Washington DC: Capitol & National Mall Bus Tour with Boat Cruise

Inside the Capitol, then 10 monuments and a river cruise in one day

You enter the US Capitol and tour three of its historic chambers, walk Capitol Hill past the Supreme Court and Library of Congress with a guide, ride a bus past 10+ major monuments including the White House and Lincoln Memorial, and (in season) take a Potomac River cruise. Lunch is on your own, and the tour runs the full day with one professional guide leading the whole way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. U.S. Capitol2h · entry included
2. The White House25m
3. National World War II Memorial20m · entry included
4. United States Holocaust Memorial Museum20m · entry included
5. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial20m · entry included
6. Lincoln Memorial20m · entry included
7. Korean War Veterans Memorial15m · entry included
8. Vietnam Veterans Memorial20m · entry included
9. US Marine Corps War Memorial20m · entry included
10. Georgetown1h 40m · entry included
11. Library of Congress5m
12. Supreme Court of the United States5m
13. Capitol Hill1m

Capitol Hill, Monuments, and Boat Tour

• Guided walk of Capitol Hill
• Entry into US Capitol Building
• Pass by Supreme Court and Library of Congress
• Photo stop outside the White House
• Bus tour to Washington Monument and Smithsonian Museum
• Visit National World War II Memorial
• Visit United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
• See Cherry Blossom trees and Tidal Basin
• Visit Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
• Visit Lincoln Memorial
• Visit Korean War Veterans Memorial
• Visit Vietnam Veterans Memorial
• Visit Arlington Cemetery
• Boat ride on Potomac River
• Lunch break (own expense)

The experience

"How many stops do we actually get to?" someone always asks on the bus, and the answer is more than you'd think. The day starts with a 2-hour walking tour through Capitol Hill where you pass the Supreme Court, Library of Congress, and Senate Office buildings before entering the US Capitol itself. You'll see at least three rooms inside, usually the Crypt, Rotunda, or National Statuary Hall depending on what's open that day. A professional guide stays with you the whole time, which means you're not reading plaques alone or wondering if you missed something important.

After Capitol Hill, the bus takes over and you hit the main stretch: photo stops at the White House, then the Lincoln Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the Korean War Veterans Memorial. You'll pass the Washington Monument, Tidal Basin, and more: over 10 sites total. There's a lunch break roughly halfway through (you pay for your own meal), and if you're going in spring or early fall, the day ends with a seasonal boat cruise along the Potomac River. When the cruise isn't running, the tour adds extra stops at the Jefferson Memorial, Air Force Memorial, and Eisenhower Memorial instead. It's a lot of ground, but the guide keeps the pace steady and the bus does most of the heavy lifting between stops.

The whole thing is full-day, so you're looking at a real commitment, but that's also what makes it work. You see the Capitol from the inside, walk the Hill on foot, and still catch the major memorials without spending three days piecing it together yourself. Bottled water is included, and the guide handles the talking so you can actually look at what you're seeing instead of hunting for information.

What’s included

• Entry into the US Capitol with access to at least 3 historic rooms.
• 2-hour guided walking tour of Capitol Hill including the Supreme Court, Library of Congress, and Senate Office buildings.
• full-day guided bus tour stopping at or passing 10+ major sites including the White House, Lincoln Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, Washington Monument, Tidal Basin, and more.
• seasonal Potomac River cruise (mid-March to mid-October) or bonus stops at Jefferson, Air Force, and Eisenhower Memorials in off-season.
• professional tour guide accompanying you throughout.
• complimentary bottled water.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDeparts at 08:00

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Under 3: can't be included in the booking

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.Operator's directions: “Meets across the street from the Supreme Court on First Street NE. Please arrive 15 min before tour starts.”

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 today

Good to know

Moderate physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Signature Tours of DC

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see the Capitol from inside and hit all the major National Mall memorials in a single day without arranging separate tickets, transportation, or timing: the guide and the fixed schedule handle all three.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years). Under 3: they can't be included in the booking.

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 full tour?

It's a full-day tour. The Capitol Hill walking portion is 2 hours, and the bus and boat sections fill the rest of the day.

Do I need to book Capitol entry separately?

No, entry to the US Capitol is included. You'll see a minimum of 3 rooms, which may include the Crypt, Rotunda, National Statuary Hall, Old Supreme Court Chamber, or Old Senate Chamber.

Is lunch included?

No, lunch is on your own expense. There's a break roughly halfway through the day, and in season you'll visit Georgetown Washington Harbor where you can eat before the boat cruise.

Does the boat cruise always happen?

The Potomac River cruise runs typically mid-March to mid-October. When it's not operating, the tour adds bonus stops at the Jefferson Memorial, Air Force Memorial, and Eisenhower Memorial instead.

What's the physical fitness requirement?

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The tour includes walking on Capitol Hill and standing at outdoor monument sites.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and service animals are allowed.

Can I bring my pet?

Animals are not permitted on the tour, except for service animals.

What's included in the price?

The tour includes Capitol entry, the 2-hour Capitol Hill walking tour, the guided bus tour of 10+ monuments, the seasonal Potomac River cruise (or bonus memorial stops in off-season), a professional guide for the full day, and complimentary bottled water.