To streamline your arrival, please complete the following 3 tasks:

1. Mask up. Medical grade masks are required while visiting all VA care sites. If you don’t have one, we will provide you with one.
2. Self-screen. COVID-19 self-screening at our facilities is required for Veterans and visitors. You can complete the self-screening at https://www.va.gov/covid19screen
3. Check-in. Confirm your appointment and verify important information by texting check in to 53079

Getting here: Directions and campus map

Parking: Free.

Wheelchair availability:  Wheelchairs are available upon arrival for patients who need them to access the building.

Shuttle service between American Lake and Seattle VA Medical Centers

Shuttle services pick up and drop off Veterans, accompanying care givers, and employees from:

• American Lake: at the bus stop in front of building 81, across from building 8 near the flag pole
• Seattle: near the south entrance to building 1 and Fisher House

Shuttle services depart both locations at the following times.  Trip durations may last 1 hour and 30 minutes during heavy traffic periods.  Times and routing can change due to traffic collisions.

• 6:30 a.m. PT
• 8:30 a.m. PT
• 11:00 a.m. PT
• 1:00 p.m. PT
• 3:00 p.m. PT
• 4:45 p.m. PT

Van services for Veterans

DAV vans

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.

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

Lodging program related van service

For patients and caregivers in fully furnished lodging, the lodging program will provide either a shuttle to and from the medical center or taxi service to and from medical appointments.

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

Beneficiary travel services are located in building 18, or by phone at 253-582-8440

Public transportation

Pierce County Transit provides local bus service via route 214 to the medical center.

Food and drink

Veterans Canteen Service (VCS) Patriot Café (aka Canteen)

Serving hot and cold entrees, beverages, and desserts

Building 2, ground floor
Hours: Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. PT

Starbucks served at VCS Patriot Brew

Serving a variety of beverages, pastries, and light food

Building 2, ground floor
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. PT

Vending machines

Drinks and snacks are available around the clock.

Retail

Veterans Canteen Service (VCS) 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 2, ground floor
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. PT

Veterans Canteen Service (VCS) Patriot Vision

A service provided for vision needs. Able to purchase and be fitted for glasses as long as prescription is valid. Purchases are tax-free.

Building 2, ground floor
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. PT

Banking

American Lake Credit Union and ATM

Building 145 (see our campus map), north of main parking lot near golf course, across from building 81
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PT

Learn how our chaplains provide spiritual and emotional services for patients, family members, friends and staff from all religious traditions