Parking at UT Southwestern and the Role of Scanning Technology

Finding the right parking spot at a large medical complex like UT Southwestern Medical Center and the Southwestern Medical District can be challenging. Understanding your parking options is crucial for a stress-free visit. Just like advancements in automotive technology, parking management is also evolving, incorporating sophisticated systems to enhance efficiency and security. While you might not always see police cars equipped with scanning equipment in every parking lot, the technology they represent is increasingly becoming part of the modern parking landscape.

UT Southwestern provides various parking solutions, including valet and self-parking, across its campus and affiliated hospitals. Visitor parking areas are clearly marked in yellow on the Campus Map . Parking rates at UT Southwestern facilities generally do not exceed $10, although specific rates may vary by location. Patients are advised to identify the precise location of their appointment in advance to choose the most convenient parking option. For general visitors, consulting with their campus host for tailored parking directions is recommended. Similar to how law enforcement utilizes license plate scanners for vehicle identification, modern parking systems employ technology for smoother operations.

Valet Parking Services

For added convenience, valet parking is available at the main entrances of several buildings for a nominal fee. Operational hours and exact rates are displayed at each valet station. Patient rates are typically validated by the respective clinic.

UT Southwestern Parking Fees

With clinic validation, patients and visitors generally pay $10 for daily parking. In instances where self-parking is unavailable, a reduced valet rate of $5 may apply. Frequent visitors can benefit from purchasing a booklet of five valet coupons for $35, reducing the per-transaction cost to $7. Vendors are subject to a $25 daily parking fee. This tiered system, much like how different vehicles are categorized in traffic management systems, ensures fair pricing for various users.

Valet Parking Locations at UTSW

Aston Building (U): Monday–Friday, 6:30 a.m.–7 p.m.
Children’s Health℠ Children’s Medical Center Dallas (CM): Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–5 p.m. ($5 fee)
William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital (CUH): Monday–Friday, 5 a.m.–10 p.m.; Saturday, 5 a.m.–7 p.m.; Sunday, 7 a.m.–7 p.m.
Moncrief Radiation Oncology Building (NF): Complimentary for radiation oncology patients, Monday–Friday, 6:45 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Outpatient Building (WA): Monday–Friday, 5:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m.
Parkland Memorial Hospital (PM): 7 a.m.–7 p.m. ($10 fee)
Professional Office Buildings 1 and 2 (POB1, POB2): Monday–Friday, 6:45 a.m.–6:45 p.m.
Seay Biomedical Building (NC) – (Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center): Monday-Friday, 6:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. (Also convenient for the Clements Imaging Building (NE).)
Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center (see Seay Biomedical Building)
Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center – Radiation Oncology/West Campus (ROC): Complimentary for radiation patients, Monday–Friday, 6:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Zale Lipshy Pavilion – William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital (ZL): Monday–Friday, 5 a.m.–10 p.m.; Saturday, 5 a.m.–7 p.m.; Sunday, 7 a.m.–7 p.m.

Self-Parking Options and Technology Integration

For those preferring to self-park, UT Southwestern offers numerous parking areas marked in yellow on the Campus Map. Self-parking rates at UT Southwestern-operated facilities are generally capped at $5. The Tower Garage, managed by Parkland Hospital, also charges $5 for parking.

Many parking garages utilize “Park & Pay Stations,” representing a step towards automated parking management, similar in concept to the scanning technology used in modern vehicle management systems. These electronic machines, typically located on the garage’s main floor, require visitors to take a parking ticket upon entry. Payment is processed at these stations before departure using the ticket, accepting vouchers, cash, or debit/credit cards. Once payment is completed, the machine returns the validated ticket, which is then used to raise the exit gate. This system streamlines the parking process, reducing reliance on manual attendants, and mirrors the efficiency gains sought by technologies like license plate recognition used by enforcement vehicles.

Self-Parking Locations at UTSW

Aston Ambulatory Care Center (U): Tower Garage (Medical District Drive at Tex Oak Drive). Patients visiting Aston Center clinics receive free parking in the Tower Garage with clinic validation. Aston Express shuttle service connects the Tower Garage and Aston Center.
Bass Administrative and Clinical Center (BK, BL, BP): Surface parking in open lots on the north and west sides of the Bass Center. No charge.
William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital (CUH): Garage self-parking. Payment options: voucher, cash, or debit/credit card at Park & Pay station (parking garage elevator lobby/level 2).
Health Professions Building (V): Garage self-parking. Payment options: cash or debit/credit card at exit. Monday–Friday, 6 a.m.–7 p.m.
Outpatient Building (WA): Garage self-parking. $5 fee. Payment options: voucher, cash, or debit/credit card at Park & Pay station (parking garage elevator lobby/level 1).
Parkland Memorial Hospital and Emergency Department (PM): Emergency Department parking in the garage behind the emergency entrance ($8 fee).
Pickens Biomedical Building (ND); Pickens Medical Education & Conference Center; Commons Food Court (NG): Garage self-parking. Payment options: voucher, cash, or debit/credit card at Park & Pay station (parking garage elevator lobby/level 3). Monday–Friday; weekends free.
Professional Office Buildings 1 and 2 (POB1, POB2): Garage self-parking. Rates: 0-29 minutes free; maximum $5 fee. Payment options: cash, check, debit/credit card, or validation stamp at cashier booth. Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–10 p.m.
Sprague Clinical Science Building (CS): Tower Garage (Medical District Drive at Tex Oak Drive). $5 fee. Payment options: cash, check, or debit/credit card at the cashier booth.
Zale Lipshy Pavilion – William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital (ZL): Tower Garage (Medical District Drive at Tex Oak Drive). $5 fee. Payment options: cash, check, or debit/credit card at the cashier booth.

By understanding these parking options and the technology increasingly integrated into parking management, your visit to UT Southwestern and the Southwestern Medical District can be more convenient and focused on your primary reason for being there.