Where do the Arlington National Cemetery tours start?
Arlington National Cemetery tours begin at the Welcome Center located near the main entrance of the cemetery. You can find the boarding area for the interpretive tram service directly outside this building. We recommend arriving early to purchase your tickets or check in before your preferred departure time.
How long does the Arlington National Cemetery tour take?
A full loop takes approximately 45 minutes if you remain on the vehicle for the entire narrated journey. However, since this is a hop-on hop-off service, your total visit time will depend on how long you spend at each of the seven designated stops.
Is the Arlington National Cemetery tour hop-on hop-off?
Yes, the tour operates as a hop-on hop-off service. On weekdays, there are four primary stops; on weekends, the service expands to 7 stops to include additional memorials.
Are the Arlington National Cemetery tours narrated?
All tours are fully narrated by professional guides who provide historical context and facts about the cemetery. These guides share details about the heroes and landmarks you pass during the loop. This narration helps you understand the significance of the sites as you travel between the various stops.
How often do the tour trolleys depart from the Welcome Center?
Trolleys depart from the Welcome Center every 30 minutes throughout the day. These frequent departures ensure you can begin your tour shortly after arrival. The schedule remains consistent, allowing you to plan your visit with ease while navigating the various memorials and landmarks across the property.
Do I need to make reservations for the Arlington National Cemetery tour?
You do not need to make reservations for the day tours at Arlington National Cemetery. Tickets are available for purchase on-site at the Welcome Center or online before your arrival. This policy provides flexibility, allowing you to join a tour whenever it fits into your daily travel schedule.
Where can I park when taking a tour of Arlington National Cemetery?
Ample paid parking is available in the parking garage accessible from Memorial Avenue. This facility opens at 8:00 am and closes one hour after the cemetery shuts for the day. You will find the Welcome Center and tour starting point within a short walk from this parking area.
Are the tour vehicles at Arlington National Cemetery climate-controlled?
No, the tour vehicles are open-air and do not feature air conditioning or heating. The trolleys are designed with roofs to provide cover from direct sun and rain while allowing for unobstructed views. We suggest dressing appropriately for the weather conditions expected on the day of your visit.
Are the tours at Arlington National Cemetery accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, all tour vehicles are ADA-accessible and can accommodate wheelchairs and electric scooters. We provide assisted listening devices upon request for guests who require them. Visitors with a valid disability placard or documentation may ride the service at no cost along with one companion.
What are the official operating hours for Arlington National Cemetery tours?
Tour operations run from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm every day of the year. While the cemetery itself opens at 8:00 am, the first tour trolley leaves the Welcome Center at 8:30 am. The final departure for the full loop occurs at 4:00 pm daily.
What items are prohibited inside Arlington National Cemetery?
Prohibited items include weapons, alcohol, coolers, and large bags exceeding 18x13x8 inches. Bicycles, scooters, and skateboards are also not permitted on the cemetery grounds or tour vehicles.
Are bags allowed on the Arlington National Cemetery tour trolleys?
You may bring small bags on the trolleys as long as they fit securely on your lap or beneath your seat. All bags are subject to physical inspection and X-ray screening by security staff before you are permitted to board the vehicle. We advise you to bring only essential items to ensure there is enough space for all passengers on the tour.
Is there a security screening process for tour visitors?
Yes, all visitors must pass through a security screening process located at the Welcome Center before entering the cemetery grounds. This mandatory protocol includes metal detectors for individuals and X-ray machines for all bags and personal belongings. We suggest you arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled tour to complete these required safety checks.
Do non-U.S. citizens need a passport to visit Arlington National Cemetery?
Yes, non-U.S. citizens (18+) are required to present a valid foreign passport or a Permanent Resident Card. Foreign driver’s licenses are not accepted for entry to this federal installation.
Does the tour stop at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier?
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is one of seven designated stops on our narrated tour. You may disembark at this location to observe the Changing of the Guard ceremony. After paying your respects, you can board the next available tram to continue your visit through the cemetery grounds.
What time is the Changing of the Guard ceremony?
The Changing of the Guard occurs every hour on the hour from October 1 through March 31. From April 1 to September 30, the ceremony takes place every half hour. This frequent schedule allows you to witness the Sentinels of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment perform their duty throughout the day.
How long does the Changing of the Guard ceremony last?
The ceremony is a brief display of military respect and reverence conducted by the Old Guard. While the exact length varies, the process involves the relief of the current sentinel by a new guard. You will see the soldiers march and salute the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier during this ritual.
Where is President John F. Kennedy’s gravesite located within the cemetery?
The President John F. Kennedy gravesite is a designated stop on the trolley tour. This site is situated on the hillside directly below Arlington House and features the Eternal Flame. The trolley stop provides direct access to the entire Kennedy family plot, which includes the graves of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and the President’s brothers, Robert F. Kennedy and Edward M. Kennedy.
Can you see the Eternal Flame on the Arlington National Cemetery tour?
You can see the Eternal Flame at the gravesite of President John F. Kennedy. This flame has burned continuously since 1963 as a tribute to the 35th President. It is one of the most significant landmarks you will visit during your time at the cemetery.
Does the tour include a stop at Arlington House (The Robert E. Lee Memorial)?
Yes, our tour includes a dedicated stop at Arlington House, also known as the Robert E. Lee Memorial. You can hop off the tram at this location to walk through the historic grounds and view the mansion. This site offers a view of the Potomac River and the Washington, D.C. skyline.
Where is the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima) in relation to the tour?
The U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial is the final stop on our narrated tour route. It is located just outside the cemetery grounds and is accessible via our interpretive bus service. You can disembark here to view the iconic statue that honors all Marines who have served.
Can I visit the Space Shuttle Challenger Memorial on the tour?
You can visit the Space Shuttle Challenger Memorial by getting off at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier stop. This memorial honors the crew of the STS-51L mission and is located near the Memorial Amphitheater.
Where is the Military Women’s Memorial located?
The Military Women’s Memorial is located at the Ceremonial Entrance of the cemetery, which is near the Welcome Center. This is the first stop on our tour where you begin your loop.
Which stop should I use to visit the USS Maine Mast Memorial?
You should use the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier stop to visit the USS Maine Mast Memorial. This landmark is located near the Memorial Amphitheater and honors those who died when the battleship sank in 1898. The stop provides easy access to several important memorials in this section of the cemetery.
What is the dress code for visiting Arlington National Cemetery?
You should wear comfortable walking shoes and casual, respectful clothing when visiting Arlington National Cemetery. While there is no formal dress code, we recommend attire suitable for an outdoor memorial and significant walking across uneven terrain. You will be visiting active burial grounds, so please choose clothing that maintains a respectful atmosphere for families and services.
Are tours still operating if a funeral is taking place?
Arlington National Cemetery tours continue to operate daily while funerals are taking place, though certain stops may be modified. We adjust the tour route as needed to maintain a quiet and respectful environment for grieving families and official ceremonies. If a service is occurring near a specific landmark, we may bypass that area until the ceremony concludes.
Can I bring my dog or pet on the Arlington National Cemetery tour?
You cannot bring pets on the Arlington National Cemetery tour, as the grounds only permit service animals that perform tasks for individuals with disabilities. Pets, including those in carriers or bags, are prohibited from the cemetery grounds and our tour vehicles. Please ensure your service animal remains under your control throughout the duration of your visit.
What happens to the tours during rain or inclement weather?
Our tours operate in the rain and during most weather conditions to ensure you can visit the cemetery as planned. We only suspend operations in the event of extreme weather or hazardous conditions that compromise guest safety. You should bring an umbrella or poncho if the forecast calls for rain during your scheduled visit to the grounds.
Are there restrooms available along the tour route?
You can find restrooms at the Arlington National Cemetery Welcome Center and near the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. We recommend using the facilities at the Welcome Center before boarding the tour vehicle, as these are the primary accessible locations on the grounds.
Are food and drinks allowed on the tour vehicles?
Only bottled water is permitted on the tour vehicles and within the cemetery grounds. All other food and beverages are strictly prohibited to maintain the solemnity of the cemetery.