Closest Metro Station to Georgetown University
“What is the closest metro station to Georgetown University?”
Located in the historic Georgetown neighborhood, the university is among the most prestigious institutions in the United States. However, unlike many other parts of D.C., Georgetown does not have a direct Metro station. But don’t worry — with smart planning and this detailed guide, you’ll know exactly how to reach Georgetown University using Metro and other public transportation options.
In this blog, we'll cover:
- The nearest metro stations
- Best routes from those stations to the university
- Alternative transport options (bus, shuttle, walk)
- Insider travel tips
- and why Georgetown is worth the trip!
The campus is picturesque and sits near the Potomac River, attracting students, tourists, and researchers alike. But its charming location comes with a twist — there’s no Metro stop in Georgetown itself. Let’s explore the best alternatives.
🚇 Closest Metro Stations to Georgetown University
Here are the three nearest Metro stations to Georgetown University, all located on different lines of the Washington Metro system:
1. Foggy Bottom–GWU Station (Blue, Orange, Silver Lines)
- Distance to campus: ~1.2 miles (20–25 minutes walk)
- Location: 23rd and I Street NW
- Why it’s recommended: Closest direct access point by Metro
This is the most popular metro station for Georgetown commuters. From Foggy Bottom–GWU, many students and visitors either walk, take a bus, or ride the Georgetown University Transportation Shuttle (GUTS).
2. Rosslyn Metro Station (Blue, Orange, Silver Lines)
- Distance to campus: ~1.5 miles
- Location: Arlington, VA
- Special feature: Access to Georgetown via Key Bridge
Although it’s across the Potomac River in Virginia, the Rosslyn Station is another viable option. It’s especially useful if you’re coming from Northern Virginia.
3. Dupont Circle Station (Red Line)
- Distance to campus: ~1.7 miles
- Route: Short Metrobus ride or bike ride
If you’re on the Red Line, Dupont Circle is your best bet. From here, hop on a D.C. Circulator or Metrobus, or rent a Capital Bikeshare bike to reach campus.
🚌 How to Get to Georgetown from Metro Stations
Once you get off at one of the nearby stations, you’ll need to use a secondary mode of transport — and that’s where buses, bikes, or shuttles come in.
1. From Foggy Bottom–GWU Station
- Option A: Walk (~25 minutes) Walk west on I Street NW, cross the Rock Creek Parkway, and continue on Pennsylvania Avenue or M Street toward Georgetown.
- Option B: GUTS Shuttle Georgetown provides a free GUTS shuttle from Foggy Bottom Metro (near 23rd St & I St) directly to campus.
➤ Note: GUTS is primarily for students, faculty, and staff — ID may be required.
- Option C: Metrobus
Take Metrobus routes 31, 33, or 38B from Foggy Bottom to M Street NW and walk to campus.
2. From Rosslyn Station
- Option A: Walk across Key Bridge (~20–25 mins) Scenic walk over the Potomac River into Georgetown — a favorite for students and joggers.
- Option B: Bus Take Metrobus 38B or DC Circulator Rosslyn–Dupont Route.
3. From Dupont Circle Station
Option A: Bus
- The DC Circulator – Dupont–Georgetown–Rosslyn Route is your best choice. It’s affordable, frequent, and drops you near Georgetown’s main gates.
🚴♂️ Alternative Transport Options
If you’re not a fan of buses or walking long distances, don’t worry — Georgetown is well-connected in other ways:
1. Capital Bikeshare
Rent a bike from any Capital Bikeshare station and pedal your way to Georgetown via dedicated bike lanes or trails.
- Stations available at:
- Foggy Bottom
- Rosslyn
- Dupont Circle
- Georgetown Waterfront
2. Scooters
Apps like Lime, Bird, Spin, and Lyft allow you to unlock electric scooters across D.C., making it fun and fast to zip into Georgetown.
3. Uber/Lyft
A short rideshare ride from any of the nearby Metro stations will cost $5–$10, depending on the time of day.
🎓 Why the Metro Still Works Well for Georgetown Commuters
Even though Georgetown lacks a dedicated metro stop, many students, staff, and visitors still use Metro every day by combining their trip with walking, biking, or shuttle services. The city’s multimodal transport network makes it relatively smooth to get around.
Bonus Tip: During peak hours or events, public buses and Circulator routes are often faster than cars due to D.C.'s traffic and limited parking around campus.
🕓 Estimated Travel Times from Popular Metro Stops
| Metro Station | Line | Mode | Travel Time to Campus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foggy Bottom–GWU | Blue/Orange/Silver | Walk/Shuttle | 20–25 mins |
| Rosslyn | Blue/Orange/Silver | Walk/Bus | 20–30 mins |
| Dupont Circle | Red | Bus/Bike | 25–35 mins |
📱 Helpful Apps for Real-Time Transit
To make your trip even smoother, consider downloading these free apps:
| App | Use |
|---|---|
| MetroHero | Real-time DC Metro updates |
| DC Circulator | Bus timings & routes |
| Capital Bikeshare | Find and rent bikes |
| Google Maps | Door-to-door trip planner |
| GUTS | Georgetown’s internal shuttle info |
✅ Final Thoughts
While Georgetown University may not be directly connected to the Washington Metro system, it’s still highly accessible. With nearby stations like Foggy Bottom–GWU, Rosslyn, and Dupont Circle, and a range of walking paths, bus routes, and shuttle services, you won’t have trouble getting there, whether you're a daily commuter, visiting student, or a tourist.
So the next time someone asks, “Is Georgetown University on the metro line?” — you can confidently say:
“No, but it’s just a short walk or bus ride away from the nearest stations.”
🧠Bonus: Quick Directions Recap
- From Downtown D.C.: Take the Blue Line to Foggy Bottom, then walk or shuttle
- From Virginia: Use Rosslyn Station, then walk over Key Bridge
- From Northern D.C.: Take the Red Line to Dupont, then bus or bike
Ready to explore the Hilltop?
Plan your route, lace up your walking shoes, and enjoy the vibrant Georgetown experience!
