Transportation Guide
Explore a variety of programs and services and stay up to date on all parking and transportation information around Mason campuses.
Transportation Services
Carpool Programs
Explore many carpool options and save 20-40% on eligible parking permits for Mason students, faculty, and staff. Save your commute cost and go green.
Mason Commutes
Find carpool partners or a bike or transit buddy within the Mason community. Propose a trip or request rides on Mason Commutes, the go-to place for Mason ridesharing.
Patriot Lift
Limited on-campus transportation services for students, faculty, and staff who need assistance getting around campus.
Bike Programs
Register your bike, join our Faculty/Staff Bike Commuter Choice program, receive student bike-sharing discounts, and more!
E-Scooters
Register your personal scooter and receive a complimentary lock and other related giveaways; learn more about safety guidelines, where to ride, and where to park.
Metro Rail
Hop on the Metro and explore the Washington, D.C., and area communities. Patriots can get to Vienna Metro station via Mason Shuttle’s Sandy Creek/Vienna Metro Route or the Fairfax City CUE Bus.
Campus Parking
Some Tips to Help Get Your Started
Always contact Parking Services if you have questions or concerns! We look forward to assisting you. Parking Services is located next to the Sandy Creek Transit Center.
Where to Park
- Parking lots can fill up fast. Allow extra time to find a space, especially during the first few weeks of class.
- On the busiest days, it is recommended that those arriving on campus later in the morning park in Lot K, Lot L, or at the Field House, a 15-minute walk to the Johnson Center, as the lots on East Campus will often fill.
- General lot permits are valid on Levels 1‐2 of Rappahannock River Parking Deck (excluding the visitor section).
- Parking permits are required to park in any lot on Mason property.
Permits
Parking permits are required to park in any lot on Mason property. Most Fairfax permits can be used at SciTech Campus but not at Mason Square. If you have classes at Mason Square, you can obtain a Mason Square permit which can also be used in Fairfax and SciTech general permit areas.
Visitor Parking
Hourly parking is available at all parking decks and general surface lots across Fairfax, SciTech, and Mason Square campuses. Parking tickets can be purchased at the pay stations or via the ParkMobile app.
Important Notice
Citations and Enforcement
- Always read the signs to know if a parking lot or area is restricted to a certain type of permit. Do not park in reserved, service/repair, state vehicles, administrative spaces, or any other specifically marked space.
- Parking lots are enforced all year round, including the first week of classes and even when classes are not in session. There is no grace period.
- Check the parking website for the latest information regarding permit sales and other important news affecting parking on campus, even when classes are not in session.
Communication
- Pay attention to your Mason email for temporary lot closures.
- Information about permit sales, online citation appeals, and payment options are available online.
Shuttle Routes
Free shuttles for Mason students, faculty, and staff. Check shuttle schedules, as there have been service changes.
Shuttle summaries below are subject to change.
Save Money and Help Lower CO2 Emissions
- A Mason ID is required to ride Mason Shuttles.
- Visit the individual shuttle page for the most recent schedule.
- Allow extra time to get to your destination.
- No visitors on Mason Shuttles until further notice.
Track the Shuttle Schedule via RideSystems App
Fairfax/Mason Square Shuttle
Operates between the Fairfax Campus and Mason Square.
Monday-Friday Service
Fairfax/SciTech Shuttle
Operates between the Fairfax Campus and SciTech Campus.
Monday-Friday & Limited Weekend Services
During Fall & Spring
Monday-Friday Service
During Winter Break & Summer
Gunston Go-Bus
Provides service to area shopping centers with additional stops on Ridge Top Road and Fair Lakes Parkway
Monday-Friday & Limited Weekend Services
During Fall & Spring
Limited Monday-Friday Service
During Winter Break & Summer
Sandy Creek/Vienna Metro Shuttle
The shuttle operates between Sandy Creek Transit Center and Vienna Metro, with stops at Masonvale, Rappahannock River Lane, the Commerce Building, Fairfax Circle, and the Vienna Metro (Northside, Bay C).
Monday-Friday Service
West Campus Shuttle
Operates in a loop from West Campus to Rapidan River Road, Field House, the RAC, and Cabrera Global Center with stops at Patriot Circle (EagleBank Arena side), Presidents Park, Masonvale (Patriot Circle & Staffordshire), and Rappahannock River Lane.
Monday-Friday Service
No Service in Summer
On-Demand Shuttle
A shared ride service between established stops on and around the Fairfax Campus. It does not serve the SciTech or Mason Square campuses. Use the TransLoc app to request rides and track the shuttle stops. You cannot pre-book a ride, and the wait time for the shuttle is based on request volume.
Saturday-Sunday Service
No Service in Summer
Travel Information
If you plan to be away from Mason, check out the transportation options below. Public transit is accessible via the Mason shuttle Sandy Creek/Vienna Metro route or the CUE Bus.
Area Airports
Area airports are accessible via public transportation, Super Shuttle, Uber/Lyft, or taxi. Follow the link below for details on how to get to and from the airports in the area.
Mason Commutes
Propose a trip or request rides on Mason Commutes. Share travel costs and build connections with fellow Patriots.
Patriot Lift
Union Station is a hub for train and regional bus services. Students can take the Mason Shuttle or CUE Bus to Vienna Station (orange line) and transfer to the red line at the Metro Center to reach Union Station.
Zipcar
Rent a Zipcar for an errand run or a long trip with a discounted membership. Zipcars are located in the visitor parking section on the first floor of the Rappahannock Parking Deck.