Arlington National Cemetery: Private Walking Tour & Tomb of Unknown Soldier

Stand Before the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on a Private Cemetery Walk

You'll ride a tram uphill through Arlington's grounds, walk downhill past the tombs of presidents and generals, watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and hear the stories of how these figures came to rest here. The tour includes tram tickets and photo time, with a private guide who keeps the group small and the pace manageable. You return in the afternoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Arlington National Cemetery walking tour

• Begin at Women in Military Service Memorial
• Learn about women in military service
• Visit tombs of General Marshall and others
• Explore Arlington House and Robert E. Lee history
• See Changing of the Guard at Tomb of Unknown Soldier
• Enjoy tram ride uphill and walking tour downhill

The experience

Rows of white headstones stretch across a hillside in perfect formation, and somewhere in that landscape lies a soldier whose name will never be known. That's the first image that stays with you at Arlington National Cemetery, not the scale of it, though the scale is real, but the weight of what those rows represent. This private three-hour walking tour moves through that landscape with a guide who knows the stories behind the names: General George Marshall, Chief Justice William Rehnquist, President John F. Kennedy, and dozens of others whose final resting places tell the arc of American military and political history.

The tour starts at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial, where the guide walks you through the often-overlooked history of servicewomen: how they fought for recognition and earned their place in Arlington's grounds. From there you move through the cemetery on foot, but not all of it on foot: a tram ride takes you uphill (tickets included), which matters because the cemetery covers 639 acres and the walking portion heads downhill, so you're not climbing at the end of the day. The pace gives you time to stop, to read the inscriptions, to take photographs without rushing. Your guide points out the tombs of Robert E. Lee's Arlington House, the mansion that sat on these grounds before the cemetery existed, and the stories of how those generals and justices came to be buried here.

The Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is the centerpiece. Soldiers in dress uniform perform a precise, silent ritual every hour on the hour: the changing of positions, the folding of the flag, the absolute stillness that follows. It's not theater. It's a commitment that has happened every single day since 1937, rain or shine, and your guide explains the effort that went into identifying the remains of soldiers whose bodies were never claimed, and the decision to honor them with this tomb. You'll stand close enough to see the ceremony unfold, and the guide gives you space to absorb it.

Because this is a private tour, the group stays small (just you and your guide), which means you're not moving in a pack or waiting for stragglers. If you want to linger at Kennedy's grave or spend extra time reading names, you can. The guide is English-speaking and professional, and they know when to talk and when to let the place speak for itself. The whole thing takes three hours, which is enough to see the major sites without feeling like you're racing through a cemetery.

What’s included

• Private English-speaking tour guide for your group.
• tram ride tickets inside Arlington Cemetery.
• time to photograph at each stop.
• access to the Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
• stories and context for the graves of President Kennedy, General Marshall, Chief Justice Rehnquist, General Bradley, and other major figures buried in the cemetery.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:45, 09:15 and 13:45

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “In front of the main entrance to Arlington National Cemetery Welcome Center, 1 Memorial Ave, Fort Myer, VA 22211.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical levelWheelchair accessiblePublic transport nearby

Operated by Travel Curious

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to understand Arlington's history without navigating the 639 acres on your own or waiting in a group tour: the private guide and included tram ticket mean you move at your own pace and see the Changing of the Guard without the crowd.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

How long is the tour?

Three hours total, including the tram ride uphill and the walking portion downhill.

Is the Changing of the Guard ceremony guaranteed?

The ceremony happens every hour on the hour, so yes. Your guide will time the tour to include it.

What's included in the price?

Tram ride tickets, the private guide, and time to take photographs at each stop. Entrance to Arlington itself is free.

Do I need to be very fit to do this tour?

The tour involves walking downhill on cemetery grounds and standing for periods during the ceremony. The tram handles the uphill portion, so it's manageable for most people, though the cemetery's terrain is uneven in places.

Can I visit specific graves?

The tour covers the major sites (Kennedy's tomb, General Marshall, Chief Justice Rehnquist, and others), and your guide can answer questions about graves you want to see. Because it's private, you have flexibility to spend extra time at particular locations.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

The cemetery is wheelchair accessible, and the tram accommodates wheelchairs. Some sections of the walking route are on paved paths, though the terrain is not entirely flat.

What's the best time of year to visit?

Spring and fall offer mild weather. Summer can be hot, and winter can be cold, but the cemetery is open year-round and the Changing of the Guard happens every day.

Do I need to book in advance?

Private tours should be booked ahead to secure your preferred time and ensure your guide is available.