Oak Ridge National Laboratory
1 Bethel Valley Rd
Oak Ridge, TN 37830

Before Arriving

ORNL welcomes visitors to the Laboratory. However, because of increased security requirements, we’ve made some changes in how the site is accessed.

Bethel Valley Road, which is the main access route to Oak Ridge National Laboratory from both directions, is now closed to the public. If you are planning a visit to ORNL, your host will arrange for you to proceed past entrance stations on Bethel Valley Road leading to the Laboratory’s Visitor Center. Please be aware that effective March 30, 2015 ORNL became fully compliant with the REAL ID Act.  This Act requires that anyone accessing a Federal Facility, which ORNL is, must present a compliant form of identification. If you are from one of the noncompliant states, you will need to provide another form of approved identification. Here is a list of acceptable identification if you are from one of these states. If you are from a non-compliant state and you do not have another form of compliant identification, ORNL will allow you to access the site, but you will be required to be escorted during your visit.

Getting to ORNL

ORNL is located in Roane County, Tennessee, about 7 miles from the center of the city of Oak Ridge and about 25 miles from the McGhee Tyson Airport near Knoxville.

• Driving directions (GPS Coordinates: 35.9313°N 84.3104°W)
• Getting around the ORNL Campus

Speed limits: Speeds limit signs are posted along the Bethel Valley Road entrance to ORNL. Once you have arrived at ORNL, the campus speed limit is 25 mph, unless otherwise posted. These limits are strictly enforced for the safety of staff members and visitors. Please observe the speed limits as you drive at ORNL.

Guest House

The ORNL Guest House is located on the Oak Ridge National Laboratory campus, just a short walk away from the Spallation Neutron Source and within a five-minute drive of any part of the campus, including the High Flux Isotope Reactor and the Conference Center. The Guest House is a three-story, 47-room, 71-bed facility. All rooms have a mini fridge and microwave. Reservations can be made 24/7 by calling 865-576-8101 or you can make an online reservation.

For more information, see the Guest House website.