Small-Group Guided Tour inside US Capitol & Library of Congress
Recommended by 94% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Washington DC, USA
- 2 to 3 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
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.
- Learn about US political systems from your guide
- Choose from morning or afternoon departures to suit your schedule
- Great value: All admission fees are incldued
- Group size limited to 15 to ensure personal service
What's Included
- Guided Walking Tour of Capitol Hill in Washington DC
- Small-Group (15 guests or less) for a more personalized experience
- Admission inside the U.S. Capitol Building
- Admission to the Library of Congress (with Library Option)
- Reserved access to a Capitol guide led tour of historic areas of the Capitol
- View part of Thomas Jefferson’s original collection of over 6,000 books (with Library Option)
- Learn the history of the Supreme Court (interior with Supreme Court Option)
- Professional Guide
- Gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- 64 1st St SE, Washington, DC 20004, USA
Meet your guide at the fountain of Neptune's Court on the street level, outside the Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building. Guides will arrive 20-30 minutes prior to tour start time to check guests in. Guides will be wearing a blue name badge.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
1
Capitol Hill
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
2
Supreme Court
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
3
Library of Congress
1 hour • Admission Ticket Included
4
U.S. Capitol
1 hour • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- Please review voucher information after booking as it provides a detailed list of items banned from the Capitol and many other federal buildings. Possession of these items will result in non-admission to the building.
- Please plan to arrive 15-20 minutes before tour start time. Tour begins exactly at stated time, entry to buildings are on timed reservations, and group must enter security together, therefore we are unable to accommodate for late arrivals.
- Closest Metro stop: Capitol South (Orange/Blue/Silver Lines) - Exit station using main exit, walk approximately two blocks north on First Street SE.
- The US Capitol and its surrounding complex are in a secure federal operation area and nearby parking is highly restricted. The nearest public parking is located at Union Station approximately .5 mile from meeting location. Alternative modes of transportation are highly encouraged.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)
Q:Where does this tour meet?
A:Meet your guide at the fountain of Neptune's Court on the street level, outside the Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building.
Address for directions:
Thomas Jefferson Building
10 First Street SE
Washington, DC 20540
Jun 2025
The answers provided are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.8
based on 2,125 reviews
Sort by: Most recent
Rikke_H, Aug 2026
Very interesting and informative.
We learned a lot of history. We got to see many exciting things and beautiful architecture.
RANDY_L, Aug 2026
Great experience, learned a lot about the US Capitol I did not know. Evelyn our tour guide was excellent, knew a lot about US History.
Cindy_T, Aug 2026
I met Evelyn and we toured the Capitol and the Library of Congress. She was so knowledgeable about the history of both. I don’t know how she remembers so many important details! She made me feel very welcomed and cared for. I loved seeing the inside of the Capitol dome. So many beautiful paintings and art work in that room. The Library of Congress was even more beautiful than the Capitol! Every detail of the artists interpretation is intentional from start to finish. Just amazing.
Amy_B, Aug 2026
Liam was fantastic and specially suited to talk about the Supreme Court. He was friendly and funny and full of facts!
Anna_I, Aug 2026
The tour guide, Evelyne, was exceptional. In addition to providing outstanding information and an engaging tour, she went out of her way to help us catch up with the group when we arrived late. Her kindness and assistance were greatly appreciated. The historical information was rich and fascinating.
Gerald_U, Aug 2026
Very impressive and educational. Would recommend this tour for everyone that visits Washington D.C.and surrounding towns.
Cheryl_M, Aug 2026
The tour at 2:00 pm was longer than 2 hours. Plan on 2 1/2 hours to 3 hours to catch a schedule ride.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thanks for the feedback! We will update the description to state 2-2.5 hours to help guests plan their day.
Joel_S, Aug 2026
We really enjoyed our tour today at the Capital and Jefferson Library with Evelyn. Really great job!
Response from Host, Aug 2026
We feel like when a guest felt compelled to write a positive review same day its a great sign!
Clarisse_F, Aug 2026
The experience was amazing! Our guide explained everything really well and she was fun and amazing. Such a cool tour! Definitely recommend :)
S_A, Aug 2026
Meg was good but she skipped Library of Congress completely. She did US Capitol and Supreme Court only. This tour had upto 4 buildings according to the itinerary. Check before you take this up with Unscripted Tours. I will ask for a refund.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
You booked the US Capitol and Supreme Court tour.
As you note, it says "Up to 4 buildings" in the options, however you chose the 2 hour option that features 2 buildings, the Supreme Court and Capitol.
The 4 building option includes the Library of Congress, Supreme Court, Folger Shakespeare Library, and US Capitol, is a 4 hour tour, does not run on Mondays as both libraries are closed, and is at a higher price than what you paid for the the lower cost express 2 hour option.
The itinerary was not incomplete, it ran according to the option you selected and paid for.
Please make sure to note the options you are selecting when booking a tour.
Danielle_S, Jul 2026
This was by far the favorite part of our trip. Our guide, Liam, was extremely knowledgeable and we loved having a smaller group so we could ask questions. The tour was 3 hours long before getting to the Capitol and the time flew by. I walked away learning so much and have shared this experience with many people we know who have upcoming travels to DC. I would HIGHLY recommend booking this tour!
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Time flies when you are having fun! We tailored the smaller group VIP option to really allow guests more time in each stop and more one on one conversations and questions with the guide. Thanks for joining me and such high praise!
Lawrence_A, Jul 2026
Very informative. Guide made it very fun and had answers to all questions. Also added in alot of fun facts that might not be otherwise taught.. overall an excellent experience.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
We love providing those little facts that one might not get otherwise, and making those memories. Thanks for joining us on the Capitol Hill tour!
Dennise_N, Jul 2026
We had done a previous Unscripted Tours earlier in the week and were very impressed with their tours and their guides. So it was a no brainer for us to book another one. We picked the all 4 tour and met in front of the Library of Congress. We then walked to all 4 buildings throughout the little over 3 hour tour. We were given a bathroom break with a chance to grab a snack about midway through tour. Liam was a fantastic guide with a plethora of information. Liam pointed out all sorts of fun facts, led us to great shopping, hit all the highlights and then got our tickets for the Capitol tour and bid us farewell. We then went into theater at the Capitol and after that a Capitol guide (who did a fantastic job too) took us around for about 30 mins. Then, we were on our own in the Capitol to explore. You have options on your own to go back through the tunnel and go back through the Library of Congress to see more if you would like which I recommend. We had already toured it a prior day so we got timed tickets for the National Archives for the afternoon and ate lunch in the Capitol before making the 20+ minute walk there. If interested in doing that, I would allow at least 5.5 hours from your start time especially if walking it. But, if you are spoiled to Unscripted Tours amazing guides, they also do a National Archives tour, too.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
When I created the first ever Capitol Hill walking tour in Washington, DC in 2016 I set out to show people the Hill the way I see it. I am happy that 10 years later I am still able to lead people on that journey with the VIP option of our Capitol Hill tour; small groups, 4 iconic buildings, a relaxed pace, fun times. and even shopping and snack/coffee breaks! I am very proud to have a team that agrees with my vision on guest experiences that after joining one of their tours it lead you back to me and the tour that started it all. Your family was a treat and I hoped you enjoyed Cuba Libre!
Vadim_G, Jul 2026
Very informative and well structured tour of the Capitol and Library of Congress by James -our guide with great sense of humor.
Thank you!
RENEE_P, Jul 2026
Evelyn was excellent. She knew lots of interesting (and fun) details. She had great energy. We enjoyed the tour!
Danielle_A, Jul 2026
Great experience! Evelyn was a great guide, very informative and knowledgeable. I recommend to anyone visiting DC.
Cathryn_S, Jul 2026
Meg was great! Very knowledgeable and interesting about the Capitol and the Supreme Court. Good pace of the tour. Small group (14) and unscripted made it perfect for my first trip to DC. Would definitely do this tour group again. Worth the price.
SCOTT_B, Jul 2026
Our guide was very knowledgeable. And he had SCOTUS “inside baseball” info that she shared with us. He even got us a SCOTUS opinion document on the “Stay in Mexico” asylum decision.
Cecilia_L, Jul 2026
It was a July 4 week, very busy and hot. Our tour guide was fantastic and kept the group together and was very informative. Many say you can do this on your own, but I feel I left with more knowledge, saved time from getting lost and seeing the highlights.
Iliana_V, Jul 2026
Our tour guide was amazing! It was hot and yet she kept her cool and made us laugh. She gave us great information about the Capitol. It was a wonderful experience!
Inna_S, Jul 2026
Great guide, super knowledgeable and friendly. Loved learning and seeing the US Capitol & Library of Congress
Gregg_K, Jul 2026
Our guide was exceptional. Easy to find location starting point. Would use y'all again. Gave plenty of breaks to shop, etc.
Jim_S, Jul 2026
James was an AMAZING guide! Very knowledgeable! Funny! Great with selfies lol Definitely recommend this tour 100%!!!
Markus_P, Jul 2026
The Tour Guide was very friendly with a lot of insight and Information. That was exactly what I expected. The second half of the Tour at the Capitol was more scripted and a bit less enthusiastic from the new guide. Overall, definitely recommended tour.
Aimee_W, Jul 2026
This tour was wonderful and our tour guide really made the experience special. Shane has the character and personality to make everyone have a fun time! He also gave us helpful tips after the tour which I appreciated. We enjoyed this tour very much and I’m so glad we were lucky enough to get Shane as our tour guide!
Jerry_S, Jul 2026
We were not able to see the Supreme Court because it was closed. You need to alert customers that if they book this when it’s closed, they cannot see the Supreme Court.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Hi Jerry! We agree, that’s why we sent the a message directly to you notifying of the closure and adjustments to make up for the change. Make sure you check your Viator messages for updates as that is the only way we are able to communicate such things.
Glad you had a great time on your tour!
Pam_S, Jul 2026
Our guide was great, but we were disappointed that we had to stand in line an hour to get into the Capitol after purchasing this particular tour. We also were a little disappointed that the Supreme Court was closed and wasn’t subtracted from the overall price. The Library of Congress was fabulous!
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Hi Pam! I see you were booked on the Capitol and Library of Congress option, which does not visit the Supreme Court. So the court closing for July 3 would not have affected your tour.
All visitors to the Capitol must go through the security screening, we unfortunately can’t skip that. This usually is just a few minutes, but on the particularly busy July 4 weekend we did have longer than usual waits. However our tour allowed you to skip the lines to the Capitol Historic areas tour inside, and the security line to the Library of Congress which is often another 30-60 minutes outside on a busy day.
Glad you enjoyed your guide and the trip overall!
Ronald_M, Jul 2026
This tour was excellent. We enjoyed our time spent in both the Capitol and Library of Congress. Our guide was very knowledgeable and took time to answer questions from our group. This is a good choice for a day when the weather is bad as you go from place to place thru a tunnel. These venues are like museums.
International_E, Jul 2026
We booked the Capital , Library of Congress and Supreme Court small group walking tour which also included the Shakespeare Library. Our guide was Dash and he was very informative and helpful in explaining the history of each location. This is a must do experience when visiting DC! Amazing experience with a small group of 7. Highly recommended!
Katherine_M, Jul 2026
On hot days, tickets will be cancelled by Parks Service after a certain time. Recommend morning times.
From $59.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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