Washington, D.C. - White House - Helpful Travel Information



The Executive Branch of the US government resides in the White House.  Every president except George Washington has called the White House home. 

The White House and surrounding grounds are referred to as the President's Park.

Visitors can tour the White House but must follow security requirements before and during their visit:

• Visitors must request visits 21 days in advance through their congressman or embassy for the self-guided tour of the White House.

• You will have to provide SS number, date of birth, etc…when applying for a visitor's pass.

• Please bring a government-issued ID on the day of the tour (passport)

• Line up at 15th and Hamilton Streets NW for White House tour

After a tour of the White House go to the visitors center:

• Explore an interactive touchscreen tour of the White House

• View over 90 artifacts from the White House collection

• Shop at the White House Historical Association retail store

• View the 14-minute film, "White House: Reflections From Within."

• Attend special ranger programs and events at President's Park.  Ranger programs are usually offered Tuesday through Saturday. Check with the information desk.

To attend the White House Garden Tour (2 times a year- in fall and spring) visitors must obtain a free timed ticket which is distributed on the same day beginning at 9:00 am from the Ellipse Visitor Pavilion located near the corner of E Street and 15th Street. 

White House Garden Tour Dates

Address White House: 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20500
(For Pre-Scheduled White House Tour - line up at 15th and Hamilton Streets)

White House Visitor Center:  1450 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20230
Admission Fee

Admission is Free to White House

The White House Visitor Center is open from - 7:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. daily (except January 1, Thanksgiving, and December 25).

White House Public tour requests must be submitted through one's Member of Congress.

Requests can be submitted at least 21 days in advance. Submit your request as early as possible as a limited number of spaces are available.

These White House self-guided tours are available from:

7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday

7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays (excluding federal holidays or unless otherwise noted All White House tours are free of charge. 

(Please note that White House tours may be subject to a last-minute cancellation.)

If you wish to visit the White House and are a citizen of a foreign country, please contact your embassy in Washington, DC for assistance in submitting a tour request.

Visitors 18 years of age or older are required to present valid, government-issued photo identification (Driver’s license, passport).

All foreign nationals must present their passport for entrance to the White House tour. All other forms of foreign identification will not be accepted.
Getting There

By DC METRO/Metrorail to White House:

Exit at either station mentioned below and walk to the White House:

• Take the blue, silver, or orange line to Federal Triangle station or

• Take the blue, orange, silver, or red line to Metro Center station

Detailed directions to White House by DC METRO

Driving and Parking information for White House

 Recommendations

If you are already in the National Mall area then take the DC circulator bus National Mall Route to get around the National Mall area. 

It is economical, convenient, and saves you from way too much walking. 

DC Circulator bus - National Mall loop route

Website:

White House Website    

White House Visitor Center Website