Duke Parking and Transportation
New to Campus? Likely, you will need a parking space to get from your home to school. Visit the Parking Services website to learn more about how to get a parking permit and university transportation. In addition to parking, Duke runs buses around campus and also runs the SafeRides van service at night. Concerned about parking on campus? Please let us know. The campus is carved up into a multitude of parking zones which are strictly enforced. Parking costs depend on location and whether you buy a pass for a gated or non-gated lot. Unlike for gated lots, a parking sticker for a non-gated lot is really only a hunting license, you are not guaranteed a space. Illegally parked cars are usually ticketed from $5-30, but fines go up to $50. It is not a good idea to skip getting your parking permit and just throw away your tickets. Eventually you will be towed or booted and end up paying many times the cost of a sticker. There are a few metered spaces on campus for visitors; however, if you are commuting to campus, it is not practical to use these. Another parking option would be to park near East Campus and take the bus to West.
Bicycles--It is reasonable to bicycle into campus from anywhere but the most outlying areas of Durham, if you pick your route carefully. Be aware that bicycle lanes are almost non-existent in Durham, and heavily traveled roads should be avoided. Duke has been evaluating and improving the roads on campus for bicycle use. If you bicycle after dark you are required to have a front headlight and rear reflector. A rear light and a flasher that attaches to your belt or backpack are also a good idea. Helmets are not required by law but you are advised to wear one anyway. Bicycles should be registered free of charge at the traffic office on Campus Drive. This is a service to aid in the recovery of stolen bicycles. If you leave your bicycle on campus, you will most certainly want to lock it to some immovable object with a good lock. The bicycle shops carry many different kinds and can help you choose a lock which is suitable for your bike and your budget. You may also want a seat lock, particularly on East Campus. Bicycles can be registered free of charge at the traffic office on Campus Drive to aid in the recovery of stolen bicycles.
Air Travel
Approximately 11 miles from the city centers of both Durham and Raleigh, Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) is conveniently located off exits 284 and 285 of I-40. The airport has recently developed its parking facilities. Additionally, there are several Park and Ride lots to help avoid parking congestion close to the terminals. Another option is the Greensboro airport, which in some cases can be more economical.
Taxi fare between Durham and the airport costs about $30, but can be shared if you are lucky. Sometimes touted as unreliable, there are several limousine services that run between Durham and RDU International Airport. Check the yellow pages or http://triangle.citysearch.com/ using the keyword "limousine" to find these services.
Driving Tips
Miscellaneous tips to help you navigate in and around Durham
- The place where Chapel Hill Street crosses Main Street is called “Five Points”.
- Chapel Drive (on campus), Chapel Hill Street, Chapel Hill Road, and Chapel Hill Boulevard (the Boulevard) are all different things.
- Duke University Road, University Drive, and Duke Street are also distinct entities.
- Duke University Road turns into Chapel Hill Street at Kent Street.
- To get to Chapel Hill, take Chapel Hill Blvd. (US 15-501 Business) or the US 15-501 bypass on the west of Durham. They join to become US 15-501, which goes to Chapel Hill. After about 5 miles exit right onto Franklin Street, after about two winding miles uphill you will be in the town’s center. During rush hours, you may prefer to take Old Erwin Road, which starts off NC 751 just west of the bypass and ends also on 15-501 just before the Franklin Street exit.
- The freeway which cuts through the center of Durham may be called the East-West Expressway, the Durham Freeway, and S.R. 147.
- Many road names change as they cross Main Street. Going from south to north, Erwin Road becomes Ninth Street, Swift Avenue becomes Broad Street, and Vickers Avenue becomes Gregson Street.
- It is not possible to drive through the center of either campus and come out on the other side.
- To get to Raleigh from Duke, take the Durham Freeway south to I-40 East. Take the Wade Avenue exit right and go about one mile to the Raleigh Beltline (I-440) which circles Raleigh completely. Going south on I-440 from Wade Avenue one will immediately see the Hillsborough St. and Western Boulevard exits. These two streets border the N.C. State campus. Both streets also will get you downtown, where the Raleigh Civic Center and Memorial Auditorium are located.
Bus Service
Durham Area Transit Authority (DATA)
This is Durham's local bus service. It's routes span most of the geographic region within the city limits. Along with the Triangle Transit Authority, DATA offers users access to Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Research Triangle Park, Cary, and the Raleigh area.
Greyhound Trailways Bus Line
Their bus station is located at 820 W. Morgan St. near Gregson Avenue and just three blocks from East Campus. Very good service to Raleigh is available. Service to other large cities is reasonable.