U.S. Capitol Tours

Tours of the U.S. Capitol are free and open to the general public. Tours are conducted Monday through Saturday between 8:50 a.m. and 3:20 p.m. except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and Inauguration Day.

Visitors are encouraged to reserve a tour for their group here. This process allows individuals to check available dates and times as well as track the status of their scheduled tour. Simply click the link and take a few minutes to create a login account with the Capitol Visitors Center.

The Capitol also offers walk-up tours for those that do not have advance reservations. For same-day tour passes, please visit the Information Desk located on the lower level of the Capitol Visitor Center. During peak visitation periods, such as spring and summer, the availability of same-day tour passes is limited. Therefore, you may experience a wait-time to acquire passes for the guided tour. Please plan accordingly to ensure your opportunity to take a tour.

Below is a list of strictly prohibited items that will prevent you from gaining entry to the U.S. Capitol:

  • Liquid, including water
  • Food or beverages of any kind, including fruit and unopened packaged food
  • Aerosol containers
  • Non-aerosol spray (Prescriptions for medical needs are permitted.)
  • Any pointed object, e.g. knitting needles and letter openers (Pens and pencils are permitted.)
  • Any bag larger than 18" wide x 14" high x 8.5" deep
  • Electric stun guns, martial arts weapons or devices
  • Guns, replica guns, ammunition, and fireworks
  • Knives of any size
  • Mace and pepper spray
  • Razors and box cutters

Public transportation is strongly encouraged when commuting to the Capitol. For information about public transportation and alternative transportation options, please visit www.visitthecapitol.gov/plan-visit/getting-capitol.

Visitors with special needs or disabilities who require accommodations are asked to call the Office of Congressional Accessibility Services at 202-224-4048.

For more information about tours of the U.S. Capitol, please visit www.visitthecapitol.gov or call 202-226-8000.

Congresswoman Terri Sewell’s office can also arrange tours of the Capitol for small groups, no larger than 15 people. If interested, please send an email to our tour coordinator at sewell.tours@mail.house.gov with the date and number of people in your group.

Constituents of Alabama’s 7th district can pick up House Gallery passes from Congresswoman Sewell’s office at 2201 Rayburn House Office Building. A House Gallery pass is needed if you would like to see the House in session.

For unanswered questions, please call our Washington, D.C. office at 202.225.2665 and ask to speak with our tour coordinator.