Arlington National Cemetery Walking Tour
★★★★★ Rated Excellent on TripAdvisor | Small groups | Audio tour to USMC Iwo Jima Memorial | Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
A 2.5-hour guided walking tour of Arlington National Cemetery timed to witness the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns, pay respects at JFK’s eternal flame, and hear the stories behind more than 400,000 headstones. This is not a sightseeing tour. It’s an experience that stays with you.
Ready to walk through history?
Our tours run regularly throughout the week. Spots fill up fast. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before, so there’s no risk in reserving your spot now.
⏱ Duration: 2.5 hours
📍Meets at: Arlington Cemetery Welcome Center (after security). Tour ends at the Military Women’s Memorial.
🚇 Getting here: Metro Blue Line – Arlington Cemetery Station. Parking Lot available.
👟 Physical level: Moderate – uphill walking, some stairs. Not wheelchair/stroller accessible unless on a private tour.
We don’t just show you the sites.
We tell you the stories.
Every stop on this tour has a story most visitors never hear. Our guides bring them to life.
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Our tour is timed to witness the Changing of the Guard; one of America’s most solemn ceremonies. Learn what it takes to become a sentinel and how the Tomb is guarded 24 hours a day, in any weather.
JFK & Presidential Graves
Pay your respects at President Kennedy’s eternal flame, Jackie’s grave, and learn about William Howard Taft – the only two presidents interred at Arlington.
Arlington House
Discover why Robert E. Lee’s family estate became a national military cemetery. Hear the honest story of the property’s history.
Medal of Honor Recipients
Hear the courageous acts that earned America’s highest military decoration, and understand the deep symbolism in every headstone marker and section of the cemetery.
Military Women’s Memorial
Learn how women have contributed to the U.S. military across every era of American history – stories often left untold on other tours.
Bonus: Iwo Jima Memorial
End your visit with a free self-guided audio tour to the iconic Marine Corps War Memorial, just a 15-minute walk from the cemetery exit. We’ll give you everything you need.
Walking beats the trolley: here’s why.
The bus and trolley tours have their place but if you want to actually understand Arlington, you need to walk it. Our 120K+ member Facebook group agrees.
Reasons why a walking tour of Arlington Cemetery is the best option:
- We reroute for ceremonies. Arlington is an active cemetery. We give families the privacy they deserve and adjust in real time so you never miss a key stop.
- We time the Changing of the Guard perfectly. On busy days and special events, we arrive early and position your group for the best view. The trolley drops you around the corner and leaves you to figure it out.
- You get the best spot . We know exactly where to stand. You won’t.
- Your questions get answered. See something that catches your eye? We stop and talk about it. No rushing to catch the next tram.
The trolly is an excellent option for those unable to walk around the cemetery. While we can offer accessible options as a private tour – our public tour cannot accommodate wheelchairs or non-foldable strollers as there are unavoidable stairs.
Everything before you book.
Meeting point
Outside the Arlington National Cemetery Welcome Center, after security. Look for the guide in DC by Foot attire by the benches. There are restrooms if needed inside the Welcome Center.
Getting there
Metro Blue Line → Arlington Cemetery Station. Parking is available at the cemetery lot for a modest hourly fee. No need for a car from central DC.
What to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes (some uphill walking but we aim for leisurely pace)
- Water bottle
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Government-issued photo ID for security
- A quiet, respectful demeanor – this is an active cemetery with funerals held six days a week
Accessibility
This tour involves unavoidable stairs and uphill walking. It is not wheelchair or stroller accessible. For accessible options, please book our private tour.
Cemetery hours & admissions
Arlington National Cemetery is open daily 8am–5pm and is free to enter. No tickets are required for entry to the grounds.
The map below shows the approximate tour route and key stops. Your guide may adjust based on ceremonies, crowd levels, and group pace.
Ready to Walk With Us?
Spots on this tour fill up fast especially on weekends, holidays, and during peak season. Reserve your place now. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before, no risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arlington National Cemetery free to visit?
Yes. There is no admission charge to enter the cemetery. The only cost is our tour – no separate tickets required.
Is this tour appropriate for children?
Yes; this is one of our most family-friendly tours. The Changing of the Guard is particularly memorable for kids. Children under 4 are free.
What happens if it rains?
Tours run rain or shine. Dress for the weather and bring layers. In cases of severe weather we’ll notify all guests by email and text.
Can I visit on Memorial Day or Veterans Day?
Yes and these are particularly moving days to visit. The cemetery is open on all federal holidays. Check the booking calendar for availability.
Is photography allowed?
Yes, throughout most of the cemetery. Your guide will let you know if there are any restrictions near active ceremonies.
How do I cancel or reschedule?
Reply to your confirmation email to cancel or reschedule. Full refunds are available up to 24 hours before the tour. We offer flexible rescheduling and can often accommodate you on another date with short notice. Guests who booked via a third-party platform must cancel through that platform.
Are there restrooms on the tour?
Yes! There are restrooms in the Welcome Center where we start. There are no restrooms on the tour itself; though there are some for emergencies at the Tomb of the Unknown but you may miss some of the ceremony.
