Getting to Campus from the Metro
Take the Red Line to the Tenleytown/American University Metro stop. Exit the station using the escalators on the left. At the bus stop on the street corner directly in front of you (40th St NW & Albemarle St NW), you can catch the free AU Shuttle bus to main campus.
To/From the Airports
The easiest way to get AU from Washington Dulles International Airport and BWI Airport is to use Super Shuttle (www.SuperShuttle.com). This is a shared van ride that will pick up multiple passengers from the airport and take them to their destinations around Washington, D.C. Please go to their website for more information. The price is approximately $30-$40, not including tip.
Baltimore/BWI
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.
Reagan/DCA
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.
Dulles/IAD
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.
Note on Arrival Assistance: Here in the United States, as in other countries, travelers must be careful of offers for inexpensive transportation or baggage services. You should accept assistance only from official personnel. If you need help, go to a clearly marked information desk. Police, airline desk personnel, and airport security personnel also provide assistance. The most reliable assistance may be found through the Traveler’s Aid Society (TAS), which has a desk at most airports. TAS volunteers or staff will help you with plane transfers, transportation, and hotel accommodations.
Getting Around DC
Metro (Upass)
In the Fall of 2016, American University began its University Pass (U-PASS) pilot program with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA). This program requires all full-time 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. U-PASS Program Information
Capital Bikeshare
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.
Ride Sharing (Uber/Lyft)
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.
Taxi
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.
