Visitor parking (see map) is scarce at NIH, and is limited to three hours. If you park illegally at NIH, you will be ticketed. Tickets are enforced and irreversible.
Out-of-town visitors are strongly urged to take the Metro (or walk, if they're staying nearby). Building 1, marked in red n the map, is about a 5-minute walk from the Medical Center metro stop (also marked in red).
An alternative to attempting to park at NIH is to drive to Bethesda and park in a public lot in Bethesda (see map). The three best lots are
If you must drive, or want to find the center on a map, read on.
If you are looking at a D.C. map, locate the north central section of the Beltway (495). NIH is off Rockville Pike (aka Wisconsin Avenue). Wilson Hall is in Bldg 1, on Center Drive.
Driving Instructions: From the Beltway (Rte 495) go 1.4 miles south on Wisconsin Avenue to the 3rd stop light at South Drive. (The previous light is Cedar Lane). You will see the Metro sign ahead of you on South Drive. Turn right onto South Drive. At the first crossroads, turn right onto Center Drive. Bldg 1 is the second building on your left.
Map of Bethesda area near Metro
Metro map showing stations and routes
Map of DC local area showing major freeways.
More directions , from the National Library of Medicine.
