Getting to NFATC

Getting to NFATC

Punctuality is very important during Orientation and throughout your training, so you should plan your route carefully.  

NFATC is formally known as the George P. Shultz National Foreign Affairs Training Center.  The address is 4000 Arlington Boulevard, Arlington, VA.  

• • • NFATC is easily accessible by car, rideshare/taxi (dropping off at the Visitor Center), the State Department shuttle, public transportation, walking, or bike.

    • On the first day of Orientation, you must enter via the entrance at 4000 Arlington Blvd. 

      • Taxis and ride shares must undergo security screening before being permitted to drive onto the property to drop riders at the Visitor Center.  Alternatively, if you choose to be dropped off before the security checkpoint, expect to walk at least 10 minutes to the Visitor Center.

      • There are bike racks on campus, with no permit required for use.  

Campus Access

Only NFATC parking pass holders may enter through the George Mason gate.  If you plan to drive to NFATC regularly, you can apply for a parking permit (see below).  Employees without a parking pass must enter via Arlington Blvd. 

Building Access

Once you arrive, you will enter the campus through the Visitor's Center using your Department of State badge.  NFATC security can issue a temporary badge once you present your government-issued photo identification that is REAL ID compliant (i.e., driver's license, passport).  The Bureau of Personnel and Training (PERT) will provide specific instruction about which forms of ID to bring. All visitors to Department of State buildings are required to present identification that complies with the federal “REAL ID” requirements.  Passports comply with the new requirements.  More info can be found here. 

State Department Shuttle

NFATC is not directly on a metro line.  A free State Department-run shuttle stops at various locations in the Rosslyn neighborhood in Arlington, including a point near the Rosslyn Metro station.  Click on the header above or navigate to this page for a shuttle map and photos of the shuttle stops.  

Be prepared to show your Department of State ID as you board the shuttle.  Only those with an ID, Diplomatic Passport, or escorted by an ID-holder may ride the shuttle.  Your spouse may ride the shuttle with you if you show the driver your badge and “escort” him/her.  If you don’t have a badge, formal documentation reflecting registration in a NFATC course when presented with a photo ID will suffice. 

Public Transporation

NFATC is not directly on a metro line, but you can use a connecting bus to get to campus.  

Ballston Metro Station on the orange/silver line is the closest stop to NFATC .  From Ballston Metro, you can take the A71 Metrobus (towards King St-Old Town) to the bus stop at the Shultz Center entrance on South George Mason Drive and 6th Street.  To return to Ballston Metro, take the A71 bus back towards Ballston.

Parking

Daily parking at NFATC is available for $5.00 (credit/debit only) per day, collected upon entry.  NFATC also offers monthly and annual parking passes which can be purchased after Day 1.