Ford's Theatre Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience Ford's Theatre. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Small Group National Mall Night Tour with 10 Top Attractions

• See DC In A Day: Guided Small Group Ultimate Day Tour

• Lincoln Assassination with Ford's Theatre & Petersen House Entry

• Washington DC Night-Time City Tour

• Night of Lincoln Assassination: from White House to Ford Theatre

Timed-entry tickets to Ford’s Theatre and Museum are US$5, with audio guides costing an additional US$5—reservations are highly recommended. Admission grants access to the museum, Petersen House, and the Aftermath Exhibition. Depending on the time of day, you may also be able to enter Ford’s Theatre for a walkthrough. Ticket prices for shows vary, but typically include entrance to the museum.

Yes, Ford's Theatre is the historic theater where Abraham Lincoln was assassinated in 1865, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in US history and politics. Sightseeing tours and hop-on hop-off buses often pass by Ford's Theatre, but to learn more about Lincoln and this important time in American history, consider a guided tour that includes other sites.

Per one customer who booked the Lincoln Assassination with Ford's Theatre & Petersen House Entry, "An outstanding walking tour! It was educational, insightful, and truly brought Washington, DC's history to life. The guide's storytelling made the experience memorable and easy to follow. This tour exceeded my expectations and is a must-do for anyone looking to explore the city in a meaningful way."

Yes, you need a ticket for Ford’s Theatre. There are limited free tickets for same-day visits, available from the box office on a first come first served basis from 8:30am daily. Many people prefer prebooking tickets online—even though there’s a small charge—to guarantee access on their preferred day. Many Washington DC tours include theater entry.

Factor in two hours or more if your ticket includes entry to all four attractions at Ford’s Theatre—that’s enough time for a theater visit, which includes a history talk, plus time at the museum, the Aftermath Exhibits, and the Petersen House across the street. History buffs might need nearer three hours.

Ford’s Theatre is where Abraham Lincoln, the US’ 16th president, was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth on April 14, 1865. It’s consequently a hugely important National Historic Site where you can see the box where Lincoln was shot, plus artifacts linked to the momentous event, including Booth’s gun and Lincoln’s bloodstained coat.

There’s no dress code for Ford’s Theatre. If you’re attending one of the theater’s plays or musicals, relaxed attire is the norm—though some people choose to dress up. If you’re there to see the theater, museums, and Petersen House then casual dress, including jeans, is fine.

No, Ford’s Theatre doesn’t have on-site parking. However, there are independent payable parking garages nearby. The closest is on Washington’s 950 F Street beside the theater—there’s an elevator directly to its lobby. Other garages and metered street parking are available, but the latter is time-limited and difficult to find.

There are tons of fun things to do when you're done visiting Ford's Theatre. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in Washington DC: 

• The White House

• Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial

• U.S. Capitol

• Lincoln Memorial

• Washington Monument

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in Washington DC.