Fort Buchanan is an active U.S. Army installation in the San Juan metropolitan area of Puerto Rico. It borders San Juan, Guaynabo, and Bayamón. This guide covers directions, gate access, housing, services, schools, medical care, and recreation.

Base Overview

Official name U.S. Army Garrison Fort Buchanan
Military branch United States Army
Base status Active
Street address Building 390, Double Eagle Avenue, Suite 301, Fort Buchanan, PR 00934-4614
Main phone number 787-707-3440 / 787-707-3240
Visitor Center phone 787-707-3995 / 787-707-3241
Official website U.S. Army Garrison Fort Buchanan

Location and Directions

Fort Buchanan is in the San Juan metropolitan area, near San Juan, Guaynabo, and Bayamón. From Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, take Highway 26 toward San Juan, then follow signs toward Bayamón/Caguas and Highway 22. Use Road 165 and Road 28 to reach Borinqueneers' Gate. An identification card or other approved installation access is required at the checkpoint. The gate is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There is no on-post transportation, but facilities are within walking distance.

Visitor Information

The Visitor Control Center is at Borinqueneers' Gate. It is open Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and is closed on federal holidays. Visitors, contractors, and vendors age 18 or older who do not have a Department of Defense identification card must complete a background check and access request there.

SPC Frances M. Vega Gate has limited weekday inbound and outbound hours. Gate hours and access rules can change, so contact the Visitor Control Center before traveling. The My Army Post app can provide current gate and closure updates.

Housing and Lodging

Las Colinas provides two-, three-, and four-bedroom homes. The Army Family Housing Division offers on- and off-post housing advice, referrals, lease help, and Overseas Housing Allowance support. The housing office is in Building 34 on South Gate Road at 787-707-3367 or 787-707-2317. Cadence Communities is the privatized housing partner.

On-post lodging is available at Holiday Inn Express El Caney Lodge at 787-792-7977. It serves military personnel of all ranks, family members and guests, and retired military members and their guests. Pets are allowed with a nonrefundable pet fee.

Facilities and Services

Commissary DeCA is in Building 689 and can be reached at 787-707-2078 or 787-707-2088. Army and Air Force Exchange Service facilities, including the PXtra, are also on the installation. DEERS and Common Access Card services are available.

Army Community Service is at 225 Davis Street and offers financial help, family support, relocation help, counseling, employment support, and other programs. The Education Center is in Building 514 and is open Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., except federal holidays. The Mail and Distribution Center is in Building 611 and may be used as a temporary forwarding address for up to six months.

Schools and Childcare

Child and Youth Services offers child development services, school-age programs, middle school and teen programs, and youth and family activities. Parent Central Services can help families with program information at 787-707-3787 or 787-707-3434. The installation lists Department of Defense Education Activity support, but no current school name or enrollment details were verified.

Medical Services

Rodriguez Army Health Clinic is in Building 21 on Patriot Boulevard. The clinic offers medical care, behavioral health, family advocacy, pharmacy services, medical records, and other support programs. Call 787-707-2558 for the clinic or 787-707-2534 for TRICARE service.

Clinic hours are Monday through Wednesday and Friday from 7:00 to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 to 4:00 p.m., and Thursday from 7:00 to 11:30 a.m. Sick call is daily from 7:00 to 9:00 a.m. The pharmacy is closed on Thursdays. Call 911 for an off-post emergency. For an on-post fire or medical emergency, call 787-707-5911.

Recreation and Amenities

Family and MWR provides fitness, childcare, youth programs, dining, leisure travel, and equipment rental. Recreation choices include a golf course, bowling center, fitness center, trails, outdoor recreation, Waterspout Aqua Park, and a community club.

Activity area Available options
Sports and fitness Nine-hole golf course, bowling, fitness center, running trails, and tracks
Outdoor activities Waterspout Aqua Park, horseback riding, and trap and skeet activities
Leisure and hobbies Outdoor cinema, arts and crafts, Auto Skills Center, and leisure travel

Things to Know

  • Fort Buchanan is the only active U.S. Army installation in Puerto Rico.
  • Visitors without qualifying Department of Defense credentials must complete access screening before entering.
  • The installation borders San Juan, Guaynabo, and Bayamón.
  • English and Spanish are official languages of Puerto Rico.
  • People moving to Fort Buchanan should carry orders, identification, medical records, school records, vehicle documents, and household-goods paperwork.
  • Gate hours, visitor rules, and service hours can change. Confirm current information before traveling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Fort Buchanan?
It is in the San Juan metropolitan area of Puerto Rico, bordering San Juan, Guaynabo, and Bayamón.
What gate should visitors use?
Borinqueneers' Gate is the main gate and has the Visitor Control Center.
What must visitors without a DoD identification card do?
Visitors age 18 or older must complete a background check and access request at the Visitor Control Center.
Is housing available on Fort Buchanan?
Yes. Las Colinas has two-, three-, and four-bedroom homes.
Does Fort Buchanan have a medical clinic?
Yes. Rodriguez Army Health Clinic provides medical and support services on the installation.