The affected parking lots include Lot L and Lot A from Sunday, April 19, to Saturday, April 25. Increased traffic on and around campus on Friday, April 24, for Mason Day. Please allow ample travel time and see the announcement for details and transportation options.
Fairfax, SciTech, and Mason Square campuses are recognized for their accessibility and flexibility in providing commuting options and benefits for the campus community.
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.
Introducing the online quiz tool to provide recommendations on your parking permit options and the easiest ways to get around George Mason University.
Make a difference, one commute at a time! Help MasonCommutes.com become the go-to place for Mason ridesharing and commuting of all types.
Biking around campus and the City of Fairfax is easier than ever. Ride and park your ebike at one of 700+ stations across Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. Membership discounts are available for Mason students.
The CUE Bus is available to take you to many locations in the City of Fairfax and the Vienna Metro station. Free for the public. Just board and go!
Find out the latest updates on transportation services, Mason shuttles, and parking information for the new semester.
Fairfax Parking Services
Sandy Creek Transit Center
4400 University Drive, MSN 1J6
(703) 993-2710
[email protected]
Monday – Friday
8:30 am – 5:00 pm*
*Closed from Noon-1 pm for lunch
* Some Mason transportation programs include complimentary parking passes as an incentive. Virtual permits will not immediately impact these programs as we will continue to issue complimentary hangtags. This will be phased out over time, and we will eventually be issuing virtual permits/validations as the incentive. Please continue to check this space for updates.
Mason’s Bike Advisory Committee meets once per semester (in fall and spring) to provide guidance on a range of issues, including growing Mason’s cycling community and addressing cycling policy, programming, and culture both at Mason and in the broader regional community. The Committee also helps support the Mason cycling culture through volunteering to map routes for new cyclists. If you’re interested in joining the Committee, please email [email protected].
For campus community members who need assistance in mapping a bike route to Mason, please contact our bike volunteers for help. To sign up to volunteer, email [email protected].
| Name | Bike Route Area | |
|---|---|---|
| Bine, Kathy | [email protected] | ZIP Code 22031 (near the Vienna and Dunn Loring Metro Stations to the Fairfax Campus) |
| Herin, Greta Ann | [email protected] | ZIP Codes 22032 and 22015 |
| Kargbo, Ibrahim | [email protected] | Reston area |
| Kwartin, Bob | [email protected] | ZIP Code 22182 (Wolf Trap and North Vienna area) |
| Rebhuhn-glanz, Rebecca | [email protected] | Between West Drive (off Route 123 in Fairfax City) and the Fairfax Campus |
| Snodgrass, Paul | [email protected] | Assistance to Mason Square (Arlington) from South Arlington, Alexandria, as well as points west using the W&OD trail. Can assist riders from North Arlington and DC as well. |
| Sokolov, Vadim | [email protected] | ZIP Code 22032 (near Twinbrook and Braddock) |
| White, Dominic | [email protected] | To the Fairfax campus from southern Alexandria, Springfield, and Huntington |
Mason encourages faculty, staff, and students to use shared transportation, such as carpooling, to help the university curb its carbon emissions and decrease traffic on campus. Faculty and staff can choose from three carpool programs and the vanpool program, and students have a choice of two carpool programs.
Note: Some Mason transportation programs include complimentary parking passes as an incentive. Virtual permits will not immediately impact these programs as we will continue to issue complimentary hangtags. This will be phased out over time, and we will eventually be issuing virtual permits/validations as the incentive. Please continue to check this space for updates.
Carpooling is a great way to get to and from campus. Mason encourages faculty and staff to explore multiple ways to get to campus, such as carpooling, to help the university curb its carbon emissions and decrease traffic on campus. Please note: Faculty/Staff and Student permits are virtual as of Fall 2023, meaning one’s license plate must be registered to their permit in order to park on campus.
All faculty and staff are eligible to participate in the carpool programs (except Masonvale residents). A carpool consists of two or more people traveling together for at least half of their commute, 50% of the days they commute; some conditions apply. Please see individual carpool programs for details.
Carpool Zone Program
Faculty and staff with general permit passes can park in designated areas of Lot A and Rappahannock Parking Deck Monday – Friday between 7:00 am – 11:00 am as long as they have two people in their car with a general lot permit.
Carpool Preferred Program
Faculty and staff can park in designated parking spaces that are conveniently located in lots and decks.
Carpool Premium Program
Faculty and staff with a parking deck or reserved Lot I or reserved Lot J permit can receive between a 20% – 40% rebate on the parking permit for carpooling based upon how many people are in the carpool.
| Program | Application | When | Carpool Spaces | Rebate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carpool Zone | No | Monday – Friday 7:00 – 11:00 am | Designated spaces in Lot A and first level of Rappahannock River Deck | No |
| Carpool Preferred | Annually | Anytime | Designated throughout campus | No |
| Carpool Premium | Each Semester | Anytime | Lot I/Lot J reserved spaces or Parking Deck carpool spaces (Can use other general lot car pool spaces but must be a Lot I, Lot J, or Deck permit holder to be eligible for the rebate) | Yes |
Visit Mason Commutes to carpool with others to and from Mason campuses. Enter your commute information to be matched with Mason community members traveling around the same time and from a similar point of origin.
Employees may also use the regional rideshare program at Commuter Connections.
Carpooling is a great way to get to and from campus. Mason encourages students to explore multiple ways to get to campus, such as carpooling to help the university curb its carbon emissions and decrease traffic on campus.
All students living off-campus are eligible for the Student Carpool Program. A carpool consists of two individuals traveling together; some conditions apply. Please see individual carpool programs for details. (On-campus residents and residents of Masonvale are not eligible.)
Carpool Zone Program
Students with general permit passes can park in designated areas of Lot A and Rappahannock Parking Deck Monday – Friday between 7:00 am – 11:00 am as long as they have two people in their car with a general lot permit.
Student Carpool Formal Program
Students with a parking deck or reserved Lot I or reserved Lot J permit can receive between a 20% – 40% rebate on the parking permit for carpooling based upon how many people are in the carpool.
Visit Mason Commutes to carpool with others to and from Mason campuses. Enter your commute information and be matched with the Mason community members traveling around the same time and from a similar point of origin.
Team up, Save Time and Money: Join a Van Pool
For an overview of the I-66 project and vanpooling, watch the recording of a recent vanpool interest meeting held virtually at Mason on December 8, 2021.
The Vanpool Coordinator acts as the vanpool team captain
To receive the Mason subsidy of up to $325/month
New in 2026! Full-time state employees may request up to $340 monthly to commute by public transit or vanpool. This is a tax-free benefit paid by the University. Please remember that you should only request the amount you need for your qualified commute up to the IRS maximum. If you are new to the program, check out the information below and get started by submitting an Enrollment Form.
In order to participate in the Commuter Choice Program, you must first submit the enrollment form to the program. Each month, you will submit a Monthly Benefits Request form by the deadline in order to receive benefits. You must travel by public transportation or vanpool (other than driving alone) on average 8 times per month to be eligible for the Commuter Choice Program. The minimum can be met flexibly, it does not have to be twice per week but an average of 8 times per month. The eight round trips can also be broken into commuting legs (16 legs of commuting from home to work or work to home) as long as it results in a total of 8 round trips on average per month.
Please submit the Monthy Benefit Request Form by the 10th of each month to receive your benefit for the next month. If the 10th falls on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, please submit your request by the preceding Thursday.
If you would like to receive your daily complimentary permits, please check the relevant box on the Monthly Benefit Request Form. You will receive an email with a link to claim your permits before the start of the next month.
Additionally:
SmarTrip is convenient to pay transit fares using a rechargeable plastic fare card. SmarTrip is accepted on Metrorail, Metrobus, local bus systems, and some commuter buses. The Commuter Choice benefit amount (up to $340/month) will be available on the first of every month on your SmarTrip card.
Note: Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority operates the SmartBenefits Program and software. We will make every effort to answer your questions. Please check your SmartBenefits Account and resolve your problems and questions. If there is a problem with your Smartrip Card or online account, we will notify our WMATA Account Representative for action.
For lost or damaged SmarTrip cards, use the WMATA self-service tool from your SmarTrip Card summary page. View the following document for details on how to use WMATA self-service(PDF) to replace a lost or damaged SmarTrip card. Please review your options carefully before making a selection.
Parking and Transportation are reviewing additional WMATA self-service functions for future use by Mason’s Commuter Choice community.
George Mason University has partnered with Enterprise Rent-a-car to provide short-term rental cars for university business. Prior to submitting a request, please review the information below regarding the official travel advisory.
It is the responsibility of each driver to comply with all Commonwealth/University and Enterprise policies and procedures for travel. ALL travel requires advance authorization.
All drivers who operate any rented vehicle must comply with University Policy 1411, Vehicle Use.
“Trip” approval for Motor Pool vehicle rental can be obtained from any person within your organization with signature authority for the budget code given or an authorized designee. Organizations using Motor Pool for the first time need to obtain the Department Chair’s or Director’s signature on the Motor Pool Vehicle Rental Form to set up an account with Motor Pool.
To be authorized to operate an 11 or 12-passenger van, every driver must successfully complete the Van Driver Familiarization Class offered by the campus police along with the Driver Awareness Training through the Office of Risk Management. Class sizes are limited to 10, and scheduled class dates for each month are posted on the University Police Department and Risk Management websites.
All Operators: Drivers, including infrequent drivers, must meet these minimum qualifications:
Individuals not employed by the Commonwealth or University may accompany Commonwealth/University employees operating the vehicle when they have an interest in the purpose of the trip and their presence is directly related to the official Commonwealth/University business.
Friends or relatives of Commonwealth/University employees are not allowed to ride in the vehicle unless directly related to the official Commonwealth/University business.
Hitchhikers and pets are not allowed in the vehicles.
Twelve and 15-passenger vehicles are limited in quantity and may take time to secure for rental. Because of this, requests for passenger vans must be submitted at least 14 days before the desired date of departure.
A University Fuel card will be furnished to purchase fuel during travel. When refueling, select regular-grade fuel ONLY. Receipts for fuel purchases must be retained by the driver and turned over to the “renter’s” department budget staff for reconciliation. Vehicles must be returned with the fuel level at the same amount as when you started.
*Fuel cards must be returned by the next business day after the trip return date during office hours. The Motor Pool office is located in the Nottoway Annex in Parking Lot C.
Requests for vehicles can be canceled by sending an email to [email protected]. Twelve-passenger van rentals require a 48-hour cancellation notice or a $50 fee may be charged. Cancellation fee waived for other vehicles.
When picking up a rental, drivers must provide the Enterprise branch with the confirmation number and valid driver’s license. Driver must complete paperwork, note any vehicle damage, and check the fuel.
Rental vehicles can be picked up via one of three methods:
*Enterprise must be informed 48 hours in advance of pickup for option 2 or 3
No additional fees are associated with early drop-off. (If a vehicle is returned before the originally planned return date, the University will not be charged for the unused reservation days).
It is the responsibility of each driver to comply with all applicable Motor Vehicle Laws. Drivers of vehicles should practice defensive driving by observing the actions of other drivers and controlling the vehicle in a manner so as to avoid accidents.
Under no circumstances may a driver operate a vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating beverages, drugs, or other substances. Smoking and the use of tobacco, including e-cigarettes and vaporizer products, are prohibited in any vehicle. The use of cell phones, blackberries, smartphones, and other handheld electrical devices may not be used while operating a vehicle. Drivers and passengers are not permitted to eat, drink or smoke while in a vehicle.
All violations and fines, including parking citations, are the responsibility of the driver and must be paid* by the “due date”. Failure to pay fines associated with citations and violations may result in the suspension of the use of Motor Pool services.
*Commonwealth/University funds may not be used to pay fines associated with violations and citations.
In case of an accident with an Enterprise vehicle, the customer will need to contact Enterprise and Mason’s Department of Risk Management. Risk Management will need a copy of the rental agreement, a damage report, and a police report. For more information, please visit Risk Management’s Reporting State & Rental Vehicle Accidents.
Roadside assistance is available 24/7 for all renters. There is no cost for vehicle breakdowns that are not the fault of the driver. Other roadside assistance services (e.g. locked keys, lost keys, flat tires, etc.), are fee-based.
If your Motor Pool-rented vehicle will be parked on campus for some duration of the term of your rental, a temporary parking pass can be provided to park the vehicle in General Lots. To request this, email [email protected] with your trip number and a request for the pass, and visit the Transportation Office at Nottoway Annex to receive the pass. It is the responsibility of the driver to arrange parking for the vehicle prior to storing it on the campus.
Sending your request in advance ensures the availability of vehicles to match your activity. Users can log in two ways via Trip Direct or My School Building.
If you have never rented vehicles before, please complete a Motor Pool Vehicle Rental Form (PDF) and submit it to the motor pool office:
Instructions are available for Requestors (PDF) and Approvers (PDF) on completing a request through the Online Request system.
There are three major airports located in the Washington, D.C. Metro area. Therefore there are different various transportation options for getting to and from Mason’s Campuses using airport transportation.
Below you will find information about each airport and advice on alternative transportation options from the different airports in the Washington, D.C. region.
Self-Driving/Taxi Cab:
Driving Distance from Mason Fairfax Campus to BWI: approximately 54.9 miles
Public Transportation:
Self-Driving/Taxi Cab:
Driving Distance from Mason Fairfax Campus to DCA: approximately 20.6 miles
Public Transportation:
Self-Driving/Taxi Cab:
Driving Distance from Mason Fairfax Campus to IAD: approximately 18.8 miles
Public Transportation:
The GRH, Operated by Commuter Connections, is designed for employees who rideshare (carpool/vanpool), use mass transit (bus, train), bicycle, or walk to work at least two times a week. It is absolutely free to sign-up for and free to use. Once you register you can use the GRH service up to six times a year. Your year will begin once you register for the program. If a qualifying emergency arises (such as the sudden illness of a family member, school closing, etc.) on a day that you use an alternative commute mode to get to work, call Commuter Connections at 1-800-745-RIDE and select option #2. Commuter Connections will arrange transportation for you (e.g. taxi, car rental, transit) to take you home. Visit GRH Participation Guidelines page for eligibility requirements.
Policy 1131 provides guidance on Mason’s Motorized Vehicle Program (e.g. motorized utility vehicles (MUV) including golf carts, Cushman vans, Bobcat utility carts, gators, ATVs, etc.). Please refer to the policy and procedures for information on the purchase and use of MUVs.
Application for Purchase/Registration of a Motorized Utility Vehicle (MUV) PDF
Mason students, faculty and staff, and alumni with valid driver’s licenses can access Zipcar stations on campus for an errand run or a long trip. Zipcars are located in the visitor parking section on the first floor of Rappahannock Parking Deck and Lot R.
The Patriot Lift Program provides limited transportation service to those students, faculty, and staff requiring long- or short-term assistance moving around within the parameter of the Fairfax Campus on a one-time or recurring basis. All applicants must receive prior approval from relevant offices on campus. See below for the new applicant registration process. The program is a partnership between Parking & Transportation, Office of Disability Services, Student Health Services, and the Office of Access, Compliance, and Community.
ADA Parking Decal: Students, faculty, and staff with ADA decals do not need to seek approval but must submit a Patriot Lift Form (PDF). See the registration process below.
Visitor: Due to the impact of COVID-19, Patriot Lift may not be used by visitors until further notice.
Note: There is no pick-up at the Field House, West Campus, or Masonvale. The Parking and Transportation Department will house and operate the program.
Monday – Friday
8:30 am – 5:00 pm
First pick-up: 8:45 am
Last pick-up: 4:45 pm
Service hours are subject to change. No service during holidays breaks and when administrative offices are closed. The service may be suspended during inclement weather or other conditions.
Note: Patriot Lift is staffed by students. Services are only available when school is in session. Transport services are not provided for off-campus locations.
All requests from registered participants must be made at least 24 hours in advance of need. To make a request, please email [email protected] or call (703) 993-2828 with the following information:
A student seeking Patriot Lift services should submit documentation showing their need for Patriot Lift (i.e., doctor’s notes), complete the Patriot Lift Form (PDF), and sign the Patriot Lift Rules and Procedure (PDF), including a list of the proposed service schedules. Both documents can be submitted in person or via mail to one of the following offices:
Student Health Services
Via Mail:
George Mason University
Attn: Student Health Services
4400 University Drive, MSN: 2D3
Fairfax, VA 22030
In Person:
Student Union Building 1, Suite 2300
Phone: (703) 993-2831
Office of Disability Services
Via Mail:
George Mason University
Attn: Office of Disability Services
4400 University Drive, MSN 5C9
Fairfax, VA 22030
In Person:
Office of Disability Services
Student Union Building 1, Suite 2500
Phone: (703) 993-2474
Students requesting service for Title IX-related matters may also contact the Office of Access, Compliance, and Community.
Faculty and staff should submit doctor’s notes and the Patriot Lift Form (PDF) in person to the Office of Access, Compliance, and Community on the Fairfax Campus.
373 Aquia Building
Phone: (703) 993-8730
For applicants who have an ADA decal issued by DMV for temporary or permanent use, applicants should submit the Patriot Lift Form (PDF) to:
Transportation Office
Nottoway Annex, Mail Stop 1J6
[email protected]
The submitted documentation will be reviewed within five business days to determine eligibility for Patriot Lift services using the University’s criteria. The applicant will be contacted via email regarding the outcome of the review. A new schedule form needs to be submitted every semester, including the summer.
If applicants are eligible for Patriot Lift services, they will be directed in the email to schedule a phone call or in-person orientation session with a Transportation Office staff member.
Note: Transports not previously approved by the Office of Disability Services, Student Health Services, and the Office of Access, Compliance, and Community will only be considered when of a critical nature. Please note that in an emergency, contact Mason Police by dialing 911.
Mason is collaborating with the City of Fairfax on their 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 e-scooters in the designated area only.
Register your scooter with Parking and Transportation to receive a free U-lock, safety information, and other giveaways. Student registration is valid for five years, and for faculty/staff, the registration is valid for the duration of their employment. Students, faculty, and staff who live off-campus and do not own a parking permit will receive two daily complimentary parking passes (general lots) per semester upon request when registering their scooters.
On-campus, only ride on roadways outside the Campus Core, in bike lanes, and on the Campus Drive shared use path. The Campus Core is anything inside Patriot Circle. Use of scooters inside Patriot Circle is restricted to those roads as determined by Parking and Transportation that are free of construction or other safety issues and is subject to change. The center of campus is a no park/no ride zone so shared scooters should not be operated there. For a map showing the no park/no ride zones and the places where it is permissible to ride scooters, as well as bikes, skateboards, and to skate, please visit the scooter map (PDF) (page 2).
Off-campus, please follow the City of Fairfax guidelines in their FAQ section.
| e-Scooter | e-Bike | Skateboard | Pedal Bike | Skates | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sidewalk | No | No | No | No | No |
| Dismount Zone | No | No | No | No | No |
| Trail | No | No | No | No | No |
| Bike Lane | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Roadway | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Campus Drive (Shared Use Path) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
On-campus, park your shared mobility scooter in a designated scooter corral or at a bike rack. See map (PDF) (page 2).
Off-campus, please follow the City of Fairfax guidelines in their FAQ section.
In all places: Never leave a scooter parked in such a way that it could pose a danger or tripping hazard. Be mindful not to impede pedestrian and ADA access. Please remember that we are all sharing space together; ride and park responsibly on campus or off campus.
Riding, storing, or charging personally owned transportation devices indoors at Mason is prohibited by:
No outdoor outlet can be used for charging unless it is specifically signed for use.
There are nine (9) approved outdoor outlets on the Fairfax Campus where these devices may be charged. Conditions apply:
The approved locations for charging are identified with signage, and they are:
Nottoway Annex (Parking Lot C; east end of the building)
Commonwealth Hall (east end of the building)
Between Rogers and Whitetop (low wall)
Whitetop Loading Area
Whitetop (lamp post adjacent to Lot I)
Liberty Hall (north end of the building)
Potomac Heights (West end of the building)
Global Center (Garage under building)
Shenandoah Parking Deck (Level 3 near vehicle entrance)
The same scooter companies that are operating in the Fairfax City scooter program are operating in Mason’s program.
On-campus, park your scooter in a designated scooter corral or at a bike rack. Map of corral locations (PDF) (page 2).
Off-campus, please follow the City of Fairfax guidelines in their FAQ section.
In all places: Never leave a scooter parked in such a way that it could pose a danger or tripping hazard. Be mindful not to impede pedestrian and ADA access. Please remember that we are all sharing space together; ride and park responsibly on-campus or off-campus.
Scooter operators are operating a vehicle and should observe all traffic laws.
Whether you walk, bike, or scoot, we're all part of the George Mason Community! Please be mindful and share the road for all types of riders. See below for tips and resources for keeping our campus safe and inclusive.
