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.

US Capitol Visitor Center

The United States Capitol is a monument, a working office building, and one of the most recognizable symbols of representative democracy in the world. Visitors are welcome to enter the building through the Capitol Visitor Center, located underground on the east side of the Capitol. You can begin your Capitol experience at the Visitor Center by visiting the Exhibition Hall, perusing our Gift Shops or dining in our Restaurant. Please review the U.S. Capitol prohibited items list before your visit.


Ticketing and Admission — Admission to the Capitol Visitor Center is free and does not require a ticket. However, tickets are required for tours of the historic Capitol and may be needed for other special events. All visitors to the Capitol are required to go through security screening.

Hours: The Capitol Visitor Center is open to visitors from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Day and Inauguration Day.

Tours of the U.S. Capitol are conducted from 8:50 a.m. to 3:20 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Visitors with official business appointments may enter the Visitor Center as early as 7:15 a.m.