U.S. Capitol

The basics

Areas beyond the visitor center are only accessible by guided tour. Options include group or private tours of Washington D.C. that take in the Capitol Building and include reserved tickets. The Capitol also offers official tours; booking far in advance is highly recommended—passes are available 120 days in advance—though a limited number of same-day, guided-tour passes are offered at the visitor center. You can also book reserved entry via a VIP experience.

Things to know before you go

• Areas beyond the visitor center are only accessible by guided tour.

• Reservations are recommended, but not required.

• Separate passes are required to view a session of Congress or a Congressional committee hearing. US citizens can obtain one from their state senator or representative; foreign visitors can try at the Capitol’s House and Senate appointment desks.

• When Congress is in session, a flag is raised above the appropriate wing (either the Senate or House). The spectacle is especially impressive when both are in session simultaneously.

• Capitol tours are family-friendly.

• No food, drink, or bags larger than 18 inches (46 centimeters) are permitted.

• A wide range of accessibility services are available to visitors. There is an on-demand shuttle service for those with limited mobility.

How to get there

The U.S. Capitol is at the far eastern end of the National Mall in Washington D.C. Enter via the visitor center on East Capitol Street at First Street NW. You can easily get to the Capitol by foot, bike, car (though there is virtually no parking nearby), bus, or Metro. The nearest Metro stations are Union Station, Capitol South, and Federal Center SW.

When to get there

The Capitol Visitor Center is open from 8:30am to 4:30pm Monday through Saturday except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and Inauguration Day. Visit in spring to see cherry blossom blooms or in winter to avoid the crowds. Same day Visitors without reservations are encouraged to arrive as early in the day as possible, when US Capitol ticket passes are more likely to be available.

Must-see sights near the Capitol Building

Aside from the Capitol Building’s opulent chambers and impressive rotunda, the site overlooks the National Mall and is in close proximity to many other sights of great historic and cultural significance. Many Washington D.C. tours combine a Capitol Building visit with stops at other major landmarks such as the White House, the Lincoln Memorial, the US Supreme Court Building, and the Library of Congress.

Is the U.S. Capitol tour worth it?

Yes, although tours of the US Capitol are not easy to book, they are free and absolutely worth it. The tours start with a historical orientation film in the visitor center and continue to the Capitol Crypt, Rotunda, and National Statuary Hall.

How long does a tour of the Capitol take?

Tours of the US Capitol typically last one hour, although they can run as long as 90 minutes. If you also want to explore the visitor center, which has an exhibition, gift shop, and café, add another hour. Visiting the voting chambers requires an additional 30 to 60 minutes.

Can you visit the U.S. Capitol without a tour?

No, you cannot visit the US Capitol without booking a tour. You can, however, visit the Capitol Visitor Center without any prior arrangements. There, you can view exhibits about the history of Congress and the Capitol, and purchase souvenirs from the gift shop.

What is included in a U.S. Capitol tour?

Tours of the Capitol include the Rotunda (the large, domed, circular room located in the Capitol’s center); the National Statuary Hall (home to a collection of 100 statues contributed by each of the 50 states), and the Crypt, which is filled with Doric columns and more statues.

Is there a dress code for Capitol tours?

No. While Capitol workers and staff must follow a dress code, there are no dress regulations for visitors. That said, be mindful that the US Capitol is a place of work: dress appropriately and behave in a respectful manner. Also, large bags and purses are not allowed inside.

Can you just walk into the Capitol in Washington, D.C.?

Technically, yes. Visitors can walk into the Capitol Visitor Center without booking a tour. Exploring the Crypt, Rotunda, and National Statuary Hall requires booking a free, tour-guide-led tour. These can be booked online or through members of Congress.

Ways to explore

The Capitol’s official tours are a popular way to experience the landmark, with highlights including the Crypt, National Statuary Hall, and Rotunda. Booking in advance is recommended, though a limited number of same-day, guided-tour passes are offered at the visitor center. Some DC sightseeing tours also include entry to the Capitol and stop at adjacent landmarks such as the Library of Congress.

Even if you don’t have time to explore the Capitol up close, the landmark remains a staple of Washington, DC, sightseeing tours. It can be viewed on day and nighttime bus trips, walking tours, history excursions, and more.

Accessibility

Official tours of the Capitol are fully accessible, and service animals are welcome inside.

Age limits

While there are no age restrictions, the tour may not be of interest to young children.

What to pack

A small handheld bag, camera

What to wear

Wear good walking shoes and comfortable clothing (though try to avoid anything too bulky).

Not allowed

Smoking, outside food and drinks, disruptive behavior, bringing in other prohibited items

Amenities

Gift shop, ATMs, restaurant, restrooms

Address 

The US Capitol is located in DC’s namesake Capitol Hill neighborhood, located east of downtown. To get there, walk, bike, take taxis and rideshare services, or make use of public transport options; tours with included transport are also an option.

Driving

Owing to congested traffic, lack of parking, and security restrictions, driving yourself to the US Capitol is not recommended. Plan to use taxis or rideshare services to get there instead.

Public transportation

The US Capitol is close to Union Station, a major DC transport hub served by commuter trains as well as the Red Line of the metro. Alternatively, take the Blue, Orange, or Silver Lines to Capitol South station.

Best times to visit

The Capitol Visitor Center is open from morning until late afternoon. Rather than rely on limited walk-in tickets, it’s best to prebook a tour to guarantee your admission.

Best days to visit

The Capitol hosts tours daily except Sundays. Weekends and school holidays are likely to be especially in demand; aim for a weekday instead.

Best months to visit

If you can, skip the summer high season, when Capitol tours are likely to be oversubscribed, and aim for other times of the year instead.

Special events

The Fourth of July is a particularly festive and celebratory time to visit the US Capitol.