Gateway for Visitors

Information for those visiting the US Military Academy or the USMA Prep School at West Point.

Gateway for Visitors

Information for those visiting the US Military Academy or the USMA Prep School at West Point.

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Experience the Tradition - What to Know Before You Go

Whether you're a prospective cadet exploring your future, a history enthusiast eager to tour the United States Military Academy's storied grounds, or a guest attending one of its world-class performances or athletic events, there are many meaningful reasons to visit West Point. As both a premier military institution and a national historic site, West Point offers a unique and memorable experience for every visitor.

All Visitors

  • All visitors with a Department of Defense (DoD) Common Access Card, and/or retired military ID can access the post through any gate.
  • If visitors (18+) do not have a DoD Common Access Card or retired military ID, they must go to the Visitor Control Center with a U.S. ID in the form of a Real ID and/or Enhanced DL.
  • If visitors do not have Real ID/Enhanced driver's license, retired military ID, DoD Common Access Card, or a service-connected Veterans Card, they must bring another form of U.S. ID, such as a passport, Social Security card, or birth certificate.
  • Failure to bring these documents will result in denial of access. 

Information for contractors, delivery and Uber/cab drivers.

Information for international visitors.

West Point is, as expected, on the west bank of the Hudson River, only 40 miles north of New York City. Traveling here from New York City takes about 1-1/2 hours by car, train, or bus.

Metro-North has rail service from Grand Central Station in mid-town Manhattan, up the east bank of the Hudson (West Point is located across the river on the west bank of the Hudson). If you don’t have a car, get off at Peekskill, where cabs are often waiting. You may want to call to reserve a Highland Falls or Peekskill cab. Driving time from Peekskill to West Point is approximately 20 minutes.

Short Line Bus offers daily bus service from the New York City Port Authority, near Times Square in midtown Manhattan, to the West Point Visitors Center. A one-way trip takes 1 hour 40 minutes and costs approximately $15. 

Short Line also has day trip packages with sightseeing and local discounts.

  • From New York City

    • Head north to the George Washington Bridge/I-95 South. Cross the bridge via the upper deck (no toll in this direction), and stay in the right lane, as immediately at the end of the bridge, you will exit right onto the Palisades Interstate Parkway.
    • Take the Palisades Interstate Parkway north approximately 37 miles until it ends at the Bear Mountain Bridge traffic circle - unless you want the more leisurely and scenic route, do not get on 9W until you get to the Bear Mountain Bridge traffic circle. Proceed 3/4 of the way around the circle, following signs for West Point and Route 9W North.
    • Stay on Route 9W for approximately 3 miles, then right exit onto Route 218 North toward the Village of Highland Falls.
    • Go straight for 2 miles, through Highland Falls, past the West Point Visitors Center (on the right) to the Thayer Gate of West Point.
    • Approximate driving time from midtown (light traffic): 1 hour, 20 minutes
    • From LaGuardia Airport (light traffic): 1 hour, 30 minutes
    • From John F. Kennedy International Airport (light traffic): 1 hour, 45 minutes
    • Cab fares to West Point from NYC are about $150 without tolls or gratuity.

     

  • From South/New Jersey
    • Approximately 5 hours from Washington, D.C.
    • Travel north on the NJ Turnpike/I-95, to exit 73 toward RT-67/Fort Lee--just before the George Washington Bridge.
    • Stay left and take your first left at Lemoine Ave. Continue straight for ½ mile then bear right onto the Palisades Interstate Pkwy North.
    • SEE DIRECTIONS FROM PALISADES INTERSTATE PARKWAY ABOVE.
    • Approximate driving time from Newark Liberty International Airport (light traffic): 1 hour, 20 minutes

 

  • From the West
    • 8 hours from Cleveland
    • Travel east on Interstate 80 through New Jersey and take exit 43 to merge onto Interstate 287 northbound toward Mahwah.
    • After entering New York, take the exit onto the New York State Thruway South toward the Tappan Zee Bridge.
    • Take exit 13N for the Palisades Parkway North toward Bear Mountain.
    • See directions from Palisades Interstate Parkway above.

 

  • From East/New England via I-95
    • 3 hours, 30 minutes from Providence
    • Travel southwest on Interstate 95 into New York.
    • Take exit 21 to merge onto Interstate 287 W toward White Plains and the Tappan Zee Bridge.
    • Continue on I-287 W, then take exit 13N for Palisades Parkway North toward Bear Mountain.
    • See directions from Palisades Interstate Parkway above.

 

  • From the North/New England via I-84
    • 4 hours from Boston
    • Travel west on Interstate 84 until you cross the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge.
    • Follow signs for Route 9W South (exit 10S).
    • Stay on Route 9W for approximately 12 miles until you cross over a large mountain.
    • As you are in your final descent off the mountain, you will encounter three exits on your right for West Point.
    • The first exit (labeled "RT. 218/293," NOT West Point) loops back under Route 9W, past the West Point golf course, and onto Route 218 to the Washington Gate. This gate is ONLY for DoD ID card holders, and the gate has limited hours. The second exit (labeled "West Point/Highland Falls/Rte. 218") loops over Route 9W directly to the Stony Lonesome Gate, which is open 24 hours, and offers the most direct access to the commissary, post exchange, post gas station, shoppette, and the Michie/Holleder athletic complex.
    • To go to the Visitors Center and the business district of the Village of Highland Falls, turn right at the stop sign immediately after you cross over 9W, and at the bottom of the long hill, you will take a hard left at the T intersection.
    • The third exit loops over 9W and leads through the business district of Highland Falls, past the Visitors Center and West Point Museum, to the Thayer Gate, which is open 24 hours a day. This gate provides the most direct access to the Thayer Hotel, the Bowling Center, Army Community Service, the West Point Post Office, and eventually the Central Area.

 

  • From Stewart International Airport, Newburgh, NY
    • Approximately: 30 minutes
    • Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and Hertz all have rental counters at Stewart Airport. There is also a Taxi/Limousine service at the ground transportation counter that charges approximately $40 for a car to West Point.
    • Upon exiting the airport, turn left onto Route 207 East (Little Britain Road).
    • At the first light at the intersection with Union Avenue (Route 300), Route 207 becomes Route 300/207 and is called Temple Hill Road.”
    • Go straight on Route 300 for approximately 3 miles until you come to the third traffic light. This intersection is known as “Five Corners.” This is the intersection of Routes 300, 94, and 32. Go straight across the intersection toward McDonald’s and be on Route 32 South.
    • Travel on Route 32 for 1.7 miles. Immediately after passing over a trestle-type bridge, you will turn left off Route 32 onto Quaker Avenue toward Cornwall. You will see a green sign pointing to Bear Mountain and 9W South. Take this right-hand exit. At this point, you will merge with 9W South. Travel on Route 9W for 5.7 miles over mountainous terrain. As you are in your final descent off the mountain, you will encounter three exits for West Point - see above. 

Parents and Family

Visiting West Point is a special opportunity to connect with your cadet and experience life at USMA. Whether it’s your first time on post or a return visit for a major event, there are important details to keep in mind. From navigating access procedures and understanding military customs to knowing what to bring and where to go, West Point wants you to feel informed and confident during your visit - so you can focus on what matters most: supporting your cadet.

Prospective parents also have questions and are invited to participate in the campus tour!

Parent-focused events are part of daily and overnight* tours and include the following:

  • Participate in Admissions Information Brief
  • Q&A session with West Point Parent Communications
  • Parents' tour of the campus
  • Q&A session with an admissions officer

*If your child is attending an overnight tour, you are welcome to explore the Hudson Valley and its many attractions. 

Consider exploring the Hudson Valley & Orange County Tourism website for places to go and things to do!

Parents of cadets can get a four-year Local Area Credential Pass. You will need to have your cadet’s official letter of admission to West Point.

Frederic V. Malek West Point Visitors Center

Visit the Visitors Center

Event Attendees

Attending an event at West Point is a memorable experience - but it also comes with unique guidelines due to the USMA's status as an active military post. Whether you're here for a parade, graduation, a sporting event, or a special ceremony, it's important to be aware of access requirements, parking procedures, and visitor expectations.

Ticketed events have special conditions/qualifications during special times determined day by day, etc. To ensure easeful access, please be prepared to follow the same entry requirements as all visitors.  

Tourists

West Point is not only a prestigious military academy but also a historic landmark with breathtaking views of the Hudson River and centuries of American history. While visitors are welcome, touring West Point is a bit different from visiting a typical campus or museum due to its active military status.

The sections below will guide you through everything you need to know - from tour options and access requirements to hours of operation and what to expect during your visit. Whether you're here for the scenery, the history, or the traditions, this information will help you make the most of your time at West Point.

Contractors, Delivery and Uber/Cab Drivers

  • Visitors must to go to Visitor Control Center with U.S. ID in the form of a Real ID and/or Enhanced DL to be issued a year-long pass.
  • If visitors do not have Real ID/Enhanced driver's license, retired military ID, DoD Common Access Card, or a service-connected Veterans Card, they must bring another form of U.S. ID, such as a passport, Social Security card, or birth certificate.
  • If visitors don't have the required identification, they will only be issued a 7-day pass.

International Visitors

  • Can only tour West Point through West Point Tours (845) 446-4724. They can be escorted by someone with a military ID and/or DoD Common Access Card, but will first need to go to the Visitors Control Center to get their passports scanned.