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Welcome to Nellis Air Force Base, Las Vegas! What to Know About Your New Duty Station


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Welcome sign at the main gate of Nellis AFB.
Nellis Main Gate.US Air Force
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Welcome to Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, Nevada. Nellis AFB is located just eight miles out of downtown Las Vegas. The base covers more than 14,000 acres, providing ample space for training operations. Supporting those operations are roughly 14,000 combined military and civilian employees across the installation. Roughly 5,500 service members reside on base.

As part of the USAFWC (U.S. Air Force Warfare Center), units at Nellis AFB provide training for composite strike forces that include every type of aircraft in the U.S. Air Force, along with air and ground units of the Army, Navy, Marines, and air units from allied nations.

The major units at Nellis Air Force Base are the 57th Operations Group, 57th Maintenance Group, U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds," U.S. Air Force Weapons School, 414th Combat Training Squadron, U.S. Air Force Advanced Maintenance and Munitions Operations School, and the 549th Combat Training Squadron.

The United States Air Force Thunderbirds.dbking/Wikipedia

Where Is Nellis AFB?

Address: 4625 Fitzgerald Blvd, Nellis AFB, NV 89191

Nellis Air Force Base Welcome and Visitor Center is located at:

4625 Fitzgerald Blvd, Nellis AFB, NV 89191 

Phone: (702) 652-3216

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Procedures For Entering Nellis AFB

Whether you’re coming to Nellis Air Force Base for a PCS or just to visit, here is some information to help your arrival go smoothly.

Getting to Nellis AFB

Nellis AFB is less than 30 minutes from Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, Nevada. Other major cities and drive times are listed below.

  • Los Angeles, CA: Drive time from base to Los Angeles, CA is about 4.5 hours.
  • Phoenix, AZ: Drive time from base to Phoenix, AZ is about 4.5 hours.
  • Salt Lake City, UT: Drive time from base to Salt Lake City, UT is about 6 hours.
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Gates & Hours of Operation

Nellis AFB has many different gates, but the primary gate is the Main Gate, featuring the Visitor Control Center. The most common access points are listed below.

For a full list and detailed gate procedures, visit Base Entry on the Nellis AFB website.

Main Gate

The Main Gate is the primary access point to Nellis AFB. The Visitor Control Center is located just outside this gate and is where visitors may obtain a pass for entering through all other gates unaccompanied.

Location: 4625 Fitzgerald Blvd, Nellis AFB, NV 89191

Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

VCC Hours: Monday through Friday 0730-1630

VCC Phone: (702) 652-3216

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Landings Gate

Location: Simmons/Tyndall Ave, Nellis AFB, NV 89191

Hours: Monday through Friday, 0530-2100

Beale Gate

Location: Beale Ave./Carey Ave., Nellis AFB, NV 89191

Hours: Monday through Friday, 0530-1730

Incoming Personnel

All service members reporting to Nellis AFB should report to the assigned unit. After-duty hours check-in is located at the Lodging Office.

Address: 5941 Fitzgerald Blvd., Nellis AFB, NV 89191

Phone: (702) 652-2711

Coming to Nellis AFB? Here’s What You Need For Base Access

Anyone visiting with a Department of Defence (DoD) Common Access Card and/or retired military ID can access the base through any gate.

If visitors (18+) do not have a DoD Common Access Card or retired military ID, they must go to the Visitor Control Center (VCC) with a US ID in the form of a Real ID and/or Enhanced Driver’s License.

If visitors do not have a Real ID/Enhanced driver's license, a retired military ID, a DoD Common Access Card, or a service-connected Veterans Card, they must bring another form of US ID, such as a passport, Social Security card, or birth certificate, to the visitor control center.

Visitor Control Centers

Nellis AFB has one Visitor Control Center that can help visitors gain access to the base.

Location: 4625 Fitzgerald Blvd, Nellis AFB, NV 89191

Hours: Monday through Friday 0730-1630

Phone: (702) 652-3216

What ID Do You Need For Base Access?

Anyone with a valid DoD-issued ID card is permitted onto the base. To access the installation as a guest of a valid DoD ID holder, you are required to present one of the following:

  • U.S. Military ID (all members of the U.S. Armed Forces, military retirees and dependent ID card holders, Gov't Civilian CAC card holders)
  • Veterans Health Identification Card issued by the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs
  • U.S. Passport
  • U.S. Passport Card
  • State-issued Identification, such as a driver’s license or identification card issued by a state that meets the REAL ID standards or an Interim Driver’s License issued by a state that meets the REAL ID standards
Participants in the Professional Golfers’ Association of America Hope Program practice their swing at the driving range on Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., May 14, 2015.Airman 1st Class Mikaley Kline/Nellis Air Force Base

Nellis AFB Amenities & Facilities

Nellis AFB has all the amenities you need to make this new duty station your home. Below are some of the key resources you’ll want to be familiar with.

Mike O'Callaghan Military Medical Center

Mike O'Callaghan Military Medical Center is complete with emergency care, primary care clinics, pharmacy, lab testing, and more to serve service members, retirees, and families.

Address: 4700 Las Vegas Blvd. N., Nellis AFB, NV 89191

Hours: Hours vary by clinic. Check your assigned home clinic for detailed information.

Appointments Phone: (702) 653-2273

Finance Office

The Finance Office is dedicated to making sure service members get accurate pay and resolving pay issues.

Address: 4420 Grissom Avenue, Building #11, Nellis AFB, NV, 89191

Hours: Monday through Thursday, 0800-1500

Phone: (702) 652-4844

The Legal Office is available to service members, retirees, and family members. The office provides legal services such as Power of Attorney, notary, basic and living wills, and information on other legal matters.

Address: 4428 Bldg 18, England Ave, Nellis AFB, NV 89191

Hours: Monday through Friday, 0900-1500

Phone: (702) 652-5407

Commissary

The Nellis AFB Commissary is a grocery store on base offering cost savings to service members and families.

Address: 4200 Mountain Home St. Nellis AFB, NV 89191

Hours: Monday through Saturday, 0800-1900; Sunday, 0800-1800

Phone: (270) 984-4070

Exchange

The Nellis AFB Exchange Mall is a shopping complex that aims to meet the needs of service members and families. You will find everything from department store items, a barber shop, GNC, GameStop, a food court, and more.

Address: 5691 Rickenbacker Road, Bldg. 431 Nellis AFB, NV 89191

Hours: Monday through Friday, 0900-1800; Saturday, 0900-1800; Sunday, 1000-1800

Phone: (702) 643-3526

Post Office

The United States Postal Service has an office on base for all your mailing needs.

Address: 4250 Griffiss Ave, Nellis AFB, NV 89191

Hours: Monday through Friday, 0830-1600

Phone: (800) 275-8777

Transportation Office

The Transportation Office can oversee your property shipments and help your PCS run smoothly.

Address: 4625 Fitzgerald Blvd, Nellis AFB, NV 89191

Hours: Monday through Friday, 0800-1500

Phone: (702) 652-6683

Barber Shops

Make sure your hair is within regulation at Nellis AFB’s barber shop at the Main Exchange or Haircraft at the Nellis Club.

Main Exchange Barber Shop

Address: 5691 Rickenbacker Road, Nellis AFB, NV, 89191

Hours: Monday through Saturday, 0800-1900; Sunday, 1000-1800

Phone: (702) 643-9556

Haircraft Barber Shop

Address: 5871 Fitzgerald Blvd, Bldg. 554, Nellis AFB, NV, 89191

Hours: Monday through Saturday, 0800-1900; Sunday, 1000-1800

Phone: (702) 652-6126

Force Support Squadron (FSS)

The 99th Force Support Squadron (FSS), in combination with Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR), on Nellis AFB, offers a multitude of support to families calling MacDill AFB home. From ID Cards, Child and Youth Services (CYS), to golf, fine dining, and everything in between, FSS wants to make sure you thrive at your new duty station. Check out their website to see all they have to offer.

Address: 4475 England Avenue, Suite 208, Nellis AFB, NV 89191

Hours: Hours vary by resource. Check out the list below for a few favorites.

Phone: (702) 652-0070

ID/DEERs Office

The Nellis AFB ID/DEERs Office can help with getting or renewing military ID cards and enrolling or updating DEERs for service members, veterans, and families. You can schedule an appointment using FSS Fast Pass or utilize walk-in hours.

Address: 4475 N. England Ave, Bldg. 20, Room 115, Nellis AFB, NV 89191

Hours: Monday through Friday, 0800-1500Phone: (702) 652-6844

Golf Course

Sunrise Vista Golf Course will test the ability of any golfer with its 18-hole course. When you’re done with the course, stop by Champion’s Grill for a bite to eat; it offers breakfast and lunch specials.

Address: 2841 Kinley Drive, Bldg. 1626, Nellis AFB, NV 89191

Hours: Sunday through Saturday, 0800-1730

Phone: (702) 652-2602

Community Commons

The Community Commons features a computer lab, video game area, book exchange library, and multipurpose room used for parties and classes offered at the facility. You can also grab Starbucks snacks at the 2nd Cup kiosk and grab-n-go case.

Address: 4311 Washington Blvd, Bldg. 312, Nellis AFB, NV 89191

Hours: Monday & Friday, 0900-1700

Phone: (702) 679.0967

Auto Hobby Shop

The DIY Auto Hobby Shop provides a space for auto maintenance and hobby work. Featuring work bays, hydraulic lifts, and computerized equipment, you will find everything you need to get the job done right.

Address: 5982 Depot Road, Bldg. 840, Nellis AFB, NV 89191

Hours: Tuesday through Friday, 1300-1900; Saturday, 1000-1800

Phone: (702) 652-0284

Warrior Fitness Center

Warrior Fitness Center on base strives to meet the mental and physical needs of service members, retirees, and families by offering a diversified program that includes weight training equipment, fitness classes, a lap pool, massage therapy, and more.

Address: 3705 Freedom Circle, Bldg. 1705, Nellis AFB, NV 89191

Staffed Hours: Monday through Friday, 0500-2100; Saturday and Sunday, 0800-1600 (24-hour access registration available)

Phone: (702) 652-4891

Childcare

Nellis AFB has three Child Development Centers (CDCs) offering center-based, full-day, and hourly care, as well as before- and after-school and kindergarten care.

CDC #1

Address: 5085 John Chapman Pkwy, Bldg. 2966, Nellis AFB, NV 89191

Phone: (702) 652-4241

CDC #2

Address: 5085 John Chapman Pkwy, Bldg. 2967, Nellis AFB, NV 89191

Phone: (702) 652-1114

CDC #3

Address: 4207 Duffer Drive, Bldg. 600, Nellis AFB, NV 89191

Phone: (702) 652-5885

Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)

The Exceptional Family Member Program is designed to support those who are responsible for managing care and services for family members with special needs. The EFMP Medical Office is for enrollments and assignments. The EFMP Family Support Office can help with individualized assistance, workshops, and information about programs.

Address: 4700 Las Vegas Blvd. North, Building 1300, Lower Level, Nellis AFB, Nevada 89191

Hours: Monday through Friday, 0800-1500

Phone: (702) 653-3367

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Cajsa May, 99th Force Support Squadron food services journeyman, hands a sandwich to a customer at the Crosswinds Dining Facility at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, June 4, 2025.Airman 1st Class Michael Sanders/Nellis Air Force Base

Nellis AFB Dining Facilities

There are numerous ways to dine on base at Nellis AFB in addition to traditional DFACs. Below are a few favorites.

Rickenbackers

Rickenbacker’s is a full-service coffee shop serving Belgian waffles, breakfast burritos, muffins, pizzas, and specialty drinks. With two locations on base, you won’t be far from delicious food and drink.

Rickenbacker’s 1 (Inside The Club)

Address: 5871 Fitzgerald Blvd, Bldg. 554, Nellis AFB, Nevada 89191

Hours: Tuesday through Friday, 0630-1600; Monday, 0630-1900

Phone: (364) 204-3908

Rickenbacker’s 2 (Inside Mike O’Callaghan Medical Center)

Address: 4700 Las Vegas Blvd North, Bldg. 1300 , Nellis AFB, Nevada 89191

Hours: Monday through Friday, 0630-1300

Phone: (364) 204-3908

Exchange Food Court

The Main Exchange Food Court has all your favorites from Charlie's Subs, Sarku Japan, Qdoba, and more.

Address: 5691 Rickenbacker Road, Bldg. 431, Nellis AFB, NV 89191

Hours: Monday through Saturday, 0900-1900; Sunday, 1000-1800

Phone: (702) 643-3526

Robin’s Roost

This full-service sports bar offers typical pub grub and craft brews. Open to all ranks, civilians, and contractors.

Address: 5871 Fitzgerald Blvd, Bldg. 554, Nellis AFB, Nevada 89191

Hours: Wednesday & Thursday, 1500-2100; Friday, 1500-2400

Phone: (702) 652-9188

Nellis AFB Housing

Nellis AFB offers military housing for service members E1 through E4 and privatized housing for families.

Housing Office

The Nellis AFB Housing Services Office can help you make decisions about where to live and how to apply.

Address: 4601 Richard Kisling Drive (right side), Las Vegas, NV 89115

Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 0730-1530; Wednesday, 0730-1300

Phone: (270) 798-3808

Unaccompanied Housing

Unaccompanied housing (UH) is mandatory and provided for single service members E1 to E4 with no dependents. Unaccompanied military E5 and above are not required to live in the barracks and may reside off base.

Address: 4555 Carswell Ave. Bldg 704 Nellis AFB, NV 89191

Hours: Monday through Friday, 0700-1630

Phone: (702) 652-6769

Privatized Housing/Nellis Family Housing

Nellis Family Housing partners with Hunt Military Communities to provide housing for military families of Nellis AFB, responsible for management, maintenance, and construction.

Nellis Family Housing offers 2, 3, and 4 bedroom layouts, bike paths, parks and playgrounds, pool and splash pad, and so much more! As soon as you know you’re coming to Nellis AFB, get on the list to reserve your spot on base.

Address: 4555 Carswell Ave. Bldg 704 Nellis AFB, NV 89191

Hours: Monday through Friday, 0800-1700

Phone: (725) 527-3200

Off-Base Housing & Military Preferred Living Areas

Nellis AFB is located just outside downtown Las Vegas. While the well-known strip is bustling with activity, North Las Vegas can get you out of the hustle and bustle. Henderson and Boulder City are two other communities you might want to call home. Check out the details for each community below.

North Las Vegas, NV, Clark County

North Las Vegas is about 15 minutes south of Nellis AFB and home to nearly 200,000 residents. North Las Vegas provides more breathing room for people looking to get away from the strip, but still has much to explore in terms of parks, entertainment, and dining.

Median listing home price: $430,000

Median rental rate: $2,000

Schools: Clark County School District serves more than 304,000 students, P-K through 12th grade, across nearly 385 schools around the county. According to Niche, a popular school-ranking site, Clark County School District received a B rating. Visit the Clark County School District website to find the schools you’re zoned for.

Henderson, NV, Clark County

Henderson in Clark County is about 35 minutes south of Nellis AFB and home to nearly 350,000 residents. The state’s second largest city, Henderson combines an urban environment with a family-friendly suburban feel. It is consistently ranked among the safest cities in the United States.

Median listing home price: $535,000

Median rental rate: $2,200

Schools: Clark County School District serves more than 304,000 students, P-K through 12th grade, across nearly 385 schools around the county. According to Niche, a popular school-ranking site, Clark County School District received a B rating. Visit the Clark County School District website to find the schools you’re zoned for.

Boulder City, NV, Clark County

Boulder City in Clark County is about 50 minutes south of Nellis AFB and home to nearly 15,000 residents. This community is a little farther to commute, but worth it for outdoor enthusiasts and families looking for a charming, quiet community.

Median listing home price: $475,000

Median rental rate: $1,600

Schools: Clark County School District serves more than 304,000 students, P-K through 12th grade, across nearly 385 schools around the county. According to Niche, a popular school-ranking site, Clark County School District received a B rating. Visit the Clark County School District website to find the schools you’re zoned for.

Nellis AFB Schools

Base Schools (K-12)

Nellis AFB hosts a public charter school, Coral Academy of Science Las Vegas. Students residing on base are zoned for one of two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school off base within the Clark County School District.

Off-Base Schools (K-12)

Local Employment Assistance & Resources

Employment Assistance Program

The Employment Assistance Program provides support to spouses and dependent family members seeking career development and job search assistance. Services are available by appointment by calling the Military & Family Resource Center at (702) 652-3327.

Local Employment Resources

City of Las Vegas

Official job listings for the City of Las Vegas.

Clark County

Official job listings for Clark County.

Clark County Public Schools

See openings in Clark County Public Schools.

City of North Las Vegas

Official job listings for the City of North Las Vegas.

City of Henderson

Official job listings for the City of Henderson.

Boulder City

Official job listings for Boulder City.

Nellis AFB Civilian Opportunities

Federal Jobs

Federal employment opportunities are available at Nellis AFB and are open to both military-affiliated applicants and the public. These positions often provide competitive benefits and long-term stability.

You can find employment for NAF positions, Defence Commissary Agency (DeCA), Child Development Centers, and more. Find your federal job using the USAJOBS website here.

People walk past an informational sign to take photos in front of the tourist Welcome to Las Vegas sign in Las Vegas, Nevada, April 1, 2025. Senior Airman Josey Blades/Nellis Air Force Base

Enjoy Your Time at Nellis Air Force Base

Transitioning to a new installation is a major life event, but Nellis Air Force Base is exceptionally well-equipped to support you. Located just outside Las Vegas, the base offers convenient access to both world-class entertainment and quiet, family-friendly suburbs. You will find robust on-base amenities right at your fingertips, from the Mike O'Callaghan Military Medical Center to comprehensive shopping and excellent recreational facilities like the Warrior Fitness Center.

Nellis also prioritizes your family's well-being with diverse housing options, accessible childcare, and dedicated career support for spouses. Whether you are arriving to train with elite strike forces or settling in for a long-term assignment, taking advantage of these resources will help you feel at home quickly. Welcome to Nevada, and enjoy your time at the "Home of the Fighter Pilot"!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I live on Nellis AFB without children?

Yes, housing options on base are determined by rank and marital status.

Can I live on Nellis AFB if I'm not married?

Yes, Service members E4 and below are required to live on base.

What are the PT hours for Nellis AFB?

Base-wide PT hours are weekdays from 0630-0800.

Can I use coupons at the commissary?

Yes. As part of the Defence Commissary Agency (DeCA), the Nellis AFB Commissary will accept manufacturer paper coupons, print-at-home coupons, and digital coupons.

Is Nellis AFB hands-free?

Yes. Nellis AFB and State laws prohibit holding and using a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle.

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Darlena Gary

Army Veteran

Written by

Darlena Gary

Military Spouse and Contributing Writer at MyBaseGuide

A versatile storyteller with over eight years of experience in marketing, technical writing, and corporate communications, Darlena holds a Master’s in Technical Communications and has spent her career...

ExpertiseMilitary Family SupportNon-Profitsinstallation guides

A versatile storyteller with over eight years of experience in marketing, technical writing, and corporate communications, Darlena holds a Master’s in Technical Communications and has spent her career...

Expertise

  • Military Family Support
  • Non-Profits
  • installation guides

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