ℹAbout Vienna/Fairfax-GMU Station

Vienna/Fairfax-GMU is the western terminus of the DC Metro Orange Line, serving Vienna, Virginia and the broader Fairfax County corridor. The station opened on June 7, 1986, completing the Orange Line's westward extension from Ballston into the Virginia suburbs.

The station sits at the edge of the I-66 and Maple Avenue corridor, making it a primary gateway for commuters from western Fairfax County, Loudoun County, and communities along the I-66 corridor who prefer to park and take the train into Washington DC.

Vienna/Fairfax-GMU has the largest Park & Ride lot in the entire WMATA system with over 5,000 spaces — it routinely fills before 7:00 AM on weekday mornings.

The station's name references both the Town of Vienna and George Mason University (GMU), whose main Fairfax campus is approximately 3 miles away. Fairfax Connector and OmniRide buses provide connections to the university and surrounding communities.

🚇Lines & Service

Orange Line
Vienna/Fairfax-GMU → New Carrollton
 All trains toward New Carrollton Every 6–12 min peak

🗺Nearby Destinations

🎓
George Mason University
3 mi · Bus connection
🛍
Mosaic District
2 mi · Next stop Dunn Loring
🌳
Wolf Trap National Park
4 mi · Bus connection
🏪
Vienna Town Center
0.5 mi · 10 min walk
🏥
Inova Fairfax Hospital
3 mi · Bus connection
🎭
Capital One Hall
5 mi · Via I-66

🚪Station Exits

Exit A
Maple Ave W (Main)
Primary entrance to the Park & Ride lot and bus bays. Access from I-66 exit 62.
Exit B
Nutley St / Park & Ride
Secondary entrance from Nutley Street. Connects to the overflow parking areas and additional bus stops.

💡Rider Tips

  • ⏰
    The parking lot fills before 7:00 AM on weekday mornings. If you arrive after 7, try Dunn Loring or West Falls Church — both have available spaces later in the morning.
  • 🚌
    Fairfax Connector routes 401, 402, and 497 connect the station to George Mason University's main campus. OmniRide Express buses serve commuters from Manassas and Prince William County.
  • 🚗
    The station is accessible directly from I-66 East at Exit 62 (Nutley Street). There is no direct I-66 West access — use US-29 or Maple Ave to loop around.
  • 🎟
    Vienna is in Fare Zone 3. Peak fare to Metro Center (Zone 1) is approximately $3.90. SmarTrip is required at this station — paper tickets are not sold here.
  • 🚲
    The Washington & Old Dominion (W&OD) Trail runs near the station, making it a popular bike-and-ride destination. Covered bike lockers are available near the main entrance.

🔗Next Stations on the Orange Line

Dunn Loring–Merrifield → West Falls Church East Falls Church

❓Frequently Asked Questions

What time does the first Orange Line train leave Vienna?

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The first Orange Line train departs Vienna/Fairfax-GMU at approximately 5:00 AM on weekdays and 7:00 AM on Saturdays and Sundays. Last trains depart around 11:30 PM on weeknights and 1:00 AM on Friday and Saturday nights.

How much does parking cost at Vienna Metro?

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WMATA charges $6.00 per day for parking at Vienna/Fairfax-GMU on weekdays. Parking is free on weekends and federal holidays. Payment is via SmarTrip card — cash is not accepted at the parking meters.

Is there a bus to George Mason University from Vienna Metro?

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Yes. Fairfax Connector Route 401 runs frequently between Vienna Metro and George Mason University's main campus, with a trip time of approximately 15–20 minutes. The bus stop is directly in front of the station on the bus bay level.

How long does it take to get from Vienna to downtown DC?

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The Orange Line ride from Vienna/Fairfax-GMU to Metro Center takes approximately 40–45 minutes. To Farragut West it's about 38 minutes, and to L'Enfant Plaza around 47 minutes. Travel times are consistent regardless of traffic — a major advantage over driving I-66 during peak hours.