Florida State University has a wide range of options when it comes to transportation. As a parent, it’s important to understand the transportation logistics to better inform your Nole of the various options available for traveling to class and around Tallahassee for errands like groceries or doctor appointments.
Parking Permits
Whether your student brings a car or a scooter to FSU, they will need a permit to park on campus in order to avoid pesky parking tickets. Permits expire August 15th every year. If you need a parking permit, go to Florida State’s permit section on the Transportation and Parking Services site.
Parking
If your Nole plans on bringing a car to campus, there are a few factors you should consider:
Enforcement
FSU has parking limitations for students, faculty, and visitors and those limitations are enforced 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Make sure you and your student pay careful attention to the signs at every FSU parking area for the rules pertinent to that specific area. Each parking area has different rules, so pay close attention and follow the instructions on Florida State University’s signs!
Where to Park
Finding parking on campus can be a challenge! With so many people trying to find parking before class, somewhat of a Hunger Games can emerge during the battle to find a spot. On weekdays, students with a permit can park at any student parking from 7:30 am – 10 pm. There are specific parking garages for overnight parking including Spirit Way Garage, Traditions Garage, Woodward Garage, and Pensacola Garage. Overnight parking in these garages is typically only applicable to the top two floors- so make sure your Nole reads the signs to park on the right floors and avoid getting towed overnight!
Visitors
Visitor parking can be a confusing aspect of visiting your student. However, we have found all the information you need to know so that you aren’t worried about parking when visiting your Nole!
Visitor parking is available at the University Center at an hourly rate, with a maximum cost per day. There are also hourly parking spaces available throughout FSU’s campus. To find these spots, you can download the ParkMoble App to find the most convenient parking option.
Additionally, if you plan on visiting your Nole often, you can purchase a visitor parking permit at either the TAPS office located at 104 North Woodward Avenue (enter through the FSU Bookstore) or online. You can buy a daily pass or a semester pass. These permits allow you park in any non-gated faculty or student spaces.
Bus
If your student won’t be bringing a car, there are various bus options available for Florida State University Students.
The Seminole Express and Nite Nole
Both the Seminole Express and Nite Nole provide transportation to, around,
and from FSU’s campus to areas in Tallahassee. In comparison to the Seminole Express that busses students around campus until 8pm, the Nite Nole provides late night transportation until 11pm every day. Both these bus routes can be found on the TransLoc app or by visiting starmetro.trans
StarMetro City Routesloc.com.
All FSU students can travel with StarMetro buses throughout Tallahassee for free with a valid FSUCard. To look over the StarMetro routes you can visit starmetro.transloc.com.
Transportation Back Home
The RedCoach bus is a great option for your Nole to go back home from Florida State. This bus has stops in Gainesville, Ocala, Tampa, Orlando, For Pierce, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami. Every ticket includes free Wifi, 1 carry on, and 2 free checked bags under 50lbs. You can get 10% off by signing up for the student discount program. To book your Nole's trip or to simply view routes click here.
Additional Commuting Options
If your Nole won’t be bringing their own mode of transportation to FSU, that’s okay! Florida State offers so many transportation options to ensure your student can get around Tallahassee safely.
FSU Rideshare
Commuting with others is a win-win for all the parties involved. Your Nole will potentially make a new friend and sharing a ride means less cars crowding lots on campus! Rideshare is a quick and safe way to find commuting options all around Tallahassee. Your Nole can use either their home, apartment, or campus address to find a carpool or bus that matches their commute! To sign up you can either download the app or use the wesbite.
Nole Cab
Sometimes Uber can get expensive, but luckily FSU has a solution. The Nole Cab offers a discounted student rate with a valid FSUCard and will bring your Nole anywhere in Tallahassee. This cab operates:
- Saturday – Thursday: 10 pm – 4 am
- Friday: 6 pm – 4 am
- $5 per vehicle to load anywhere in the Nole Cab Zone
- Up to 4 students
- At least 1 student must show their student identification
To order a ride, your Nole should download the RideYellow mobile app or call (850)999-9999. Always remind your student to share their trip with others to ensure their safety.
ZipCar
ZipCar is a car sharing service that gives students the option to rent cars that are available in several locations on campus. This service charges a low hourly or daily fee which includes the car, gas, and insurance.
Florida State University has various transportation options for your student. If your Nole plans on brining a car to campus, it’s important to inform them about the parking guidelines and if your Nole does not bring a vehicle to campus, it’s important to educate them on the various safe and cost-effective transportation options available.
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