Arlington National Cemetery
Hillside of white headstones with the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and JFK's eternal flame.
The call
Worth it if you're watching the budget and you're traveling as a couple.
Short answer
Is Arlington National Cemetery worth it?
Arlington National Cemetery deserves a place on most first itineraries.
The answer depends on your budget, time and travel style; the breakdown below shows who gets the most value.
Why
- 01
The Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is genuinely solemn and unforgettable, and the hilltop views back over DC are superb.
- 02
The catch: it's across the river in Virginia, the grounds are large and steep, and as an active cemetery it asks for a quiet, respectful pace — not a rush.
Is it a fit?
Go if
You're watching the budget
Arlington National Cemetery earns the spend, even on a tight budget.
You're traveling as a couple
As a couple, Arlington National Cemetery is an easy yes.
You're traveling solo
Solo, Arlington National Cemetery is an easy yes.
History and culture matter to you
Arlington National Cemetery rewards a trip built around history & culture.
Plan it well
- Cost
- Free (paid tram tour optional)
- Timing
- Arrive early and time your walk to a Changing of the Guard
- Allow
- 2–3 hrs
- Accessibility
- Steep terrain; a paid hop-on tram tour covers the key sites for those who can't walk it
- Getting there
- Arlington Cemetery station on the Blue Line is at the entrance
Consider instead
Sources and method (3)
- Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier runs every hour on the hour Oct 1-Mar 31 and every half hour Apr 1-Sep 30. arlingtoncemetery.mil ↗
- Free admission; the narrated interpretive tram tour is a separate paid ticket (~$15 adult) sold at the Welcome Center. arlingtontours.com ↗
- arlingtoncemetery.mil ↗