About College Park–U of MD Station
College Park–U of MD Metro station opened on December 11, 1993, as part of the Green and Yellow Line extension through Prince George's County, Maryland. It is the primary Metro access point for the University of Maryland's main campus in College Park — home to over 40,000 students and one of the top public research universities in the United States.
The station's name reflects its dual identity: it serves not just the university but the broader College Park community and the MARC commuter rail network. The MARC Camden Line, operated by Maryland Transit Administration, shares a station building with the Metro, offering train service to Union Station in Washington DC and south toward BWI Airport.
UM Shuttle buses operated by the University of Maryland run frequent routes between the Metro station and various parts of the sprawling campus, bridging the 10–12 minute walk to the main gate. The station's large parking garage fills quickly on weekday mornings, reflecting its popularity as a park-and-ride hub for Prince George's County residents commuting into DC.
Lines & Schedule
From College Park to Prince George's Plaza: ~4 min (1 stop south). To Greenbelt: ~4 min (1 stop north). To Gallery Place: ~28 min south. To L'Enfant Plaza: ~30 min south.
Nearby Attractions
Shuttle & Bus Connections
College Park–U of MD station is served by several transit options that extend its reach across campus and the surrounding area:
UM Shuttle (University of Maryland): Multiple routes run between the Metro station and campus buildings, research park areas, and off-campus student housing. Free for UMD students with ID; nominal fee for the general public. Shuttles run frequently during academic hours.
WMATA Metrobus: Several Metrobus routes stop at the station connecting to Greenbelt, Beltsville, and the US Route 1 corridor.
TheBus (Prince George's County): County bus routes provide additional connections to nearby communities.
MARC Camden Line: Commuter rail service to Washington Union Station and points toward Dorsey, Jessup, and Laurel. MARC tickets are separate from Metro SmarTrip fare.
Station Exits
Rider Tips
- The University of Maryland campus is a 10–12 minute walk from the station main exit. If you're heading deeper into campus, catch a UM Shuttle — they run frequently during the academic year and drop you near the Stamp Student Union and other central locations. Check the UM Shuttle app for real-time arrivals.
- The College Park Airport (officially College Park Aviation Museum) is the world's oldest continuously operating airport, open since 1909. The small museum adjacent to the active airfield is worth a stop for aviation enthusiasts and is just a 5-minute walk from the station.
- MARC Camden Line trains stop here several times each weekday morning (toward DC) and evening (toward Maryland). For commuters, MARC is sometimes faster than Metro for reaching Union Station. Check the MTA Maryland schedule — MARC fares are separate from Metro and require a different ticket.
- The WMATA parking garage at College Park fills quickly on weekday mornings — arrive before 8 AM to guarantee a spot. On days with Terps football or basketball games, the surrounding neighborhood also gets crowded. If the garage is full, Greenbelt (1 stop north) typically has more space.
Adjacent Stations
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is the University of Maryland from College Park Metro station?
The main gate of the University of Maryland campus is approximately a 10 to 12 minute walk from College Park–U of MD station. UM Shuttle buses also run frequently between the station and various campus locations.
Does College Park Metro connect to MARC trains?
Yes, the MARC Camden Line stops at College Park station, providing service to Union Station in Washington DC and points south toward BWI Airport. MARC and Metro trains share the same station building.
Is there parking at College Park–U of MD Metro?
Yes, College Park has a large WMATA parking garage and surface parking lot. Weekday daily fees apply; weekend parking is typically free for SmarTrip users.
What shuttle buses serve College Park Metro station?
The University of Maryland's UM Shuttle system runs multiple routes connecting College Park Metro station to various parts of the campus. Shuttles are free for UMD students and available to the general public for a small fee.