Arrival at Joint Base Lewis-McChord

Reporting In

 Depending on what mode of transportation you are using to arrive at the base, there are several options for reaching Fort Lewis available to you.

By plane: You will find many resources available at the USO, located on the second floor at the Seattle-Tacoma (Sea-Tac) International Airport. Here, you will find facilities for relaxation for you and your family prior to leaving for the base. You will find commercial transportation available that will take you directly to the Waller Hall Welcome and Farewell Center at Fort Lewis.

By car: Joint Base Lewis McChord is easily accessible from Interstate 5. You will want to access the main gate by using Exit 120. The gate remains open 24 hours a day.

By train: Tacoma will be the stop that will bring you closest to the post. From there, you will be able to access numerous taxi and bus services that will bring you directly to Joint Base Lewis McChord.

By bus: If arriving by bus, you will find connections that will bring you directly to Joint Base Lewis McChord.

Regardless of unit assignment, all officers and enlisted soldiers must report to the Fort Lewis Reception Center upon arriving. You will find that the center is easy to find with signs leading to Building 2140, the Waller Hall Welcome and Farewell Center. If you are unable to report on time on the date required, please call the Welcome Center at (253)  967-7004 or DSN 357-7004.

You will receive a billeting assignment upon checking in, along with bedding and a temporary meal card (if you are not on separate rations). Expect to be with the detachment for four days.
If you bring your family with you, you can avoid lodging problems for them by calling the Fort Lewis Rainier Inn at (253) 964-0211. While you are inprocessing, the Welcome Center is available to them.

Be sure you bring along the following items prior to beginning inprocessing:

  • Personnel, medical, dental and finance records.
  • Enough uniforms to begin duties directly after processing. You must be in uniform to inprocess. Fort Lewis’ duty uniform is BDU or ACU.
  • Any finance claims will be settled during inprocessing.

Getting Settled

For the most current housing information, be sure and check in with the Housing Office, Bldg. 2150. They can offer suggestions whether you plan on living on or off post.

Within five working days of arrival, you must register all privately owned vehicles, firearms and pets with the Army Community Service (ACS), Bldg 2140. This service can also help with any issues you may have with settling your family in the area.

For help with household goods that are being shipped or hold baggage, you can get a hold of the Joint Personal Property shipping Office, Bldg. 2140, Room 500 or call them directly at (253) 967-5293, or 1-800-521-9959. Office hours are M-F, 7:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. If you experience problems with goods being lost or damaged during shipment, please contact the Staff Judge Advocate claims service at (253) 967-0704 within 70 days. Bldg. 2027A houses the claims office.

Temporary lodging

Temporary lodging for families, while waiting for housing whether on or off post, is available at the Fort Lewis Rainier Inn. The Rainier Inn is conveniently located near a range of services including the Commissary, Post Exchange, bank, credit union and library. The Inn is a pet-free facility, but it does offer a small playground for children.

If the inn is fully booked, there is additional lodging available in six cabins, located on the main post and handled by the inn. If those are also unavailable, the desk clerk can help find local accommodations in the area for reduced rates. You can access the reservation desk, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

PCS and TDY personnel can make reservations in writing to the following address: Fort Lewis Rainier Inn, P. O. Box 33085, Fort Lewis, WA 98433-0085. By phone: you can reach them at commercial (253) 964-0211, (253) 967-2815 or DSN: 357-505. They can also be reached by email at lodging @lewis.army.mil.

Off-Post Housing

If you are looking to rent off post the Housing Services Office in Bldg. 2150 outlining some local housing options. If you wish to use your VA loan to purchase Lewis McChord real estate please use our search tools available on this site.

Approximate rental prices (excluding utilities) are as follows:

  • Two-bedroom units run from $700 to $1000 monthly
  • Three-bedroom units run from $900 to $1600
  • If you are looking for a four-bedroom unit, you will find them harder to come by, but the rate will be $1300 or above.

Whether you look to purchase or rent off post it is good to make sure your credit is in good condition prior to your arrival to Lewis-McChord. Please contact us with questions regarding credit issues.

On-post housing

Between Fort Lewis and McChord, there are 4,711 family quarters available on post within 14 housing neighborhoods. Each home has a stove, dishwasher, refrigerator, garbage disposal and a hookup for washer/dryer units. Either a garage or carport is also provided.

Only personnel in key or essential positions are required to reside in on-post housing. Briefings (held daily at 9 a.m.) allow eligible service members a chance to fill out an on-post application. You will need a copy of your Joint Base Lewis McChord orders and any other required paperwork to apply. You will be placed on a waiting list based on rank and bedroom requirements that is updated weekly.

Please keep the housing office informed of any contact information changes including eligibility status. You can access updated information by visiting the housing lobby kiosk located inside the Housing Office, adjacent to Waller Hall, Bldg. 2150, Liggett Avenue. Their direct line is 253-912-2150.