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Getting to the U.S. Capitol
The Capitol

During construction of the Capitol Visitor Center, the entire East Front of the Capitol will be closed to tour operations.  Therefore, all tour operations have moved to the West Front, looking toward the museums, the Mall and the Washington Monument.  

Capitol Guide Service personnel operate a shuttle service for visitors with mobility needs.  Simply check in with a guide at the Kiosk at the Southwest corner of the Capitol grounds (where tickets are issued).

No matter how one arrives at the Capitol, there are three primary entry destinations or entry points:

  • Ticketing and Information Kiosk – This is at the Southwest corner of the grounds, next to the Botanic Gardens.
  • South Screening Facility – This is found on the House of Representatives wing of the building, and is where House of Representatives gallery pass holders enter the Capitol.
  • North Screening Facility – This is next to the Senate wing of the building, and is where Senate Gallery pass holders enter the Capitol.

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Hours of Operation

Regular Operating Schedule

The Capitol Guide Service conducts free guided tours of the Capitol Monday through Saturday, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM.  The Capitol is unavailable for tours on Sundays.

The first public tour begins each day at 9:30 A.M. and the last at 3:30 PM.  Tours last approximately thirty to forty minutes.

The Capitol is closed to the public on the following Federal holidays:

  • New Year’s Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day

Occasionally, a special event – such as a visit by a head of state – may temporarily suspend guided tours.

Please call the Guide Service’s recorded information line at 202-225-6827 for recorded information on any possible special events.

Capitol Tour Tips

Always Allow Enough Time

Remember that there is an enormous amount to see in and around the Capitol: taking a tour of the Capitol, visiting the office of your Senator and Representative, or sitting in to see the Senate and/or House in session just to name three possibilities.

Visit the Office of your Senator

Try to take time while you are visiting Washington to visit the office of your Senator.

Their offices are found in the Russell Senate Office Building, the Dirksen Senate Office Building and the Hart Senate Office Building.  This web site has a listing of all room numbers.  When you are here, simply check with a Capitol Police officer or a Capitol Guide for directions on how to find their office.

Attend a Senate and/or a House Session

See section on Visiting the Galleries for further information.

Attend a Committee Hearing

Most committee meetings are open to the public.  Local papers as well as this web site list the daily hearing schedules for Senate Committees and subcommittees.

Visit the Library of Congress

The Library serves as the research arm of Congress and is recognized as the national library of the United States. Its collections comprise the world's most comprehensive record of human creativity and knowledge. Open to those above high school age without charge or special permission, it is the world's largest library and a great resource to scholars and researchers.

Go to the LOC website for more information on tours.  

Visit the Supreme Court of the United States

The building is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. It is closed Saturdays, Sundays, and federal holidays.  They give lectures in the Courtroom every hour on the half-hour, on days that the Court is not sitting.

Go to the U.S. Supreme Court website for more information.

United States Botanic Garden

The United States Botanic Garden recently reopened after a complete restoration.  They display more than 4,000 specimens of plants, and, as described on Botanic Garden web site, we are proud to offer the citizens of Washington and visitors from across the nation a beautiful and fascinating living plant museum here on our Nation's Mall at the foot of the U.S. Capitol.

Go to the Botanic Garden website for more information on tours.

 
  

Hungry on the Hill?  Learn more about the food served in the Senate office buildings.  


Want to find out what the weather is in Washington right now? (This action will take you outside www.senate.gov)


Information concerning the safety of visitors, including prohibited items and security screenings.


Things:
  Passes to the U.S. Capitol and Senate Gallery
  Visiting the Capitol Galleries