It takes approximately 30 minutes to travel from the White House to Camp David by helicopter. Provided the weather conditions permit, it is the preferred way to get to the presidential retreat. The helicopter landing area at Camp David is located away from the cabin areas and guests often use golf carts to get where they need to go.
Visiting leaders are met with a formal arrival ceremony at Camp David by Marines and Navy personnel in their dress uniforms. The photos below show the arrival of European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso at Camp David for the 2012 G8 Summit.
Helicopter carrying European Commission President Barroso arrives at Camp David
Camp David Marines and Navy personnel head over to the helicopter
Official greetings are extended to the arriving guest
The participating service members salute as the arriving leader passes
President Barroso is escorted to a golf cart
President Eisenhower was the first president to fly to Camp David on a helicopter. You can read about his July 1957 trip on another blog post: Ike's First Helicopter Ride to Camp David.
