Attraction · Washington, D.C.
U.S. Capitol (Capitol Visitor Center tours): free entry days, tickets & hours
Seat of Congress at the east end of the National Mall. Free guided tours from the underground Capitol Visitor Center cover the Crypt, the Rotunda and National Statuary Hall.
Independent guide, not the official U.S. Capitol website. Official links are under Sources.
U.S. Capitol is free to enter.
- Open today 08:30–16:30.
Before you go
How to actually get in for free
- No reservation? Arrive early and no later than 2:30pm for a same-day pass.
- Enter through the Capitol Visitor Center under the East Front plaza; security screening applies and food and liquids are restricted.
- Exhibition Hall in the Visitor Center is free to browse without a tour.
- Closed on Sundays.
All free options
Who gets in free, and when
| Free option | Who | Conditions | Book? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Always freeFree guided Capitol tours and free entry to the Visitor Center | everyone | Guided tours only (no self-guided visits); the tour does not include the House and Senate Galleries. | No |
Tickets & tours
Best-rated tickets and tours: U.S. Capitol
Ratings and prices from the booking partners; prices may change.
Practical
Opening hours & how to get there
| Mon | 08:30–16:30 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 08:30–16:30 |
| Wed | 08:30–16:30 |
| Thu | 08:30–16:30 |
| Fri | 08:30–16:30 |
| Sat | 08:30–16:30 |
| Sun | Closed |
Capitol Visitor Center Monday-Saturday 8:30am-4:30pm; last tour 3:20pm; closed Sundays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day and Inauguration Day.
First St. & East Capitol St. NE, Washington, DC 20515, USA
Also free nearby
Make a free afternoon of it
Worth paying for nearby
Paid highlights within walking distance
FAQ
U.S. Capitol: common questions
Is U.S. Capitol free?
Yes — U.S. Capitol is free to enter.
What day is U.S. Capitol closed?
U.S. Capitol is closed on Sundays. Capitol Visitor Center Monday-Saturday 8:30am-4:30pm; last tour 3:20pm; closed Sundays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day and Inauguration Day.
Visitor reviews
What visitors say about U.S. Capitol
No reviews yet. Been here? Tell others how it went — especially on a free day.
Write a review
Sources
Where this comes from
- visitthecapitol.gov/visit/book-a-tour · checked Tuesday, 27 October 2026
Every free rule is checked against the official source and re-checked on a schedule. Spotted a change? Tell us.