Directions to Oak Ridge and ORNL

These instructions are for visitors to Physics Division Only. All visitors must obtain permission to visit us; instructions and requirements to visit Physics Division are available from this webpage. Maps to be used with these directions may be downloaded (pdf).

Directions to Oak Ridge, Tennessee

McGhee-Tyson Regional Airport (TYS)

The Knoxville airport is moderately sized and handles a fair amount of airline traffic. It is currently serviced by the major carriers American, Delta, Northwest, TWA, United, and U.S. Air or their affiliates. Although there are some direct flights from major cities, most are directed from the regional hubs Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Cincinnati, Dallas, Detroit, Pittsburgh, or Washington, D.C.

Directions from the Knoxville Airport to Oak Ridge

Leave airport and head for Knoxville. Approximately 3 miles (5 km) take I-140 west following the signs for Oak Ridge. You are now on Pellissippi Parkway, state road 162 and/or I-140. Follow signs to Oak Ridge. If going to the Lab, take the Bethel Valley Road exit. If going to the town, follow the signs. Continue staying on main road and this becomes Illinois Ave. Most hotels are on this road, all within 1 mile (1.6 km) of each other.

Directions to ORNL from City of Oak Ridge

Get on Illinois Ave. heading for Knoxville. Go past McDonald's Restaurant on right. Take first right. Go past Y-12 plant and follow signs to ORNL veering right approximately 1 mile (1.6 km) past Y-12. ORNL is 10 km from this intersection on Bethel Valley Road. Physics Division is under a gray concrete silo (the tandem tower) before the lake on the left side of the road.

Finding HRIBF and Physics Division

Unless we have told you otherwise, you must report to the visitors office before coming to the physics division.

Turn left at the second traffic light. Turn right at the "Stop" sign, immediately after a "speed bump" take the first right (bldg 6000, 6008) or the second right (bldg 6010, 6025, those who need to call someone). Two-hour visitor parking is at the end of the parking lot closest to the lake. Telephones are located at the main entrance to bldg 6000, 6025, and 6010.

Directions from I-75 South

About 5 miles before junction with I-40, take first Oak Ridge exit at Lenior City. This should be state road 95. Go north and follow signs to either ORNL (will turn right a few miles past I-40 overpass) or Oak Ridge (straight).

If going to ORNL

Unless we have told you otherwise, you must report to the visitors office before coming to the physics division.

After turning right onto Bethel Valley Road and gaining access to ORNL, continue straight until you see a small lake on the right and the tower housing the tandem. Continue past the lake and tower and turn right at the next traffic light. Turn right at the "Stop" sign, immediately after a "speed bump" take the first right (bldg 6000, 6008) or the second right (bldg 6010, 6025, those who need to call someone). Two-hour visitor parking is at the end of the parking lot closest to the lake. Telephones are located at the main entrance to bldg 6000, 6025, and 6010.

If going to Oak Ridge

Upon entering Oak Ridge, turn right at the first major 4-way intersection (there is probably a sign indicating the direction to Knoxville). This is Illinois Ave. where most hotels are located.

If you missed the above exit, after merging with I-40, there will be another Oak Ridge exit. Take this exit and follow signs. Then follow directions above as if you were coming from Knoxville airport.