About Foggy Bottom–GWU Station
Foggy Bottom–GWU station serves the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood of northwest Washington DC. The station sits at the heart of a dense cluster of nationally significant institutions: George Washington University (GWU), the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Watergate complex, and the US Department of State are all within easy walking distance.
The station is named for both the historic Foggy Bottom neighborhood — one of DC's oldest communities — and for GWU, whose campus surrounds the station. GWU students and staff represent a significant share of the station's daily ridership.
The Watergate complex — famous for the 1972 political scandal — is a 10-minute walk from the station along Virginia Avenue NW. The State Department's Harry S Truman Building is also within walking distance, making this a hub for diplomatic-community commuters.
Lines & Schedules
To Metro Center: ~4 min. To Rosslyn: ~3 min. To Farragut West: ~4 min.
Nearby Attractions
Station Exits
Rider Tips
- The Kennedy Center operates a free shuttle from this station — look for it on New Hampshire Ave NW just outside the station. Runs on performance nights and during daytime visiting hours. Saves a 10-minute walk.
- GWU students: most campus buildings are within 5 minutes of the station on foot. The Marvin Center, Kogan Plaza, and main academic buildings are all within easy reach on the I Street NW side.
- The DC Circulator Georgetown–Union Station route stops nearby, providing a quick connection to Georgetown (westbound) or the National Mall (eastbound).
- The Pennsylvania Avenue NW corridor between Foggy Bottom and Farragut West has a strong restaurant and cafe scene catering to government workers and university students.
Adjacent Stations
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to the Kennedy Center by Metro?
Take any Blue, Orange, or Silver Line train to Foggy Bottom–GWU station. A free Kennedy Center shuttle operates from near the station entrance (New Hampshire Ave NW side) to the Kennedy Center's main entrance. Runs on performance nights and daytime hours.
Is Foggy Bottom–GWU the closest Metro to Georgetown?
Foggy Bottom–GWU and Rosslyn are approximately equidistant to Georgetown (~15 min walk each). Foggy Bottom approaches Georgetown via Pennsylvania Ave and M Street NW, while Rosslyn approaches via Key Bridge. The DC Circulator is also available from Foggy Bottom toward Georgetown.
What is the Watergate complex and how far is it from Metro?
The Watergate complex is a famous mixed-use development on Virginia Avenue NW, site of the 1972 break-in that led to President Nixon's resignation. It includes offices, a hotel, and condos. It's about 0.5 miles (10 min walk) from Foggy Bottom–GWU station along Virginia Avenue NW.