Washington DC · US CAPITOL TOURS

US Capitol Tours: The 15 Best Ways Inside

40 tours  ·  from $8 a head

Visits inside the Capitol run on reserved time slots, so the choice is made before you arrive. These 15 pair the Rotunda with the Library of Congress, the Supreme Court or the National Archives, each priced and timed.

DC Monuments and Capitol Hill Tour by Electric Cart - Washington Monument and Tidal Basin memorials
DC Monuments and Memorials Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, US Capitol Tours, Washington DC Golf Cart Tours, Washington DC Tours

DC Monuments and Capitol Hill Tour by Electric Cart

1.DC Monuments and Capitol Hill Tour by Electric Cart

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,841 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $55Our pick

Ride an open-air electric cart for up to seven people past the Capitol, White House, Smithsonian museums, and major National Mall memorials. Your local guide makes photo stops at sites such as the Lincoln, Martin Luther King Jr., and Vietnam memorials. The route takes about two hours, with private and small-group options.

“Great way to see the most important Washington, DC, monuments with entertaining history and commentary.”

Check availability →Read our full review

VIP Best of DC with US Capitol + National Archives Reserved Entry - The White House and memorials from the coach
National Archives Tours, Tour Reviews, US Capitol Tours, VIP, Washington DC Tours

VIP Best of DC with US Capitol + National Archives Reserved Entry

2.VIP Best of DC with US Capitol + National Archives Reserved Entry

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,491 reviews · 8 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $129

Start at the U.S. Capitol for a guided visit with reserved entry, then ride between Washington’s major memorials with a live guide. The day ends at the National Archives, where you can see the Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights. In warmer months, a Potomac cruise and Georgetown stop replace the winter Pentagon-area break.

“Nick was a great tour guide. He was extremely knowledgeable. Made the tour enjoyable. His insight was interesting.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Small-Group Guided Tour inside US Capitol & Library of Congress - What the small group changes
Guided, Library of Congress Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, US Capitol Tours, Washington DC Tours

Small-Group Guided Tour inside US Capitol & Library of Congress

3.Small-Group Guided Tour inside US Capitol & Library of Congress

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,869 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $67

Walk Capitol Hill with a guide such as James, Meg, or Dash, then enter the U.S. Capitol on a reserved tour of its Rotunda, Crypt, and Old House chambers. Choose the Supreme Court or Library of Congress, or upgrade to include the Folger Shakespeare Library. Groups are limited to 15, and the tour takes about two to three hours.

“Excellent tour. Worth the cost for a much more efficient guided experience than just walking everywhere on my own. Guide was knowledgeable and had a positive attitude.”

Check availability →Read our full review

DC: Capitol Hill and Library of Congress Tour with Tickets - The Library of Congress: mosaics, books, and changing displays
Library of Congress Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews, Tours, US Capitol Tours, Washington DC Tours

DC: Capitol Hill and Library of Congress Tour with Tickets

4.Capitol Hill and Library of Congress Tour with Tickets

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,376 reviews · from $75

Spend about 2.5 hours walking Capitol Hill with a local guide, visiting the Library of Congress and seeing the Supreme Court and Capitol from outside. Then use your included ticket for a separate 45 to 50-minute Capitol tour. Guides such as Brooke, Ingeborg, Trevor, and Katherine bring the buildings’ art, architecture, and government to life.

“It was an amazing experience! Our guide, Brooke, was fantastic. She shared the history of the city in such an enthusiastic and clear way. It was obvious that she had a lot of knowledge, and her passion for Washington DC was contagious! I highly recommend it to anyone looking to explore Washington DC in a personal and educational way!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Washington DC: Capitol Hill Guided Tour with Entry Tickets - Inside the U.S. Capitol
Guided, Tickets, Tour Reviews, Tours, US Capitol Tours, Washington DC Tours

Washington DC: Capitol Hill Guided Tour with Entry Tickets

5.Capitol Hill Guided Tour with Entry Tickets

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 456 reviews · 3 hours · from $70

Spend three hours walking Capitol Hill with a live English-speaking guide, then join a docent-led Capitol visit and see the Library of Congress on most days. Look for the Rotunda, Jefferson’s books, Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, and even handwritten Sound of Music lyrics. On Mondays, the Library is closed and the route visits the U.S. Botanic Garden instead.

“Evelyn, our tour guide, really made this tour. She is so knowledgeable and has a lovely manner with everyone, as well as a great sense of humour. Despite having to queue for over an hour to get into the Capitol building, she kept us entertained and informed with information and anecdotes. She speaks with such passion and kept us hooked throughout the tour.”

Check availability →Read our full review

National Mall Tour with 10 Stops & U.S. Capitol or Museum Entry - The guide and driver are a big part of the day
National Mall Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, US Capitol Tours, Washington DC Museum Tours, Washington DC Tours

National Mall Tour with 10 Stops & U.S. Capitol or Museum Entry

6.National Mall Tour with 10 Stops & U.S. Capitol or Museum Entry

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 331 reviews · 3 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $59

Cover the National Mall’s major memorials by bus and on foot, with a guide explaining the stories behind each stop. The $59 base tour lasts about three hours; paid upgrades can add a Capitol walk or entry to selected museums and the Washington Monument. Guides vary, with Tyrone, Sally, James, and Vernon among those named by past participants.

“Excellent, informative and both driver and guide were super nice and funny. The tour allowed us to see so many amazing DC sites in a short period of time.”

Check availability →Read our full review

DC: The Original US Capitol and Library of Congress Tour - Starting at the Neptune Fountain
Library of Congress Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, US Capitol Tours, Washington DC Tours

DC: The Original US Capitol and Library of Congress Tour

7.The Original US Capitol and Library of Congress Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 298 reviews · from $55

Meet at the Neptune Fountain for a guided Capitol Hill walk, a look at the Supreme Court, and reserved entry to the Library of Congress and US Capitol. Inside the Capitol, a federal guide leads you through the Rotunda, Crypt, and Old House Chambers. Guides have included James, Andrew, Jack, Kirsten, Laurel, and Tony.

“our guide James was excellent. he was funny and informative. it was as excellent tour. highly recommend it.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Capitol Combo: U.S. Capitol + Library Congress or Capitol Museum - The Supreme Court from the outside
Tour Reviews, US Capitol Tours, Washington DC Museum Tours

Capitol Combo: U.S. Capitol + Library Congress or Capitol Museum

8.Capitol Combo: U.S. Capitol + Library Congress or Capitol Museum

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 294 reviews · 2 hours 1 minute (approx.) · from $79

Walk Capitol Hill with a guide, stop outside the Supreme Court and congressional offices, then enter the U.S. Capitol for its Rotunda, Crypt, and historic chambers. The tour also includes the Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building, except on Mondays and at 8am, when the Capitol Museum replaces it. Guides named by past participants include Rochelle, Tyrone, Dwayne, and Amanda.

“Great and engaging tour. Added insights and knowledge of capital, the area and even unique gifts from the gift shop. Good energy and helpful.”

Check availability →Read our full review

U.S. Capitol Tour with Library of Congress or Capitol Museum - Inside the Capitol: the Rotunda, Crypt and historic chambers
Library of Congress Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, US Capitol Tours, Washington DC Museum Tours, Washington DC Tours

U.S. Capitol Tour with Library of Congress or Capitol Museum

9.U.S. Capitol Tour with Library of Congress or Capitol Museum

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 286 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $64

Spend about two hours on Capitol Hill with a live English-speaking guide, then enter the U.S. Capitol and the Library of Congress, except on Mondays and 8 a.m. tours, when the Capitol Museum is substituted. Expect the Rotunda, Crypt, outdoor memorials and a short Library visit. Guides such as Dwayne and Rochelle have earned praise for lively, detailed storytelling.

“Very nice tour of the Capital and Library of Congress. My rating would have been a five without the guide's political commentary.”

Check availability →Read our full review

U.S. Capitol and Library of Congress Tour with Rotunda & Crypts - Security, the orientation film, and the official Capitol tour
Library of Congress Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, US Capitol Tours, Washington DC Tours

U.S. Capitol and Library of Congress Tour with Rotunda & Crypts

10.U.S. Capitol and Library of Congress Tour with Rotunda & Crypts

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 227 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $56

Spend about two hours with a guide around Capitol Hill and inside the U.S. Capitol, including the Rotunda, Crypt, and National Statuary Hall. Then use timed entry to explore the Library of Congress on your own. Guides such as Dwayne, Tyrone, and Rochelle have earned praise for their stories and personal touch. Check the day’s schedule: the Library closes Mondays, and access can change without notice.

“I came to DC from Florida with my son. We did the tour & it was amazing. Our tour guide was on time, very courteous & extremely knowledgeable about US history. My son is 13 & was amazed by at how much our guide knew. We’ll definitely book again when we’re in DC.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Capitol Hill, Supreme Court & Library of Congress Tour 12ppl Max - The Capitol Visitor Center and your gallery passes
Library of Congress Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, US Capitol Tours, Washington DC Tours

Capitol Hill, Supreme Court & Library of Congress Tour 12ppl Max

11.Capitol Hill, Supreme Court & Library of Congress Tour 12ppl Max

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 176 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $51

Spend 2.5 hours walking Capitol Hill with a guide and no more than 12 people. Visit the Supreme Court exterior, the Library of Congress, and the Capitol Visitor Center. Look for the Gutenberg Bible and Thomas Jefferson’s books, then get a pass for the House or Senate gallery to visit on your own.

“We had a very knowledgeable and friendly tour guide, Amanda. She gave us heaps of information and we thoroughly enjoyed it.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Haunted DC Night-Time Walking Tour on Capitol Hill - Ghost tales, presidential spirits, and the guide’s role
Evening Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours, US Capitol Tours, Washington DC Ghost Tours, Washington DC Night Tours, Washington DC Tours, Washington DC Walking Tours

Haunted DC Night-Time Walking Tour on Capitol Hill

12.Haunted DC Night-Time Walking Tour on Capitol Hill

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 172 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $25Best value

At 8:30 pm, meet your guide at 237 Pennsylvania Ave. SE for a 90-minute walk around Capitol Hill. Expect ghost stories, presidential lore, and history told in character. Guides have included Davy Crockett, Anna Seurat, Clover, and Mary Surratt, though the guide on your date may differ. The group is capped at 10.

“Very fun and entertaining. It was family-friendly which I had expected by the reviews, not a scary experience.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Capitol Hill & Library of Congress Highlights Walking Tour (With Tickets) - A quick look at the House Triangle
Library of Congress Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews, Tours, US Capitol Tours, Washington DC Tours, Washington DC Walking Tours

Capitol Hill & Library of Congress Highlights Walking Tour (With Tickets)

13.Capitol Hill & Library of Congress Highlights Walking Tour (With Tickets)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 143 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $75

Walk Capitol Hill with a licensed guide, see the Supreme Court from outside, visit the Library of Congress and finish with a docent-led U.S. Capitol tour. Guides have included Becca, Ingeborg, Trevor, Eli and Daniel. The group is capped at 15, and indoor access may change during a government shutdown.

“Ingeborg was an outstanding tour guide! She had a wealth of knowledge about the DC area and she navigated our group effortlessly through throngs of tourists. Tours like this can be pricey - particularly for families - but it’s money well spent. You take all of this time, money and effort to travel to a location, so think of it as an investment to help you get the most out of your trip. Being provided historical context for what you are viewing is priceless. This tour was also appealing to us because we only planned our trip to DC two weeks in advance. At such short notice, it’s nearly impossible…”

Check availability →Read our full review

Capitol Hill, Supreme Court & Library of Congress Exclusive Tour - Library of Congress: the architectural high point
Library of Congress Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, US Capitol Tours, Washington DC Tours

Capitol Hill, Supreme Court & Library of Congress Exclusive Tour

14.Capitol Hill, Supreme Court & Library of Congress Exclusive Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 127 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $51

In 2.5 hours, a private guide leads you past the Supreme Court, into the Library of Congress’s Thomas Jefferson Building, and through the Capitol Visitor Center. You’ll get passes for the House or Senate galleries to visit afterward on your own. Guides have included Maureen, Kate and Leigh, though your guide will vary.

“Great tour and our guide, Maureen, was fabulous! She was so knowledgable and really seemed to enjoy her job!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Washington DC: National Archives and US Capitol Guided Tour - At the Archives, go straight to the Charters
Guided, National Archives Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, US Capitol Tours, Washington DC Tours

Washington DC: National Archives and US Capitol Guided Tour

15.National Archives and US Capitol Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 126 reviews · from $53

Visit the National Archives early, see the Charters of Freedom and a 1297 Magna Carta, then walk the National Mall to the US Capitol. Your English-speaking guide adds context along the way; past guides have included Jjana, Raffi, Jim, Joe, Jesse and Mike. The group is limited to 10, and the walk takes about 3 hours 45 minutes.

“We enjoyed our tour very much. Joe was knowledgeable and extremely pleasant. 100% recommend!”

Check availability →Read our full review

New in US Capitol Tours

★ 4.7U.S. Capitol & Monuments Walking TourFrom $5610 reviews
★ 5.0Monuments Bus Tour with 10 Stops, Optional US Capitol EntryFrom $595 reviews
★ 5.0Luggage Storage close to Capitol South StationFrom $85 reviews
★ 3.2Best of Capitol Hill Guided Bike TourFrom $557 reviews
★ 5.02 Hour Guided Bike Tour of Capitol HillFrom $5510 reviews
★ 3.5Private U.S. Capitol and Library of Congress Tour3 reviews
★ 5.0Capitol Hill & US Capitol Entry, DC Bus Tour, Arlington CemeteryFrom $1753 reviews
★ 4.5Presidential DC: Capitol Hill + DC Bus Tour, US Capitol EntryFrom $5917 reviews
★ 5.0Dark History: Scandals of Capitol Hill Evening Walking TourFrom $598 reviews
★ 3.5Private Tour with US Capitol Or Archives Or Washington Monument3 reviews
★ 4.5Castle to Capitol: Museums of the National Mall Architecture TourFrom $489 reviews
★ 4.0Capitol Hill Tour inside Supreme Court, Library and CapitolFrom $5922 reviews
★ 5.0Iconic Capitol Hill Architectural Walking TourFrom $4821 reviews
★ 4.5Small Group Washington D.C, U.S Capitol & Mount Vernon 1-Day TourFrom $9511 reviews
★ 4.0Guided visit inside the Capitol and the Library of CongressFrom $8018 reviews

Keep browsing

National Archives ToursLibrary of Congress ToursWashington DC Museum ToursWashington DC African American History Tours
Scroll to Top

Where to next in the capital

Pick a memorial, a museum or a night out.

Monuments

MemorialsNational MallWhite HouseCherry Blossoms

Inside

US CapitolNational ArchivesLibrary of CongressMuseumsBlack History

After dark

Night ToursGhost WalksPub CrawlsFood Tours

Wheels and water

Trolleys & BusesElectric CartsBike ToursPotomac CruisesPrivate Tours