Arlington National Cemetery

The basics

Arlington National Cemetery is free to visit, and travelers should start at the Welcome Center, where maps, exhibits, and information services can be found. Notable sites within the cemetery include the President John F. Kennedy Eternal Flame; the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier; Arlington House; and the Memorial Amphitheater.

Choose a hop-on, hop-off tour that stops at the cemetery, a walking tour of the grounds, or a tour that combines a visit to the cemetery with stops at National Mall monuments, war memorials, Mount Vernon, or other DC landmarks.

Things to know before you go

• Keep in mind that the cemetery honors fallen members of the US Armed Forces and that a visit is a solemn affair. Exercise an appropriate level of respect.

• Be prepared to go through a security screening before entering the cemetery.

• No food or drink other than bottled water is allowed in the Welcome Center or on the cemetery grounds.

• The cemetery is wheelchair and stroller accessible, but you must bring your own.

• Download the ANC Explorer mobile phone app or use it at the kiosks on-site to locate gravesites and monuments around the cemetery.

How to get there

To reach Arlington National Cemetery by metro from Washington DC, get off at the Arlington National Cemetery Station on the Blue Line. By car, it's off of Memorial Avenue, across the Potomac from downtown DC.

When to get there

Arlington National Cemetery can be visited 365 days a year. The site is open from morning to the beginning of the evening and keeps later hours from April through September. It’s less crowded in winter, but be prepared for cold temperatures.

The Changing of the Guard

The Changing of the Guard ceremony outside the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a must-see when visiting Arlington National Cemetery. From October through March, it takes place every hour on the hour, and from April through September, it occurs every half hour. The start of the ceremony is announced by a relief commander, and visitors are expected to stand and stay silent throughout the ceremony.

Can you visit Arlington National Cemetery without a tour?

Yes, you can visit without booking a specific Arlington National Cemetery tour. The cemetery is free to visit throughout the year, and visitors do not need to book Arlington National Cemetery tickets in advance. Once inside, you can explore and pay tribute to the fallen at your own pace.

How long are the tours at Arlington National Cemetery?

That depends on which tour you book and on your own exploring interests. Arlington National Cemetery offers tram tours. They depart every half hour from morning to afternoon and run on a 45-minute loop. Other independent walking tours and monument tours can last for several hours.

Is Arlington National Cemetery worth visiting?

Yes, Arlington National Cemetery is absolutely worth visiting. The largest military cemetery in the country, it is the final resting place of some 400,000 veterans, as well as luminaries like President John F. Kennedy and Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. It is a place of contemplation and tribute.

What is the best time of year to visit Arlington National Cemetery?

Arlington National Cemetery is open daily, and there's never a bad time to explore. The landmark is outdoors, so visit on a good-weather day for optimal comfort. The remembrance services held on Memorial Day and Veterans Day draw large crowds, and access may be limited.

Is there a dress code for Arlington National Cemetery?

No, there is no set dress code for casual visitors to Arlington National Cemetery, although it's advised to dress for the season, wear shoes appropriate for the uneven terrain, and dress respectfully. For wreath-laying ceremonies and funerals, a more formal dress code (button-up shirts, knee-length dresses) is requested.

Is it disrespectful to take pictures at Arlington National Cemetery?

No, it is not disrespectful to take photos within Arlington National Cemetery. Photography is permitted, and photos can be a way for visitors to capture gravesites and other important places of remembrance. However, taking photos of funerals in progress or of other mourners is strongly frowned upon.

Ways to explore

Arlington National Cemetery is often included on historic tours of the DC area, typically timed to take in the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. You can also visit on a self-guided walking tours curated by Arlington (each focusing on a different aspect of American military history) or the hop-on-hop-off tram tour. Notable features of the cemetery include the educational Welcome Center, the eternal flame at the gravesite of President John F. Kennedy, and the elegant Memorial Amphitheater, which hosts remembrance events throughout the year. Spend an hour exploring the grounds and taking in the scale of the site, as you learn about notable periods of American history.

Accessibility

Wheelchair-accessible parking is available, and visitors using wheelchairs are entitled to a complimentary tram ride on the site. Visitors can also receive a free shuttle ride to a specific grave. With four weeks' notice, tours in sign language are available. Service animals with documentation are welcome.

Age limits

There are no age limits; however, younger children should be closely supervised, as it is an active cemetery.

What to pack

Water, credit card, sunglasses, sunscreen, ID

What to wear

As a working graveyard and place of mourning, dress conservatively and respectfully.

Not allowed

Food or alcohol, sitting on monuments or markers, speakers

Amenities

Paid parking, bathrooms, water fountains

Address 

Located across the river from downtown Washington DC, it’s easy to get to Arlington National Cemetery, even if you’re not taking a guided tour.

Driving

From central DC, take M Street NW to 23rd Street NW. Follow 23rd Street NW and Arlington Mem Bridge/Memorial Bridge to Memorial Avenue in Arlington. Follow signs for Arlington National Cemetery.

Public transportation

Catch the Blue Metro line from the stop at McPherson Square, heading towards Franconia-Springfield. Ride four stops (about 10 minutes), and hop off at the Arlington Cemetery Stop.

Best times to visit

In summer, visit in the morning or later afternoon for soft light and pleasant temperatures. The Changing of the Guard occurs on the hour from October 1–March 31, and every half hour from April 1–September 30. If you visit before 9am or after 3pm on weekdays, you’ll avoid visiting during funerals.

Best days to visit

It's open seven days a week, and no funeral services are held on weekends, which makes weekends appealing.

Best months to visit

May is a lovely time, with blooming flowers and warmer weather. Otherwise, opt for later September, when the leaves are changing colors and there’s a crispness in the air.

Special events

Memorial Day and Veterans Day (the last Monday of May and November 11, respectively) are both public ceremonies.