Washington DC: Capitol Hill Walking Tour & Bus Tour with Capitol Entry

Walk Capitol Hill with a Live Guide, Then See DC from the Bus

You walk Capitol Hill with a live guide for 90 minutes, getting ground access to the US Capitol, Library of Congress, and Supreme Court. Then board a bus for a narrated tour of DC's major monuments and memorials, including the White House, Lincoln Memorial, and war memorials. The guide handles the history and timing, so you don't have to plan the route or figure out which memorial is which. Total time is about three hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. U.S. Capitol15m
2. The White House15m
3. National World War II Memorial15m
4. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial15m
5. Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial15m
6. Lincoln Memorial15m
7. Korean War Veterans Memorial15m
8. Capitol Hill20m
9. Library of Congresspass by
10. Supreme Court of the United Statespass by

Capitol Hill and DC Monuments Tour

• Walk with guide at US Capitol
• Pass by Library of Congress
• Pass by Supreme Court building
• See exterior of The White House
• Visit National World War II Memorial
• Explore Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
• Visit Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
• See Lincoln Memorial and US Capitol view
• Visit Vietnam Veterans Memorial
• Visit Korean War Veterans Memorial
• Visit Vietnam Women's Memorial

The experience

The tour starts on Capitol Hill with a 1.5-hour walking segment led by an expert guide who takes you through the grounds of the US Capitol, past the Library of Congress and the Supreme Court building. You'll get ground-level access to photograph the Capitol's exterior and hear the history of how these buildings shaped the country. The guide points out details most visitors miss: the architecture, the stories behind each structure, the way the three buildings sit in relation to each other. It's the kind of thing that makes sense when someone who knows DC is standing right there explaining it.

After the walking portion wraps up, you regroup with the rest of the tour and board an air-conditioned bus for a narrated drive through the city. From the bus you'll pass the White House, then move through the National Mall to see the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, the World War II Memorial, the FDR Memorial, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. The bus tour lets you cover ground without the fatigue of walking every block, and the narration fills in context you wouldn't get standing alone in front of each one. The whole experience runs about three hours, which is enough time to feel like you've actually seen the core of DC without burning out.

One thing to know: if you want to add a Washington Monument ticket, those are typically reserved for 3:30pm, though the exact time slot can shift depending on availability. You'd arrange that upgrade with your guide when you check in. The tour itself doesn't require advance booking of specific times for the Capitol or Supreme Court access, that's included, but the Monument is separate if you want it. Bring a camera. The photo opportunities are real, especially from the Capitol grounds looking toward the National Mall.

What’s included

• 1.5-hour guided walking tour of Capitol Hill with ground access to the US Capitol, Library of Congress, and Supreme Court building.
• narrated air-conditioned bus tour of Washington DC monuments and memorials including the White House exterior, Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, World War II Memorial, FDR Memorial, and Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial.
• live expert guide throughout.
• photo stops at major sites.

Options for this experience

2 options

Guide in English10:00

Guide in English08:00

Options with the same name differ in details you'll see when you pick a date.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00 and 10:00

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3)

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Signature Tours of DC

Is this one for you?This tour works well if you want to see DC's main political and historical landmarks in one morning or afternoon without arranging your own transport or figuring out which memorial is which: the guide and fixed route handle both.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3).

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 walking portion of the tour?

The walking tour of Capitol Hill lasts 1.5 hours and covers the US Capitol grounds, Library of Congress, and Supreme Court building.

What's included in the tour?

Ground access to the US Capitol, Library of Congress, and Supreme Court; a 1-hour guided walk of Capitol Hill; and a narrated bus tour of DC sites including the White House exterior, Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, World War II Memorial, FDR Memorial, and Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial.

Is the Washington Monument included?

No, the Washington Monument is an optional upgrade. If you add it, tickets are typically reserved for 3:30pm, though times vary by availability. You arrange the upgrade with your guide at check-in.

How long is the entire tour?

The tour runs approximately three hours total: 1.5 hours walking, then the bus tour for the remainder.

Do I need to book Capitol Hill access in advance?

No. Ground access to the US Capitol, Library of Congress, and Supreme Court is included and does not require a separate advance reservation.

Is the bus air-conditioned?

Yes, the bus portion of the tour is air-conditioned.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are permitted. Other pets are not allowed on the tour.

What should I bring?

Bring a camera for photo opportunities throughout the tour. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for the Capitol Hill portion.