Travel, Directions & Lodging
Required
NCLS Pre-Registration
The U.S. Air Force Academy has temporarily adjusted processes to access the installation, beginning January 4, 2025. While the installation remains open, NCLS attendees must pre-register before attending arrival to the U.S. Air Force Academy. For any questions, call the Pass and Registration Office at 719-333-0441.
Airport shuttles
Transportation from Colorado Springs Airport will be available on Feb. 19. Shuttles will depart the airport for the U.S. Air Force Academy every 2 hours beginning at 11 a.m., and concluding at 10:30 p.m. Arriving participants who indicated they require transportation to the Academy can find shuttle personnel outside the baggage claim area.
On Feb. 22, shuttles will again be available to transport participants from the Academy to Colorado Springs Airport. Saturday shuttles will depart the Cadet Area for the Falcon Club at 4 a.m., 6 a.m., 8 a.m., and 10:30 a.m. They will depart the Falcon Club at 4:15 a.m., 6:15 a.m., 8:15 a.m., and 10:45 a.m. respectively and arrive at the Colorado Springs Airport approximately 45 minutes later.
Shuttles will not run to or from Colorado Springs Airport on Feb. 20, or Feb. 21. Transportation will not be provided to or from Denver International Airport or other local locations. Participants will be required to coordinate their own travel arrangements.
Driving instructions
North and south gates are open from 5:30 a.m.-10 p.m. for visitor access. Learn more about base access.
Please note: All community participants, visiting students and faculty, and distinguished guests must check-in and receive their badges at the Falcon Club before traversing to Arnold Hall. Only personnel with NCLS badges or base military/civilian/contractor credentials will be permitted to enter Arnold Hall.
Get directions and maps of the Colorado Springs area and the Academy.
Lodging
All visiting faculty and guests will be required to make their own lodging reservations. There are several hotels within 3.5 miles of the Academy. Alternatively, Rampart Lodge may have limited rooms available that will be released to the public after Feb. 15, 2025.
On base transportation
Visitor parking in the cadet area during the symposium is prohibited. Transportation will be provided from the Falcon Club to the cadet area throughout NCLS. Bus stops will be located outside Arnold Hall and the club. These shuttles will run continuously from 7:45 a.m. until 5 p.m. each day of the symposium. NCLS guests staying off base are responsible for their own transportation to the Falcon Club each day. Adequate parking is available at the club for individuals wishing to drive their personal or rental vehicles.
There will be a shuttle available from Arnold Hall to the Falcon Club on both days of the symposium for dinner periods from 4 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. on Feb. 20, and 4 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Feb. 21.
Parking
Parking in the cadet area is restrictive, and limited public parking is available at Arnold Hall. All guests are required to check-in at Falcon Club and take the shuttle to Arnold Hall.