Washington DC · WASHINGTON DC PRIVATE TOURS

The 15 Best Private Tours in Washington DC

131 tours  ·  from $40 a head

A private guide sets the pace and the route, which matters with children, older travelers or a tight day. Many of these 15 are priced per group rather than per head, so read the price line before comparing.

National Mall Night Tour with 10+ Monuments (Public or Private) - Memorials around the Tidal Basin
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National Mall Night Tour with 10+ Monuments (Public or Private)

1.National Mall Night Tour with 10+ Monuments (Public or Private)

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,207 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $68Our pick

Start at 7:30 pm for a three-hour guided ride and walk among DC’s illuminated landmarks, including the Capitol, White House, Lincoln Memorial, and MLK Memorial. You’ll have time for photos at multiple stops, bottled water, and a guide throughout. Optional upgrades add timed entry to the Washington Monument or one of two Smithsonian museums for the following day.

“The tour guide was very kind. There was some confusion when she said it was a walking tour. It sounded like she was saying the bus would take us to a single stop and we would walk. Getting some passengers a little worried we had paid a lot for something we could do on our own. The tour guide also let some of her political views slip out. I love her passion, but it wasn’t the place. I did like that we were taken right to the monuments. I had a recent knee/foot issue and did not want to have to walk too much. There is some walking as to…”

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Private Washington DC City Tour - From World War II to Martin Luther King Jr.
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Private Washington DC City Tour

2.Private Washington DC City Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,508 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) Top rated

Ride with a driver-guide in a private Cadillac Escalade or Mercedes Sprinter, with pickup in central DC or Arlington. You can tailor the route around landmarks such as the White House, Lincoln Memorial, and Arlington Cemetery. Guides include Cliff, Jeik, Sebastian, Mark, Melinda, and Nick, though your guide is assigned for your tour.

“Had 8 in our party. Booked sprinter van to tour DC. Clean and plenty of room. Driver was very knowledgeable about sites. Worked with him before starting the tour to customize to allow time to see the Changing of the Guard while at Arlington. It takes a good bit of the tour time, but worth it. We had been to some of the locations already, so it worked out not seeing them again to allow the extra time.”

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Private Night-Time Monuments Tour of DC for up to 10 Guests - Lincoln and Vietnam: a strong finish to the evening
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Private Night-Time Monuments Tour of DC for up to 10 Guests

3.Private Night-Time Monuments Tour of DC for up to 10 Guests

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 326 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.)

Your guide picks you up at 7:30 pm for a private evening drive through Washington, with stops at the Capitol, White House, and major memorials. Christopher, Brittany, and Nick are among the guides named by guests. Expect a comfortable vehicle, bottled water, time for photos, and an itinerary you can tailor to your group.

“Guide was knowledgeable and professional. If you want to see the monuments, this is the you’re to take.”

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Private Multilingual DC City Tour (Spanish, Portuguese, English) - Marine Corps War Memorial: a quick Arlington-side stop
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Private Multilingual DC City Tour (Spanish, Portuguese, English)

4.Private Multilingual DC City Tour (Spanish, Portuguese, English)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 225 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $275

This four-hour private DC tour takes up to six people by SUV or other private vehicle to landmarks including the White House, Lincoln Memorial, Capitol, and Washington National Cathedral. Drivers such as Pedro, Jorge, and George have earned praise for friendly, flexible service. Your guide shares basic information in the vehicle, then leaves you to explore each stop on your own.

“Exactly what I was looking for. It was a lot in a small amount of time but when you don’t have a lot of time to see everything this was perfect. Driver was excellent. Worth every penny.”

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National Archives Skip the Line Guided Tour Semi-Private 6ppl Max - Public Vaults: presidential letters and civil rights records
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National Archives Skip the Line Guided Tour Semi-Private 6ppl Max

5.National Archives Skip the Line Guided Tour Semi-Private 6ppl Max

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 196 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours (approx.) · from $105

Spend 1.5 to 2 hours at the National Archives with an English-speaking guide and a group capped at eight. You’ll visit the Rotunda, Public Vaults and Rubenstein Gallery, seeing landmark documents and presidential correspondence. Guides named in past tours include Maribeth, Meghan, Donna, Richard and Bess, but your guide may differ.

“Donna was knowledgeable and made the history come alive. An educational experience. Would definitely recommend her and this tour.”

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Private Washington DC City Tour | Monuments Tour - The National Mall’s memorials, one short stop at a time
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Private Washington DC City Tour | Monuments Tour

6.Private Washington DC City Tour | Monuments Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 190 reviews · 3 to 4 hours (approx.)

Explore Washington DC in a private, air-conditioned limousine for up to three people, with pickup at a hotel or residence in the metropolitan area. Your driver can tailor the route, from the Capitol and White House to the memorials and Pentagon. Expect commentary during the drive and time to walk around at selected stops; guides such as Khalid, Gee, and Gligor have been praised for their friendly, informative approach.

“This was such a great experience! Fully customizable. Maaz was so informative and courteous. Very clean and nice vehicle. Very professional!!! Would do this again!!!”

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Private Washington DC Tour with Changing of the Guard Ceremony - Memorials along the National Mall
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Private Washington DC Tour with Changing of the Guard Ceremony

7.Private Washington DC Tour with Changing of the Guard Ceremony

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 184 reviews · 4 hours (approx.)

This four-hour private tour for up to 10 pairs a drive-by overview of central Washington with selected stops, including the White House, Capitol, National Mall memorials, and Arlington’s Changing of the Guard. You can shape the route with your guide. Frank, Louie, Angela, Jack, and Mark are among the guides named by past guests.

“This was a perfect tour if you have just a few hours in DC. We hit up all the famous landmarks and we had enough time to walk around the sites we were most interested in seeing. Frank, our tour guide, was so knowledgeable, friendly and respectful- we enjoyed spending a few hours with him. We especially appreciated his communication with us before and during our tour. We took this tour with my parents, aunt and uncle so we appreciated the big and comfortable van that allowed easy on and off access for them.”

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Smithsonian Air & Space Museum Guided Tour Semi-Private 8ppl Max - The Space Race: Capsules, Suits, and Lunar Keepsakes
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Smithsonian Air & Space Museum Guided Tour Semi-Private 8ppl Max

8.Smithsonian Air & Space Museum Guided Tour Semi-Private 8ppl Max

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 154 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $89

Join an English-speaking guide and a group capped at eight for a focused tour of the National Air and Space Museum. The route may include the Wright Flyer, Spirit of St. Louis, Apollo 11 objects, and moon rocks, depending on what is open during ongoing renovations. Guides have included Brenda, Amanda, Rebecca, Tim, and Ryan.

“Amanda was very knowledgeable and accommodating (my husband has a bad back and walks slowly). We were the only two people on the tour which was awesome!”

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3-4 Hour Private DC City Moonlight Tour by Van - World War II Memorial and the larger civic picture
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3-4 Hour Private DC City Moonlight Tour by Van

9.3-4 Hour Private DC City Moonlight Tour by Van

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 142 reviews · 3 to 4 hours (approx.)

Ride Washington’s National Mall and visit major memorials after dark in a private van, with a driver-guide and round-trip pickup within 4.4 miles of the city center. The route includes the Jefferson, Lincoln, Martin Luther King, Jr., and World War II memorials, plus views of the Capitol, Library of Congress, Washington Monument, and White House. Start time is 7:30 pm; guides have included Tunde, Frank, Bernard, and Fisseha.

“Our guide, Bobby, was exceptionally great! Our family learned a bit, saw all the monuments, and Bobby made it all fun. I highly recommend this tour!!”

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Smithsonian Museum of American History Semi-Private 8ppl Max - National symbols, from the Star-Spangled Banner to Washington’s sword
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Smithsonian Museum of American History Semi-Private 8ppl Max

10.Smithsonian Museum of American History Semi-Private 8ppl Max

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 135 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $89

Spend 2.5 hours with a guide at the National Museum of American History, in a group capped at eight. Expect highlights such as the Star-Spangled Banner, George Washington’s sword, First Ladies’ gowns, and Dorothy’s ruby slippers, with stories to connect the objects. Guides named by past participants include Mary Beth, Rebecca, Tony, Brenda, and Richard.

“Mary Beth was a wealth of information. Very friendly, knowledgeable and engaging. We covered a lot of ground in two hours. Would definitely recommend the small group tour.”

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Private & Custom Guided City Tour of Washington DC - The Capitol, from the Crypt to the galleries
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Private & Custom Guided City Tour of Washington DC

11.Private & Custom Guided City Tour of Washington DC

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 126 reviews · 4 to 15 hours (approx.)

Alan of Concierge Tours plans a private Washington DC day around your priorities, with pickup in DC and selected nearby areas. Choose a shorter outing or a day of up to 15 hours, then focus on landmarks such as the Capitol, Arlington National Cemetery, Ford’s Theatre, or Mount Vernon. Expect history, personal stories, driving between sites, and plenty of walking.

“Alan was amazing!! Would book this tour every time we visit! We loved that the tour can be customized to what we are wanting to see. Thank you so much for a great day Alan!!”

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3-4 Hour Private DC Highlight Tour by Van - Lincoln’s memorial and the National Mall
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3-4 Hour Private DC Highlight Tour by Van

12.3-4 Hour Private DC Highlight Tour by Van

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 120 reviews · 3 to 4 hours (approx.)

Visit DC highlights including the White House, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, and MLK Memorial in a private van for up to 12 people. Pickup is free within 4.4 miles of Washington DC. Guides praised by name include Tunde, Bernard, Nicole, and Victor, though your guide may differ. Expect about three hours of touring, plus pickup and drop-off time.

“Tundey was an amazing driver and tour guide! We were very comfortable and had plenty of room in the vehicle. He was accommodating and extremely knowledgeable! I would recommend this private tour to anyone. What a way to see Washington D.C.!”

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Arlington Cemetery & Changing of the Guard Semi-private 12ppl Max - Should you book this Arlington tour?
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Arlington Cemetery & Changing of the Guard Semi-private 12ppl Max

13.Arlington Cemetery & Changing of the Guard Semi-private 12ppl Max

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 118 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $51Best value

Meet your guide at Arlington National Cemetery’s Welcome Center for a 2.5-hour walking tour capped at 12 people. Visit JFK’s grave, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, memorials to Columbia and Challenger, and Arlington House. The Changing of the Guard is possible, but not guaranteed. Guides who have led the tour include Amanda, Alan, Donna, and Tony.

“We booked the Arlington Nat'l Cemetery Walking Tour (Semi Private) with the hope that an intimate learning experience with our school age children would help bridge a connection between their classroom learning and real life. Enter in our tour guide Tony Spadafora! He turned out to be the perfect guide for this tour; tastefully and respectfully offering a wealth of information on not so simple of content. He answered all of our questions with ease, a smile and was never in a hurry. One of the most impressive experiences was that of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. He talked w/us in advance of entering the area to observe the…”

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Customized Private Bike Tour of DC - The Mall, Smithsonian, and war memorials
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Customized Private Bike Tour of DC

14.Customized Private Bike Tour of DC

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 114 reviews · 3 hours (approx.)

See Washington, DC, by bike with a private guide, hotel pickup, and a route shaped around your interests. Over about three hours, visit landmarks including the White House, Capitol Hill, and the Lincoln and Jefferson memorials. Guides Jeff and Charlie are among the team, though your assigned guide may vary. Bikes, gear, snacks, and water are included.

“If there’s one thing you do while visiting DC with 11-year-old kids it’s Jeff tour. We spent the day with him and had truly the greatest time if we left the day after our trip to DC would be complete. He was patient knowledgeable, and wonderful company for the day. I can’t wait to book him again the next time we’re here.”

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Washington DC: Multilingual Private Day or Evening SUV Tour - Capitol Hill sets the scene
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Washington DC: Multilingual Private Day or Evening SUV Tour

15.Multilingual Private Day or Evening SUV Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 107 reviews · 4 hours

Take a private, four-hour Washington, DC tour for up to six in an SUV, with hotel pickup in downtown DC and a choice of English, Spanish, or Portuguese. The daytime route can be customized and includes monuments, neighborhoods, and Virginia sights. The night option focuses on illuminated landmarks. Guides named in past bookings include Jorge Mesquita and Pedro, but your assigned driver may differ.

“We wanted to see as much of DC as we could. We chose the best option! Pedro was professional, courteous and very friendly. It was like an old friend was showing us his city. If you have limited time and want an enjoyable and professional tour, book this guide!!”

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New in Washington DC Private Tours

★ 4.9Private Custom Tour with a Local GuideFrom $1294 reviews
★ 4.6Smithsonian American Art Museum Private Tour5 reviews
★ 5.0Private National Mall Walking Tour7 reviews
★ 3.6Museum of Natural History Private Guided Tour12 reviews
★ 5.0Library of Congress Private Tour with TicketsFrom $2083 reviews
★ 4.1Washington DC Day Tour – Private Tour3 reviews
★ 5.0private Ronald Reagan, Washington National Airport transfer9 reviews
★ 4.0Private Transfer Washington Airport DCA to Washington DC HotelsFrom $413 reviews
★ 4.5Semi-Private Evening Tour of Washington D.C.From $809 reviews
★ 4.0Washington DC Museum of Natural History Private Family tour5 reviews
★ 4.5Washington DC Sight Seeing Private Tour-English or Spanish Option6 reviews
★ 5.0Washington DC Legend Private Cart Shuttle Tour8 reviews
★ 4.0Private Washington D.C. Monuments Tour6 reviews
★ 3.5Private U.S. Capitol and Library of Congress Tour3 reviews
★ 5.0America’s Main Street and White House Private Full-Day TourFrom $6663 reviews

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