Services > Visiting DC
United States Capitol
(Between Constitution and Independence Avenues) - MAP
The Capitol Guide Service Offers free tours Monday through Saturday from March 1 through August 31 from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Closed Sunday. The last tour of each day leaves at 3:30 p.m.
Tickets are distributed on a first come first serve basis starting at 8:15 a.m. at the West Front kiosk (facing the mall) on Independence Avenue and 1st Street SW - near the Garfield traffic circle. Tickets are not distributed in advance. Discuss any accessibility needs with kiosk staff.
You may also contact Senator Harkin's office to set up a guided tour led by staff. Self guided Capitol tours have been suspended indefinitely.
Gallery admittance passes are available only in Senate or House offices. International visitors must show passports at the visitors' center at the SW corner of the Capitol to gain entry to the chambers.
Tour Summary: The United States Capitol in Washington, DC is among the most architecturally impressive and symbolically important buildings in the world. The tour includes visits to the Crypt, Rotunda, Old Supreme Court Chamber, Statuary Hall, and House Gallery.
Closest Metro Stop: Capitol South (Blue and Orange lines)
Tour Length: 1 1/2 to 2 hours, depending on crowds
Note: No tickets are necessary.
Website: www.aoc.gov/cc/visit/
Reserved staff-led tours (scheduled through my office):
Availability: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm Monday, Wednesday, and Friday (excluding federal holidays)
Tour Request Deadline: At least one week before the desired date.
Public tours:
Availability: 9:00 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Saturday (excluding Thanksgiving, Christmas, and January 1)
Procedures: Visitors must obtain free tickets at the Capitol Guide Service kiosk located along the curving sidewalk southwest of the Capitol (near the intersection of First Street, SW, and Independence Avenue.) Tickets are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 9:00 am daily. For more information, you may call the U.S. Capitol Guide Service at (202) 225-6927.
Restrictions: Groups may not exceed 40 people
Banned materials include: weapons/explosives; aerosol/non-aerosol spray; all liquid; suitcases, backpacks, duffle bags; razors, box cutters, knives; mace/pepper spray.
(202) 225-6827 (Capitol Guide Service - Recording)
(202) 224-4048 (Special Services)
(202) 224-4049 (TDD-TTY)
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day
SENATE OFFICE BUILDINGS
The Richard Russell, Everett Dirksen, and Phillip Hart Senate Office Buildings are located on Constitution Avenue on the north side of the Capitol. These buildings house the offices of all 100 Senators and the 21 standing committees of the Senate.
These buildings are open to the public. Committee schedules are published daily in the daily in the "Today In Congress" column of the Washington Post newspaper.
(202) 224-3121
HOUSE OFFICE BUILDINGS
The Nicholas Longworth, Joseph Cannon and Sam Rayburn House Office Buildings are located on Independence Avenue on the south side of the Capitol grounds. They also house the offices of all 435 Congressmen and the 20 standing House Committees and one permanent select committee.
(202) 224-3121
