WELCOME TO WEST POINT MILITARY ACADEMY: YOUR COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE
Table of Contents
Welcome to the United States Military Academy (USMA), more commonly known as West Point. This is the home of Army college football, the Black Knights of the Hudson River Valley. “The Point,” as some refer to it, has graduated a long list of American heroes, leaders, and icons.
If you’re a new cadet, congratulations on your acceptance to this elite institution. If you’re PCSing here, you’re also ready to take in the rich atmosphere and find a place in the annals of The Point’s long history. The USMA is the oldest school for commissioning officers in the US. It began as a fort in 1778, built by the Continental Army just 50 miles north of New York City in the scenic Hudson Valley.
In 1801, Thomas Jefferson ordered the creation of the country’s first military academy, and one year later, West Point was ready for the task. The campus is listed as a national landmark, and several of its Romanesque buildings are architectural marvels that attract droves of tourists each year.
There are more than 4,200 students at the USMA. The garrison is made up of 1,200 active duty Soldiers, along with their families, and close to 5,000 civilian contractors. Continue reading for our in-depth guide on West Point to help aid you in your transition to your new home.
Where Is USMA West Point?
Address: 2107 New South Post Road, Highland Falls, NY 10928
Phone: (845) 938-4011
USMA West Point is about 50 miles north of New York City, giving you several options to get there. Given its somewhat remote location, driving is the preferred option to get to USMA West Point.
- Flights to USMA West Point
- LaGuardia Airport in Queens is the closest airport to USMA West Point and is about 55 miles by car from The Point.
- JFK International Airport, also in Queens, is about 65 miles from USMA West Point by car.
- Newark Airport in New Jersey is a short ride from Manhattan via New Jersey Transit and about 65 miles by car from USMA West Point.
Note: If you plan to take the train from any of the three airports to West Point, then you will first need to take public transportation to Grand Central Station in Manhattan before connecting to a train or bus to West Point.
- Amtrak Station Near USMA West Point
- There is no direct train from Penn Station to West Point. The best public transport option is a combination of a Metro-North train and a bus or taxi.
- You will need to take a Metro-North train from Grand Central Terminal (accessible from Penn Station via subway) to the station in either Peekskill or Garrison, then transfer to a bus or a taxi to reach USMA West Point.
Note: A direct bus from the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan to West Point is also a good option that avoids train or bus transfers.
- Port Authority Bus Terminal
- You can take the Short Line Bus from the Port Authority Bus Terminal in NYC directly to the West Point Visitors Center. The trip takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes, and tickets cost approximately $15 to $40, depending on the type of fare. The service runs five times per week.
West Point Transportation Office
The transportation office should always be one of your first calls when PCSing to a new installation. The staff here has seen every scenario and travel itinerary imaginable.
They’re here to help you find the best way to get to the base and move your household goods and furniture with you. Take advantage of their knowledge and make sure that your PCS goes smoothly.
- Location: 626 Swift Road, West Point, NY 10996
- Phone: (845) 938-4051
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm
USMA West Point Base Entry Procedures
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 (VCC) with a US ID in the form of a Real ID and/or Enhanced Driver’s License.
- If visitors do not have a Real ID/Enhanced driver's license, a retired military ID, a DoD Common Access Card, or a service-connected Veterans Card, they must bring another form of US ID, such as a passport, Social Security card, or birth certificate.
- Failure to bring these documents will result in denial of access.
Gates & Hours of Operation
- Thayer Gate: 24/7
- Stony Lonesome Gate: 24/7
- Washington Gate: 05:00–22:00
Average Drive Times to West Point Gates from Popular Cities
Whether you’re a new cadet, family member, or visitor, knowing the approximate drive times to West Point can help you plan your travel efficiently. The main gates provide access to different areas of the post, and travel times vary depending on your starting point.
- New York City, NY: 1 hr 30–2 hrs
- White Plains, NY: 45–50 min
- Stamford, CT: 1 hr 45 min
- Poughkeepsie, NY: 30–40 min
- Newburgh, NY: 25–30 min
- Westchester County, NY: 50–60 min
USMA West Point Visitor Center
The United States Military Academy Frederic V. Malek West Point Visitors Center serves as the gateway to West Point and is nestled at Pershing Center right outside Thayer Gate, the main gate to West Point.
Reopened in December 2017 with a sweeping view of the Hudson River, the newly renovated Visitors Center is a gift-in-kind to West Point Military Academy from the West Point Association of Graduates. It is named after Frederic V. Malek, West Point Class of 1959. If visitors are coming to see you, this is where they’ll need to check in.
It is also home to The West Point Experience Exhibit. The West Point Experience is an interactive, multimedia exhibit that walks the visitors through the cadets’ 47-month experience - West Point’s process of developing leaders of character.
The exhibition includes a model cadet barracks room, videos, and over 50 panels and is from 9 AM to 4:30 PM daily.
- Address: 606 Thayer Rd, West Point, NY 10996
- Phone: (845) 938-2638
Base Amenities & Facilities at USMA West Point
USMA West Point DEERS Office
The DEERS Office services include the issuance of identification cards for members of the uniformed services, ID tags, and updates to DEERS records. You will need one appointment for each card being issued. Appointments can be made at the website below or by clicking here.
- Location: 622 Swift Road, Room 112, West Point, NY 10996
- Phone: (845) 938-2607
- Office Hours: Services are by appointment only.
- Monday through Thursday: 0800-1120 & 1300-1520
- Friday: 0800-1120 & 1300-1500
USMA West Point Commissary
The commissary at West Point is the most convenient place to stock your kitchen. They offer free cups of coffee in the mornings while you browse for everything you could need to keep a balanced diet.
- Location: 1200 Stony Lonesome Rd, West Point, NY 10996
- Phone: (838) 677-4037
- Hours: Daily from 0830-1900
USMA West Point Post Exchange
The PX on post is just large enough to cater to your shopping habits. The stores inside sell clothing, tactical gear, pet supplies and provide services like haircuts and car rentals. Stop by the food court for some quick and easy eats.
- Location: 1204 Stony Lonesome Rd. West Point, NY 10996
- Phone: (845) 446-5404
- Hours: Daily from 1000-1900
USMA West Point Barber Shops
Exchange Barber Shop
- Location: 1204 Stony Lonesome Road, West Point, NY 10996
- Phone: (845) 839-0019
- Hours:
- Mon-Sat: 0900-1800
- Sun: 1000-1800
Heritage Barber Shop
- Location: 443 Main Street, Highland Falls, NY 10928
- Phone: (646) 897-1254
- Hours:
- Tues-Fri from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Sat from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Sun and Mon CLOSED
Wolfman Jays Barber Shop & Shave Parlor
- Location: 521 Main Street, Highland Falls, NY 10928
- Phone: (845) 859-4333
- Hours:
- Mon-Fri from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Sat and Sunday CLOSED
USMA West Point Post Office
The post office at USMA West Point has everything you’ll need to send and receive letters and packages. They’re fully stocked and sell supplies like packing tape and stamps.
- Location: 745 Brewerton Rd, West Point, NY 10996
- Phone: (800) 275-8777
- Hours:
- Mon-Fri from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
- Sat from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- Sun: CLOSED
USMA West Point Finance Office
- Location: 626 Swift Road, West Point, NY 10996
- Phone: (845) 938-6134
- Hours:
- Mon-Fri from 0800-1500
- Saturday and Sunday: CLOSED
USMA West Point Legal Office
The legal office on base is the place to go for any issues that arise with the law. This can be as simple as notarizing a document or as complex as pending charges. The attorneys here are available to consult with you by appointment.
- Location: 646 Swift Road, West Point, NY 10996
- Phone: (845) 938-3205
- Hours:
- Mon-Fri from 0830 to 1600
- Sat and Sun: CLOSED
USMA West Point Library
The library at West Point is a world-class facility for use by students, researchers, and academics. It’s stocked with everything from recent bestsellers to obscure field manuals. The primary role of the library, of course, is to provide the resources USMA cadets need to meet their graduation and commissioning requirements.
- Location: 758 Cullum Rd, West Point, NY 10996
- Phone: (845) 938-8325
- Hours:
- Mon-Thurs: 0700-2315
- Fri: 0700-2100
- Sat: 1300-2315
- Sun: 1500-2315
MWR Services at West Point
West Point offers a wide range of Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) facilities and programs to support cadets, military personnel, families, and visitors. From fitness and sports to leisure and entertainment, MWR services help enhance life on post and provide opportunities for relaxation, recreation, and community engagement.
Fitness & Sports Facilities
Gillis Field House
- Location: West Point, NY 10996
- Hours: Mon–Fri: 0600–2200, Sat–Sun: 0800–1800
Features basketball courts, an indoor track, racquetball courts, and multipurpose spaces for team sports and recreational activities.
Outdoor Sports Fields
West Point maintains baseball, softball, soccer, and lacrosse fields, as well as tennis courts. Fields are available for intramural leagues, cadet training activities, and recreational use.
Leisure
Outdoor Recreation
- Equipment rentals for kayaking, canoeing, hiking, and camping in the Hudson Valley.
- Guided outdoor programs and adventure trips are available for both cadets and families.
Entertainment & Community Centers
Thayer Community Center
- Hosts social events, workshops, and family programs.
- Includes multipurpose rooms for classes, arts and crafts, and cadet leisure activities.
Bowling & Game Centers
- Locations on post provide bowling lanes, arcades, and family-friendly entertainment.
- Hours vary by facility; most operate evenings and weekends to accommodate cadets and families.
West Point Hotels
- The Thayer Hotel
- Location: 674 Thayer Road, West Point, NY 10996
- Phone: (845) 446-4731
- Bear Mountain Inn and Overlook Lodge
- Location: 3020 Seven Lakes Drive, Tomkins Cove, NY 10986
- Phone: 1 (855) 548-1184
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites
- Location: 1106 Route 9W, Fort Montgomery, NY 10922
- Phone: (845) 446-4277
Where Should I Live Near West Point?
On-Post
Located along the scenic Hudson River and on-post at the USMA West Point, West Point Family Homes is a residential community offering a wide variety of rental homes in single-family, duplex, townhome, and apartment styles to active duty Army families assigned to West Point. They also have select homes available to rent to military retirees, DOD civilian employees, and the general public.
The move-in-ready rental homes at West Point are available in two-, three-, four-, five-, and six-bedroom floor plans located in walkable, pet-friendly neighborhoods featuring extensive amenities, including playgrounds and parks, athletic courts and fields, and a community garden.
Residents enjoy a secure and comfortable community environment with the convenience of on-site management and maintenance, curbside trash and recycling pickup, lawn care services, and a calendar full of exciting resident activities and events—all located near the shopping, dining, and recreation that West Point and the surrounding area have to offer.
If you are an active duty Army family looking for housing at West Point or a qualified military retiree, DOD civilian employee, or member of the general public looking for a West Point area rental home, call (845) 446-6935 to speak with one of the West Point Family Homes leasing specialists.
Off-Post
While New York City is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the nation and lies only about 50 miles south of West Point, it is not a realistic option for off-post housing due to the heavy traffic between the two areas and the high cost of housing in the NYC metro area.
Instead, most folks who work at USMA West Point and live off-post choose to live in one of the smaller communities near post in the Hudson River Valley. Here are a few options.
Peekskill
A reasonably priced option that’s convenient location-wise, Peekskill is just across the river from West Point. The Bear Mountain Bridge is just five miles northwest of Peekskill, and once crossing the Hudson River, it’s a straight shot to the post. With a population of 25,000 people, you certainly won’t think you’re in NYC. There are multiple industries here contributing to a healthy economy.
- Travel Time to USMA West Point: 16 minutes
- Median Home Value: $493,000
- School Ratings: Peekskill school ratings show mixed performance, with the Peekskill High School ranking in the top 50% statewide for college readiness and graduation rates, but lower nationally. Overall proficiency rates are around 30% for math and 28% for reading, with the district having a 13:1 student-teacher ratio.
Garrison
Garrison sits across the Hudson from West Point. It’s home to just 4,300 people. Garrison is a quaint town with an arts community and its own Metro-North station. Multiple nonprofits and cultural institutions are based here. If you find yourself looking for a separation between work and home life, then this might be a nice option for you.
- Travel Time to USMA West Point: 20 minutes
- Median Home Value: $795,000
- School Ratings: Garrison’s public schools are highly rated, with Garrison Union Free School being a 2010 Blue Ribbon Award winner known for its creative, innovative, and nature-based curriculum. Reviews highlight its dedicated teachers, small class sizes, and programs in arts, environmental education, and drama, as well as resources like a school forest and wildlife garden.
Highland Falls
Directly south of West Point and just a short drive down the road, Highland Falls is a conveniently located village of around 4,000 people. It’s part of the larger Poughkeepsie-Newburgh-Middletown metropolitan area and therefore has access to a wealth of resources, shopping, and dining.
There’s probably nowhere better suited for Soldiers and their families who are looking for a great commute and a nice balance of lifestyles.
- Travel Time to USMA West Point: 5 minutes
- Median Home Value: $250,000 to $350,000
- School Ratings: The Highland Falls Central School District receives mixed ratings from different ranking sources. While some outlets give the district high ratings overall, proficiency test scores at the intermediate and high school levels are closer to or below the state average.
Newburgh
Newburgh is a city in Orange County, New York, United States. With a population of 28,856 as of the 2020 census, it is a principal city of the Kiryas Joel–Poughkeepsie–Newburgh metropolitan area with an estimated 712,000 residents. It’s located 90 miles south of Albany, the capital of New York State, on the Hudson River, and is located near Stewart International Airport, one of the primary airports for Downstate New York.
- Travel Time to USMA West Point: 25 minutes
- Median Home Value: $390,000
- School Ratings: The public schools are part of the Newburgh City School District, which receives a C+ grade from the school ranking site Niche. Rankings from multiple sources show mixed ratings across the district's individual schools.
USMA West Point Schools
USMA West Point does not have public schools in the traditional sense; instead, the military installation has two schools operated by the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA):
- West Point Elementary School (pre-kindergarten through fifth grade) and
- West Point Middle School (sixth through eighth grade)
Both schools serve dependents of active-duty military members, DoD civilians, and other eligible personnel residing on the installation.
Enjoy Your Time at West Point
The USMA at West Point is a revered institution the world over. The USMA garrison continues a historic role in support of national defense that began during the Revolutionary War. It’s an honor to serve at The Point, where heroes are made and go on to fight America’s wars to keep America strong.
With so many options for entertainment nearby, you and your family will surely find something fun and interesting to do. Take advantage of all that West Point and the surrounding area has to offer.
From the outdoors lover to those who love the bright lights of the big city, and from the history buff to the arts fanatic, there’s something for everyone in and around West Point.
FAQs About West Point
Can single Soldiers live on base?
Yes. Cadets live in designated barracks during their time at the Academy. Active-duty personnel assigned to West Point may also have on-post housing options, depending on rank and availability.
Are commissaries coupon-friendly?
Yes. The West Point Commissary accepts manufacturer coupons, digital coupons, and most military-specific savings programs.
Is West Point a hands-free installation?
Yes. All personnel and visitors are required to follow New York State hands-free laws while driving on post.
Does West Point have temporary lodging?
Yes. West Point offers several temporary lodging options for visitors, personnel, and families in transition.
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George Riebling
National Security Analyst at MyBaseGuide
George Riebling is a retired USAF Colonel with 26 years of distinguished service as an Air Battle Manager, including operational assignments across five command and control weapon systems. He holds a ...
George Riebling is a retired USAF Colonel with 26 years of distinguished service as an Air Battle Manager, including operational assignments across five command and control weapon systems. He holds a ...
Credentials
- Retired USAF Colonel, 26 Years Service
- Former NATO Senior Executive (10 years)
- Boeing Strategy and Business Development (2 years)
Expertise
- National Security
- Defense Policy
- Military Strategy
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