Book a US Capitol Tour

To visit areas of the Capitol beyond the Capitol Visitor Center, you must make a reservation in advance. Note that tour schedules can fill up quickly, so it is advisable to book your tour well in advance of your visit.

Guided tours of the historic Capitol begin at the orientation theaters with a 13-minute film, "Out of Many, One," which will take you on a journey through our country's struggle to establish the world's first truly representative democracy and introduce you to the magnificent building that houses our Congress.

There are several ways to book a tour of the Capitol.

U.S. residents can go directly through the offices of their Representative or Senators. Many Congressional offices offer their own staff-led tours to constituent groups of up to 15 people, and most can assist you in booking a general tour. Use the buttons below to locate and contact a Representative or Senate office for a tour.

Book A Tour Through The Office Of Your Representative

Book A Tour Through The Offices Of Your Senators

Tours can also be arranged directly through the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center using an online reservation system. Click the button below to reserve your tour date and time.

Book a tour yourself online

Group Tours

Tour Services and organizations with large groups can use the online reservation system for their group reservations.

Book a tour for your group online

Tour Passes

A limited number of same-day passes are available at the Information Desks on the lower level of the Capitol Visitor Center.

Getting to the Capitol

Walking to the Capitol

The United States Capitol is bordered by Constitution Avenue to the North, Independence Avenue to the South, and First Streets, to the East and West. It is located at the far eastern end of the National Mall beyond the Capitol Reflecting Pool.
The Capitol grounds are open to visitors.

Visitor Services Shuttle to Capitol Visitor Center Entrance



Visitor Services Shuttle to Capitol Visitor Center Entrance

For your convenience, the Capitol Visitor Center Office of Visitor Services provides an on-demand shuttle service for those with mobility issues or in manual wheelchairs. The shuttles run from the southwest corner of Capitol Square at Independence Ave. and First St. SW to the Capitol Visitor Center entrance at the center of the Capitol’s East Plaza. Please inquire about this service from the Office of Congressional Accessibility Services at 202-224-4048, from any Visitor Services personnel in a red shirt or vest, or at either of the Visitor Services kiosks located at the southwest corner of Capitol Square or on the east side of the Capitol near the corner of First St. NE/SE and East Capitol Street. Please provide as much advance notice as possible to help facilitate your request.

If you are traveling with a large group requesting mobility assistance, we strongly recommend that you contact the Office of Congressional Accessibility Services at 202-224-4048 prior to your visit. Please provide as much advance notice as possible to help facilitate your request.

Getting to the Capitol by Car

Please keep in mind that there is very little public parking available near the Capitol. The nearest public parking facility is at Union Station, to the North of the Capitol.

Metered street parking is found along the Mall to the West of the Capitol.

Getting to the Capitol by Subway


There are three subway stops found within walking distance of the Capitol:

* Union Station – Located at First Street, NW, and Massachusetts Avenue.
* Capitol South – Located at First Street between C and D Streets, SE.
* Federal Center, SW – Located at the Southwest corner of Third and D streets, SW.

Additional information on riding the subway, which is called the Metro, is available at the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority homepage here.


Tour Bus Route and Commercial Bus Restrictions on U.S. Capitol Grounds


The following security measures will be implemented as part of continued efforts by the U.S. Capitol Police to enhance security within the Capitol complex. These measures are precautionary, and are not predicated on any known threats.

Click here to view the tour bus route (Updated 11/07)