Whether you’re driving or taking public transportation, this information can help you navigate while you’re visiting the U.S. House.
Public Transporation
The closest Metro stop to the U.S. House is Capitol South (served by the blue and orange lines), which is located behind the Cannon House Office Building. For more information on the Metro system and how to purchase a Metro card, please visit the WAMTA website. You can also walk from the Union Staion stop of you prefer to take the Red Line.
If you’re taking a taxi or requesting a rideshare, you may be picked up and dropped off in front of Longworth on Independence Avenue.
Plase note that scooters are banned on the House grounds and need to be docked at bike racks located adjacent to the campus.
Additional public transporation options include:
Parking
Please note that there is no public parking on the House campus. There are limited number of neighborhood spaces and parking garages in the adjacent neighborhood. Visitors are strongly encouraged to take public transportation or use a ride share.
Accessibility
The Office of Congressional Accessibility Services (OCAS) provides a variety of services for individuals with disabilities. Services include, but are not limited to, wheelchair loans, sign language interpreting services, and more. The OCAS can assist with questions regarding accessibility issues in the U.S. Capitol, U.S. House of Representatives, and U.S. Senate. For detailed information about the many services available and/or questions, please visit https://www.aoc.gov/accessibility-services or contact OCAS at 202-224-4048 (Voice) or (202) 224-4049 (TTY).
Prohibited Items
To ensure the safety and security of the U.S. House of Representatives, certain items are prohibited from being brought into the House buildings.
Bags exceeding the size of 18" wide x 14" high x 8.5" deep.
Firearms to include replica guns and ammunition.
Weapons (to include but not limited to): Black jack, sling shot, sand club, sandbag, knuckles, electric stun guns, knives (with blades longer than 3"), razors, box cutters, martial arts weapons or devices. Knives with blades 3" or less are permitted.
Explosives and explosive devices to include, but not limited to, Molotov Cocktails, components of a destructive device, and fireworks.
Pointed objects to include, but not limited to, knitting needles, letter openers, or other pointed objects deemed a possible threat. Pens and pencils are permitted. This restriction does not apply to staff.
Sealed envelopes and packages. This restriction does not apply to staff. (Please see Couriers & Packages for more information)
Prohibited Items in the House and Senate Galleries
Firearms to include replica guns and ammunition.
Weapons, to include, but not limited to, Black jack, sling shot, sand club, sandbag, knuckles, electric stun guns, knives of any size including razors and box cutters, martial arts weapons or devices.
Explosives and explosive devices to include, but not limited to, Molotov Cocktails, components of a destructive device, and fireworks.
Mace and pepper spray.
Aerosol containers.
Non-Aerosol spray except for prescribed medical needs.
Battery operated electronic devices to include cellular telephones, electronic keys, cameras, video recorders or any type of recording devices. Electronic medical devices are permitted.
Cans, bottles, food, and food containers, including all liquids.
Creams, lotions, and perfume.
Strollers.
Briefcases, backpacks, and suitcases of any size.
Prohibited Items on the U.S. Capitol Grounds
Pursuant to the United States and District of Columbia Criminal Codes, firearms, dangerous weapons, explosives, or incendiary devices are prohibited on U.S. Capitol Grounds. Federal law prohibits flying Unmanned Aircraft Systems, such as drones, anywhere in the District of Columbia. Washington, D.C. and the U.S. Capitol Grounds are designated as a NO DRONE ZONE.
Failure to adhere to these established regulations can result in arrest, fine and/or imprisonment, as well as the confiscation and/or destruction of the item. This list is not intended to be all encompassing but to serve as a general guide for what is and is not allowed to be brought into the various buildings on the Capitol Grounds.
For more information on prohibited items and safety regulations, please visit the United States Capitol Police website.