Overview of entrance requirementsFree
No entrance pass required
Most visitors needReservations and Timed EntryWashington Monument ReservationAdvance Reservations 30 Day Advance Reservations - Order tickets online up to a month in advance of your visit. Inventory for the next available day (30 days out) becomes available at 10 a.m. each morning
24-Hour Advance Reservations - Didn't get tickets in advance or planning a last minute visit? A limited number of additional tickets are made available at 10 a.m. each day for the next day's visits
Groups may reserve up to 55 tickets up to 30 days in advance at recreation.gov ONLY. No walk ups are available for group tours. Exceptions30 Day Advance and 24 Hour Advance reservations may be made at recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777. Though there is no admission fee for the Washington Monument, there is a $1.00 service charge per ticket to cover reservation service; these fees are NON-REFUNDABLE. Ticket availability is limited and all tickets for a given day are often reserved the day they become available.
Monument is closed for visitors on Christmas Entrance PassesAn entrance pass is not required to access Washington Monument . Other National Park Service sites may require an entrance pass or fee. Depending on your trip plans, an interagency pass may save you money. 30 Day Advance Reservations - Order tickets online up to a month in advance of your visit. Inventory for the next available day (30 days out) becomes available at 10 a.m. each morning (e.g. - on May 7 at 10 a.m., tickets will become available for visits on June 6).
24-Hour Advance Reservations - Didn't get tickets in advance or planning a last minute visit? A limited number of additional tickets are made available at 10 a.m. each day for the next day's visits (e.g. - on May 7 at 10 a.m., tickets will become available for visits on May 8).
Both 30 Day Advance and 24 Hour Advance reservations may be made at recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777. Though there is no admission fee for the Washington Monument, there is a $1.00 service charge per ticket to cover reservation service; these fees are NON-REFUNDABLE. Ticket availability is limited and all tickets for a given day are often reserved the day they become available.
![]() NPS photo Get a bird's eye view of the nation's capital from the Washington Monument, the nation’s grandest memorial to the Father of His Country! Timed tickets are required to ride the elevator to the 500 foot observation deck and may be obtained in person or online: Walk Up Tickets (Same Day Only)
Online Advance Tickets
Group Tickets (Online Only)
Advisories
What to Expect During Your Visit: Signs posted outside the Washington Monument indicate the waiting areas for specific entry times. The waiting area is located on the east side of the Washington Monument inside the circle of flags. Park rangers will direct you to the security screening area in small groups. All visitors are subject to security screening. Weapons, strollers, and bulky items are prohibited. Wheelchairs are permitted. For a full list of restricted items click HERE. You will be directed to the Washington Monument's ground floor lobby. A park ranger will help you board the elevator for the express ascent to the top floor 500 feet above the ground. The ride lasts approximately 70 seconds. There is no time limit on the observation level. When you are ready to return, walk down one flight of stairs to the 490 foot level where you will board the elevator for the return trip. You can browse the small museum with exhibits about the history of the Washington Monument while waiting for the elevator. |
Last updated: May 15, 2023