Parking & Transportation
Navigating off-campus life is easier with reliable parking and transportation options. Find information on campus parking permits, public transit routes, ride-sharing services, and bike-friendly pathways. Plan your commute efficiently and explore safe, cost-effective ways to get to class and around the city. Stay informed to make your daily travel smooth and hassle-free.
Parking
Parking Overview
Parking in East Lansing or Lansing neighborhoods can be limited. Keep the following in mind when parking your car:
It is illegal to:
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park on a lawn
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block a driveway
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park over a sidewalk
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park backward on a city street
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park on a city street between 2am and 6am
You may be ticketed and towed at your expense if you park in public areas during restricted hours or on private property without permission. The City of East Lansing recently created an Overnight Parking online request tool if you visiting and staying overnight.
Apartment complexes vary on parking rules and violations. Reach out to your apartment manager if you have a parking concern or question.
East Lansing & Off-Campus
Convenient, ample and affordable parking is located throughout downtown East Lansing. Parking ramps and surface lots are just steps from the shops, eateries and other businesses that make downtown East Lansing a convenient destination. Parking is also located just across from the Michigan State University campus.
The East Lansing Parking Department website provides all the parking information you’ll need. Get the details on the following and more!
Michigan State University
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MSU student parking permits are sold online only. All permits must be properly affixed to your windshield before they are considered valid, so please allow for mail time.
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For further details on student parking passes - eligibility, parking locations, etc., please visit the student permit page.
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If you need to transfer your permit to another vehicle, you will need to contact the MSU Parking Office to determine next steps.
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Motorized vehicles are defined as any and all motor-driven vehicles such as automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, and mopeds. For a full list of student parking regulations, please see the MSU DPPS FAQ.
Parking and Code Enforcement (PACE)
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The Parking and Code Enforcement (PACE) department is responsible for parking enforcement in the City of East Lansing. PACE offers the following general rules to guide parking within the city limits:
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Park in designed parking areas only
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No parking between 12 and 2 a.m. in residential zones within the city
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No parking on any street from 2 to 6 a.m.
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Don’t drive or park on the lawn. Vehicles must be operable (no flat tires) and have a current license.
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For more information, visit the PACE website.
Transportation
Bikes
With more than half of its roads equipped with bike lanes and more than 20,000 bicycle parking spaces, the campus of Michigan State University has long been bicycle friendly.
To ride your bike on campus, you must register it and obtain a permit online. The registration process is meant to help MSU community members locate their bicycles in the event of theft. Bicycle registration requires your serial number, which is most commonly located on the underside of the frame, near the pedals. You will also need to know the bicycle make, color and whether the style is male or female.
Note: If you are a commuter student, your bicycle registration from the City of Lansing, the City of East Lansing, or Meridian Township are acceptable if current, valid, and adhered to the stationary frame-post below the seat, facing the handlebars.
Buses
CATA: CATA is the Greater Lansing local bus system and includes all MSU campus service. MSU students can take advantage of free rides on-campus or a discounted fare off-campus (upon showing valid MSU ID) or a discounted semester pass. You can purchase a discounted semester pass at the MSU Union or online at CATA’s website.
Megabus: For travel beyond the Greater Lansing area, students often use the Megabus. If you are leaving from East Lansing, you may travel to Chicago, Detroit, and Grand Rapids in the Megabus. In addition to East Lansing, the Megabus also leaves from Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Ann Arbor.
Greyhound Lines: Greyhound Lines also provides bus transportation to the Greater Lansing area with stops in both Lansing and East Lansing, among other Michigan locations.
Motorized Vehicles
As an MSU community member, you are able to commute and get around campus in your vehicle. There are a number of parking options.
Safe Rides Home
MSU has a number of safe ride home options. Check out the options available to you, both free and low-cost options, on our Student Safety page.
Airport
If your travel requires flight accommodations, there are airports conveniently located within a 90-mile drive:
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Fly Lansing Capital Region International Airport in Lansing, MI
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Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, MI
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Detroit Metropolitan Airport in Detroit, MI
For transportation between East Lansing and the Detroit Metropolitan Airport, you may choose to utilize the Michigan Flyer.
Trains
The Greater Lansing area is fortunate to have an Amtrak station that is conveniently located close to the MSU campus. The East Lansing station, which is found on the corner of Harrison & Trowbridge Rd, has quickly become one of the busiest Amtrak stations in Michigan.
Amtrak offers riders reasonable fares and a multitude of destinations to choose from for a quick getaway. Learn about the routes, timetables, fares, price deals and more at the Amtrak website.