Frequently Asked Questions

What are the hours of the Capitol Visitor Center?

The Capitol Visitor Center is open to the public from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The Visitor Center is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Day, and Inauguration Day.

Is there a fee to enter the Capitol Visitor Center or to take a tour of the Capitol?

There is not a fee to enter the Capitol Visitor Center or to take a tour of the Capitol.

Do I have to take a tour to see the Capitol?

Yes, the only way to see the historic Capitol is on a tour.

How long is the tour and what will I see?

Tours last about an hour and include the Rotunda, National Statuary Hall, and the Crypt.

How can I book a tour of the Capitol?

You can book a tour of the Capitol online or through your member of Congress or senators. Please go to our Book a Tour page for details.

Are tours offered in languages other than English?

Tours in Mandarin and Spanish are offered at 8:40 a.m. by prior reservation. Please view the Foreign Language Tours page for more information. All other Capitol Visitor Center tours are offered in English. Non-English-speaking visitors may request a tour follow-along brochure, which provides translations of the historical information being shared by the guide. These brochures may be requested at the Information Desks and are available in the following languages: አማርኛ Amharic, اللغة العربية Arabic, 中文 Chinese, FRANÇAIS French, DEUTSCH German, हिन्द Hindi, ITALIANO Italian, 日本語 Japanese, 한글 Korean, PORTUGUÊS Portuguese, РУССКИЙ Russian, ESPAÑOL Spanish, TIẾNG VIỆT Vietnamese.

How much time should I spend at the Capitol Visitor Center?

We recommend that you allow at least 90 minutes for your visit. There is a lot to see and do, including Exhibition Hall, two gift shops and the Capitol Cafe.

Are there storage facilities at the Visitor Center?

There are no storage facilities at the Visitor Center.

May I bring my camera into the Capitol Visitor Center?

Yes, cameras are allowed in the Visitor Center and on your Capitol tour. Photography is prohibited in a section of Exhibition Hall that contains historic documents.

Where do buses drop off visitors who wish to tour the Capitol?

Tour buses drop off visitors on the West Front of the Capitol. For people with mobility issues, there are shuttles available to the Visitor Center entrance. Some city buses, including Metrobus and the Circulator, drop off passengers at the East Front near the Visitor Center entrance.

How can I find out when Congress is in session?

To find out when Congress is in session, go to www.house.gov or www.senate.gov.

How can I set up a meeting with my Representative or Senators?

To get information about how to contact your Representative, go to www.house.gov, and to find information about how to contact your Senators, go to www.senate.gov.

How can I obtain a flag that has flown over the Capitol?

Visit the Architect of the Capitol's Capitol Flags Website for instructions.

How can I learn about employment opportunities at the Capitol Visitor Center?

Employment opportunities are advertised on the federal government’s employment website, www.usajobs.gov.

Visiting the Capitol