Guided Tours
The National Archives is the home of the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, Bill of Rights, and other historically important records of the United States. You can enhance your visit to the Archives with a tour led by our friendly, knowledgeable staff. Guided tours are offered twice daily on a first-come, first-served basis at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm. These 30-minute “Highlights of the National Archives” tours include the Charters of Freedom in the National Archives Rotunda, and the only original copy of the Magna Carta on permanent display in North America. Join these tours at the Visitor Orientation Plaza next to the digital sign.
Group Visits
Reservations are recommended, but not required for groups visiting the National Archives. You may reserve up to six tickets per reservation. For larger groups, you may make more than one reservation for the same time and date, subject to ticket availability. Timed-entry tickets are available 90 days in advance.
A nonrefundable $1.00 advance reservation convenience fee will be charged for each advanced ticket. Time and date changes are allowed on a ticket order at no additional charge. If you cancel, ticket fees are nonrefundable. Same-day reservations are permitted.
Group Visit Frequently Asked Questions
The General Public Entrance is at the corner of Constitution Avenue and 9th Street, to the left of the stairs. We have a staffed, wheelchair accessible Special Events Entrance at the corner of Constitution Avenue and 7th Street, to the right of the stairs.
We recommend that you allow at least 90 minutes to visit all the exhibit galleries. To help you plan a worry-free visit, check out our tips and guidelines .
No, there is no audio guide available.
Guided tours led by staff are limited to 20 people. They are offered on a first come, first serve basis.
You may reserve up to six tickets per advance reservation. For larger groups, you may make more than one reservation for the same time and date, subject to ticket availability.
Please contact Visitor Services at visitorservices@nara.gov for all inquiries related to veteran groups and Honor Flights.
If you are planning on eating onsite, the National Archives has a small café that is open from 10 am to 2:30 pm. The Charters Café is located on the Lower Level. However, please note seating is on a first come, first serve basis. You are welcome to bring your own lunches to the café. Please remember food and drink may not be consumed anywhere else in the building.
No, there are no lockers or coat checks for the General Public Entrance at the National Archives.
There is no parking available at the National Archives. Buses may pause at the curb to pick up and drop off passengers only.
Please contact Visitor Services at visitorservices@nara.gov as soon as possible to discuss alternative arrangements for your visit.
The National Archives is accessible and ADA compliant. Learn more here.
Student Field Trips
Field trips at the National Archives bring K–12 students in contact with the people and decisions that shape our nation.
Tour Operators
Do you bring groups of more than 20 people on a regular basis? Create a commercial account via Recreation.gov to reserve timed entry tickets.