Travel and Local Information
Flying to GMU:
We recommend using DCA or IAD airports, rather than BWI. From either DCA or IAD, you can take the metro to the Vienna/Fairfax GMU station, which is a short drive from the hotel and campus. Or you can take a cab or rideshare directly from the airport.
Getting to campus from the hotel:
We recommend either carpooling or taking a cab or rideshare (save the receipts and ask for reimbursement). If you would like to find a carpool or have room in your car, please contact us and we'll connect you.
Parking on campus:
We have reserved a section of Lot A on campus. Park there and walk to Exploratory Hall from there.
Campus map: https://info.gmu.edu/wp-content/uploads/23-003-Fairfax-Campus-Map-2023_ATI.pdf
(Exploratory Hall is Building 18.)
Options for Saturday lunch on campus:
There are food courts in both the Johnson Center and Merten Hall.
Restaurants that should be open for Saturday lunch in the Johnson Center:
Halal Guys
Express
Chipotle
Panera Bread
Restaurants that should be open for Saturday lunch in Merten Hall:
Manhattan Pizza
Panda Express
For the most up-to-date information on what's open on campus at any given time, use this site: https://masondining.sodexomyway.com/dining-near-me/open-now
Caution: This website lists restaurants on both the Fairfax campus and Arlington campus. Look for restaurants in the Johnson Center or Merten Hall to make sure they're actually nearby.
Some ideas for restaurants near campus:
Braddock road shopping center (lots of parking, 5-minute drive or 20-minute walk from Exploratory Hall):
Gathering Grounds: coffee shop, $, 10637 Braddock Road
Taco Bamba: $, 10629 Braddock Road location
Oh George!: bar with food, $$, 10659C Braddock Road
Downtown Fairfax City (free parking in several city lots, 8-minute drive or 30-minute walk from Exploratory Hall):
De Clieu Coffee & Sandwiches: $, 10389 Main Street
Sisters Thai: $$, 4004 University Drive location
Courtside Thai: $$, 3981 Chain Bridge Road
Eerkins Uyghur Cuisine: $$, 4008 University Drive location
East Wind Vietnamese: $$, 10414 Main Street
Bolllywood Bistro: $$, 3955 Chain Bridge Road location
Chubby Squirrel: brewery with snack options, $$, 10382 Willard Way
Chain Bridge Road (limited parking, 6-minute drive or 25 minute walk from Exploratory Hall):
Pho Banh Mi & Grill: $$, 4290 Chain Bridge Road