Directions to the NIC

Directions and Information to the U.S. National Ice Center

From Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI)

Leave airport on 195. Follow 195 to 295 (South). Stay on 295 to Washington Beltway (I-95 / 495). Follow Beltway south to Maryland Route 4 (Pennsylvania Avenue). Take first exit for Route 4, towards Washington. Once on 4, keep to left. Turn left onto Silver Hill Road, and get in the right lane. Turn right at Gate 5, which is the Main Entrance to the Suitland Federal Complex, opposite Swann Lane on the left. You will be asked to pull into the visitor parking area at Gate 5.

From Reagan National Airport

Follow airport signs to Route 1, Jefferson Davis Highway. Proceed south to Washington Beltway (I-95 / 495). Take Beltway east across Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge into Maryland. Continue to Exit 7, Branch Avenue (MD Route 5), and take second off-ramp for Branch Avenue north. Turn right onto Silver Hill Road (turn is by Iverson Mall). Keep to left, turn left at Gate 5, which is also the Census entrance to the complex. You will be asked to pull into the visitor parking area at Gate 5.

From Dulles International Airport

Exit airport via Dulles Access Road (267) to Washington Beltway (I-495) south. Take Beltway to Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge and cross into Maryland. Continue to Exit 7, Branch Avenue (MD Route 5), and take second off-ramp for Branch Avenue north. Turn right onto Silver Hill Road (turn is by Iverson Mall). Keep to left, turn left at Gate 5, which is also the Census entrance to the complex. You will be asked to pull into the visitor parking area at Gate 5.

In the Gate 5 Visitor Parking Area

Enter the building inside the visitor parking area at Gate 5 and identify yourself and your sponsor when asked. Your sponsor will be called to vouch for you, and your vehicle will be inspected prior to entry to the complex.

Once you have entered the complex, continue past the Census parking garage on your left. Follow the road through the complex until you see the NSOF building on your right. Turn right and stop at the gatehouse. Sign in with the gate guard and you will be issued a temporary parking pass for the visitor parking lot just up the hill and to the left, across from the main building entrance.

Walk up the ramp to the main building entrance and sign in with the guard at the front desk. The guard will then contact your sponsor to come and escort you to the Ice Center.

Points of Contact:
Visitor Coordinator (Gerri Sosa) 301-817-3940
Security Manager (Tom Nance) 301-817-3928