Parking and Transportation Guidance for the Fall Semester
Traffic on and around the Fairfax Campus greatly increases during the first few weeks of the semester. Shuttles, shared transportation, and alternative rides are available. See the announcement for more details.
Your License Plate Now is Your Permit
Register your license plate when purchasing your virtual permit. No more hangtags or printable permits. It’s easy to manage from anywhere, anytime.
Parking & Transportation Quiz Now Available Online
Introducing the online quiz tool to provide recommendations on your parking permit options and the easiest ways to get around George Mason University.
Mason Commutes: Ridesharing at Mason
Make a difference, one commute at a time! Help MasonCommutes.com become the go-to place for Mason ridesharing and commuting of all types.
Transportation Guide
Find out the latest updates on transportation services, Mason shuttles, and parking information for the new semester.
Citation Diversion Program
Test your knowledge and waive your citations through our online, educational quiz.
Your license plate
is now your permit
Register your license plate when purchasing your virtual permit. No more hangtags or printable permits. It's easy to manage from anywhere, anytime.
Mason Square
Parking Services Office
Van Metre Hall, Room 219
3351 Fairfax Dr, MSN 2G3
(703) 993-8146
(703) 993-8007
arlpark@gmu.edu
Parking & Transportation Quiz
Mason Square
Parking Services Office
Van Metre Hall, Room 219
3351 Fairfax Dr, MSN 2G3
(703) 993-8146
(703) 993-8007
arlpark@gmu.edu
Parking & Transportation Quiz
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Student & Faculty/Staff Parking
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Visitor & Event Parking
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Accessible, Motorcycle & Fuel-Efficient Vehicles
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Regional Transportation
When purchasing a permit online at My Parking Portal, payments can be made with Visa, Mastercard, or electronic check. A $50 administrative fee will be applied to accounts with insufficient funds or if the account number or routing number is entered incorrectly.
Parking at the Mason Square is restricted to those either working or attending class at the campus. Parking is very limited. Please use alternative transportation to get to campus including using Metro, walking, and bicycling. There is metered parking on surrounding streets; however, even on-street parking may be limited at times
Student Parking (Parking Map PDF)
Vernon Smith General and Van Metre Reserved permit holders have guaranteed parking availability in the designated parking garage and are eligible to park in the general lots on Fairfax and SciTech campuses. Mason Square parking garages require access credentials for entrance and exit. Please check below for instructions on obtaining access credentials.
Complimentary Mason Square Supplemental Parking Permits are available for selective Fairfax and SciTech campus permit holders. See below for eligibility.
Short-Term Parking: For more information on short-term and hourly parking rates, go to the Visitors and Event Parking Page.
Garage Access
Van Metre Parking Permit Holders will receive a unique QR access code on the online purchase receipt, which can be used at the parking gates. The QR code can be printed or used directly from mobile devices. To obtain a proximity card for access, visit the Mason Square Parking Services Office in Van Metre Hall, Room 219, to obtain the device.
Vernon Smith Parking Permit Holders must obtain a proximity card to access the Vernon Smith parking garage. Visit the Mason Square Parking Services Office in Van Metre Hall, Room 219.
Supplemental Parking Permits
Students with a valid Fairfax/SciTech General parking permit or higher (exclusions apply*) may obtain a complimentary supplemental parking permit for the Vernon Smith garage at Mason Square. Follow the instructions below to complete your request:
- Have a copy of a valid Fairfax/SciTech permit and a class schedule.
- Submit a Supplemental Permit/Access Credential request form and upload a copy of the document above (Please allow two business days for processing).
- Once approved, visit the Mason Square Parking Services Office in Van Metre Hall, Room 219, to pick up the complimentary supplemental parking permit and access card.
* Students with the following permits must upgrade to the Vernon Smith garage or Van Metre Hall garage permit with an additional fee. To upgrade a permit, submit a Permit Exchange/Deactivation Request Form:
- West Campus Permit
- Lot M/P Permit
- Resident Lite Permit
- Townhouse Permit
STUDENT PERMIT RATES
Fall Permit Valid Until January 15, 2025
Parking Garage Permit Options
| Vernon Smith General Permit | Van Metre Reserved Permit | Van Metre Reserved Daytime Permit | Van Metre Reserved Evening Permit |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall Rates | $280 | $425 | $310 | $310 |
| Vernon Smith Garage | Plaza Level, P1, B1, B2, B3 All Day Level B4 Monday – Friday 6:00 pm – Midnight | Not Valid | Not Valid | Not Valid |
| Van Metre Garage | Not Valid | All Day | Monday – Friday 5:00 am – 6:00 pm Saturday – Sunday All Day | Monday – Friday 2:00 pm – 2:00 am Saturday – Sunday All Day |
| Fairfax Campus Rappahannock Parking Deck (Except Visitor Section) | Levels 1 & 2 Monday – Friday Except 2:00 am – 5:00 am Saturday – Sunday All Day | Levels 1 & 2 Monday – Friday Except 2:00 am – 5:00 am Saturday – Sunday All Day | Levels 1 & 2 Monday – Friday Except 2:00 am – 5:00 am Saturday – Sunday All Day | Levels 1 & 2 Monday – Friday Except 2:00 am – 5:00 am Saturday – Sunday All Day |
| Fairfax Campus West Campus Lot and General Lots A, C, K, L, M, O, P, and PV | All Day | All Day | All Day | All Day |
| SciTech Campus (Tower, Discovery, Occoquan, King, Hylton Lots) | All Day | All Day | All Day | All Day |
Note: Rates are subject to change.
Faculty/Staff Parking (Parking Map PDF)
Vernon Smith General and Van Metre Reserved permit holders have guaranteed parking availability in the designated parking garage and and are eligible to park in the general lots on Fairfax and SciTech campuses. Mason Square parking garages require access credentials for entrance and exit. Please check below for instructions on obtaining access credentials.
Complimentary Mason Square Supplemental Parking Permits are available for selective Fairfax and SciTech campus permit holders. See below for eligibility.
Short-Term Parking: For more information on short-term and hourly parking rates, go to the Visitors and Event Parking Page.
Payroll Deduction
Faculty/Staff based at Mason Square that are eligible for payroll deduction can obtain a non-expiring Van Metre Hall Reserved or Vernon Smith General parking permit by completing the Faculty and Staff Parking Permit Payroll Deduction Form. Contact arlpark@gmu.edu to check for eligibility.
Garage Access
Van Metre Parking Permit Holders will receive a unique QR access code on the online purchase receipt, which can be used at the parking gates. The QR code can be printed or used directly from mobile devices. To obtain a proximity card for access, visit the Mason Square Parking Services Office in Van Metre Hall, Room 219, to obtain the device.
Vernon Smith Parking Permit Holders must obtain a proximity card to access the Vernon Smith parking garage. Visit the Mason Square Parking Services Office in Van Metre Hall, Room 219.
Supplemental Parking Permits
Faculty/staff with a valid Fairfax/SciTech General parking permit or higher (exclusions apply*) may obtain a complimentary supplemental parking permit for the Vernon Smith garage at Mason Square. Follow the instructions below to complete your request:
- Have a copy of a valid Fairfax/SciTech permit and a teaching assignment.
- Submit a Supplemental Permit/Access Credential request form and upload a copy of the document above (Please allow two business days for processing).
- Once approved, visit the Mason Square Parking Services Office in Van Metre Hall, Room 219, to pick up the complimentary supplemental parking permit and access card.
* Faculty and staff with the following permits must upgrade to the Vernon Smith garage or Van Metre Hall garage permit with an additional fee. To upgrade a permit, submit a Permit Exchange/Deactivation Request Form:
- West Campus Permit
- Lot M/P Permit
Department Parking Access Request
Departments may be issued Vernon Smith Garage access cards for shared or occasional access. To check eligibility, contact arlpark@gmu.edu.
FACULTY/STAFF PERMIT RATES
Fall Permit Valid Until January 31, 2025
Faculty/Staff Permit Options
| Vernon Smith General Permit | Van Metre Reserved Permit | Van Metre Reserved Daytime Permit | Van Metre Reserved Evening Permit |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall Rates | $280 ($23.33/Pay Period) | $425 ($35.42/Pay Period) | $310 ($25.83/Pay Period) | $310 ($25.83/Pay Period) |
| Vernon Smith Garage | Plaza Level, P1, B1, B2, B3 All Day Level B4 6:00 pm – Midnight | Not Valid | Not Valid | Not Valid |
| Van Metre Garage | Not Valid | All Day | Monday – Friday 5:00 am – 6:00 pm Saturday – Sunday All Day | Monday – Friday 2:00 pm – 2:00 am Saturday – Sunday All Day |
| Fairfax Campus Rappahannock Parking Deck (Except: Visitor Section) | Levels 1 & 2 Monday – Friday Except 2:00 am – 5:00 am Saturday – Sunday All Day | Levels 1 & 2 Monday – Friday Except 2:00 am – 5:00 am Saturday – Sunday All Day | Levels 1 & 2 Monday – Friday Except 2:00 am – 5:00 am Saturday – Sunday All Day | Levels 1 & 2 Monday – Friday Except 2:00 am – 5:00 am Saturday – Sunday All Day |
| Fairfax Campus West Campus Lot and General Lots A, C, K, L, M, O, P, and PV | All Day | All Day | All Day | All Day |
| SciTech Campus (Tower, Discovery, Occoquan, King, Hylton Lots) | All Day | All Day | All Day | All Day |
Note: Rates are subject to change.
Adjunct Faculty & Non-Student Wage Employee Permit Options
| Parking Location | Mason Square Vernon Smith Garage Permit | Validation Block/Code |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Rates | $60 | $145 (Quantity: 15) |
| Vernon Smith Garage | B3 Level Only All Day | Visitor Section All Day Submit Validation Request Form Here |
| Van Metre Garage | Not Valid | Not Valid |
| Fairfax Campus Rappahannock Parking Deck (Except: Visitor Section) | Not Valid | Not Valid |
| Fairfax Campus West Campus Lot and General Lots A, C, K, L, M, O, P, and PV | Not Valid | Not Valid |
| SciTech Campus (Tower, Discovery, Occoquan, King, Hylton Lots) | Not Valid | Not Valid |
Note: Rates are subject to change.
Additional Information
Administrative Parking Permits
Departments from the Fairfax and SciTech campuses can request a Van Metre Garage access device that will allow them to park in the Van Metre Garage while conducting business at Mason Square. The access devices are intended to be shared amongst all members of the department and are not for the sole use of one individual.
The Van Metre Garage access device does not allow parking in the Vernon Smith Garage. To request a Van Metre Garage access device for your department, please send your request to Ann Moran at amoran1@gmu.edu.
Carpool
Carpool spaces are available for Faculty/Staff Carpool Preferred Program, Premium Program, and Student Carpool Formal Program permit holders.
- Van Metre Hall Garage: 17 spaces
- Smith Building Garage (P1 level next to Van Metre Hall bridge): 2 spaces
Van Metre Garage
The Van Metre Garage, located at 3351 Fairfax Drive, is a reserved parking garage that guarantees all Van Metre Garage permit holders a parking space.
A Mason Square Van Metre Reserved Permit and unique electronic access device are required to park in the Van Metre Parking Garage. Visit Mason Square Parking Services Office in Van Metre Hall, Room 219, to obtain the device.
Directions
The entrance is located on Founders Way North, located behind Van Metre Hall off Kirkwood Road. To access the Van Metre Hall garage, use the alley behind Van Metre Hall, turning off either Kirkwood Drive (behind Hazel Hall) or on Washington Boulevard at the traffic signal between Giant and the Vernon Smith Building.
Vernon Smith Garage
The Vernon Smith Garage, located at 3434 Washington Boulevard, is a first-come, first-served parking garage. There is no overnight parking allowed in Vernon Smith Garage without permission from Parking Services and arrangements must be made in advance. Directions: Approach the garage from Washington Boulevard only.
A Mason Square Vernon Smith General permit and unique electronic access device are required to park in Vernon Smith Parking Garage. Visit Mason Square Parking Services Office in Van Metre Hall, Room 219 to obtain the device.
Overnight Parking
Parking Services must be notified each time overnight parking occurs.
- Please provide vehicle make, model, color, and tag number information to the parking staff and notify the garage level where the car is located.
- Staff must have a note on the dash of their car before they leave.
Public Parking for Non-Mason Community
Limited monthly parking available for non-Mason community in Van Metre Garage; please email arlpark@gmu.edu for information.
Visitor Parking
Visitor parking is available in the Van Metre Garage. The rates are set at the prevailing rates for all University visitor garages.
- The first 30 minutes are complimentary. Parking beyond 30 minutes automatically incurs a charge.
- Payment methods accepted: Visa, MasterCard, and Van Metre Garage validations. To request validations, please complete the Mason Square Validation Form.
- There is no visitor parking allowed in Vernon Smith Garage without prior authorization from Parking Services.
Short-Term Parking Rates
| Hours | Fall Rates |
|---|---|
Weekday Rates | |
| 1 Hour | $5.00 |
| 2 Hours | $9.00 |
| 3 Hours | $12.00 |
| 4 Hours | $16.00 |
| 5 Hours | $17.00 |
| All Day | $19.00 |
Weekend Rates | |
| 1 Hour | $5.00 |
| 2 Hours | $9.00 |
| All Day | $10.00 |
Please Note: Visitor validations for Van Metre Garage will need to be exchanged for new ones that utilize QR codes. New visitor rates for all garages took effect on August 8. There is no extra cost for replacing your current validations with the new QR code. Please email parking@gmu.edu and let us know how many validations you have and for which deck, and we’ll work with you to have them replaced.
Event Parking
| Permit Type | Rate | |
|---|---|---|
| Parking Garage Validations | 1 Hour | $5.00 |
| 2 Hours | $9.00 | |
| 3 Hours | $12.00 | |
| 4 Hours | $16.00 | |
| 5 Hours | $17.00 | |
| Weekday Daily | $19.00 | |
| Weekend Daily | $10.00 | |
| Orders with 100+ validations* *25Live reference number required. | $10.00 | |
| Reserved Parking Space Reserve specific spaces in a particular parking area | Daily | $35 / Space |
Event coordinators may purchase validations or reserve parking spaces for Van Metre Parking Garage by completing the Mason Square Validation Form. Event parking is arranged with the Events Management office in conjunction with Parking Services. Please contact Events Management (3-8140) or Parking Services (3-8146 or arlpark@gmu.edu) for information.
ADA-Accessible Parking
Available in each parking garage. The vehicle must display a valid DMV-issued ADA-accessible parking permit (tag or placard) and own a valid Mason parking permit or payment required. visitors with disabilities must purchase a temporary parking permit from Parking Services to park in an ADA-accessible space or pay the prevailing rates at visitor parking locations such as parking decks or areas that accept mobile payment. For short-term and hourly parking rates, go to the visitor parking section for more information.
Fuel-Efficient Vehicle Parking
Fuel-efficient vehicles may park at designated parking spaces with a valid supplemental permit along with a Mason parking permit. These parking spaces are located at the Van Metre Hall Parking Garage and the Vernon Smith Garage. To request a free supplemental fuel-efficient parking permit, please bring your vehicle registration to Mason Square Parking Services Office, Van Metre Hall, Room 219.
Motorcycles & Mopeds
Motorcycle parking must be arranged through the Mason Square Parking Services office. All motorcycles and mopeds must have license plate information attached to a valid Mason virtual permit. There are no dedicated motorcycle parking spaces on Mason Square. Motorcycles should use car parking spaces for their motorcycles. Motorcycles and mopeds are not allowed to park at bike racks/shelters.
MOTORCYCLE & MOPED PERMIT RATE
Summer Permit Valid Until August 15, 2024
Fall Permit Valid Until January 15, 2025
| Motorcycle General Permit Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Van Metre Garage Permit | $135 |
Note: Rates are subject to change.
Electric Scooters
Electric personal and shared mobility scooters do not require a permit. They must be parked at or adjacent to a bike rack and cannot impede ADA access. They are only allowed to be ridden on roadways and in bike lanes. They are not permitted on sidewalks or in any Mason buildings, including parking decks or garages, and must not be charged at any University source of electricity.
- Mason Shuttle: The Fairfax /Mason Square shuttle operates between Sandy Creek on the Fairfax Campus and Hazel Hall on the Mason Square. Note: Van Metre pickup location is located in front of Hazel Hall.
- Metro: The Virginia Square stop is less than 2 blocks from campus. If traveling to the Fairfax campus, you can take Metro to the Vienna metro stop on the orange line and then hop on the CUE bus or the Mason to Metro Shuttle to campus.
- Metrobus Routes Serving Arlington
- Arlington Transit (ART)
- OmniRide
- Bicycling & Bike-Sharing in Arlington
- Arlington’s Car-Free Diet: Each time you leave your car at home — choosing instead to ride ART or Metro, bike, walk or telework — you can save money, improve your health and clean our environment.
- WalkArlington