The Pentagon

The basics

The Pentagon is a city unto itself, and its distinctive 5-sided building lays claim to six ZIP codes. Designed by American architect George Bergstrom and dedicated in 1943, the grounds are home to the 2-acre (0.80-hectare) Pentagon Memorial.

Walking tours cover 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) over the course of an hour and highlight the missions and accomplishments of the Armed Services, the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and the Joint Staff. Many tours of Washington DC and Arlington stop at the site, whether you want to visit on a private or group tour. Hop-on, hop-off tours typically stop at the Pentagon along with DC highlights such as the White House, the Jefferson Memorial, and US Capitol Building.

Things to know before you go

• No photos, videos, or recordings are allowed during tours.

• The Pentagon tours program offers free guided tours to US citizens and permanent residents by reservation only.

• Travelers must exit the building directly after their tour concludes and are not allowed back into the Visitor Center.

• The building is accessible to wheelchair users, although they must travel with someone to assist them inside.

• An exhibit dedicated to the history of the US Coast Guard is on the 4th floor.

How to get there

The Pentagon lies between Arlington National Cemetery and the Potomac River. While guided tours and hop-on, hop-off buses are a good way to arrive, travelers who drive can leave their car at the Pentagon City Mall parking lot and walk through the pedestrian tunnel (about a 10-minute walk). The Pentagon has its own metro station serving the Blue and Yellow lines—the visitor entrance is next to the metro entrance.

When to get there

The building can sometimes be closed to visitors without notice, so it’s a good idea to check ahead of time. For scheduled tours, arrive at the security checkpoint at least an hour ahead of the tour start time. Be sure to explore the gift shop and visitor center, as you won’t be allowed back into these areas after your tour concludes.

The National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial

On September 11, 2001, terrorists hijacked American Airlines Flight 77, which crashed into the west wall of the Pentagon, penetrating three of the five rings. The area hit was under renovation at the time, and many of the offices were empty, sparing countless lives. The area has since been repaired and is now flanked by the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial, open to the public 24 hours a day. This monument to the airplane attack honors the 184 victims, symbolized by illuminated granite benches arranged in order of their ages: 3 to 71.

Ways to explore

Guided tours of the Pentagon afford a peek into the sprawling Department of Defence headquarters, including the Hall of Heroes and the September 11th Memorial Chapel. These tours are only available to US citizens and permanent residents by prior reservation.

Alternatively, many tours of Washington DC and Arlington include a stop outside the Pentagon, where you can visit the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial and admire the immense building where 27,000 military and civilian employees work. Join a private or group tour, and combine it with DC highlights such as the White House, the Jefferson Memorial, and the US Capitol Building.

Accessibility

The Pentagon is accessible for people using wheelchairs, but assistance is required; walking tours cover a fair distance and may not be suitable for travelers with reduced mobility. The National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial is accessible.

Age limits

Under 18s don’t require ID for Pentagon tours, but must be accompanied by an adult

What to pack

REAL ID-compliant photo identification

What to wear

Comfortable clothing and shoes, as you'll walk about 1.5 miles (2.5 kilometers) on tours

Not allowed

Large bags, backpacks, luggage, laptops, food, drinks, and pets (except for service animals) are not allowed inside the Pentagon; cellphones, cameras, smartwatches, and all other electronic devices must be checked into a lockbox for the tour

Amenities

Free lockboxes, gift shop, restrooms

Address 

The Pentagon is located in Arlington County, Virginia, across the Potomac River from Washington DC, at the southeast corner of Arlington National Cemetery. It’s easy to reach by car or public transport from downtown Washington DC.

Driving

From downtown Washington DC, take the I-395 southbound toward Richmond, and cross the Potomac River into Virginia. You’ll see signs for the Pentagon as you come across the 14th Street Bridge. The closest paid parking lot to the Pentagon is Fashion Center at Pentagon City, about a 15-minute walk away.

Public transportation

The easiest way to reach the Pentagon from Washington, DC, or Arlington is by Metrorail—take the Blue or Yellow lines to Pentagon Station.

Best times to visit

You can admire the Pentagon from the outside at any time, and the Pentagon Memorial is open 24/7, year-round. For Pentagon tours, make sure to arrive an hour before your tour departure to allow time for security.

Best days to visit

Pentagon tours are typically held twice weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays (except public holidays), although days are subject to change. Either way, it’s mandatory to book at least 14 days in advance.

Best months to visit

Tours of the Pentagon can be booked up to 90 days in advance, so apply early if you want to snag a spot, especially during the peak months.

Special events

Memorial services are often held at the Pentagon Memorial to mark the anniversary of September 11.