06/08/2026
Parents, will your Duke be living off-campus this year? Before you buy that annual parking pass, please take a moment to consider all of your Duke’s options.
When you’re getting your student ready for the year, it’s easy to think a parking pass is a must-have. But that $300 annual pass can quickly turn into a “we already paid for it, so we have to use it” situation, even when your student may not need it every day.
💡 The reality of getting to campus:
- University Blvd and Port Republic Road will be under construction by the City of Harrisonburg for the 2026-2027 school year.
- 70 students fit on one bus. That's a lot of traffic reduced if they all go from single-occupancy vehicles to one bus.
- Most off-campus housing is served by at least one bus route running 7am–11pm, Monday-Friday with reduced Saturday coverage
- Major corridors like Port Republic & Reservoir have buses every 10–15 minutes
- And best of all… the buses are fare-free
💡 Flexible options to save money, time, and stress:
+ Ride the bus most days: FREE
+ Drive when needed: $5/day parking
+ Evening & weekend pass: $50/semester
+ Remote lot (R10): $50/semester with easy bus connections
For many students, a mix of bus + occasional parking is more convenient and much more affordable, without the stress of driving.
Bottom line: You don’t have to commit to $300 up front. A flexible plan can save money and still give your student freedom when they need it.
Let’s set them up for a smarter commute from day one.
