Cost: Free - Please allow extra time to find parking.

Wheelchair availability: Palo Alto VA Medical Center campus has wheelchairs upon arrival for Veterans who need them to access the building.

Use this map to help you get around the campus.

Palo Alto Division campus map

Transportation services for Veterans

DAV vans

Hours: Individual van schedules vary

We work with Disabled American Veterans and county Veterans Affairs directors to provide transportation for Veterans and authorized caregivers to get to scheduled medical appointments.

Non-DAV van services

Many localities in the region provide other van services to Veterans.

Learn more about DAV and the other van services available in your county

VA Palo Alto shuttle service

Learn more about our free shuttle service that drives you to our medical centers and clinics

Public transportation

The following links are provided only as informational links. VA does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of these sites.

CalTrain
Train system serving Palo Alto and the Bay Area. The nearest station to the VA Palo Alto campus is California Avenue.

Valley Transit Authority (VTA)
Bus system serving Palo Alto and the South Bay

Beneficiary travel

Beneficiary travel benefits include round-trip transportation from your home to the medical center, mileage reimbursement, or special mode transport.

Find out if you qualify for beneficiary travel benefits

Food and drink

Veterans Canteen Service (VCS) Patriot Café

Serving hot and cold entrees, beverages, and desserts.

Building 101, ground floor
Hours:
Monday – Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Except holidays
Closed weekends

VCS Patriot Brew (Starbucks)

Serving a variety of beverages, pastries, and light sandwiches.

Building 101, ground floor, next to Patriot Café
Hours:
Monday – Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Closed on Sundays and all federal holidays

Vending machines

Drinks and snacks are available around the clock.

Banking

A Meriwest Credit Union branch and ATM are located on the Palo Alto campus, on the ground floor of building 101, room C1-210. ATM fees may apply.

Branch hours:
Monday – Thursday: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
(Closed daily from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. for employee lunch break)
Closed Saturday & Sunday

Retail

The Patriot Store

A full-service retail store with products like over-the-counter medicines, electronics, cosmetics, toiletries, snacks, gifts, and clothing. Purchases are tax-free.

Building 101, ground floor
Hours:
Monday – Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Except holidays

Defenders Lodge

The Defenders Lodge is a high-quality, warm and inviting environment, befitting our nation’s heroes. It is located next to our two Fisher Houses near the entrance of the Palo Alto campus.

Patients undergoing extensive treatment or procedures like an organ transplant or chemotherapy are eligible for temporary lodging for the duration of the episode of care.

Please note: Only service animals specifically trained to aid a person with disabilities are permitted at the Defenders Lodge. We require up-to-date immunization records for service animals.

Call 650-493-5000 ext. 61333 or ext. 62824 for more information about lodging at VA Palo Alto Defenders Lodge.

Fisher Houses

VA Palo Alto's two Fisher Houses provide free, high-quality, temporary lodging to families of Veterans and active-duty service members who are undergoing inpatient treatment in conjunction with Veterans Health Administration.

Veterans or active-duty service members may stay at the Fisher House if they are accompanied by a family member or caregiver one night before the surgery.

Guests must live 50 miles or more from the Fisher House to be eligible.

Visit the Fisher House website for more information or call us at 650-493-5000 ext. 60384.

Pleas note, visitors are not allowed to stay overnight in the medical center.

When you’re admitted, you can request or decline visits by a VA chaplain. Our chaplains provide spiritual, pastoral, and emotional care for you and your family, in accordance with your own beliefs and practices.

We provide a safe space and confidential care where Veterans of all faith traditions are invited to find and restore a deepening sense of spiritual well-being.

As chaplains, we are clinically trained and come from diverse faith backgrounds and experiences. We believe that no one should have to journey through life alone and know that there are times when we all need each other for connection, companionship, and community.

Learn more about chaplain services at VA Palo Alto health care

A United States Post Office is located on the Palo Alto campus on the 1st floor of building 6.

Hours:
Monday - Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.