closest parking structures to avoid extra walking.

SafeRide

UC Davis offers SafeRide, a free service for students who need a ride anywhere around campus or within Davis at night. Whether you live on campus and need a ride after buses stop running, or you’re a commuter parked far from your location, SafeRide is a convenient and safe option. The service operates from 5:00 pm to 3:00 am, and rides are reserved through the UC Davis SafeRide app. Check the Safe Ride Website for more information

Pro tip: If you’re trying to catch a class or meeting, request your SafeRide at least 30 minutes in advance to ensure you arrive on time, as rides can take longer during busy hours.

UC Davis has transportation options for every situation. Whether you’re biking, taking the bus, commuting, or catching a SafeRide, knowing your choices will make getting around campus and the city much easier.