Visitor Information

Driving Directions

The map (not to scale) shows the location of SAMSI—in the NISS building—relative to major roads in Research Triangle Park. Located at 19 T. W. Alexander Drive, NISS/SAMSI is most readily accessible from Durham by the Durham Freeway (NC 147) — Exit 7. 

From Durham: 

• Take NC 147 (Durham Freeway) South toward Raleigh

• Take Exit 7 -- Alexander Drive

• From the ramp, turn right onto Alexander Drive.

• Proceed straight at the traffic light at GlaxoSmithKline.

• NISS-SAMSI is the next left (across from DuPont)

From Chapel Hill:

• Take I-40 East toward Raleigh

• Take Exit 279B (Hwy 147 North -- Durham Freeway)

• Continue on Freeway to Exit 7 -- Alexander Drive

• From the ramp, turn left onto Alexander Drive

• Proceed straight at the traffic light at GlaxoSmithKline

• NISS-SAMSI is the next left (across from DuPont)

From Raleigh and RDU Airport:

• Take I-40 West toward Durham,

• Exit on NC 147 North (Durham Freeway)

• Take Exit 7 -- Alexander Drive.

• From the ramp, turn left onto Alexander Drive.

• Proceed straight at the traffic light at GlaxoSmithKline.

• NISS-SAMSI is the next left (across from DuPont)

Download PDF Version of this map

Click here for Area Maps

Travel Policy

SAMSI travel funding is done on a reimbursement basis. Participants book and pay for their own travel, and are then reimbursed up to the amount indicated in the invitation letter.

Original receipts are needed for reimbursement, as well as the completed expense form. Expenses can generally include travel, lodging, subsistence and local transportation (including car rental) up to the alloted maximum.

There are some restrictions:

1. The National Science Foundation has rules concerning air carriers.  The detailed version is available, in part 10c of the National Science Foundation Grant General Conditions (GC-1). Generally there are no problems if the airline is a "US Flag Carrier", or if the route being travelled is not served by such an airline.  There are a number of exceptions, follow the link if you need to find out what those are.
2. Reimbursement of ticket change expenses may not be allowed.

Reimbursement Information

Download WORKSHOP Expense Reimbursement Form (PDF file).

SAMSI/NISS Affiliate members can request reimbursement from their ARA account using the form found here.

Location

• SAMSI is located in the NISS (National Institute of Statistical Sciences) building.
  
• The NISS Building is located in the Research Triangle Park, a cluster of mostly industrial and government research facilities in the State of North Carolina. This map will give you a good idea where NISS is.
  
• The Research Triangle Park is located in the triangle whose vertices are the cities of Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill.
  
• The university partners in SAMSI span the Research Triangle:
• Duke University (Durham)
• North Carolina State University (Raleigh)
• University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill)
• SAMSI is convenient to each university by car, but somewhat inconvenient by other modes of transportation. Distances:
  • Duke - SAMSI:    ~8.5 miles (14 km)
  • NCSU - SAMSI:    ~16.5 miles (26 km)
  • UNC - SAMSI:    ~13.5 miles (22 km)
• Go to Transportation for more discussion of transportation choices.
• Go to NISS directions and NISS maps for details about driving to SAMSI.
• Deeper understanding of relative locations can be obtained from Web sites that provide local maps, such as Lycos Roadmaps or  MapQuest.

Transportation

• Transportation in the Research Triangle Area is much more convenient by car than by other modes.
• Car Rental options are listed here.
• Rush hour traffic is a serious issue for travel between SAMSI and Raleigh, and between SAMSI and Chapel Hill (but not for travel to Durham).
• Bicycling (even though distances are reasonable) is not recommended. The roads are narrow and car traffic is heavy and fast, the drivers are not expecting cyclists. In the summer, heat and humidity make cycling unpleasant.
• Bus riding is an option, although not convenient, because travel from SAMSI to almost anywhere involves at least one transfer.
  • The best source for bus options is Triangle Transit, and Maps & Schedules at GoTriangle.
  • Triangle Transit sends buses to each of the Triangle Cities.
  • While almost any trip requires a transfer, they coordinate their departures.
  • Each city also has its own bus system: Chapel Hill (click on CH Transit Schedule & Maps, Durham, Raleigh (click on CAT / Capital Area Transit).
  • But connection to SAMSI will require transfer to Triangle Transit.

Housing

• Long term visitors should consider apartment rental.
• Short term visitors (weeks to months) should consider 'Extended Stay' accomodations.
• Links to apartment finding webpages and hotel information is given here.

International Visitors

International House
Duke University Division of Student Affairs

Duke University, Medical Center, and Health System Community
Immmigration and Visa Services

Restaurants

Another good source of information about restaurants in the Triangle is (including reviews) is City Search.

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