Hanscom Air Force Base in Bedford, MA
Hanscom Air Force Base is an active United States Air Force installation in Bedford, Massachusetts. This page gives practical details you can use: contact points, where to enter, housing and lodging notes, schools and childcare, medical care, and recreation options on base.
Base overview
| Official name | Hanscom Air Force Base |
|---|---|
| Military branch | United States Air Force |
| Base status | Active |
| Street address | 10 Kirtland Street, Building 1240, Hanscom AFB, MA 01731 |
| Main phone number | 781-225-2765 |
| Visitor Center phone | 781-225-6642 or 781-225-6643 |
| Official website | Official Hanscom AFB website |
Location and Directions
Hanscom AFB is in Middlesex County and touches Bedford, Concord, Lincoln, and Lexington. From I-95/Route 128 take Exit 46B for Hanscom Field, go about 1.5 miles to the blinking light, turn right, continue about 0.25 mile and bear right to Sartain Gate. Sartain Gate is open 24 hours; Ruiz Gate is open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Visitor Information
The Visitor Center is at Building 1617 on Old Bedford Road and operates 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily; it is closed on weekends and federal holidays. When the Visitor Center is closed, visitor passes are available at the gate.
Guests without Department of Defense ID generally need a sponsor and advance coordination. Visitors should contact the Visitor Center before arrival to confirm access requirements and bring the identification a sponsor requests. Confirm current access rules before travelling.
Housing and Lodging
The Housing Office is at 101 Northbridge Road (phone 781-745-1800) and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Government and non-government housing options are available and DoD civilians and retirees may apply for privatized base housing. Hanscom no longer has on-base lodging.
Facilities and Services
On-base retail and services include a commissary, Base Exchange, pharmacy, postal services, a Military and Family Readiness Center, and an Education Center. These services support daily needs for military members, families, and staff.
Installation support and readiness are provided by the 66th Air Base Group, which supports the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center and tenant units. Confirm hours and eligibility for specific services directly with each facility before visiting.
Schools and Childcare
Hanscom Primary School and Hanscom Middle School are on the installation and are part of the Lincoln, Massachusetts public school system. High school students are transported to Bedford High School. The School Liaison can be reached at 781-225-1482 for school questions and enrollment help.
| Child Development Center address | 1 Eglin Street, Building 1994, Hanscom AFB, MA 01731 |
|---|---|
| Phone | 781-225-6129 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. |
| Age range | Children from 6 weeks through 5 years |
| Registration | Families may apply and request wait-list via MilitaryChildCare.com |
Medical Services
The 66th Medical Squadron operates the Hanscom Clinic at 90 Vandenberg Drive, Building 1900. The clinic phone is 781-225-6789 and the clinic provides outpatient primary care, flight and operational medicine, dental, mental health, lab work, immunizations, public health, and preventive medicine. For emergencies call 911; the clinic is not an emergency department.
Recreation and Amenities
Recreation options include a Fitness and Sports Center, a Bowling Center, Outdoor Recreation, an Auto Hobby Shop, a library, and a Health and Wellness Center. The installation is compact and walkable for many visitors and staff.
| Fitness and Sports Center | Cardio room, gymnasium, indoor track, free-weight and family fitness rooms; phone 781-225-6630. Eligible users may receive 24-hour access under installation policies. |
|---|---|
| Bowling Center | On-base bowling and related events |
| Outdoor Recreation | Equipment rental and local trip planning |
| Auto Hobby Shop | Vehicle maintenance bays and tools for members |
| Library | Loaning materials and quiet study space |
Things to Know
- Hanscom AFB has controlled access; plan for gate checks and ID verification.
- Visitors without DoD ID generally need a sponsor and advance coordination.
- On-base lodging is no longer available; plan off-base overnight stays.
- Housing and childcare availability can be limited in this high-cost area.
- Winter travel may include snow, ice, and black ice—plan accordingly.
- Gate, Visitor Center, clinic, and facility hours can change; confirm before travelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Hanscom AFB located?
In Middlesex County, touching Bedford, Concord, Lincoln, and Lexington in Massachusetts.
How do I reach the Visitor Center?
From I-95/Route 128 take Exit 46B for Hanscom Field, follow local signs to Sartain Gate and proceed to the Visitor Center.
What ID do visitors need?
Visitors without DoD ID generally need a sponsor and advance coordination through the Visitor Center.
Is there on-base lodging?
No. Hanscom AFB no longer has on-base lodging.
Where do I get medical care on base?
The 66th Medical Squadron operates the Hanscom Clinic for outpatient care; call the clinic or call 911 for emergencies.