Fort Bliss is an active U.S. Army installation next to El Paso, Texas. It is home to the 1st Armored Division. This guide covers directions, visitor access, housing, services, schools, medical care, and recreation.

Base Overview

Official name Fort Bliss
Military branch U.S. Army
Base status Active
Street address 1741 Marshall Road, Fort Bliss, Texas 79916
Main phone number 915-744-1254
Visitor Center phone 915-568-3215
Official website Fort Bliss official website

Location and Directions

The Main Cantonment Area is next to El Paso, north of Interstate 10 and east of U.S. Highway 54. East Bliss is north of Main Post and can be reached by the 601 Spur, also called Liberty Expressway. El Paso International Airport is east of the Main Installation and southeast of East Bliss. Fort Bliss also has areas in New Mexico.

Visitor Information

Visitors without a qualifying DoD identification card may need a visitor pass or another approved access credential. DoD ID cardholders may sponsor visitors in person or submit the Fort Bliss Installation Access Pass Application. The application should be submitted 72 hours before arrival, but not more than 14 days before arrival.

Bring a valid government-issued photo ID. Vehicle registration and proof of insurance may also be needed. The Buffalo Soldier Visitor Control Center at 5400 Buffalo Soldier Road is open 24 hours and can be reached at 915-568-3215. The Chaffee Gate Visitor Control Center at 2616 Chaffee Road is open Monday through Friday from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. and can be reached at 915-568-6853. Confirm current access rules before traveling.

Housing and Lodging

Fort Bliss Family Homes provides privatized housing for eligible active-duty Army families. Some homes are also available to certain retirees, Department of War civilians, and members of the general public. The housing office phone is 915-568-2898.

Temporary lodging is available at the IHG Army Hotel, Holiday Inn Express, at 1744 Victory Avenue. The front desk is open 24 hours. Check-in is at 4 p.m., and check-out is at 11 a.m. Call 915-565-7777.

Facilities and Services

Fort Bliss has Army and Air Force Exchange Service facilities, including Freedom Crossing, a commissary, dining facilities, gas stations, and other installation support services.

Support services include Army Community Service, military personnel and in-processing services, a post shuttle, religious support, emergency and military police services, and transportation and personal property processing.

Schools and Childcare

Child and youth programs include Child Development Centers, School Age Centers, Youth Centers, Family Child Care homes, youth sports and fitness, and SKIESUnlimited instructional programs. Family Child Care information is available at 915-568-4198 or 915-568-8840.

School Liaison and School Support Services help military-connected families with school changes, school information, and education support. The office is in the Soldier Support Center, Building 505, Pershing Road, Room A-107. Call 915-569-5064.

Medical Services

William Beaumont Army Medical Center-Fort Bliss is at 18511 Highlander Medics Street. The medical network provides primary care, preventive care, specialty care, emergency and hospital services, dental care, and other military health services. Call 915-742-2273 for appointments.

Other care locations include Mendoza Soldier Family Care Center, East Bliss Health and Dental Clinic, Soldier and Family Care Clinic, Rio Bravo Medical Home, and Desert Sage Medical Home. Call 911 for emergencies. The emergency room phone listed for William Beaumont Army Medical Center is 915-742-4055.

Recreation and Amenities

Area Examples
Outdoor and travel Outdoor recreation, RV Park and Family Campground, and Leisure Travel Services
Sports and fitness Physical fitness centers, aquatics facilities, Underwood Golf Complex, and Desert Strike Lanes Bowling Center
Community activities Libraries, arts and crafts, community events, Monti Warrior Zone, and Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers programs
Outdoor clubs Rod and Gun Club

Things to Know

  • Fort Bliss includes Main Post, East Bliss, and training areas in Texas and New Mexico.
  • Visitors may need a pass, sponsorship, or background screening.
  • Privately owned firearms brought onto the installation must be registered with the Directorate of Emergency Services within 24 hours.
  • Concealed weapons are not allowed on the installation, even with a state or county permit.
  • Access rules, gate status, office hours, services, and holiday closures can change. Check current information before traveling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fort Bliss active?
Yes. Fort Bliss is an active U.S. Army installation.
Where is Fort Bliss?
It is next to El Paso, Texas, north of Interstate 10 and east of U.S. Highway 54.
Do visitors need a pass?
Visitors without qualifying DoD identification may need a visitor pass or another approved access credential.
Is visitor access available all day?
The Buffalo Soldier Visitor Control Center is open 24 hours. The Chaffee Gate Visitor Control Center is open Monday through Friday from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Where can service members get medical care?
William Beaumont Army Medical Center-Fort Bliss and several other Fort Bliss medical locations provide care.