Four students raced from campus to downtown Flagstaff. One took the bus, one biked, one ran, and one drove. Who won?
No Car, No Problem!
Starting college at Northern Arizona University is an opportunity to explore Flagstaff, build new connections, and experience everything campus and the surrounding community have to offer. One way to make the most of that experience is to leave the car at home! With convenient transportation options available throughout campus and the Flagstaff community, bringing a personal vehicle isn’t a necessity. Going car-free can help students save money on gas, insurance, and parking while reducing their environmental footprint, supporting cleaner air, and embracing a more active lifestyle. Whether you’re walking, biking, riding the bus, or hopping on a campus shuttle, there are plenty of ways to get where you need to go. Going car-free is a simple way to start college sustainably—and discover just how much Flagstaff has to offer. No car, no problem!
- Save Money: No gas, insurance, or parking permit fees.
- Live Sustainably: Reduce your carbon footprint, decrease air and noise pollution, and help protect Flagstaff’s clean air.
- Protect the Climate: Supports NAU’s Climate Action Plan and sustainability goals
- Stay Active: Walking, biking, and scootering promote physical health.
- Stay Connected: Public transport is social and safer for getting around town.
NAU Parking Permit Costs (2025–2026)
| Permit Type | Full Year | Fall Semester | Spring Semester | Summer Semester | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commuter | $505 | $379 | $379 | $152 | |
| Resident | $580 | $435 | $435 | $174 | |
| Commuter Garage | $695 | $521 | $521 | $206 | |
| Resident Garage | $755 | $566 | $566 | $206 | |
| Evening Only | $280 | $210 | $210 | N/A | |
| No Car | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
What Students Should Know
- Parking permits are required for all vehicles on campus and are tied to your license plate via NAU’s License Plate Recognition system.
- Garage permits cost more but offer covered parking and gate access.
- Evening-only permits are cheaper and ideal for students with late classes.
- Car ownership is expensive—even without parking, students in Arizona spend thousands annually on fuel, insurance, and maintenance.
- NAU encourages walking, biking, and shuttles. Most students get around without a car, especially during snowy months.
Mountain Line (Flagstaff Public Transit)
- Routes: 9 fixed routes, including Route 10 that directly serves NAU and is free to students!
- Frequencies:
- Weekdays (when NAU is in session): Every 10–20 minutes
- Weekends: Every 20–40 minutes
- Fare: For NAU students with a valid JacksCard
- Coverage: Connects campus to downtown, shopping centers, medical facilities, and more
- View Routes & Schedules: mountainline.az.gov
Campus Shuttle
- Students can ride at no additional cost!
- The Lumberjack Loop runs around the campus perimeter Monday-Friday.
- Learn more about the campus shuttle.
- View the Shuttle Map.
NAU Yellow Bike Program:
- Free bike rentals for students! You can rent a bike for five days at a time by visiting the University Union and presenting your student ID.
- Learn more about how to rent a yellow bike!
Groome Transportation (Flagstaff ↔ Phoenix)
- Fare: Between $65–80 one-way
- Stops: NAU campus (San Francisco & Franklin), Flagstaff Amtrak Station, and more
- Frequency: Multiple daily departures
- Booking: groometransportation.com/flagstaff
Electric Bikes & Scooters
On-Campus:
- NAU supports biking and scootering with racks, lockers, and enclosures.
- Note: no electric bikes or scooters are permitted inside campus buildings.
Local Rentals:
- Absolute Bikes – Sales and rentals near Route 66.
Groceries & Essentials Near Campus
All within walking, biking, or Mountain Line distance:
- Fry’s – (bikeable)
- Sprouts – (walking distance)
- Safeway – (Accessible via Mountain Line)
- Target – (walking distance)
- Walmart and Basha’s – Accessible via Mountain Line
- Downtown Flagstaff (bus, bike, or walk)
Dining Options On & Near Campus
- On-Campus: 10+ dining spots including Chick-fil-A, Einstein Bros, and Starbucks
- Markets: The Food Hive and Open Air Market for essentials and snacks (during the semester)
- Explore Campus Dining on the North and South Campus