Have some patches, t-shirts or challenge coins to pass to a couple of the young Marines and FBI Police at the gate, on each shift. You’ll be the king.
Driving: Exit #148 marked “Marine Corps Base Quantico” off Interstate 95. At the end of the exit ramp, signs show the direction (west) to the FBI Academy. You will be on Quantico Marine Corps Base and will pass through a checkpoint (have ID ready.) Then you’ll drive about three (3) miles from I-95. Be careful of the posted speed limit signs. Enter the FBI Academy East Entrance, show your ID to the FBI police officer there, and then take the third left, between Jefferson Hall and the large parking lot. If it’s not crowded, you can pull into the circular driveway in front of Jefferson and unload. If the driveway is crowded, park as close as possible in the parking lot across from Jefferson and walk to the entrance. An FBI or DEA agent-in-training should meet you at the entrance, help you find your room, and give you a tour of the complex. If you arrive early, you’ll avoid the crowds. Students who live nearby might want to come ahead of time to get uniforms, etc. Contact your FBI training coordinator for information.
Flying: Check with your travel agent to plan the option that will work best for you. Make sure to check with your FBI contact about how to get from the airport to the Academy. You have two (2) immediate airport choices in this area:
Reagan National Airport (DCA) is closest and easiest. The well-organized terminal is easy to navigate and it has many great eating spots and stores if you have to wait. It is also on the Metro (“subway”) system, which is the easiest way to see Washington. If you have classmates from the airport police or transit police, talk to them about free parking arrangements.
Dulles Airport (IAD) is the next closest. It is easy to navigate, as well, and it usually carries more flights than Reagan National. Most international flights arrive at Dulles.
Dulles Airport (IAD) is the next closest. It is easy to navigate, as well, and it usually carries more flights than Reagan National. Most international flights arrive at Dulles.
Train The Amtrak Auto Train from Sanford, FL to Lorton, VA is a great option. It is nonstop (17 hrs) and it leaves at 4:00 pm and gets you in the next morning. They load your car and you ride the train, get a sleeper car! Lorton is 20 minutes north of the Academy on I-95. It is reimbursed by the FBI, same as an airplane ticket. You can take it both ways.
Travel Reimbursement: In week 2, everyone (except federal employees) must attend a meeting where travel vouchers are explained and filled out. If your agency paid for travel expenses, you should endorse the check to the agency. If you paid your own way, the money is yours. Talk with your agency; everyone who has been here knows about this. Note: This does not apply to international students. Expenses related to return travel are handled by your local FBI office after you return. Save your original receipts.
There are several comfortable motels and hotels nearby in the following areas: (Look for the Government Rates on all these places)
Garrisonville/Aquia (just off the base.) I recommend this as it is closest and all the major brands are there. You will also miss the most traffic.
Dale City/Potomac Mills (20 minutes north.) Closer to DC if you are planning on still being close but want to see the DC sites
Crystal City (just outside of DC 30-40 minutes north, depending on traffic) This is a great option for seeing DC. It is right across the Potomac and some hotels have views of the Capitol. Many students have their family fly into Regan (DCA), take the hotel shuttle, and then meet their family to do all the DC sites. I highly recommend this.
You might plan to scout out the good ones early in the session so you can make reservations for visits and graduation. Make reservations as early as possible – many students suggest doing this during your first weeks out here to get the best locations. Book on line and use the government rates.
Places to Eat: Most classes ate in Garrisonville. There are a lot of good, easy to get to restaurants out of the back gate. Ask the instructors what they like in that area for the kind of food you want. The class will try a lot too so you will have no problems getting reviews. Trip Advisor is good too.
Places To Stay & Eat
There are several comfortable motels and hotels nearby in the following areas: (Look for the Government Rates on all these places)
Garrisonville/Aquia (just off the base.) I recommend this as it is closest and all the major brands are there. You will also miss the most traffic.
Dale City/Potomac Mills (20 minutes north.) Closer to DC if you are planning on still being close but want to see the DC sites
Crystal City (just outside of DC 30-40 minutes north, depending on traffic) This is a great option for seeing DC. It is right across the Potomac and some hotels have views of the Capitol. Many students have their family fly into Regan (DCA), take the hotel shuttle, and then meet their family to do all the DC sites. I highly recommend this.
You might plan to scout out the good ones early in the session so you can make reservations for visits and graduation. Make reservations as early as possible – many students suggest doing this during your first weeks out here to get the best locations. Book on line and use the government rates.
Places to Eat: Most classes ate in Garrisonville. There are a lot of good, easy to get to restaurants out of the back gate. Ask the instructors what they like in that area for the kind of food you want. The class will try a lot too so you will have no problems getting reviews. Trip Advisor is good too.
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| Above: This is the group of Law Enforcement Professionals from the different Florida FBI Field Offices that was selected to attend NA257. We are in week 8 having a Florida dinner together off base. What a great group of folks! |
Fredericksburg (20
minutes south.) Good if you want to visit the sites in that area but further
from the NA and DC.
Haircuts:
Yes, you may need a couple of haircuts. The place everyone seemed to like was Kim’s.
They have an NA special of $7.99. It is out of the back gate. Take a right on
Garrisonville Road at the CVS. She is about two blocks down on the right. There
is a pizza place next door. You get a hot towel and neck massage included. The Main
Marine Corps PX has a busy barber shop if you are into Marine haircuts.