Visiting Capitol Hill

I encourage you to include a visit to the many attractions on Capitol Hill during your trip to Washington.
 
 
Attractions on Capitol Hill

The U.S. Capitol is open to the public for guided tours only. Other attractions of interest on Capitol Hill are open to the public even without guided tours: The Library of Congress, The Supreme Court, and Union Station .
 
You may also want to consult the Architect of the Capitol web site. The Architect of the Capitol is responsible to the United States Congress for the maintenance, operation, development, and preservation of the United States Capitol Complex, which includes the Capitol, the congressional office buildings, the Library of Congress buildings, the Supreme Court building, the U.S. Botanic Garden, the Capitol Power Plant, and other facilities.
  
Also, take a few moments to stop by my office, Suite 218 of the Russell Senate Office Building.
 
 
Directions to Senator John McCain's Office

There are entrances at each corner of the Senate Russell Building. The main entrance is located at Constitution Avenue, NW and Delaware Avenue, NE. Look for signs for entrance times and guidelines.

 
From Union Station (Red Line):
  • Exit Union Station
  • Cross the plaza (Columbus Circle) toward the ring of state flags
  • Go south on Delaware Avenue, NE (you will be heading toward the U.S. Capitol)
  • Continue on Delaware until you reach C Street, NE
  • The Russell Senate Office Building is located on the Corner of C Street and Delaware
From Capitol South Metro (Orange Line):
  • Follow First Street approximately 3 blocks (you will pass the Library of Congress and the Supreme Court on your right)
  • Cross Constitution Avenue and take a left
  • The Russell Senate Office Building is located on your right side
  • Use either the public entrance located at the corners of Constitution Avenue and Delaware, or Constitution Avenue and First Street
From Metro Center:
  • Take the Red Line to Glenmont
  • Exit Union Station Metro Stop and follow directions "From Union Station"
From Bethesda:
  • Proceed south on Wisconsin Avenue, crossing into the District of Columbia, to Fessenden Avenue
  • Turn left at Fessenden Avenue and proceed to Nebraska Avenue
  • Turn left on Nebraska Avenue, immediately veer right towards Connecticut Avenue
  • Proceed on Connecticut Avenue for four miles
  • Connecticut Avenue becomes 17th Street
  • Proceed on 17th Street to H Street
  • Turn left onto H Street and proceed for 1.5 miles before bearing right at Massachusetts Avenue
  • Proceed on Massachusetts Avenue and turn right at New Jersey Avenue and then left onto Constitution Avenue
  • The Russell Senate Office Building is located on the corner of Constitution Avenue, NW and Delaware Avenue, NE
From Arlington:
  • Take George Washington Parkway, S crossing into Virginia
  • Merge onto I-395 N toward Washington crossing into the District of Columbia
  • Exit right toward the U.S. Capitol
  • Veer to the right toward the U.S. Senate (D Street)
  • Take a right onto D Street (You will be facing the U.S. Capitol)
  • Closest Parking is street parking (please read the signs) or Union Station
 
 
 
Restrictions on Tour Bus Routes

If your group is arriving on Capitol Hill via tour bus, please consult the following documents for information on traffic restrictions imposed by Capitol police:
 
 
 
 
 
Passes to the Galleries

Neither Gallery is open on the weekends.
Senate Gallery passes are required to enter the Senate Gallery and House Gallery passes are required to enter the House Gallery. You can visit the Galleries whether or not you have scheduled a Capitol tour. Entry to the galleries is through the main entrance of the Capitol Visitor Center (CVC) on 1st Street East, between Independence and Constitution Avenues.
 
Senate Gallery
The Senate Gallery is only open to visitors when the Senate is in session. The Senate Session Schedule can be found here.
 
It is my pleasure to offer passes to the Senate Chamber Gallery free of charge to my constituents from Arizona. Gallery Passes do not need to be used same-day, so you can pick them up at any time during your visit and use them at your leisure. These free passes are available on a walk-in basis from my office, Suite 218 of the Russell Senate Office Building, during business hours Monday - Friday. If your party requires more than 20 passes, please call ahead to my office so they will be ready and waiting for you when you arrive. PLEASE NOTE: Children under the age of six are not permitted in the galleries. Furthermore, all electronics including, but not limited to, cameras, video recorders, key chains with electronic functions, cell phones, Blackberrys, as well as strollers, must be checked before entrance to the Gallery.

House of Representatives Gallery
The House Gallery is open to the public Monday – Friday, 9am to 4:30pm, whether or not the House is in session. Passes for the House Chamber must be obtained through your Representative's office.

International Visitors to the Gallery
International visitors are always welcome to view a session of the Senate or House, and should enter through the main entrance of the CVC. Capitol Guide Service personnel issue international gallery passes.