Directions

See Parking Map (PDF)

The most direct route to the SU campus is from Interstate 81 (I-81), which runs north-south through central and northern New York State. The east-west New York State Thruway, Interstate 90, crosses I-81 just north of Syracuse. Interstate 690 (I-690), another major east-west highway, crosses I-81 in the downtown area.

 From I-81, take Exit 18, Adams Street. *Follow Adams Street eastbound up the hill to University Avenue. A right turn onto University Avenue leads to the center of campus:

Alternate route from I-81: Take Exit 17, East Brighton Avenue. Turn right onto South State Street. Turn right onto East Colvin Street heading east toward Manley Field House. Turn left onto Comstock Avenue to the east side of campus.

From New York State Thruway, take Exit 36 for I-81 and downtown Syracuse. Head south on I-81 to the Adams Street exit (Exit 18). Continue directions from * above.

From the west on I-690, take I-81 south to the Adams Street exit (Exit 18). Continue directions from * above.  

From the east on I-690, take the Townsend Street exit and turn left onto Townsend Street. At the light, turn left onto Erie Boulevard East. After the third light, turn right onto University Avenue (no light), which leads to the center of campus.

From Hancock Airport north of the city, proceed to the ramp for I-81 south to Syracuse, head south on I-81 to the Adams Street exit (Exit 18). Continue directions from * above.

Directions from Hotels

The large number of vehicles accessing University parking lots and the garage west of the Carrier Dome on Sunday morning causes significant traffic delays between 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Depending on the location of your hotel, it is advised that you consider taking an alternate route to campus and park at Manley Field House. On Sunday only, a convenient shuttle bus is only a short trip to main campus. Another alternative is to park at the University Avenue Garage, north of main campus. The garage is close to the Schine Student Center for those with reservations for the brunch buffet following Commencement.

The Carrier Dome gates open at 8:15 a.m. and the student procession begins at 9:30 a.m. Driving times listed on the alternate directions refer to normal traffic. In most cases, the time needed may be doubled or more on Commencement Sunday. Please allow ample time to travel to campus, especially in inclement weather.

Carrier Circle Hotels to Manley Field House at Lampe Athletic Complex
  • From Route 298: Enter Carrier Circle
  • Exit the circle at the Thompson Road South (Exit #3 – Route 635 South)
  • Continue on Thompson Road South for 2 miles
  • After you cross Burnet Avenue, you will see Interstate 690; look for signs for Interstate 690 East
  • Turn right on Interstate 690 East ramp (once on the ramp, stay to left to get onto Interstate 690-481)
  • Once you are on Interstate 690 East, stay to the right and Interstate 690 will turn into Interstate 481 South
  • Stay in the right-hand lanes on Interstate 481 South. You will pass the Dewitt (exit #3W) and Fayetteville (exit #3E)
  • Exit at Jamesville exit (exit #2)
  • Turn right onto Jamesville Road (end of the ramp at traffic light); immediately get into left turn lane 
  • Turn left onto Nottingham Road (at traffic light)
  • Continue on Nottingham Road to East Colvin Street (traffic light just past P&C Market on left)
  • Turn left onto East Colvin Street
  • At second traffic light, turn right into Manley Field House parking area

Total Trip Time: 20 minutes (in normal traffic) In most cases, the time needed may be up to one hour on Commencement Sunday.   Mileage: 11 miles

7th North Street Hotels to Manley Field House at Lampe Athletic Complex
  • From 7th North Street:
  • Proceed east on 7th North Street
  • After crossing Buckley Road, stay in the left-hand lane
  • Turn left onto Interstate 81 South ramp 
  • Stay on Interstate 81 South, past downtown Syracuse to Exit #17 (South State/South Salina/Brighton)
  • Stay in the right-hand exit ramp lane
  • Turn right onto South State Street (at traffic light at bottom of ramp)
  • Turn right onto East Colvin Street (1st traffic light)
  • Turn left at the traffic light into Manley Field House (Comstock Avenue) 

Total Trip Time: 12 minutes (in normal traffic) In most cases, the time needed may be one hour on Commencement Sunday. Mileage: 7 miles

From North Points (including Hancock International Airport and New York State Thruway) to Manley Field House at Lampe Athletic Complex
  • Stay on Interstate 81 South, past downtown Syracuse to Exit #17 (South State/South Salina/Brighton)
  • Stay in the right-hand exit ramp lane
  • Turn right onto South State Street (at traffic light at bottom of ramp)
  • Turn right onto East Colvin Street (1st traffic light)
  • Turn left at the traffic light into Manley Field House (2nd traffic light)

Total Trip Time: 20 minutes (in normal traffic) In most cases, the time needed may be up to one hour on Commencement Sunday. Mileage: 9-11 miles 

Genesee Grande and Renaissance Syracuse Hotel To West Side Parking Area Adjacent to Carrier Dome
  • Operate via East Genesee Street (eastbound) to Irving Avenue
  • Turn right onto Irving Avenue
  • Turn right onto Van Buren Street (at the traffic signal just past the Veteran’s Administration Hospital)
  • Turn left onto Henry Street (second left)
  • From Henry Street, you will be directed to park by the attendant

Total Trip Time: 10 minutes (in normal traffic) In most cases, the time needed may be much longer on Commencement Sunday.  Mileage: 1 mile

Genesee Grande and Renaissance Syracuse Hotel (formerly the Marx): To the University Avenue Garage (which is accessible to both the Commencement ceremony and the Sunday Brunch Buffet at the Schine Student Center)
  • East Genesee Street (eastbound) to Irving Avenue
  • Turn right onto Irving Avenue
  • Turn left onto Harrison Street
  • The entrance to the University Avenue Garage is located on Harrison Street, just past University Avenue on the right

Total Trip Time: 5 minutes (in normal traffic) In most cases, the time needed may be much longer on Commencement Sunday. Mileage: 1 mile

Advance reservations are required for the Commencement Brunch Buffet. 

From Interstate 81 To West Side Parking Area Adjacent to Carrier Dome (Although this is typically the most convenient route to campus, anticipate significant delays.)
  • From the north, south, or west, take Interstate 81 to Adams Street exit
  • Go east on Adams Street to Irving Avenue
  • At the top of the hill, turn right onto Irving Avenue (at the traffic light)
  • Turn right onto Van Buren Avenue (at the traffic light)
  • Take the second left turn onto Henry Street
  • Parking attendants will indicate lots and Irving Garage

Trip time: 10 minutes (NOTE: From 8:30 – 9:30 a.m., routing from Interstate 81 to west parking area may take one hour or more on Commencement Sunday).

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