Parking and Traffic Advisory: Transportation Updates for the Fall Semester
As the Fall 2022 semester approaches, Mason students, faculty and staff are reminded that traffic on and around the Fairfax Campus greatly increases during the first few weeks of the semester. The following campus parking and transportation guide will help minimize potential parking and traffic delays.
A valid parking permit is required to park outside of visitor areas. Semester and short-term permits may be purchased online at parking.gmu.edu. Information about permit sales is posted on the Parking and Transportation website.
During the first few weeks of the semester, we suggest allowing an extra 30-45 minutes to arrive on campus. The Fairfax Campus has more than enough spaces to accommodate all vehicles. However, many General parking permit areas fill at peak class times.
A new ridesharing program called Mason Commutes is now available to help the Mason community find and share rides and to find carpool partners.
At times during the morning, late afternoon, and early evenings, campus police cadets will direct traffic around campus. Please be alert and follow the cadets’ directions.
Below is information about parking, shuttles, alternative transportation options, construction, and finding parking and transportation information.
Parking
Arriving on campus between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.:
- General permit parking in Lots L and K is recommended as most other parking lots on the East Campus, including Lot A, tend to fill early.
- If “Lot Full” signs are posted at Lot K, please proceed to the Field House (see below). Please note that Lots I and J require a reserved permit except in the designated Faculty/Staff General spaces on the perimeter.
- The General permit parking area of the Rappahannock Parking Deck (Level 1 and Level 2 spaces not designated as visitor parking) generally fills to capacity between 9–10 a.m.
- The ramps from Levels 2– 3 and the non-reserved spaces on Level 3 in Rappahannock Deck are restricted to Faculty/Staff General permit parking.
Arriving on campus between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. (especially Tuesdays and Thursdays):
- The best option for General permit parking is Lot L, the back of Lot K, the PV Lot (behind the RAC) and the General permit lots by the Field House on the west side of Ox Road.
- At peak times, General permit traffic may be directed from East Campus to the West Campus lot via Campus Drive or Braddock Road.
The West Campus shuttle provides service from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., Monday–Friday, with stops at Rapidan River Road, the Field House, the RAC, Ángel Cabrera Global Center, Mason Pond Drive (EagleBank Arena side), Presidents Park, Masonvale (Patriot Circle at Staffordshire Lane) and Rappahannock River Lane (Shelter 3), ending back at West Campus. Between 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday–Thursday, there is service every 20 minutes. From 7–8 a.m. and 8–11 p.m. on Monday–Thursday, and all day on Friday, shuttle service is every 40 minutes. View the West Campus shuttle schedule.
Note: The average walk time from the Field House to the Johnson Center is about 12–15 minutes, and 20 minutes from West Campus, via the pathway parallel to Campus Drive.
Visitor Parking: The Mason Pond, Shenandoah, and Rappahannock River parking decks provide most of the campus’ visitor parking spaces. Garage parking is $5 for the first hour with an $18 daily maximum. MasterCard and Visa are accepted.
- The visitor sections of the Mason Pond and Shenandoah parking decks typically fill in the mornings and early evenings during the first few weeks of the semester.
- Additional visitor parking is available in the first level visitor parking area of the Rappahannock Parking Deck (a separate visitor entrance is located off Patriot Circle).
- At the Rappahannock deck, pay in advance utilizing the pay machines near the elevators. The machines require your license plate to verify payment. You can also use ParkMobile, which allows payment by cell phone. Sign up at https://parkmobile.io/ or by downloading the mobile app.
Daily Parking Options
Purchase a printable daily permit online at parking.gmu.edu or by using the ParkMobile app. Daily rates:
- Lots L and K: $11.
- Lots M, O, and P (Field House Daily): $7. (The pay station is located in Lot O in front of the Field House.)
- Evening General (valid after 4 p.m., valid in Student General areas): $8.
- Science and Technology Campus: $8.
- West Campus: $5.
A complimentary Saturday/Sunday permit for Lot K is also available online.
Shuttles
- Check the Mason Shuttles website at http://shuttle.gmu.edu/ for schedules.
- Click on the route name at the top and select the schedule.
- Some routes may have weekday and weekend schedules.
- Shuttles are free to students and employees. Mason IDs are required.
- Every bus is outfitted with a bike rack and Wi-Fi.
Mason Shuttles is using a real-time transit service called RideSystems. Download the RideSystems app, or visit the website to learn when the next shuttle is arriving. The real-time arrival information for shuttles and local public transportation can also be viewed in the Mobile Mason app.
Sandy Creek – Vienna Metro shuttle
- Operates from Fairfax Campus to the Vienna Metro station and runs continuously with buses every 30 minutes from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday–Friday. Last departure from Sandy Creek is at 10:30 p.m.; last departure from Vienna Metro is at 11 p.m.
- There is no weekend service for the fall semester.
- On-Demand shuttle serves Vienna Metro (among other stops) 3–11 p.m. Saturday–Sunday.
- Read more about this shuttle route.
- The CUE Bus is an alternative and departs from Rappahannock River Lane. All routes end at Vienna Metro. Visit the CUE Bus website for a map and schedules.
Fairfax – Science and Technology Campus shuttle
- Provides service between the Fairfax Campus and the Science and Technology Campus (in Manassas/Prince William County).
- Shuttle service Monday–Friday from 6 a.m. to 11:35 p.m., with departures every 40 minutes Monday-Thursday and every 80 minutes on Friday. Last departure from Sandy Creek (Fairfax) is at 10:15 p.m.; last departure from Colgan (SciTech) is at 11:35 p.m. Monday–Thursday and 10:30 p.m. on Friday from both campuses.
- Weekend service every two hours is also available for the Fairfax–Science and Technology (SciTech) shuttle.
- Manassas Mall shuttle stop is between Doors 3 and 4. Park and ride parking is available at the mall in designated areas only.
- Commuters also have the option to park at the Science and Technology Campus with a valid parking permit, or use Pay-by-Space visitor parking and ride the shuttle.
- Get more information about the Fairfax – SciTech shuttle route.
Gunston Go-Bus
- Provides service between the RAC, Rappahannock River Lane, Masonvale, Sandy Creek Transit Center, Fair Lakes, Fair Lakes Promenade, Fair Oaks Mall, Fairfax Corner, Ridge Top Road, and Whole Foods.
- Shuttle service every 75 minutes from 7:15 a.m. (departing Fair Lakes) to 10:40 p.m. Monday–Friday. Last departure from Sandy Creek is at 10:15 p.m.
- Shuttle service from 12:15-7:45 p.m. on Saturday/Sunday.
- Get more information on the Gunston Go-Bus.
Mason Square (Arlington)/Fairfax
- Provides service between Sandy Creek (Fairfax) and Van Metre Hall (Mason Square) with a stop at Rappahannock River Lane (Fairfax) and off-campus at Fairfax Circle (Old Lee Highway & Circle Woods Drive).
- Operates Monday-Friday only with departures every two hours, starting at 7:15 a.m. from Sandy Creek and 8:15 a.m. from Van Metre Hall. Last departures Monday-Thursday at 9:25 p.m. from Sandy Creek and 10:25 p.m. from Van Metre Hall. Friday service ends at 8:25 p.m. (last departure from Van Metre).
- Read more about the Mason Square–Fairfax shuttle.
On-Demand Shuttles
Mason Shuttles offers an on-demand shuttle service. This is a shared ride service with designated pick-up and drop-off locations on the Fairfax Campus and at nearby locations off-campus. It does not serve the Mason Square (Arlington) or Science and Technology campuses. Service is 3-11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Rides must be requested by 10 p.m. for pick-ups between 10pm and 11pm
How it works:
- Download the Transloc app and follow the prompts
- On the app, under On-Demand, select from a range of pick-up and drop-off locations to request your ride.
- The app will provide an estimated pick-up time and will adjust the time if conditions change.
- Note: Outside the On-Demand shuttle’s operating hours, the app will indicate that there is no service in your area.
- Find out more about On-Demand shuttles.
Alternative Transportation Options
CUE Bus:
- Students and employees can ride any of the four Fairfax City CUE buses to and from the Rappahannock River Lane stop throughout Fairfax City and to the Vienna Metro stop for free.
- Check org for schedules.
- You can track the CUE bus using the TransLoc app.
Bicycling:
- Recognized as a Bicycle Friendly University, Mason has more than 1,400 bicycle parking spaces around campus.
- Covered bike parking is available under shelters around campus and on Levels 1 and 2 of the Rappahannock Parking Deck.
- A bicycle registration program offers registrants free bike locks and bike lights.
- A bike check-out program called Patriot Bikes is available at the RAC and AFC.
- Go to gmu.edu for more information.
Carpooling options:
- The Carpool Zone in Lot A, accessed off Mattaponi River Lane, and the Carpool Zone on the first level of the Rappahannock River Deck General permit area.
- To park in a carpool zone, show up from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., Monday-Friday with two or more people in your car and a General student or faculty/staff parking permit.
- No special permit is required. It’s first come, first served.
- Available now: Students and employees may qualify for a 20- to 40-percent rebate on reserved parking permits by carpooling.
- Read more information about the different carpool programs.
- Use com to find or share a ride!
Zipcar
- There is a car on the first level of the Rappahannock River Deck.
- For more info and to sign up for Mason discounts for Zipcar, go to https://www.zipcar.com/universities/george-mason-university
Motorcycle Parking:
Motorcycle parking spaces are available in various locations around campus. A motorcycle permit is required to park in these spaces:
- Located in front of the Aquatic and Fitness Center, by the Northeast Modules, Lot J, Lot C, on the first level of the Rappahannock River Parking Deck inside the General permit area, and in the Finley Lot.
- Reserved deck parking for motorcycles is also available in the Mason Pond, Shenandoah and Rappahannock River parking decks (motorcycle reserved permit required).
Moped Parking:
- Users of scooters and mopeds are required to purchase motorcycle permits and use motorcycle parking areas.
- Mopeds and scooters may not be parked at bike racks or in other areas around campus.
Shared Mobility Devices (e-scooters)
Mason is collaborating with the City of Fairfax in its pilot shared mobility program. If using an e-scooter from one of the participating vendors, be aware of your personal responsibility as outlined in your agreement with the vendor.
Please Note: Use shared mobility e-scooters in the pilot area only, which includes Mason’s Fairfax Campus and in the City of Fairfax.
Get more information on how to access e-scooters, where to park, and safety rules.
Science and Technology (SciTech) Campus Parking
- Fairfax-SciTech General permits, Lot I, Lot J, Lot R, and reserved parking deck permits are valid in the Occoquan, King, Discovery, Hylton, and Tower parking lots at the SciTech Campus.
- Please follow signage in these lots as parking spaces may be designated for various uses or permits.
- The Hylton Lot may be partially or entirely closed at times for construction of the Life Sciences and Engineering Building.
- Beacon Hall resident parking permit holders may park only in the Beacon Hall resident lot or the Tower Lot.
- The southeast side (left side facing the building) of the Shops parking lot at Beacon Hall is for retail parking only.
- Visitor parking is available in the Occoquan, Discovery and Tower parking lots utilizing ParkMobile.
- Visitor rates are $3 for the first hour, with an $8 daily maximum.
- Printable daily permits for the SciTech Campus may be purchased.
- Read more information about parking at the SciTech Campus.
Mason Square (formerly the Arlington Campus) Parking
One must work or be attending class at Mason Square to be eligible to purchase a Mason Square parking permit.
- Fairfax and SciTech permits are not valid at Mason Square without authorization from Parking Services.
- Mason Square General permit parking is located in the Vernon Smith Hall Garage located at 3434 N. Washington Blvd.
- Faculty/Staff and student parking is available on levels B3-P1 and on level B4 after 6 p.m.
- There is no guarantee of space in the General permit parking area.
- Please pay careful attention to signage as some spaces are designated for retail use only.
- Reserved and visitor parking is available in the Van Metre Hall Garage, including discounted daytime only permits (5 a.m. to 6 p.m.) and evening only permits (2 p.m. to 2 a.m.).
- Permit parking in the Van Metre Garage guarantees you a parking space.
- Read more about parking at Mason Square
Parking and Transportation Information
For more information on parking, shuttles, biking, and other transportation options, go to the Transportation website at transportation.gmu.edu.
Email Parking and Transportation at transpo@gmu.edu. For parking-specific questions, email parking@gmu.edu. For shuttle-specific questions, email shuttle@gmu.edu.
You can also follow Parking and Transportation on Facebook and Twitter, @MasonParking, and @MasonShuttles.
Construction and traffic advisories are posted at construction.gmu.edu.