Getting to main campus

The NIH is located on the Red Line of the Washington Metro Area Transit Authority (WMATA) and is accessible by Metrorail & Metrobus.

NIH has updated its visitor access procedures through the Visitor Access Management Initiative (VAMI). All visitors 18 and older must present an approved form of identification and complete a security screening to receive a visitor badge before entering NIH facilities. Until you obtain your badge, you must go through the visitor center and obtain a visitor badge every time you enter the main campus in Bethesda.

Lawful Permanent Residents are strongly encouraged to bring their valid Green Card, as this allows NIH security to confirm that VisitNIH pre-registration is not required. Visitors who are not U.S. citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents must complete the VisitNIH pre-registration process and receive approval prior to their visit.

Please follow up with administrative Officer (AO) for assistance about campus access and security requirements.

Some shuttles run between the NIH main campus and other local campuses in the nearby area. Others circumnavigate main campus itself. You will find information on shuttle schedules and GPS-based arrival time information on the DATS website.

The Division of Amenities and Transportation Services is responsible for all parking-related needs. On the main campus, there are parking permits and parking attendants.

Since you will be entering a federal facility, you will need to go through security and show ID before you can drive onto most campuses/facilities. You may also need to provide the name and phone number of your PI, so be sure to have that with you.

To encourage the use of public transportation in the vicinity of the main NIH campus in Bethesda, NIH staff and trainees may receive funds to commute to campus via the Transhare program. If you apply for Transhare benefits, you cannot receive a permit to park on the Bethesda main campus.

Reach out to us with questions at [email protected].

This page was last reviewed on March 24, 2026.