Congratulations on your acceptance to the University of Maryland. The next step is getting you onto campus, which because of our location in near Washington, DC, can be confusing and frustrating. However, with good information and the abundant public transportation in the area, getting around DC can be easy. That said, with all the traffic, traveling around DC can be very time consuming so please plan accordingly.

» Driving Directions to the University of Maryland
» Maps & Information about University Campus Visitor Parking
» Metro's Trip Planner (how to get from point A to point B using Metro)
» Driving Directions to Metro stations and parking
» Other Transportation Options in the Area

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
The Metro has a stop at National Airport, just follow the signs once you arrive.  Take the yellow line to one of three stops (Mt. Vernon Square is the least crowded) and transfer to the Green Line.  Exit at the College Park Metro station and take the red and white "College Park Metro Station" Shuttle UM bus.  Travel time is about 1 hour from National to the Stamp Student Union on campus. Total cost is $2.35 - $3.90 depending on time of day.
» Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport website
» Map of the Metro system

Dulles International (IAD)
Take the Washington Flyer to the West Falls Church Metro Station (costs $8 one-way). Take the orange line to L'Enfant Plaza and switch to the green line going to College Park.  Exit at the College Park Metro station and take the red and white "College Park Metro Station" Shuttle UM bus.  The bus runs every 10 minutes, but doesn't run late at night (check schedule).  Travel time is about 1 hour 20 minutes from Dulles to the Stamp Student Union on campus. Total cost is $10.35 - $11.90 depending on time of day.
» Dulles International Airport website
» Washington Flyer Schedule
» Map of the Metro system

Baltimore Washington International (BWI)
The BWI Express Metro Bus (B30) runs from the airport to the Greenbelt Metro Station every 40 minutes (check schedule) and only costs $3.00 (You will need exact change).  There are two WMATA Bus Stops. One is located on the lower level of the International Pier and the other stop is located on the lower level of Concourse A/B. The B30 will pick you up outside at the bus shelter. Follow the signs that say “Public Transit.”
Once at Greenbelt Metro Station. Take the Metro one stop to the College Park Metro Station ($1.35).  Exit at the College Park Metro station and take the red and white "College Park Metro Station" Shuttle UM bus.  Travel time is about 1 hour. Total cost is $4.35.
» Baltimore Washington International Airport website
» Check the BWI Express Bus Schedule
» Map of the Metro system

Some departments offer to pick up students from the airport and transport them to campus. Additionally, there are two graduate student organizations, the Students Council of India and the Chinese Student and Scholar Association that coordinate airport pickups for newly arriving students.

All graduate students are commuters, thus the Office of Commuter Student Involvement is one of the most useful resources on campus. For help understanding your transportation options in the area, see the above link. For regular updates, subscribe to the Commuter Listserv.