Map, Access and Directions

Welcome to the National Defense University. The University is located on the grounds of Fort Lesley J. McNair in Southwest Washington D.C. between the Anacostia River and the Washington Channel. Our address is:

National Defense University
Fort Lesley J. McNair

300 5th Avenue
Building 62
Washington, DC 20319


Access

Main Gate/Visitors Gate

The Main Gate/Visitor's Gate on 2nd Street SW is open 24/7. All non-DoD/non-federally affiliated visitors MUST use this gate to access Fort McNair. 

ID Requirements

A federal or state government-issued photo ID with biographic information such as name, date of birth, gender, and address  is required. Security badges are not acceptable. All credentials are subject to screening and vetting by Installation Access Control personnel. 

Vehicle Search

Non-DoD/non-federally affiliated visitors' vehicles are subject to search.

Ceremonial Gate

The Ceremonial Gate on 4th Street SW is open ONLY from 0600 to 0900 in the morning and 1500 to 1800 in the evening, Monday-Friday (closed on federal holidays). 

ID Requirements

A DoD- or federal government-issued civilian employee photo ID is required for all personnel entering by foot or vehicle. The turnstile at the gate requires a CAC and pre-registered PIN to enter; it is open 24/7 -- unrestricted -- to all exiting personnel.


Directions

Via METRO

NDU is located about 1 mile from the Washington Metro’s Waterfront station on the Green Line. The station exit is in front of a Safeway store on the north side of M Street. Leaving the station, walk down 4th Street (S) three blocks until it ends and becomes P Street SW.  Walk one block on P Street SW (E) to 2nd Street SW.  Make a right on 2nd Street SW (S) following the brick wall on your right until you can make a right to enter Ft McNair Visitor Gate. Proceed through the gate until you get to the Security guard.

From Arlington and Points South and West (Via 14th Street Bridge)

Follow I-395 North on the 14th Street Bridge (US Rte 1 North) across the Potomac River. Take the Maine Avenue exit on the right (just after the road dips down an curves to the left).  At the foot of the ramp turn left.  On Maine Avenue, bear right, staying at street level and continue on Maine Avenue until it curves left and becomes M Street SW.  Turn right (S) on 4th Street SW and continue three blocks until it ends and becomes P Street SW. Continue one block on P Street SW (E) to 2nd Street SW.  Make a right on 2nd Street SW (S) following the brick wall on your right until the first right you can make to enter Ft McNair Visitor Gate. Proceed through the gate until you get to the Security guard.  Follow the map to designated parking.

From Alexandria or Anacostia (Via Woodrow Wilson Bridge)

Follow I-295 North to the South Capitol Street exit. Proceed across the South Capitol Street Bridge, staying to the right.  Turn right on Potomac Ave SE to First Street SE.  Make a left on to First Street SE staying in the left lane.  Proceed one block to N Street SE and make a left.  Proceed 3 blocks on N Street SE to S Capital Street SW and make a left.  Ensure you are in the right lane.  Go 2 blocks on S Capital Street SW heading south to P Street SW and make a right.  Proceed 3 blocks on P Street SW to 2nd Street SW and then make a left.  Go one block and then veer right onto Ft McNair Visitor gate entrance. 

From Maryland, Prince George’s County and Eastern Montgomery County

Follow the Capitol Beltway (I-495 or I-95) to the Baltimore-Washington (B-W) Parkway exit.  Proceed Southbound on the B-W Parkway.  As you near Washington, the B-W Parkway will become I-295 South; continue on I-295 to the Suitland Parkway exit.  Exit at the Suitland Parkway and immediately exit on to I-295 Northbound.  After joining I-295 North exit immediately at the South Capitol Street exit.  Proceed across the South Capitol Street Bridge, staying to the right. Turn right on Potomac Ave SE to First Street SE.  Make a left on to First Street SE staying in the left lane. Proceed one block to N Street SE and make a left.  Proceed 3 blocks on N Street SE to S Capital Street SW and make a left.  Ensure you are in the right lane.  Go 2 blocks on S Capital Street SW heading south to P Street SW and make a right.  Proceed 3 blocks on P Street SW to 2nd Street SW and then make a left.  Go one block and then veer right onto Ft McNair Visitor gate entrance. 


Public Transportation Links