Viewpoint · Washington, D.C.
Washington Monument: free tickets, timed passes & hours
The 555-foot marble obelisk at the centre of the National Mall; an elevator takes visitors to a 500-foot observation deck with views over the whole city.
Independent guide, not the official Washington Monument website. Official links are under Sources.
Washington Monument is free to visit.
- Open today 09:00–17:00.
- Almost free: Advance tickets on Recreation.gov: free entry, $1 reservation fee per ticket.
- Ticket window in the Washington Monument Lodge (15th Street) opens at 8:45am; a line forms well before. One person aged 16+ may take up to six tickets for one time slot. Everyone aged 2+ needs a ticket.
Free vs paid
Is the paid version worth it?
Washington Monument
Free same-day walk-up tickets at the Washington Monument Lodge.
Supplies are limited and usually run out early.
Before you go
How to actually get in for free
- Free same-day walk-up tickets at the Washington Monument Lodge: Ticket window in the Washington Monument Lodge (15th Street) opens at 8:45am; a line forms well before. One person aged 16+ may take up to six tickets for one time slot. Everyone aged 2+ needs a ticket.
- Advance tickets on Recreation.gov: free entry, $1 reservation fee per ticket: Released daily at 10am ET, 30 days ahead, on recreation.gov (or 877-444-6777); more tickets are released the day before. Spring to autumn they often sell out within minutes.
- For walk-up tickets, queue at the Lodge on 15th Street before the 8:45am window opening.
- Online tickets drop at 10am ET, 30 days ahead; log in to recreation.gov before the release. A second batch drops the day before.
- No restrooms or drinking fountains inside; use the Lodge first. Strollers and bulky bags are not allowed.
- High winds or thunderstorms can close the monument and void tickets.
All free options
Who gets in free, and when
| Free option | Who | Conditions | Book? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Always freeFree same-day walk-up tickets at the Washington Monument Lodge | everyone | Supplies are limited and usually run out early. | Yes |
| Free with passAdvance tickets on Recreation.gov: free entry, $1 reservation fee per ticket | everyone | Almost free: $1 non-refundable service charge per ticket. | Yes |
Tickets & tours
Best-rated tickets and tours: Washington Monument
Ratings and prices from the booking partners; prices may change.
Practical
Opening hours & how to get there
| Mon | 09:00–17:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 09:00–17:00 |
| Wed | 09:00–17:00 |
| Thu | 09:00–17:00 |
| Fri | 09:00–17:00 |
| Sat | 09:00–17:00 |
| Sun | 09:00–17:00 |
Daily 9am-5pm. Closed Independence Day, Christmas Day and one maintenance day a month. Grounds open daily.
2 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20024, USA
Worth paying for nearby
Paid highlights within walking distance
Also free nearby
Make a free afternoon of it
FAQ
Washington Monument: common questions
Is Washington Monument free?
Yes — Washington Monument is free to visit.
Do I need to book for free entry to Washington Monument?
Ticket window in the Washington Monument Lodge (15th Street) opens at 8:45am; a line forms well before. One person aged 16+ may take up to six tickets for one time slot. Everyone aged 2+ needs a ticket.
Visitor reviews
What visitors say about Washington Monument
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Sources
Where this comes from
- nps.gov/wamo/planyourvisit/fees.htm · checked Tuesday, 27 October 2026
- nps.gov/wamo/planyourvisit/hours.htm
Every free rule is checked against the official source and re-checked on a schedule. Spotted a change? Tell us.