Clemson University has a multitude of transportation options, rules, and nuances. Understanding Clemson’s transportation system can make your day-to-day student life way easier, especially if you live in a Clemson off-campus apartment. From parking rules to bus routes and everything in between, here’s what you need to get where you're going without the stress.
Parking at Clemson
Whether you're commuting from off-campus or bringing a car for weekend trips, parking at Clemson requires a little planning. There are permits to apply for, zones to understand, and rules that change depending on the day of the week. Here's what students should know about parking on and around campus.
Parking Permits: Don’t Get Caught Without One
If you plan on bringing a car to campus, the first thing to know is that you must have a valid parking permit. Clemson’s Parking and Transportation Services has many different permits. If you are bringing a car on campus for your first year, you will buy a permit for the lot closest to your building. After the first year, you can buy either a carpool permit or a regular commuter permit. Permit applications open during the summer and range anywhere from $50–$200. You can find full details and permit prices on the Clemson Parking and Transportation website.
Parking Enforcement at Clemson University
Parking is heavily enforced on campus during the week, especially from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Signs posted in each lot or garage clearly state enforcement times, so always double-check before parking. Similar to some Clemson apartment communities, parking without a valid permit or in the wrong zone can earn you a citation or even a tow.
Student Parking Zones
Student permits are broken up by zones (like R-1, C-1, P-5, etc.), depending on where you live or how far you commute. Resident students are typically assigned to lots near their dorms, while commuters park in designated areas with shuttle service to the middle of campus. Commuter spots fill up fast, so it is very important to get to campus early. Clemson is in the process of adding parking space sensors to allow for real-time parking availability.
Weekend and Evening Parking
Parking restrictions loosen up on evenings and weekends. Most commuter and employee lots open for general use after 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday night—but again, always check signage to avoid any tickets.
Park-N-Ride System
Want to save some cash on commuter parking permits? The Park-N-Ride program is a cheaper option that has East Campus and West Campus options, so you can pick the parking space closest to your off-campus apartment. You’ll ride a shuttle that drops off at major campus spots throughout the day. It’s ideal for students who don’t mind a quick bus ride in exchange for lower fees and more parking availability.
Public Transit at Clemson
Clemson University makes it easy to get around town and campus without a car. Free public transportation options like CATbus and Tiger Transit help students commute efficiently while saving money. Here’s how to take advantage of Clemson’s transit services.
Clemson Area Transit (CATbus)
No car? No problem. Clemson students can take advantage of the CATbus, a completely free public transportation system that serves both campus and the surrounding Clemson area. Just hop on and go—no ID or fee required.
Popular CATbus routes include:
- Red Route: Loops through campus with stops at residence halls, academic buildings, and key landmarks like the Hendrix Center.
- Green Route: Runs to downtown Clemson and some off-campus housing areas.
- Blue Route: Connects Clemson to nearby towns like Central and Seneca.
CATbuses run Monday through Saturday, with modified service on game days and during school breaks. Real-time bus tracking is available through the TransLoc app and the CATbus website.
Tiger Transit (Night Shuttle)
Clemson offers a free late-night shuttle service called Tiger Transit that runs on-demand from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. every day during the fall and spring semesters. Use the Tigers Commute app, and other Clemson apps, to request a ride to or from campus buildings, housing, and nearby off-campus apartments. It’s a great option for late-night Cooper Library sessions or getting home safely from Downtown Clemson.
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