Planning a visit to Washington D.C.? A Guided Tour of the U.S. Capitol Building is an essential and enriching experience. While reservations are highly recommended to ensure you don’t miss out, exploring this iconic landmark is accessible to all. This guide provides everything you need to know to plan your visit and make the most of your guided tour experience.
Securing Your Spot: Reservations for Guided Tours
While walk-ins are welcome, making a reservation for your guided tour of the U.S. Capitol is strongly advised, especially during peak tourist season. Reservations help you avoid potential wait times and guarantee your participation in a tour led by knowledgeable professional guides.
To reserve your guided tour, visit the official schedule a tour page. This user-friendly platform allows you to select your preferred date and time, ensuring your visit fits seamlessly into your Washington D.C. itinerary.
For those who prefer a more spontaneous visit, same-day passes may be available. If you haven’t made a reservation, it’s best to arrive at the Capitol Visitor Center as early as possible, and definitely no later than 2:30 p.m., to inquire about same-day tour availability. The last guided tour of the day departs at 3:20 p.m.
What to Expect on Your Capitol Guided Tour
Your complimentary guided tour offers an in-depth exploration of some of the Capitol’s most significant and stunning spaces. Typically, tours include visits to the:
- Crypt: Located directly beneath the Rotunda, this impressive space was originally intended as George Washington’s burial chamber.
- Rotunda: The Capitol’s breathtaking central dome, adorned with historical paintings and sculptures, is a highlight of any visit.
- National Statuary Hall: Formerly the House of Representatives chamber, this hall now displays statues donated by each of the 50 states.
Please note that while these are common stops, the exact guided tour route can be subject to change. Importantly, guided tours do not include access to the Senate and House Galleries. For information on viewing Congress in session, please visit the Senate and House Galleries page.
All guided tours and visitor programs at the Capitol are offered free of charge, making this an accessible and enriching experience for everyone.
Enhancing Your Visit to the Capitol Visitor Center
Your Capitol experience begins at the Capitol Visitor Center, located underground on the east side of the Capitol Building. Before joining your guided tour, allow ample time to pass through security screening. Familiarize yourself with the U.S. Capitol’s prohibited items list to expedite your entry.
Within the Visitor Center, you can further enrich your visit by exploring the Exhibition Hall, browsing the Gift Shops for souvenirs, or enjoying a meal at the restaurant.
For visitors who prefer tours in languages other than English, information on guided tours offered in Mandarin and Spanish can be found on the Foreign Language Tours page.
Need to Cancel Your Guided Tour Reservation?
Life happens, and plans change. If you need to cancel your guided tour reservation, you can easily do so through your account in the Capitol Visitor Center’s online reservation system:
- Navigate to https://tours.visitthecapitol.gov.
- Locate and click the login link beneath the “Reserve a Tour of the Capitol” banner.
- Sign in using your registered email address and password.
- Access your reservations by clicking “More” in the “My Reservations” tab.
- Find the specific reservation you wish to cancel and click the “Cancel” link.
By following these simple steps, you can easily manage your guided tour reservations. We encourage you to book your guided tour in advance to fully experience the wonders of the U.S. Capitol Building.
