Washington Monument: Free Timed-Entry Tickets Explained
45 min - 1 h
Monument / Observation Deck
Completed 1884
2 15th St NW, Washington, DC, USA
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Practical Visitor Info & Tips
$0.00
N/A — same free ticket for all ages 2+
Check the official NPS site for current seasonal hours.
Mandatory timed-entry ticket for every visitor age 2+. Advance tickets via recreation.gov carry a non-refundable $1.00 per-ticket service charge (released daily at 10:00 a.m., up to 30 days ahead). Free same-day walk-up tickets are distributed at the Washington Monument Lodge from 8:45 a.m., first-come first-served; supplies are limited and often sell out in peak season.
Elevator access to the 500-foot observation level of the 555-foot monument honoring George Washington.
| Option | Price | Booking | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advance timed ticket (recreation.gov) | Free ($1.00 non-refundable service charge) | Released daily at 10:00 a.m., up to 30 days ahead | |
| Same-day walk-up ticket | Free | Monument Lodge, first-come first-served from 8:45 a.m.; supplies limited |
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Ticket Options
$0.00
Check whether a city pass already covers this attraction before buying separately.
See pass compatibility below ↓Overview & History
The 555-foot marble obelisk honoring George Washington is the world's tallest predominantly stone structure and one of the National Mall's most recognizable landmarks. Admission to the observation level is free — but unlike a simple walk-up landmark, every visitor age 2 and older needs a timed-entry ticket, issued by the National Park Service, to go up.
What to See: Top Highlights
500-Foot Observation Level
Windows near the top offer 360° views across the National Mall, the Potomac River, and the surrounding city.
High-Speed Elevator
A 70-second ride to the top — the only way up, since the monument's internal stairs are closed to the public.
Commemorative Stones
Carved stones lining the interior, donated by U.S. states, foreign nations, and organizations during construction.
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Is This Covered by a Washington DC Pass?
Compare Washington D.C. PassesNot applicable — the Washington Monument is free regardless of any pass. The Go City Washington DC Explorer Pass does not (and could not) include it, since there's no admission fee to unlock. What you actually need here is a timed-entry ticket, not a paid pass — plan ahead on recreation.gov or arrive early for same-day walk-up tickets.
No pass needed — reserve a free timed ticket instead
Advance tickets ($1.00 service charge) via recreation.gov, or free same-day walk-up tickets at the Monument Lodge from 8:45 a.m.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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