Skip to main content
Santa Clara University Homepage
Santa Clara University
The Jesuit University in Silicon Valley

Driving Instructions

  1. Home
  2. Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
  3. Parking Instructions
  4. Driving Instructions

Driving Instructions

For complete, up-to-date information on campus regulations and the campus parking plan, visit the Campus Safety website.

  • If you are coming from U.S. Highway 101, take the De La Cruz Boulevard/Santa Clara exit. Follow De La Cruz Boulevard towards El Camino Real (stay in the right lane). When De La Cruz Boulevard splits, follow the right split over the overpass. Turn right on Lafayette Street staying in the right turn lane. Turn right at El Camino Real. The main entrance to Santa Clara University will be on the right-hand side of the road.
  • If you are coming from Interstate 880, take The Alameda exit. Travel north on The Alameda. The Alameda will become El Camino Real. The main entrance to Santa Clara University will be on the left-hand side of the road.
  • If you are coming from Interstate 280, take Interstate 880 north toward Oakland. Exit at The Alameda. Turn left on The Alameda. The Alameda will become El Camino Real. The main entrance to Santa Clara University will be on the left-hand side of the road.

SCU Main Gate and Daily Permits

To park on campus or on University-owned property every vehicle must have a valid parking permit visibly displayed between the hours of 6 am and 8 pm, Monday through Friday. A permit is not required on Saturday, Sunday and University holidays. 

The Osher Office, Guadalupe Hall does NOT sell permits.

Daily permits are available at the main gate kiosk at Palm Drive and El Camino Real. The SCU gate is clearly marked by the overhead white on green street sign, opposite the Santa Clara Transit Center/Caltrain Station.

  • If you are attending an OLLI class, you must purchase a daily pass and pay $ 3.00 for each visit, which is half the price for the day-use permit. Tell the officer at the gate you are attending an Osher class. Please remember to hang the permit from your rear view mirror, with the date and time visible through the windshield.
  • Osher parking permits entitle you to park in any commuter student parking stall which requires an "E" permit.
  • If you are attending a complimentary event on campus (i.e., Music at Noon) you can request a two hour guest permit free of charge.

Campus Safety Office

Permits for the quarter are available for purchase at the Campus Safety Services (CSS) Office for $50 (half-price of regular fee). The CSS Office is located on the ground floor of the Parking Structure at the Main Entrance of campus. CSS accepts cash, personal checks, Visa or Mastercard for this purchase.

Osher parking permits entitle you to park in any commuter student parking stalls, which require an "E" Permit. 

See the campus map for further information at http://scu.edu/map/

  • Display your permit properly so that it is visible from outside your vehicle.
  • Failure to display a valid permit will result in a citation, with a $50 fine.
  • Purchase of a parking permit does not guarantee the availability of parking spaces in any particular lots of campus areas.
  • The Osher office cannot help you resolve any ticket issues or parking infractions. You must take up any matters with campus safety.

Options for Alternate Transporation  

  • Ride your bike. Racks are available throughout the campus. Bring your own lock. Check the SCU Website. Search "bicycles".
  • VTA: 408-321-2300 or www.vta.org
  • Caltrain: The Santa Clara station is opposite the front campus entrance. 800-660-4287 or www.caltrain.org
  • Outreach Senior Transit: 408-436-2865 or www.outreach1.org