Transportation

International Travel

There are 3 international airports near UMBC so our students have many option for traveling between Maryland and home. Remember that transportation from the airport to your accommodations should always be a part of your travel plans! You can view available public transportation, shuttle, rideshare, and taxi options on each airport’s website.

BWI (Baltimore Washington International Airport)

Distance to home campus ≈ 7 miles

Distance to Shady Grove ≈ 40 miles

Accessible by UMBC Transit: Yes

DCA (Washington Ronald Reagan National Airport)

Distance to home campus ≈ 40 miles

Distance to Shady Grove ≈ 23 miles

Accessible by UMBC Transit: No

IAD (Washington Dulles International Airport)

Distance to home campus ≈ 55 miles

Distance to Shady Grove ≈30 miles

Accessible by UMBC Transit: No

Local Transportation

  • UMBC offers a FREE Transit bus system that provides access to many of the areas around main campus including downtown Baltimore, the mall, and other local transportation stations. Many international students are able to use this system as their primary mode of transpiration during their studies. Schedules and maps are updated regularly on UMBC Transit’s website. UMBC Transit does not serve the Shady Grove campus
  • group of people standing near a busThe Maryland Transit Authority’s goal is to provide safe, efficient and reliable transit across Maryland. Their system includes buses, trains, light rail, metro subway, commuter trains, and more. View routes, schedules, and fees on the MTA website.
  • Rideshare options in the US include Uber and Lyft. Taxi service is also available, but less common.
  • Zipcar is a car-rental service available at UMBC for students, faculty, and staff. Drivers must be licensed and meet Zipcar’s eligibility requirements.
  • Students who wish to drive in the US will need to acquire a Maryland Driver’s license. Parking on campus is free for students, but you do need to register for a UMBC student parking permit.

Travel within the US

The US is a large country and travel to other states is generally permitted for international students. Make sure you travel with proof of your status within the US as well as any required identification documents. Options include:

  • Domestic flights
  • Long haul buses
  • Train travel (Amtrak)