Building Hours & Entrances
Monday – Friday (except Federal Holidays)
9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Closed on Saturday and Sunday
Visitors may enter the building from the Plaza doors located on each side of the main steps. A wheelchair accessible ramp is located along Maryland Avenue on the left side of the building. Click here for a graphic showing the Visitor Entrance.
All visitors must pass through security screening before entering the building. During the months of March – June, visitors should anticipate longer wait times to enter the building due to larger crowds visiting the Nation’s Capital.
Location and Directions
The Supreme Court of the United States is located on First Street NE between East Capitol Street and Maryland Avenue, adjacent to the U.S. Capitol and the Library of Congress. View area map.
By Metro (Subway):
The closest Metro stops are:
Capitol South (Orange & Blue Lines, 0.3 miles)
Union Station (Red Line, 0.5 miles).
By Metro Bus:
The Circulator (Navy Yard Line), 96, 97, and A11 buses all stop in front of the Supreme Court Building. The 32, 34, 36, and 39 buses stop at First Street and Independence Avenue, a two block walk from the Building.
Additional information on riding the Metro is available at the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority homepage here.
By Train:
Amtrak, VRE, and MARC trains service Union Station, which is located approximately 0.5 miles from the Court.
By Car:
Street parking is extremely limited near the Supreme Court. The closest public parking garage is located at Union Station.
Please note that the Supreme Court is not accessible by private bus or passenger van. Click here to see designated bus routes and restrictions.
Touring the Building
For more information on touring the Supreme Court, click here.
Attending Court
For more information, please see Oral Arguments.
Cafeteria, Gift Shop, and Building Amenities
A Cafeteria serving a variety of sandwiches, soups, salads, and beverages is open to the public from 7:30 a.m. until 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
A Gift Shop is located on the Ground Floor and is open from 9 a.m. until 4:25 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Gift Shop features extensive offerings of books and other instructive materials to enhance your understanding of the Court’s history. Other offerings include educational games, learning aids, and gift items associated with the law and the Supreme Court.
For your convenience, an ATM, public telephone (TTY/TDD), and vending machines are available on the Ground Floor. Public restrooms are located on the First and Ground Floors.
Visitor Etiquette
The Supreme Court is the highest court in the Nation for all cases and controversies arising under the Constitution or laws of the United States; therefore, visitors are asked to follow a few general guidelines.
- Be prepared to pass through security screening at your point of entry. All items must be screened in x-ray machines and all visitors will be asked to pass through metal detectors.
- Please tour the building quietly as working offices are adjacent to all public halls. Any visitors unable to maintain proper decorum will be asked to leave by the Supreme Court Police.
- No photography or video recording is permitted inside the Courtroom.
- Smoking is prohibited inside the building.
- Consumption of food and beverages is permitted only in the Cafeteria and vending machine alcove.
- Visitors may not touch portraits, busts, or other artifacts on exhibition.
Accessibility
Building Access and Parking
Ramp access to the building is located along Maryland Avenue on the left side of the building. Limited handicap parking is also available along Maryland Avenue.
Wheelchair Availability and Access
A limited number of wheelchairs are available free of charge at your point of entry. Wheelchairs may be obtained from a Supreme Court Police Officer. Elevators are available throughout the building with access to all public areas.
Assistive Listening Devices
When Court is sitting, FM and infra-red listening systems for the hearing impaired are available. Devices may be obtained from a Supreme Court Police Officer or Courtroom Attendant as you are being seated.
Visitors’ Film
The film is accompanied by open captioning at each showing.
TTY/TDD Telephone
A wheelchair accessible, text telephone (TTY/TDD) is available in the vending machine alcove adjacent to the Maryland Avenue door.