In the Fall of 2016, American University began its University Pass (UPass) pilot program with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA). This program requires all full-time on-campus students to pay a mandatory flat fee each semester in exchange for unlimited rides on WMATA’s trains and buses. It was announced in March of 2017 that the program will continue for the 2017-2018 Academic Year. UPass Program Information

If you’re looking for an even more environmentally friendly way to navigate the city or would like to rent a bicycle for some sightseeing, Capital Bikeshare might be the right option for you. There are thousands of bicycles spread across hundreds of docking stations in the Washington Metropolitan area, and even a 15 bike station located conveniently on campus across from the Katzen Building. For more information about pricing and locations, visit the Capital Bikeshare Website.

In more recent years, ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft have come into popularity due to their convenience and relatively low cost. However, since these services are not supplied by licensed taxi drivers, please exercise caution if you decide to use these services.

Depending on location, distance, and time of day, DC Taxis can also be a quick and easy way to get around the city. Unlike the Ride-sharing services, DC Taxis do not charge surge pricing. For fare information, check out the DC Department of For-Hire Vehicles website.

Washington Dulles International (IAD) located 20 miles from Washington, D.C. Dulles offers:

• Traveler’s Aid Society – (703) 572-8296, located on the lower level at the west end of the main terminal
• Foreign Visitors Greeting Service – (703) 572-2536, located on the east end of the terminal opposite claim area #2. Multilingual volunteers assist with hotel accommodations, connecting flights and other types of travelers’ needs
• Foreign Currency Exchange, located at the east end of the terminal.

Baltimore-Washington International/Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) located in Maryland, 33 miles from Washington, D.C. BWI offers:

• Two Information Desks, both are on the upper level. One is at the entrance of Pier C and the other is located near the entrance to Pier D;
• Foreign Currency Exchange Offices, located on the upper and lower level – open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; and Travelers Aid (PATH) – 410-859-7207.

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) handles only domestic flights, but it is the closest and most convenient airport to AU. It is the only airport on a Metro subway line. DCA offers:

• Customer Services Centers – (703) 417-3200/ (703) 417-3201, located in Terminals A, B, and C
• Foreign Currency Exchange, located at all Customer Services Centers. Open between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily.

Metro: You can take the Maryland 201 Bus from BWI to Shady Grove Metro Station and take the Red Line towards Glenmont to the Tenleytown/American University stop.

MARC Train: Some choose to take the commuter train from BWI to Union Station, located on the Metro’s Red Line in Washington, DC. For more information about that train, visit this website.

If you are flying into Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport then you may choose to take a taxi cab, Super Shuttle ($18), or the Metro to AU.

Metro: Take the Blue/Yellow Line to Metro Center and switch to the Red Line. Take the Red Line north towards Shady Grove/Grosvenor to the Tenleytown/American University stop.

Taxi: Tell the driver that you are going to American University.  A taxi ride from Reagan Airport is approximately $30, not including tip.  You should expect to tip about $3.

Metro: Take the 5A bus to either the Rosslyn Metro Station or L’Enfant Plaza Metro Station.

From Rosslyn you will take the Blue, Orange, or Silver Line Trains to Metro Center where you will transfer to the Red Line. If you get off at L’Enfant you will take the Green or Yellow Line Train to Gallery Place/Chinatown where you will switch to the Red Line.

From either Metro Center or Chinatown, you will take the Red Line towards Shady Grove/Grosvenor to the Tenleytown/American University stop.