The White House

The basics

Given the first-come, first-served nature of securing a self-guided White House tour, most visitors admire the imposing building from behind the front gates. The White House is a popular stop on most Washington DC tours, whether by hop-on, hop-off bus, bike, trolley, Segway, or on foot.

Exploring the White House Visitor Center—home to a large-scale model of the White House and a number of interactive exhibits—is another fun way to learn about this iconic building. There are also annual garden tours held in the fall and spring, with exact dates announced close to the time.

Things to know before you go

• Touring the White House requires advance planning. Submit your request no later than 21 days prior to visiting.

• White House tours are on a first-come, first-served basis.

• All visitors over the age of 18 must have their government-issued photo ID/passport with them at all times during their visit.

• Bring only the basics—keys, wallet, phone, small camera. You can't enter the White House with backpacks or other bags.

• The nearest restrooms are in the Ellipse Visitor Pavilion.

• The White House and grounds are wheelchair accessible, but strollers are prohibited.

How to get there

Located at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, the White House can be reached by taking the Washington Metro to Metro Center, McPherson Square, or Federal Triangle. There's no parking available near the White House.

When to get there

The White House is a popular year-round attraction, one that’s easy to admire in all weathers. If you want to tour the White House, you need to submit your request well in advance, as spaces are limited. Fall and spring are the best seasons to visit Washington DC and see the arrival of the annual White House garden tours—the exact dates are typically announced a couple of weeks in advance.

Securing a tour of the White House

To go inside the White House on a free self-guided tour, you must submit an official request to your member of Congress (or your home country’s embassy in Washington) between 3 months and 21 days prior to your visit. Spaces are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, and Secret Service members are stationed in each room to answer any questions. If you do secure one of these public East Wing tours, highlights include the Red Room, used primarily for afternoon tea; the Green Room; and the Blue Room, the setting of the White House Christmas tree.

Ways to explore

Touring the White House requires advance planning. Submit your request via your member of Congress or your home country’s embassy no later than 21 days prior to visiting. Alternatively, make a tour request via the White House online ticketing system no later than 7 days prior. Given the first-come, first-served nature of securing a tour, most visitors admire the imposing building from behind the front gates. The White House is a popular stop on most Washington DC tours, whether by hop-on, hop-off bus, bike, trolley, Segway, or on foot.

Exploring the White House Visitor Center—home to a large-scale model of the White House and a number of interactive exhibits—is another fun way to learn about this iconic building. There are also annual garden tours held in the fall and spring, with exact dates announced close to the time.

Accessibility

The White House tour is wheelchair-accessible, and a limited number of wheelchairs are available upon request. Service dogs are also permitted.

Age limits

None, although security processes and restricted items may make traveling with very young children difficult.

What to pack

Personal identification, wearable baby carriers, compact cameras, medical items as needed

What to wear

As part of the tour is outside, come prepared with weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable shoes.

Not allowed

Bags of any kind, strollers, tablets and laptops, food and water, tobacco products, flash photography

Amenities

App with audio tours, restrooms (at the White House Visitors Center)

Address

The White House is located in central Washington DC, in the city’s landmark-packed Foggy Bottom neighborhood. Driving is an option, but multiple public transit options, taxis, and rideshare services all offer easy ways to get there.

Driving

While you can drive to the White House, navigating the city’s busy streets and finding parking near this iconic landmark can be challenging. It’s better to take public transit or use a taxi or rideshare service.

Public transportation

To get to the White House using public transportation, take the Washington Metro to McPherson Square (Blue, Orange, or Silver Line) or Farragut North (Red Line) stations. From either stop, it’s a short walk to the White House Visitor Center.

Best times to visit

Tour times are assigned when you put in your request, but it’s best to apply as early as possible—up to 90 days in advance, if submitting via your member of Congress.

Best days to visit

Tours are assigned based on availability, but weekdays are likely to be less popular than weekends.

Best months to visit

The summer months are the high season in Washington DC, and when tour requests at the White House are likely to spike. You’ll likely have an easier time booking a tour in autumn or winter.

Special events

The holidays are popular times at the White House, including annual events like the Easter-Egg Roll and National Christmas Tree Lighting. Special spring and autumn garden tours are also offered on a limited basis.