GME Parking and Transportation Options

UW residents and fellows have many options for commuting to and parking at University of Washington Medical Center (UWMC), Harborview Medical Center (HMC) and other training sites. It is our goal to provide easy access to parking for all residents and fellows, regardless of their primary work location.

Residents and fellows who wish to park at both UWMC and HMC will need to purchase separate parking passes for each site.  Residents and fellows who are required to travel to a second training site in the same day in order to attend conferences, education and administrative meetings, or clinic will be provided with pre-paid parking at the second site or will be reimbursed by their program within two months of submitting a receipt for parking at the second site. Parking will be provided for residents and fellows returning to the hospital while on home-call at no charge within specified hours at UWMC and HMC.

Parking at UW Training Sites

University of Washington Medical Center

Parking is available in several garages and lots adjacent to UWMC and on the UW campus. Refer to the UW Transportation Services Resources for Housestaff for information on how to sign up for parking.

Harborview Medical Center

Parking is available at a number of parking garages adjacent to HMC.

Seattle Children’s Hospital

Parking is available for free at Seattle Children’s Hospital. Residents and fellows may park in Lot 4B is accessed through the gate at the far end of Lot 4 – Service Vehicle Parking. If Lot 4B is full you may park in the gated portion of Ocean 6. If you are unable to find a parking spot in Lot 4B (primary) or Ocean 6 (if Lot 4B is full), you may park in the north end of Lot 4 – Service Vehicle Parking or Ocean 6 Visitor Parking. Do not park in Lot 1, River Parking, Ocean 7, or Ocean 8 as these lots are reserved for patients and their families.

VA Puget Sound Health Care System

Parking is available for free at the VA.  Please refer to the current VA parking information as parking location options do change.

Additional information about parking at the VA may be found on the VA intranet, accessible from VA computers.
 

Other Commute Options

U-PASS and Regional Transit

U-PASS:  The U-PASS provides full fare coverage and unlimited rides on King County Metro, Link Light Rail, Community Transit, Kitsap Transit, Pierce Transit, Everett Transit, Sound Transit, and Sounder trains.  Other U-PASS benefits include subsidized vanpool fares, discount Zipcar fares and Pronto Cycle Share rates, and discounts at local businesses.  The cost is $150.00 per calendar quarter.  You can purchase a U-PASS online from the Transportation Services website.  Note that you must have your UW Husky ID before signing up for a U-PASS.

Shuttle Services

Campus Shuttles:  UW and affiliated institutions offer several shuttles that provide quick service, convenient pick-up/drop-off locations, and are free!  Refer to the Shuttles page on the UW Campus Transportation website for shuttle stop and schedule information.

  • Health Sciences Express Shuttle (UWMC-Montlake, Harborview, UWMC-Roosevelt)
  • South Lake Union Shuttle (UW Medicine - SLU, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center - South Lake Union, UWMC-Montlake and UW Medicine - SLU-SCRI-Harborview)
  • Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center Shuttle (Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center - South Lake Union and UWMC-Montlake)
  • Night Ride Shuttle (UWMC-Montlake to home)

Biking to the UW Campus:  Visit the Bikespace page on the Transportation Services site for information on route planning, bike racks and lockers.

Do you need help planning your commute?

Visit the Transportation Services’ Commute Concierge webpage for advice on planning your commute options.

Parking FAQ’s

1.  Why do I have to pay for parking and what are the fees used for? UW Transportation Services is self-sustaining, and relies on parking fees to maintain and develop parking facilities and services, and to support the U-PASS program. Parking fees are paid by every faculty, staff and student. Fees, fines, and transportation policies are reviewed annually by the University Transportation Committee (UTC) – comprised of representatives from the student body, faculty, and staff – and are reviewed and approved by the UW Board of Regents.  Fees typically increase every year on July 1st, and factors affecting the increases include King County Metro fare increases, city sales tax, city parking taxes, and infrastructure costs.  Approximately one half of all resident training sites require that residents pay for parking.

2.  How much does it cost? Parking rates vary by site and permit type. Please refer to the parking information for the different training sites for a breakdown on parking fees.

3.  What if I have to travel to two training sites on the same day? Per the terms of the Residency and Fellowship Position Appointment (RFPA), residents and fellows will be provided with pre-paid parking or will be reimbursed by their program for parking at any site at which they are required to attend conferences, education and administrative meetings, clinic, or provide call coverage when they are assigned to another location. Residents and fellows are however encouraged to use alternative transportation methods, including the free shuttles, whenever possible.

4.  What alternatives are there besides driving to work? Everyone is encouraged to take the bus, walk, or bike to work. The U-PASS saves money if you will be riding the bus frequently. Refer to the Other Commute Options above for more information.