U.S. Capitol
U.S. Capitol
U.S. Capitol

U.S. Capitol Tours and Tickets

37,028 reviews

The U.S. Capitol dome towers above the Roman columns and manicured gardens of this iconic heart of American government. Topped by the bronze Statue of Freedom, the Capitol is the political and geographic center of Washington D.C. The building houses the legislative branch of Congress, with the Senate meeting in the north wing and the House of Representatives in the south wing. When Congress is in session, visitors can watch politicians debate all flavors of legislative issues, as they’ve done here since 1800.

  • Mon - Sat 8:30am - 4:30pm
  • 100 Constitution Avenue NE, at 1st Street NW, Capitol Hill, Washington D.C., 20002

Tours and Tickets to Experience U.S. Capitol

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164 results

Best of DC Plus US Capitol and National Archives Reserved Entry

Best of DC Plus US Capitol and National Archives Reserved Entry

1,809
Beat the long entrance lines and experience some of the most popular attractions in Washington, DC like an insider on this full-day sightseeing tour. Enjoy priority entry into the United States Capitol Building, the home of Congress. Then see the city’s most famous landmarks and monuments, like the White House, the Lincoln Memorial and more. End your tour with a visit to the National Archives Building, where the original Bill of Rights, the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution are on display.
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  • 8 hours 30 minutes
  • Free Cancellation
from
US$129.00
DC Monuments and Capitol Hill Tour by Electric Cart

DC Monuments and Capitol Hill Tour by Electric Cart

1,836
Explore the famous monuments and war memorials of Washington, DC on this small-group or private sightseeing tour. Hop aboard a special eCruiser vehicle and enjoy an educational and entertaining narrated history of our nation’s capital. Get a glimpse of the White House and travel around and through Capitol Hill, the Smithsonian museum complex, plus a plethora of famous memorials and monuments — like the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument — and many other hotspots. This is a great way to see many of DC’s most famous landmarks.
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  • 2 hours
  • Free Cancellation
from
US$77.51
Price varies by group size
Small-Group Guided Tour inside US Capitol & Library of Congress

Small-Group Guided Tour inside US Capitol & Library of Congress

561
Go to the heart of America's Legislative and Judicial branches of government on a small-group tour of Capitol Hill that explores the U.S. Capitol and the Library of Congress. This tour goes inside each destination for a guided tour, and highlights include reserved-entry at the U.S. Capitol with a guide to help bring Capitol Hill's fascinating politics and history to life.
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  • 3 hours
  • Free Cancellation
from
US$89.00
Washington DC in One Day: Guided Sightseeing Tour

Washington DC in One Day: Guided Sightseeing Tour

2,002
Experience the sights and sounds of Washington, DC in one day on this guided walking and riding sightseeing tour around the nation’s capital. Visit the city’s historic, iconic landmarks and monuments, like the White House, the United States Capitol, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the Lincoln Memorial. See and learn about the memorials of famous American leaders who helped shape the United States, like Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, and Martin Luther King, Jr., to name a few. Includes a seasonal Potomac River cruise.
... More
  • 6 hours
  • Free Cancellation
from
US$89.00
Capitol Hill Walking Tour with US Capitol and Library of Congress

Capitol Hill Walking Tour with US Capitol and Library of Congress

132
Get your chance to discover the famed Capitol Hill with an experienced personal guide who will walk with you, detailing the historical facts related to each building and landmark. In this walking tour, you’ll explore the seat of the legislative and judicial branches of the US Government and its supporting facilities, collectively known as Capitol Hill.
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  • 3 hours
  • Free Cancellation
from
US$88.00
DC Monuments and Memorials Night Tour

DC Monuments and Memorials Night Tour

4,014
Ride a luxury mini-coach past major landmarks on this night bus tour of Washington DC. Gaze at floodlit memorials and monuments, such as the magnificent Lincoln Memorial and the glow of the Jefferson Memorial reflected in the Tidal Basin. After this sightseeing tour, you’ll understand why the nation’s capital is considered one of the world’s most beautiful cities at night.
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  • 3 hours
  • Free Cancellation
from
US$58.00
Washington DC Hop-On Hop-off Trolley Tour with 15 Stops

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

1,976
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, the 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. When booking, select a 1- or 2-day pass, according to your schedule.
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  • 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Free Cancellation
from
US$49.95
Admission to US Capitol & Library of Congress with Capitol Hill

Admission to US Capitol & Library of Congress with Capitol Hill

12
Get your chance to discover the famed Capitol Hill with an experienced personal guide who will walk with you, detailing the historical facts related to each building and landmark. In this walking tour, you’ll explore the seat of the legislative and judicial branches of the US Government and its supporting facilities, collectively known as Capitol Hill.
... More
  • 3 hours
  • Free Cancellation
from
US$79.00
US Capitol & Library of Congress with Guided Walk of Capitol Hill

US Capitol & Library of Congress with Guided Walk of Capitol Hill

17
Get your chance to discover the famed Capitol Hill with an experienced personal guide who will walk with you, detailing the historical facts related to each building and landmark. In this walking tour, you’ll explore the seat of the legislative and judicial branches of the US Government and its supporting facilities, collectively known as Capitol Hill.
... More
  • 3 hours
  • Free Cancellation
from
US$85.00
Washington DC Monuments by Moonlight Tour by Trolley

Washington DC Monuments by Moonlight Tour by Trolley

3,303
Explore the famous monuments and memorials of Washington DC by moonlight on this narrated sightseeing tour. Hop aboard an open-air trolley and enjoy an educational and entertaining history of the nation’s capital while traveling past each point of interest. Take in the stunning views of an illuminated Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, the White House, and many other landmarks. This is a truly unique look at the iconic monuments of Washington DC by night.
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  • 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Free Cancellation
from
US$59.95
Day or Night Grand Tour of Washington DC with Stops at 8+ Sites

Day or Night Grand Tour of Washington DC with Stops at 8+ Sites

598
Get a panoramic look at Washington DC on this 4-hour Half Day sightseeing tour that provides a comprehensive introduction to the United States capital and its historical and cultural landmarks. Listen to live narration as you see dozens of attractions, such as Lincoln Memorial, the exterior of the White House, Washington Monument and the National Mall, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, and the Smithsonian buildings. Tour stops at 8 top Attractions including White House, US Capitol, Franklin Roosevelt Memorial, Martin Luther King Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, and Nurses Memorial. Bonus: Upgrade option available at checkout for those who would like to extend their half-day city hour into an 8-hour full day guided city tour including a visit to George Washington's Mount Vernon.
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  • 1 hour 50 minutes
  • Free Cancellation
from
US$59.00
BEST Niagara Falls USA&Washington D.C 3-Day Tour from New York

BEST Niagara Falls USA&Washington D.C 3-Day Tour from New York

126
Explore the east coast of the U.S. beyond New York with a three-day tour. Climb aboard a coach at a pick up point in New York City and set out on a multi-stop tour. Travel to Washington D.C. via Philadelphia and explore the city at your leisure. Continue on to visit the U.S. side of Niagara Falls. On the final day of this sightseeing tour, travel back to NYC from Niagara Falls.
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  • 3 days
  • Free Cancellation
from
US$305.00
Price varies by group size
Hop-On Hop-Off 21 Stop Trolley Tour + Arlington Cemetery

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

16
Get a comprehensive, self-paced tour of Washington, D.C., on this hop-on, hop-off trolley. As you travel through the nation's capital, listen to your guide's engaging narrative, then disembark at any of the 21 stops to explore on your own.
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  • 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Free Cancellation
from
US$59.70
Big Bus Washington DC Open Top Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

Big Bus Washington DC Open Top Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

2,774
Discover the most popular sights in Washington, DC on this relaxing hop-on hop-off bus tour. Drive past many of the top attractions in the nation’s capital — including the White House, the Washington Monument, the National Mall and Arlington National Cemetery, and choose where you want to get off and explore in more detail. Select a 1-2- or 3-day pass, then hop on at any of the stops on the red route and get to know the city with an audio commentary. Explore the city at your own pace with a Big Bus Washington DC hop-on hop-off bus tour Hop on and off at any of the city-wide stops. Choose from the 1- 2- or 3-day ticket where you will have a choice of additional extras that vary by season.
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  • 2 hours
  • Free Cancellation
from
US$54.00
Capitol Hill, Supreme Court and Library of Congress ExclusiveTour

Capitol Hill, Supreme Court and Library of Congress ExclusiveTour

51
Get personalized attention and enjoy a flexible itinerary on this walking tour of Washington, D.C. Visit the highlights and landmarks of the nation's capital, such as the Supreme Court, the Capitol Building, the Main Reading Room of Library of Congress, and others.
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  • 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Free Cancellation
from
US$104.94
Price varies by group size
African American History Tour with Museum Admission

African American History Tour with Museum Admission

867
Immerse yourself in the history of African-American culture in the United States during this half-day history excursion in the Nation’s Capital. Follow the path of the first African-Americans at Jamestown through the Civil Rights movement, checking out key sites like the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, the vibrant U Street corridor, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the MLK Memorial, plus much more.
... More
  • 3 hours 30 minutes
  • Free Cancellation
from
US$89.00
Washington DC Moonlit Tour of the National Mall & Stops at 10 Sites

Washington DC Moonlit Tour of the National Mall & Stops at 10 Sites

2,226
See Washington DC’s best sites light up after dark on a 3-HourGuided Nighttime Tour of the National Mall and monuments. Listen to an entertaining narrated history of the capital city, then stop to explore the most important destinations, from moving tributes to America's 20th-century wars to inspiring presidential landmarks. Take in the White House and the U.S. Capitol building at their most picturesque and get the perfect orientation and overview of Washington, DC.
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  • 3 hours
  • Free Cancellation
from
US$68.00
Skip the Line National Archives and US Capitol Tour

Skip the Line National Archives and US Capitol Tour

1
Combine your visit to two of the most important sights in Washington and discover the fascinating history of the birth of the US on this tour of the National Archives and US Capitol. Instead of worrying about securing tickets and time slots, get pre-reserved entry to both sites and see some of the most important documents in existence alongside an expert guide bringing the documents, places, and iconic buildings before you to life.
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  • 3 hours 30 minutes
  • Free Cancellation
from
US$49.00
Night-Time Monuments Bus Tour with Optional Washington Monument

Night-Time Monuments Bus Tour with Optional Washington Monument

1,602
Head out after dark to see the iconic monuments of Washington, DC, lit up for the night. This evening tour takes you on a scenic ride past the Capitol, the Washington Monument, the White House, the Lincoln Memorial, and other sites. This tour combines a ride in a tour vehicle with some stops where you'll get out to walk for a closer look. Learn about the history of the sites and ask plenty of questions.
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  • 3 hours
  • Free Cancellation
from
US$64.00
Likely to Sell Out
Iconic Capitol Hill Architecture Tour

Iconic Capitol Hill Architecture Tour

20
Get an overview of Washington, DC’s architecture, landmarks, and political powerhouses during a small-group walking tour led by a local guide. Learn about the elegant plan that underlies the present-day city as you visit sights from the U.S. Capitol Building to the Supreme Court and Library of Congress.
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  • 2 hours
  • Free Cancellation
from
US$48.00
Likely to Sell Out
Capitol Hill & Library of Congress Highlights Walking Tour (With Tickets)

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

16
This highlight tour of Capitol Hill brings the political center of Washington DC alive with stories & trivia. Our Capitol Hill & Library of Congress Tours bring you to the top of "the Hill." Jenkins Hill, as it was called, was thought to be an ideal location to build our Congress House. As the government holdings and staff expanded, the Library of Congress' Jefferson Building, the Supreme Court Building, and Congressional office buildings were built here. This tour enters both the Library of Congress and the Capitol Building and when possible the Supreme Court. You will be required to go through security twice. Please be prepared - our tickets are timed and if you are delayed going through security, the group will need to proceed without you. While we have tickets to enter, you will still need to wait in line to go through security. -Guided tour is 2 hours then the Capitol Interior Tour is an additional 50 minutes -Each guest needs a full ticket (regardless of age)
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  • 3 hours
  • Free Cancellation
from
US$75.00
Washington DC Day Trip from New York City

Washington DC Day Trip from New York City

1,826
On this New York to Washington DC tour, check out the nation’s capital in a day with all logistics, transport, and entrance fees included so you’re totally free to focus on the sights. Traveling by comfortable minivan or bus with a guide for commentary—another advantage over an independent trip—view landmarks including the White House and Washington Monument. Plus, visit Arlington Cemetery and the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History (while Air and Space Museum is closed due to renovations)
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  • 4 hours 20 minutes
  • Free Cancellation
from
US$169.00
2 Hour Guided Bike Tour of Capitol Hill

2 Hour Guided Bike Tour of Capitol Hill

3
Learn all about the US government while you tour the Capitol Hill area of Washington DC on this guided cycle tour. You'll cycle past the White House, the Supreme Court Building, and the Capitol Building while you hear about the city, and the country, from your local guide. Bikes and helmets are provided, and you’ll have the option of a regular or an electric bicycle.
... More
  • 2 hours
  • Free Cancellation
from
US$45.00
Special Offer
Private Washington DC Tour

Private Washington DC Tour

724
See the best of Washington DC in just half a day—and beat the crowds—with this customized, private sightseeing tour. Pick a departure time that works best for you, meet your guide at your preferred location, and hop aboard a luxury SUV. You can see highlights like the White House, US Capitol, Lincoln Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, and much more—and will learn the stories behind the sights from your guide.
... More
  • 4 hours
  • Free Cancellation
from
US$445.50
per group
US$495.00
US$49.50savings
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What are people saying about U.S. Capitol

Leon_C, Sept 2023
U. S. Capitol Tour
Fantastic tour! Our tour guide was personable and extremely … and I do mean EXTREMELY … knowledgeable of both the U. S. Capitol and the city of Washington DC. He passed along a wealth of history and we saw so much more than we thought we would. We would highly recommend this tour!
Gayle_S, Sept 2023
Excellent full-day tour
Even though the heat was awful, the tour was great. The guide, Evan, was very knowledgable, supportive of each person on the tour, and professional. The bus (new, clean, & comfortable) was a welcome reprieve from the 97 degree temperature. I highly recommend this full-day tour. Please note, however, that some tourists thought lunch was provided -- it is not.
Kristy_P, Aug 2023
Taking in DC
Wow! What an incredible experience! Nick our guide is very knowledgeable and he even has some great jokes! I learned so much about DC and really enjoyed the opportunity of seeing several places without the hassle of driving and parking. Bus was very clean and comfortable. I would definitely recommend this tour and the variety of activities. The boat cruise was a nice break to just sit and relax. You will definitely get your steps in so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
Connie_M, Jul 2023
A Superb Tour!
Our tour guide, Dwaine was an amazing wealth of knowledge. He had a genuine concern about our well being, safety and any needs during our tour. I would recommend this tour to anyone who wants to learn more about Washington DC!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:What are U.S. Capitol hours of operation?
A:
U.S. Capitol hours of operation: Mon - Sat 8:30am - 4:30pm. Buy tickets in advance on Viator. If you book with Viator, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
People Also Ask
Q:Is the U.S. Capitol tour worth it?
A: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.
Q:How long does a tour of the Capitol take?
A: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?
A: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?
A: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?
A: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.?
A: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.