Checking-in at ISO
Your first step when you arrive at GW should be to check-in with the ISO. ISO has a two part check in. The first step is the Online Check In, which can be completed before you arrive. After you land in the US you will need to complete the second step of your check in.
Getting to Foggy Bottom
Washington, D.C. is served by three major airports: Ronald Reagan National Airport, Washington Dulles International Airport, and Baltimore Washington International Airport. Please read the following information to help determine which airport you wish to fly to. Below is an overview of airports near GW and the most economical transportation options from each location. Remember, Travelers Aid or information desks located within the airports are extremely helpful in providing information on-site after you pass the port of entry.
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
- DCA is the closest airport to GW’s campus, about 6 miles (9 km) away from campus Metro (Blue Line: exit at the Foggy Bottom/GWU station)
- Taxi
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
- IAD is located in Virginia, about 20 miles (30 km) from downtown Washington
- Washington Flyer: The Coach Service will take you to the West Fall Church Metro Station (Orange Line)
- Super Shuttle: It can be used for transportation to your place of residence
- MetroBus 5A: It operates between the L’Enfant Plaza Station (Blue, Orange and Silver Lines) and Dulles, with stops at the Rosslyn Station (Orange/Silver Lines) and Herndon-Monroe Park and Ride
- Taxi (costs between $50 and $100)
Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI)
BWI is located in Maryland, about 33 miles (53 km) from Washington. For transportation to DC, the following are available:
The MARC Train: Take the Penn Line to Union Station, located on the Red Line of the Metro. MARC Train service operates on Monday through Friday only
Amtrak Train
The B30 MetroBus from BWI to Greenbelt Metro Station (Green Line
Taxi (costs between $50 and $100)
Getting Around Washington D.C.
One of the many reasons why D.C. is a great city is that there are many forms of public transportation:
- Metro: The subway system, referred to as the Metro, is a safe and inexpensive method of transportation in the city. The Orange, Blue, and Silver Line trains lead directly to the “Foggy Bottom/GWU” Metro station, the heart of GW’s downtown campus.
- MetroBus and the Circulator: The MetroBus and the Circulator are both
public bus systems.
- Taxi and Uber: D.C. has many taxi options, and depending on where you want to go, using either a taxi or calling an Uber using the mobile app called “Uber” can be a convenient way to get around the city.
- Campus Shuttles: The university maintains three shuttles that go in between GW’s campuses:
- Vern Express: Runs between Foggy Bottom and Mount Vernon campuses.
- VSTC Express: Runs between the Foggy Bottom and Virginia Science and Technology Campuses.
- Wiehle Express: Stops at several points in Loudoun county, the Wiehle-Reston East Metrorail station, and the Virginia Science and Technology Campus.
- Capital Bikeshare: Capital Bikeshare is a program in the district that allows customers to rent bikes throughout the district and surrounding areas.