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Transportation Resources for International Students

With so much to do in the D.C. area, you're probably wondering how you'll be able to get around the city to see all it has to offer. To help orient international students to the many ways of traveling around GW, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, the ISCAs put together this Transportation Guide to break down your options.

There are various airports that service the D.C. area. You'll notice that none of them are within the D.C. city limits, but if you explore the other tabs on this page, you'll see that D.C., Maryland, and Virginia are closely interconnected when it comes to transportation.
 
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
There are various ways to get to and from IAD, which is located in Dulles, Virginia. To give you an idea of the trip, IAD is an approximately 30 to 45-minute drive from GW's campus, depending on traffic. For information on transportation options upon arrival at IAD, please see the IAD Ground Transportation webpage.
 
Reagan National Airport (DCA)
There are various ways to get to and from DCA, which is located in Arlington, Virginia. To give you an idea of the trip, DCA is an approximately 15 to 20-minute drive from GW's campus, depending on traffic. For information on transportation options upon arrival at DCA, please see the DCA Ground Transportation webpage.
 
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
There are various ways to get to and from BWI, which is located in Baltimore, Maryland. To give you an idea of the trip, BWI is an approximately 45-minute to 1-hour drive from GW's campus, depending on traffic. For information on transportation options upon arrival at BWI, please see the  BWI Ground Transportation webpage.
Rail/Bus Systems

The metrorail system is a common transport option for incoming students. Did you know that GW has it's own dedicated "Foggy Bottom/GW" metro stop right on campus? As such, metro is a very convenient way to get around not only D.C. but the entire DMV (District, Maryland, Virginia). Below, you'll find our favorite maps and resources for getting around the city.

How to Ride

In order to ride any of these transportation options, you'll need to understand how payment works.

U•Pass
The first thing you'll want to do is learn about the U•Pass program. You'll need either a U•Pass or SmarTrip to pay for Metro. Both cards are made of hard plastic and are similar to a credit card. You will need one of these to pay for Metro service, buses do still accept cash fares though. Luckily, GW has an incredible U•Pass program that provides full-time students with unlimited use of Metrorail and Metrobus for a discounted, flat fee during the spring and fall semesters! Learn more about how to enroll in the U•Pass program on the U•Pass Website.
 

SmarTrip

During official school breaks, when the U•Pass program is not active, you'll want to get a SmartTrip to use public transportation. To get your SmartTrip, you will need to purchase one from a fare machine, there are several in every station. Alternatively, you can purchase a SmartTrip card online. Your SmartTrip costs $10, this is a $2 upfront fee and comes with $8 preloaded on it, at the time of purchase you can choose the load more money on your card and cards are infinitely refillable and very durable. DC has a variable fare system meaning that you pay based on time of day and distance traveled, every fare machine has a chart on it that tells you the peak and off-peak fare to get from the station you are currently in to every other station in the system. WMATA also has a trip planner which can help you plan your travel.

Smart Trip works for: DC Circulator, Arlington ART, Alexandria DASH, Montgomery County RideOn, Prince George's County TheBus, Fairfax Connector, Prince Williams County OmniRide, Loudon County Bus

Shuttle Services
In addition to having a metro stop right on campus and many busses nearby, GW also has dedicated transportation to get students between our campuses. The Vern Express, also called the VEX, is a free shuttle that takes members of the GW community between the Foggy Bottom and Mount Vernon campuses for free! Additionally, the Virginia Science & Technology Campus (VSTC) Express takes members of the GW community between the Foggy bottom and VSTC Campus in Ashburn, Virginia.

GW Saferide
GW SafeRide provides a free and safe ride to and from Foggy Bottom Campus residence halls and academic buildings during late-night hours.
Obtaining a Driver's License
An acceptable form of Driver's License is required to drive a motor vehicle. The requirements to obtain a driver's license and/or drive with your valid international driver's license will vary depending on the state you live in. The links below will take you to the department of motor vehicles for D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, but always be sure to contact the DMV directly for any questions regarding your ability to drive in the U.S.
 
 
Parking in DC
Paid street and garage parking are available throughout the city, and GW has a variety of convenient parking lots on campus. For information about on-campus parking options and costs visit the GW Parking Website. Street parking can be quite limited in the D.C. area, so you'll want to understand and utilize public transportation, especially when visiting more densely populated areas, such a downtown D.C. for events or during especially busy times.
 
Rideshare and Taxi Options
Some rideshare options, such as those listed on the Commuter Page Website, allow riders to connect with non-commercial drivers via a smartphone app. There are also taxicab companies available in DC, Maryland, and Virginia.
 
Transportation Search Engine
For more options or personalized needs, you can use the Transportation Search Engine on Washington.org 
 
Mount Vernon Campus Lyft Program
Students living on the Mount Vernon Campus can learn more about the Mount Vernon Campus Lyft Program, available specifically for GW students!
 
Capital Bikeshare
 Capital Bikeshare allows riders to rent bikes for use throughout the city. GW students can sign up for at a special, discounted rate! 
 
Shared Mobility Devices
Other shared mobility devices such as e-bikes and e-scooters are also available throughout the city. Check out the Commuter Page Website for more information and safety tips.
 
Kennedy Center Shuttle
If you're looking to visit the Kennedy Center, the FREE Kennedy Center Shuttle runs from right outside the Foggy Bottom Metro every 15 minutes during operating hours!
Shuttle Services
In addition to having a metro stop right on campus and many busses nearby, GW also has dedicated transportation to get students between our campuses. The Vern Express, also called the VEX, is a free shuttle that takes members of the GW community between the Foggy Bottom and Mount Vernon campuses for free! Additionally, the Virginia Science & Technology Campus (VSTC) Express takes members of the GW community between the Foggy bottom and VSTC Campus in Ashburn, Virginia.

GW Saferide
GW SafeRide provides a free and safe ride to and from Foggy Bottom Campus residence halls and academic buildings during late-night hours.
Obtaining a Driver's License
An acceptable form of Driver's License is required to drive a motor vehicle. The requirements to obtain a driver's license and/or drive with your valid international driver's license will vary depending on the state you live in. The links below will take you to the department of motor vehicles for D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, but always be sure to contact the DMV directly for any questions regarding your ability to drive in the U.S.
 
 
Parking in DC
Paid street and garage parking are available throughout the city, and GW has a variety of convenient parking lots on campus. For information about on-campus parking options and costs visit the GW Parking Website. Street parking can be quite limited in the D.C. area, so you'll want to understand and utilize public transportation, especially when visiting more densely populated areas, such a downtown D.C. for events or during especially busy times.
 
There are various airports that service the D.C. area. You'll notice that none of them are within the D.C. city limits, but if you explore the other tabs on this page, you'll see that D.C., Maryland, and Virginia are closely interconnected when it comes to transportation.
 
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
There are various ways to get to and from IAD, which is located in Dulles, Virginia. To give you an idea of the trip, IAD is an approximately 30 to 45-minute drive from GW's campus, depending on traffic. For information on transportation options upon arrival at IAD, please see the IAD Ground Transportation webpage.
 
Reagan National Airport (DCA)
There are various ways to get to and from DCA, which is located in Arlington, Virginia. To give you an idea of the trip, DCA is an approximately 15 to 20-minute drive from GW's campus, depending on traffic. For information on transportation options upon arrival at DCA, please see the DCA Ground Transportation webpage.
 
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
There are various ways to get to and from BWI, which is located in Baltimore, Maryland. To give you an idea of the trip, BWI is an approximately 45-minute to 1-hour drive from GW's campus, depending on traffic. For information on transportation options upon arrival at BWI, please see the  BWI Ground Transportation webpage.
 
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