Library Of Congress Tour
Tours & tickets

Open today 10:00–17:00
Attendance: Moderate — summer peak
Arrive early to maximize time before 16:30 last entry.
Tickets

Choose your ticket

Verified partners for every tour, free cancellation where available, and instant confirmation on every booking.

US Capitol, Library of Congress & Supreme Court Tour 4 hr
Standard Entry

US Capitol, Library of Congress & Supreme Court Tour

5 (52)
€56
per person
Instant Mobile voucher Flexible — change up to 24h

Skip the ticket hassle and explore Capitol Hill's iconic landmarks with a knowledgeable local guide.

Reserve
Capitol Hill Guided Tour with Reserved Entry Tickets 3 hr
Guided Experience

Capitol Hill Guided Tour with Reserved Entry Tickets

4.7 (657)
€60
per person
Instant Mobile voucher Flexible — change up to 24h

Small-group walk through Congress, the Supreme Court and the Library of Congress with skip-the-line access.

Reserve

Prices from verified partners. Availability updates in real time at checkout. Free cancellation policies apply where shown.

What you'll do

Inside a tour, step by step

  1. 01 30 min

    Arrival and Security

    Pass through screening at the Thomas Jefferson Building entrance.

Highlights

What you'll see inside the attraction

The landmarks, rooms, and views travelers on this tour remember — all visible on a single visit.

Great Hall

Features elaborate marble and murals celebrating human knowledge, including the Minerva mosaic.

Main Reading Room

The centerpiece of the library of congress walking tour, standing 160 feet under the dome.

Jefferson's Library

The original collection of 6,487 books that rebuilt the library after the 1814 fire.

Biblical Treasure

The Gutenberg Bible is one of only three perfect vellum copies in the world.

America Map

The 1507 Waldseemüller map is the first to use the name America.

Head to head

Self-Guided Visit vs. Library of Congress Walking Tour — Which Suits You Best?

Structured tours provide deeper context for DC landmarks, while independent exploration offers superior schedule flexibility. Most visitors who prefer a narrative-driven experience find a guided library of congress walking tour more enriching.

Feature Top pick Guided Tour Self-Guided Visit
Navigational ease
Individual pace required
Historical depth
Dependent on personal research
Schedule flexibility
Available during public hours
Social interaction
Limited to private party
Logistical planning
Timed-entry pass management
Entry logistics
Independent visitor compliance

Verdict: Choose the guided library of congress walking tour tours for professional insight or opt for the self-guided library of congress walking tour tour if you prefer setting your own pace.

How your ticket works

Book your ticket in 3 steps

  1. 01

    Book online

    Choose your ticket, select your date, and reserve in under two minutes. Secure checkout handled by our verified partner.

  2. 02

    Receive your mobile voucher

    Instant confirmation by email, with a mobile voucher you can save offline. No printing, no queuing at a collection desk.

  3. 03

    Show & enter

    Arrive at the entrance, show your voucher on your phone, and walk in. Most tickets include priority or skip-the-line access.

Plan your visit

Everything you need to know before you go

Practical details for your visit straight from our verified partners — hours, access, rules, and how to get there.

Open today · 10:00–17:00
Opening hours
10:00–17:00
Address
10 First Street SE, Washington, DC 20540
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible with elevator
Best arrival
10:00–16:30
Security
Bag screening required
Mon
Closed
Weekly closure
Tue
10:00–17:00
Wed
10:00–17:00
Thu
10:00–20:00
Open late for events
Fri
10:00–17:00
Sat
10:00–17:00
Sun
Closed
Weekly closure
Closed on: Nov 28 (Thanksgiving Day), Dec 25 (Christmas Day), Jan 1 (New Year's Day)
Main entrance

Thomas Jefferson Building

10 First Street SE

Main entrance at top of grand staircase

Address
10 First Street SE, Washington, DC 20540
Security
Bag screening required

How to get there

🚆
Public transport · 10 min · Free after metro fare

Take the Orange, Blue, or Silver line to Capitol South station, then walk two blocks north.

🚶
Walk · 5 min · Free

From the U.S. Capitol, walk east past the Supreme Court on First Street SE.

Dress code

There is no formal dress code, but modest attire is encouraged for a research institution.

Bags & security

All visitors must pass through airport-style security screenings. Bags larger than 18” x 14” x 8.5” are prohibited.

Photography

Personal, non-commercial photography is permitted. Formal photography requires a pre-approved permit.

Accessibility

The facility is fully ADA compliant with elevator access and wheelchairs available on a first-come, first-served basis.

What to bring

  • Timed-entry pass
  • Government-issued ID
  • Camera
  • Battery-powered electronics
  • Empty clear water bottle
  • Prescription medication

Not allowed

  • Ammunition
  • Aerosol containers
  • Balloons
  • Bicycles
  • Ballistic items
  • Chemical substances
  • Drones
  • Firearms
  • Handcuffs
  • Laser pointers
  • Mace
  • Noise amplification devices
  • Sharp objects
  • Tasers

Families & strollers

Families are welcome; visitors of all ages require a free timed-entry pass to enter the library of congress walking tour.

Food & drink

Food and drinks are restricted. Containers must be empty, clear, or translucent; original packaging is required.

Meeting point

Where to find us

Thomas Jefferson Building

10 First Street SE

Main entrance at top of grand staircase

Get directions
Around your visit

Everything else worth knowing

Best time to go, insider tips, nearby landmarks, and the cancellation fine print — flip through to skim what matters to you.

Best time to visit

How crowds, weather, and events shift across the year.

Spring

Mild weather perfect for a library of congress walking tour with lower tourist density.

Summer

Warm temperatures; best to visit the library of congress walking tour during weekday mornings.

Fall

Crisp air and fewer crowds ideal for exploring the library of congress walking tour area.

Winter

Cooler days; enjoy the indoor architecture of the library of congress walking tour comfortably.

Helpful tips for your visit

Small details that turn a good visit into a great one.

Reserve Early

Book your library of congress walking tour tickets 30 days in advance to ensure availability.

Same-day Tickets

Check online at 9 a.m. for additional library of congress walking tour tickets.

Live at the Library

Visit on Thursday evenings for extended hours and special events.

Security Speed

Limit metal jewelry and carry-ons to clear the library of congress walking tour security faster.

Reading Room Access

Check schedule for limited public viewing hours of the Main Reading Room.

Volunteer Guides

Ask roaming volunteers for stories to enhance your library of congress walking tour experience.

Nearby landmarks

Non-bookable sights within a short walk — free to visit, easy to pair.

U.S. Capitol

5 min

Seat of the U.S. Congress and architectural icon.

Supreme Court

3 min

Historic judicial building with neoclassical design.

Folger Shakespeare Library

5 min

World-renowned collection of Shakespearean materials.

Library of Congress Annex

5 min

Additional research and collection storage buildings.

Cancellation policy

Flexible, no hidden fees.

Entry is 0 USD and requires a timed-entry pass. No refunds are applicable as the service is free.

Where to stay

Hotels & districts near the attraction

Hand-picked options within walking distance — pick a district for vibe, or a specific hotel for convenience.

Capitol Hill District

10 min
mid-range

Historic townhouses and local boutique hotels.

Union Station Area

15 min
luxury

Upscale hotels near major transit hubs.

Navy Yard

15 min
boutique

Modern waterfront lodging options.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about library of congress walking tour tickets

Do I need library of congress walking tour tickets?

Yes, free timed-entry passes are required for every visitor to enter the Thomas Jefferson Building.

What are the opening hours?

The library of congress walking tour is open Tuesday–Saturday from 10:00–17:00, with late hours on Thursday until 20:00.

Is the library of congress walking tour accessible?

Yes, the library of congress walking tour is fully accessible with elevators and loaner wheelchairs.

Are bags allowed?

Bags up to 18" x 14" x 8.5" are permitted; larger bags are prohibited.

What is the best time to visit?

To avoid crowds, visit the library of congress walking tour on weekday mornings.

Can I bring food?

Only food and beverages in original packaging are permitted.

How do I get to the library of congress walking tour?

The easiest route to the library of congress walking tour is via the Capitol South Metro station.

Is photography allowed?

Personal photography is allowed, but formal sessions require a permit for the library of congress walking tour.

What items are prohibited?

Prohibited items include firearms, sharp objects, and aerosols; check the full security list before your library of congress walking tour.