About this Location

Facility Overview

Multi-Level Parking 10 (MLP-10) is a major multi-tier structured parking garage located on the north side of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Bethesda main campus at 10 North Drive. Specifically engineered to serve visitors, clinical research participants, medical staff, and researchers visiting the Warren Grant Magnuson Clinical Center (Building 10) and the Mark O. Hatfield Clinical Research Center, this modern parking deck offers protected, multi-level covered parking. The facility features wide interior drive aisles, standard parking bays, and dedicated ADA-accessible stalls located conveniently near elevators and pedestrian skybridges. Standard passenger vehicles, crossover SUVs, minivans, and light-duty trucks can navigate the facility comfortably. Drivers operating oversized vehicles, commercial vans, or vehicles equipped with high roof racks should be mindful of posted vertical clearance signs (typically 7 feet) at garage entry points, and high-clearance vehicles may be redirected to designated surface lots or specialized inspection check-ins.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Positioned on one of the world\'s premier biomedical research campuses, MLP-10 provides direct, convenient pedestrian access to the NIH Clinical Center (Building 10), the largest clinical research hospital in the United States. Key nearby facilities and local points of interest include:

NIH Clinical Center (Building 10): Connected directly via indoor corridors and covered walkways, making access seamless for patients and appointments.
National Library of Medicine (NLM): Located a short 5-minute walk across Center Drive, housing the world\'s largest biomedical collection.
Walter Reed National Military Medical Center: Situated directly east across Rockville Pike (MD-355), reachable via campus shuttle or a 10-to-15 minute walk.
Suburban Hospital (Johns Hopkins Medicine): Located just west on Old Georgetown Road, less than a 5-minute drive away.
Downtown Bethesda & Bethesda Row: Located approximately 1.5 miles south, offering a vibrant shopping, arts, and dining district packed with premier restaurants and boutiques.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Because MLP-10 is situated within the secure federal perimeter of the NIH Bethesda campus, all non-badged visitors must first clear security screening at the NIH Gateway Center (accessible off Rockville Pike at South Drive, adjacent to the Medical Center Metro Station). Vehicles entering campus undergo standard security checkpoints before proceeding along Center Drive or Convent Drive toward North Drive. Leaving the facility is straightforward, feeding into perimeter arterial roads including Rockville Pike (MD-355), Old Georgetown Road (MD-187), and Cedar Lane, which offer rapid connections to the Capital Beltway (I-495) and I-270. For public transit users, the Medical Center Metro Station on the WMATA Red Line is located on the eastern perimeter of campus, serviced by complimentary campus shuttle buses that run frequent loops connecting the station directly to Building 10 and MLP-10.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

Covered Multi-Level Parking: Complete protection from sun, rain, and winter snow across several enclosed decks.
Direct Clinical Access: Enclosed elevator banks and pedestrian pathways leading straight into the NIH Clinical Center complex.
ADA Accessibility: Dedicated accessible parking bays situated adjacent to elevator lobbies on every floor.
Electric Vehicle Charging: Level 2 EV charging stations available on select levels for registered visitors and staff.
24/7 Campus Security: Patrolled round-the-clock by NIH Federal Police, supported by emergency call boxes and comprehensive CCTV monitoring.
Cashless Automated Payment: Automated pay-on-foot stations and exit terminal card readers supporting major credit cards.

Ideal For

Clinical Center Patients & Families: Those with scheduled medical appointments, clinical trials, or visiting inpatients at Building 10.
NIH Researchers & Visiting Fellows: Medical professionals, guest speakers, and collaborators attending conferences at the Clinical Center.
Federal Contractors & Vendors: Authorized service personnel and business visitors conducting operations on the northern NIH campus grounds.

Visitor & Driver Tips

Allow Screening Time: Build in 20 to 45 minutes prior to scheduled appointments to navigate the NIH Gateway Center visitor screening process and vehicle inspection.
Bring Valid Government ID: Real ID driver\'s licenses, military IDs, or valid passports are mandatory for all adult visitors entering the campus perimeter.
Take Ticket with You: Pay-on-foot machines are located inside the garage lobbies; paying before returning to your vehicle ensures a smooth exit gate departure.
Validate When Eligible: Registered clinical research trial participants and designated patient companions should check at the Building 10 hospitality desks for parking validation to waive daily fees.