Capitol tours are free and run by the U.S. House and Senate, but you must book in advance through your representative's or senator's office

The U.S. Capitol building itself does not take tour bookings. Instead, you contact your House representative or one of your two senators, and their office arranges your visit. This is the only way to get inside the building for a guided tour. Each office controls a certain number of tour slots per day, and they fill them on a first-come, first-served basis or by lottery, depending on the office.

Tours are free. You do not pay the Capitol, your representative's office, or any tour company. If you see a website charging money for Capitol tours, that is a private company selling a different service — usually a general Washington, D.C. tour that may or may not include the Capitol.

The tour itself lasts about one hour and covers the Rotunda, the National Statuary Hall, and other public spaces inside the building. You will go through security screening, similar to airport security. Tours run Monday through Saturday, except on federal holidays and when Congress is in recess (the schedule varies by year).

Key Takeaways

  • Book through your U.S. House representative or one of your two U.S. senators by contacting their district or state office directly.
  • Tours are free and last about one hour, covering the Rotunda and National Statuary Hall with a guide.
  • You must book in advance — same-day or walk-up tours are not available.
  • All visitors go through security screening, and you cannot bring bags, weapons, or certain other items inside the building.
  • Tour availability changes based on the congressional schedule, so check your representative's website before you contact them.

How to find your representative's contact information

You need to know who represents you in Congress. If you do not know their names, visit House.gov or Senate.gov and use their "Find Your Representative" tools. You enter your home address and the site shows you your House member and your two senators.

Once you know their names, go to their official website (usually lastname.house.gov or lastname.senate.gov). Look for a link labeled "Tours" or "Capitol Tours" — most offices have a dedicated page. Some offices let you request a tour online through a form. Others ask you to call or email their district office (the local office in your state or district, not their Washington office).

If you cannot find a tours page, call the main number for their district office and ask to speak with someone about Capitol tours. Have your preferred dates ready, and ask how far in advance they book tours. Some offices take requests up to three months ahead; others book only a few weeks out.

What to expect during the booking process

When you contact your representative's office, they will ask for the number of people in your group, your preferred dates, and your contact information. Groups are usually capped at 15 to 20 people, though this varies by office. If your group is larger, you may need to split into two tours or contact your office to ask about exceptions.

The office will confirm your tour date and time, usually by email or phone. They will give you instructions for where to meet and what time to arrive (typically 15 to 30 minutes before your tour starts). They will also tell you what you can and cannot bring into the building.

If your preferred dates are not available, ask if they have a waiting list or cancellation list. Some offices will contact you if a slot opens up. If you need to cancel, contact the office as soon as you know, so they can offer your slot to someone else.

Security screening and what you can bring

Everyone who enters the Capitol goes through a security checkpoint. You will walk through a metal detector and your belongings will be scanned. This process is similar to airport security but usually faster.

You cannot bring the following items into the building: backpacks, large bags, weapons of any kind (including pocket knives and firearms), explosives, or hazardous materials. You also cannot bring food, drinks, or recording devices (cameras and phones are allowed for still photos, but not video). Strollers are not permitted, though you may bring a child in a carrier.

Wear comfortable shoes — you will be standing and walking for the full hour. The Capitol building is climate-controlled, so dress for an indoor environment. If you have mobility concerns, tell your representative's office when you book; they can arrange accommodations or a modified tour route.

When tours are not available

The Capitol closes to tours during congressional recesses (when members are not in session). The recess schedule changes each year, but typically includes a two-week break in August and a longer break in December and January. The building also closes on federal holidays and during special events or security situations.

Before you contact your representative's office, check their website or call to confirm that tours are running. Many offices post the current tour schedule on their Capitol Tours page. If tours are closed, ask when they will reopen and whether you can book for a future date.

If you are visiting Washington, D.C. on a specific date and cannot get a Capitol tour, you may still visit the Capitol grounds (the outdoor area around the building) for free. The grounds are open to the public during daylight hours, and you can see the building's exterior and take photos without a tour.

Alternatives if you cannot book through your representative

If your representative's office has no availability or you are not a U.S. citizen, you have limited options. Some foreign visitors can request tours through their country's embassy in Washington, D.C. Contact your embassy to ask whether they can arrange a Capitol tour for you.

You cannot book a Capitol tour through a private tour company or travel agency. However, private companies do offer Washington, D.C. tours that may include views of the Capitol building from the outside or visits to nearby museums and monuments. These are not official Capitol building tours, and they cost money.

If you live outside the United States and want to tour the Capitol, contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country. They may be able to direct you to resources or help you arrange a tour through official channels.

Planning your visit to Washington, D.C.

A Capitol tour is usually part of a larger Washington, D.C. trip. Many other museums and monuments are free and do not require advance booking. The Smithsonian museums (including the National Museum of American History, the Air and Space Museum, and the Natural History Museum) are all free and open to the public. The Lincoln Memorial, the World War II Memorial, and other outdoor monuments are also free.

Plan your Capitol tour for the morning if you can, so you have the rest of the day to explore other sites. The Capitol is located on Capitol Hill, and you can walk to the Library of Congress, the Supreme Court building, and several Smithsonian museums from there. Public transportation (the Metro) connects the Capitol to other parts of the city.

Bring a valid photo ID. You will need it to enter the Capitol building. If you are a minor, you must be accompanied by an adult.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I tour the Capitol if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes, but you must book through your country's embassy in Washington, D.C., not through a U.S. representative's office. Contact your embassy to ask about tour options. Some embassies can arrange tours; others cannot. You will need a valid passport and may need a U.S. visa to enter the country.

What if I want to watch Congress in session from the gallery?

You can visit the House or Senate gallery without a tour. Go to the Capitol building, go through security, and ask a staff member to direct you to the gallery entrance. No advance booking is needed, but you must follow the same security rules and bring a valid photo ID. Check House.gov or Senate.gov to see whether Congress is in session on the day you plan to visit.

How far in advance do I need to book a tour?

This varies by office. Some book tours up to three months ahead; others take requests only two to four weeks in advance. Contact your representative's office to ask their specific timeline. If you are planning a trip, book as soon as you know your dates.

Can I bring my children on a Capitol tour?

Yes. Children of any age can tour the Capitol if they are accompanied by an adult. Strollers are not permitted, but you can carry a child in a carrier. Tell your representative's office if you are bringing young children; they may be able to adjust the tour pace or route.

What if I need to cancel my tour?

Contact your representative's office as soon as you know you cannot attend. Canceling early gives them time to offer your slot to someone else. Most offices do not charge a cancellation fee because the tours are free.