About Virginia Square–GMU Station
Virginia Square–GMU is an Orange and Silver Line station located on Fairfax Drive in Arlington, Virginia, between Ballston and Clarendon. The station opened on December 1, 1979, as part of the initial Rosslyn-Ballston corridor segment of the Orange Line. The "GMU" suffix was added to reflect the proximity of George Mason University's Arlington campus, located directly adjacent to the station.
The surrounding Virginia Square neighborhood is a mid-density mixed-use area with a mix of residential buildings, small offices, restaurants, and community facilities. The station serves as the primary transit gateway for GMU's Arlington campus, which hosts graduate programs in law, public policy, and other disciplines.
The Arlington Central Library is also within easy walking distance of the station, along with the Arlington County government center complex. Despite being less prominent than its neighbors Ballston and Clarendon, Virginia Square has seen steady residential development and is considered an up-and-coming neighborhood within the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor.
Lines & Service
| ||||
|
Nearby Destinations
Rider Tips
- GMU's Arlington campus buildings (including the Scalia Law School) are a 1-minute walk from the station exit on Fairfax Drive. Students and faculty find this one of the most convenient Metro connections for any university in the DC area.
- Virginia Square has a smaller restaurant scene than Clarendon or Ballston but is quieter and less crowded — good for lunch near the station or a relaxed dinner before catching the train home.
- Virginia Square is in Fare Zone 1 — the minimum fare applies for all trips starting here. To Rosslyn or Metro Center, you pay the minimum $2.25 peak fare.
Adjacent Stations
Frequently Asked Questions
Is George Mason University at Virginia Square Metro?
Yes — GMU's Arlington campus is directly adjacent to the station. The Antonin Scalia Law School and the Schar School of Policy and Government are the main programs here. This is not GMU's main Fairfax campus (served by buses from Vienna Metro), but the Arlington satellite campus with graduate programs.
Is Virginia Square between Ballston and Clarendon?
Yes. Virginia Square–GMU sits between Ballston (one stop west) and Clarendon (one stop east) on both the Orange and Silver lines. All three stations are in Fare Zone 1 and are part of the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor in Arlington.