U.S. Capitol Tours and Tickets

Q: How much does it cost to visit the U.S. Capitol in 2026?

It’s free to visit the U.S. Capitol in Washington DC, and it’s recommended to book its free guided tours in advance. Many travelers simply pass the Capitol from the outside to admire its architecture. Walking tours that pass by start at around US$30 for a 1–3 hours tour, while hop-on hop-off bus tours and bicycle tours start at around US$50 for a group tour.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: What are the best attractions in Washington DC other than the U.S. Capitol?

There are tons of fun things to do when you're done visiting the U.S. Capitol. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in Washington DC:<ul><li><a href="/Washington-DC-attractions/The-White-House/d657-a1102" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">The White House</a></li><li><a href="/Washington-DC-attractions/Martin-Luther-King-Jr-Memorial/d657-a14636" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial</a></li><li><a href="/Washington-DC-attractions/Washington-Monument/d657-a1100" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Washington Monument</a></li><li><a href="/Washington-DC-attractions/Lincoln-Memorial/d657-a1087" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Lincoln Memorial</a></li><li><a href="/Washington-DC-attractions/Vietnam-Veterans-Memorial/d657-a1099" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Vietnam Veterans Memorial</a></li></ul>View Viator's guide to <a href="/Washington-DC/d657" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">all the best attractions in Washington DC</a>.

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DC: US Capitol & Library of Congress / Supreme Court Guided Tour

Explore the heart of American democracy on Capitol Hill with reserved timed-entry tickets and a guide who knows these halls inside and out. We reserve every ticket in advance, so you skip the planning and go straight to the history. Choose your option: US Capitol & Library of Congress (3 hrs, up to 15): Tour the Jefferson Building's Main Reading Room, Gutenberg Bible, and Jefferson's library, then the Capitol Rotunda, crypt, and Statuary Hall. US Capitol & Supreme Court (2.5–3 hrs, up to 15): Start at the Supreme Court, then the Capitol Visitor Center, film, and docent-led Capitol tour. BIG 3 Capitol Hill Landmarks (4 hrs, up to 10): All three landmarks on one guided tour, Tuesday–Friday. Upgrade any tour to PRIVATE for just your group (the 45-minute Capitol docent portion is shared). Note: the Library of Congress is closed Mondays and the Supreme Court is closed weekends. Perfect for first-time DC visitors, history buffs, families, and school groups.

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DC: US Capitol & Library of Congress / Supreme Court Guided Tour

3 to 4 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

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US Capitol "Big 3" Highlights with Reserved Entry

Deepen your understanding of the legislative branch of the US government on a small-group tour of Capitol Hill that explores the US Capitol and your choice of the Supreme Court, the Library of Congress, or both (along with the Folger Shakespeare Library). This tour goes inside each destination for a guided tour, and highlights include reserved entry at the US Capitol with a guide to help bring Capitol Hill's fascinating politics and history to life.

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US Capitol "Big 3" Highlights with Reserved Entry

3 to 4 hoursFree Cancellation

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Experience Washington DC from a different perspective on this evening coach tour. Visit multiple sites when the crowds are lower and the atmosphere is a little more relaxed. Discover the highlights of the National Mall, including the White House, the US Capitol, and Lincoln Memorial. Make stops along the way for an up-close look, and learn more from your guide's commentary. Additionally, upgrade to include admission tickets to DC museums (for later, independent sightseeing).

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DC Monuments Night Tour with 10+ Stops, National Mall, Tickets

3 hoursFree Cancellation

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Capitol Hill, Supreme Court & Library of Congress Tour 12ppl Max

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

Member Pricing

Capitol Hill, Supreme Court & Library of Congress Exclusive Tour

Get personalized attention and enjoy a flexible itinerary on this private walking tour of Washington DC. Visit the highlights and landmarks of the nation's capital, including the Supreme Court, the Capitol Building, the Main Reading Room of the Library of Congress, and others. Then, enjoy free time to explore the Capitol Visitor Center, including the US House of Representatives, with your provided entry ticket (unguided).

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Capitol Hill, Supreme Court & Library of Congress Exclusive Tour

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

Member Pricing

US Capitol & Supreme Court Express Guided Tour with Entry

Experience the thrill of Capitol Hill like an insider! Enjoy a conversational, engaging experience—no megaphones or boring lectures here. Your adventure begins at the awe-inspiring Supreme Court. Discover the inner workings of the highest tribunal in the land through highly entertaining storytelling. Instead of a boring lecture, your guide will bring the highest court in the land to life through gripping, entertaining stories of legendary justices, fierce rivalries, and the landmark cases that changed America! Explore the majestic Marble Palace and feel the energy of the room where history is made. Afterward, your guide will lead you through the hidden treasures of the Capitol Museum. To top it all off, we’ve handled the hard part: you’ll receive guaranteed, pre-reserved passes for the official U.S. Capitol tour. Bypass the planning headache and walk straight into the breathtaking Rotunda and historic Crypt!

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US Capitol & Supreme Court Express Guided Tour with Entry

2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

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Explore Washington DC's iconic landmarks and monuments on a full-day coach tour. Stop at the White House, U.S. Capitol, Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and more. Depending on the season, you'll be invited to enjoy a Potomac River cruise or extra memorial stops and Pentagon Mall lunch. Upgrade options include admission to the Washington Monument, National Air and Space Museum, African American Museum, or a guided Capitol Hill walk with U.S. Capitol entry.

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DC in a Day: 10+ Monuments, Boat Cruise, National Mall, Tickets

6 hoursFree Cancellation

Member Pricing

Small Guided Tour Inside the Capitol and Library of Congress

3 hoursFree Cancellation

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U.S. Capitol and Library of Congress Tour with Rotunda & Crypts

2 hoursFree Cancellation

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On this walking tour, you don’t just stroll past D.C.’s bastions of power; you get inside the room where it happens. Led by your guide, you visit landmarks like the US Capitol, the Library of Congress, or Capitol Museum, and Thomas Jefferson's historic library. You even explore lesser-known spots like the Capitol Rotunda and the old House chambers, gaining insights into the inner workings of the United States. The tour starts at either the United States Botanic Garden or the Supreme Court of the United States.

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Guided Capitol Hill with US Capitol and Library of Congress Entry

2 hoursFree Cancellation

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Hop-on Hop-off Tour of DC with 18 Stops and Arlington Audio Tour

1 hour 50 minutesFree Cancellation

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Step into the dramatic side of Capitol Hill on a walking tour filled with political intrigue, scandal, and shocking moments from American history. From secret affairs and courtroom dramas to duels of honor and deadly rivalries, discover the stories Congress would rather forget. Along the way you’ll hear about spies in the Civil War, lawmakers attacked on the Senate floor, a journalist’s murder on the Capitol steps, and even a scandalous love story that shook Washington society. This tour reveals that behind the marble monuments and grand institutions of Capitol Hill lies a history packed with ambition, betrayal, and controversy. Join us to explore the scandals, secrets, and sensational stories that unfolded just steps from the U.S. Capitol.

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The Capitol at Night: Scandals, Murder, Politics Adults Only Tour

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

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Enjoy a comprehensive, self-paced tour of Washington DC's top attractions—and even cross the Potomac to discover Arlington National Cemetery—on this hop-on hop-off trolley tour. Choose a start time that works best for you; then, set off to see everything from the Washington Monument and White House to the Jefferson Memorial. Along the way, listen to your guide's on-board commentary, and disembark at any of the 21 stops for a closer look.

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Hop-On Hop-Off 21 Stop Trolley Tour + Arlington Cemetery Tour

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

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Discover the best of Washington DC all in one day on this time-saving, multi-stop tour. Drop by the city’s top landmarks and monuments, from the White House and the US Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial and beyond. Explore on foot and by comfortable bus, or upgrade to travel by glass-topped vehicle for unimpeded views. This tour also includes a seasonal Potomac River cruise for a new perspective on the nation's capital.

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Washington DC in One Day: Guided Sightseeing Tour + Boat Cruise

6 hoursFree Cancellation

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Take a hop-on hop-off Washington DC trolley tour to explore the nation’s capital at your own pace. The route encompasses the city’s top attractions, including the White House, Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and more. Just hop off at any stop when you want to explore, and then hop back on the trolley to continue around the city. You can also upgrade to include Arlington National Cemetery entry.

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Washington DC Hop-On Hop-off Trolley Tour with 15 Stops

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

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Join us for an unforgettable cruise along the Potomac River on our double-decker party yacht. Whether you choose to bask in the sunshine during the day, witness the monuments illuminate the night, or capture a breathtaking sunset in the evening, you’ll be enchanted by the natural beauty and historical wonders of Washington, D.C. Step aboard and prepare to savor an all-inclusive ticket that covers: A lively 2-hour cruise enjoying both our indoor main cabin, and our open air top deck. This cruise includes a premium open bar where our lively bartenders craft a variety of fun cocktails and provide an array of liquor options, beer, wine, High Noon seltzers, filtered water, sodas, juices, and pre-packaged snacks. We also provide an immersive surround sound music experience with a live DJ, and panoramic vistas of the stunning D.C. cityscape

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Washington DC Party Yacht Open Bar Cruise on the Potomac

2 hoursFree Cancellation

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DC Monuments by Night: 10+ Landmarks | Open-Top Upgrade Available

3 hoursFree Cancellation

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Experience the history and scale of Washington DC—and quickly travel between destinations—on a fun and time-saving Segway tour. Headsets ensure you can hear your guide’s insightful commentary as you zip past prominent buildings, historic sights, and top DC monuments. This tour is ideal for visitors who want to get a good overview of the city, in order to know where to explore in more depth later.

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Washington DC "See the City" Guided Sightseeing Segway Tour

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

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Visit the National Archives and Capitol Hill without the long lines. This tour grants you skip-the-line access to the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights, allowing for a reflective experience before the crowds arrive. Discover a rare 1297 copy of the Magna Carta, learn its fascinating history, and connect the founding principles to modern-day policies as you explore the Supreme Court and Capitol. With Friends in DC’s unique charm and perspective, this tour is perfect for families and travelers wanting to explore history in a relaxed and inspiring manner, without feeling overwhelmed. - Early access to the National Archives and key documents - A beautiful stroll through The National Mall, filled with secret stories and hidden symbolism even your kids won’t get bored of. - Engaging storytelling designed for families and history enthusiasts

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Skip the Line National Archives and Capitol Hill Tour

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

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See many of Washington, DC's most popular sites on this guided sightseeing cart shuttle tour. Discover the major points of interest and attractions in DC during the bustling daytime hours. Visit the Potomac River waterfront, the National Mall, and the magnificent monuments and memorials throughout the city. See the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, and many more. DC hotel pickup and drop-off included from the Hamilton Hotel. Drop-off at the White House or the Hamilton Hotel.

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Washington DC Legend's Cart Evening Tour

2 hoursFree Cancellation

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Washington DC Monuments and Memorials Night Tour

3 hoursFree Cancellation

Member Pricing

A grand walking tour of Capitol Hill to explore the Supreme Court, Library of Congress, and US Capitol. Learn about the country's legislative & judicial branches and step inside with the included entry tickets. Supreme Court: The tour does not enter, but you will get a full understanding of the judicial branch. Library of Congress: See an original Gutenberg Bible, view Jefferson's original library collection. Take a peek in the main Reading Room and admire items such as a draft of the Gettysburg Address, handwritten lyrics for “The Sound of Music,” Maya Lin’s drawings for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, original artwork by Stan Lee for the Spider-Man comic. Capitol Building: Learn about the Burning of Washington and find the best angle for a photo. See the original plaster model of Freedom. Your guide will secure hard-to-get tickets for the docent-led tour, which brings you into the Crypt, the Rotunda, and the Old House.

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Capitol Hill & Library of Congress Highlights Walking Tour (With Tickets)

3 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

Member Pricing

See a side of Washington DC that most visitors miss—and learn about the capital’s spookiest corners, presidential tragedies, and eerie legends—on this small-group walking tour. Meet your guide in front of the Supreme Court Building, and set off after dark. You’ll explore many of DC’s top landmarks, from the US Capitol to the Library of Congress, and learn about the hauntings and paranormal activity that still linger today.

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Ghosts of D.C. - Walking Tour

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

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Explore the many famous monuments and memorials of Washington, DC by moonlight on this narrated sightseeing tour. Hop aboard an open-air trolley and get an educational and entertaining rendition of the storied history of the nation’s capital. Take in views of an illuminated Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, the White House, and more. Leave the brochure at home—your guide has way better stories.

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Washington DC Monuments by Moonlight Tour by Trolley

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

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What are people saying about U.S. Capitol

VIP Best of DC with US Capitol + National Archives Reserved Entry

Stacey_S, May 2026

Washington DC 8 hour tour

Great experience! Tour guide was very knowledgeable and passionate about sharing the details of the city, monuments, etc. bus was nice and clean. Bus driver was friendly.

DC Monuments & Capitol Hill Highlights Tour by Electric Cart

Sheila_F, Oct 2026

It was a great overview...

It was a great overview of the monuments!! The meet up point was easy to find and the guide had many inside stories to share!

US Capitol "Big 3" Highlights with Reserved Entry

Lily_R, Oct 2026

Hightlight of my trip

The tour was great. I would definitely recommend. Both the Capitol building and the Library of Congress are beautiful and full of history. Evelyn, the guide, was enthusiastic and knowledgeable. It was great to get a guided walk around the both buildings and learn the stories that you would've missed on your own.

US Capitol "Big 3" Highlights with Reserved Entry

Rachael_W, Oct 2026

Wonderful and spunky tour guide.

I wish the tour was a little longer! Shoutout to Evelyn! I also wish they had Venmo available because I didn’t have cash on me to tip…and felt rushed to walk in a line to view the capitol video. If you plan to tip as a younger person, make sure to have some cash on hand!!!

U.S. Capitol

5.0

(63,893)

Washington DC

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.

U.S. Capitol Tours and Tickets

200+ results

What are people saying about U.S. Capitol

U.S. Capitol

People Also Ask

What’s the best way to experience the U.S. Capitol?

How much does it cost to visit the U.S. Capitol in 2026?

Is the U.S. Capitol worth visiting?

How long does a tour of the Capitol take?

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

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

Is there a dress code for Capitol tours?

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

What are the best attractions in Washington DC other than the U.S. Capitol?