Travel Guides
Arlington National Cemetery Trolley: Do You Need It?
639 acres, one big question. Here’s the honest answer — plus what it costs, how long to budget, where to park, and what not to miss.
Do You Actually Need the Trolley?
Arlington is 639 acres. The terrain is hilly, the paths are long, and the key sites are spread out. If you want to see JFK’s gravesite, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington House, and Section 60 in a single visit, you are covering serious ground.
The Case for the Trolley
The cemetery is big enough that many people — especially those visiting in summer heat or with older family members — find the trolley genuinely useful. You hop on and off at any stop, the guide provides historical context, and trolleys depart every 30 minutes. Approximately $19.50 for adults, $10.75 for children 4–12.
The Case for Walking
Entry to the cemetery is completely free. Walking means you stop when you want to stop, spend as long as you want at Kennedy’s grave, sit quietly by the Tomb without being on a schedule. Many visitors say the walking experience is more meaningful precisely because it’s unhurried.
| Factor | Trolley | Walking |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ~$19.50/adult | Free |
| Time | 45-min loop + stop time | 1.5–3 hrs depending on pace |
| Guided narration | Yes | No |
| Your own pace | Somewhat | Fully |
| Mobility issues | Yes — ADA accessible | Hilly terrain |
| Weekend Section 60 stop | Yes | Yes (walk yourself) |
What Not to Miss
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Guarded 24 hours a day, 365 days a year without interruption since 1937. The Changing of the Guard takes place every 30 minutes April through September, and every hour on the hour October through March. Time your visit around this — it is one of the most moving things you will witness in DC.
President Kennedy’s Gravesite
The Eternal Flame has burned continuously since 1963. JFK, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, and Robert F. Kennedy are all buried here. It is the most visited site in the cemetery.
Section 60
The resting place of service members from Iraq and Afghanistan. Added as a trolley stop on weekends. One of the most quietly powerful places in the entire cemetery.
Arlington House
The former home of Robert E. Lee, perched on the hill with sweeping views of Washington DC. A National Park Service site within the cemetery grounds — kids can earn a Junior Ranger badge here.
Hours, Cost and Getting There
Cemetery hours: Daily 8am–5pm, 365 days a year. Trolley hours: 8:30am–4pm, 363 days/year (closed Wreaths In/Out days). Entry: Free. Trolley cost: ~$19.50 adults / $10.75 children 4–12.
By Metro: Blue Line stops directly at Arlington Cemetery Station — walk out and you’re at the Welcome Center. The easiest approach for most visitors.
By car: Paid parking on site, approximately $3 per hour. Opens at 8am, closes one hour after the cemetery. Can fill early on Memorial Day and Veterans Day.
Important Rules Before You Go
- Bring a valid ID. 100% ID check, no exceptions. Foreign visitors need a passport.
- No food inside the cemetery. Eat before you arrive or plan to stop nearby.
- Silence at the Tomb. Remain quiet during the Changing of the Guard.
- Active funerals happen daily. Be respectful if you encounter a service.
- Download the ANC Explorer app. Locate gravesites and navigate the grounds before you arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arlington National Cemetery free?
Yes — entry is completely free. Parking costs $3 per hour. The trolley tour is an optional paid add-on at approximately $19.50 for adults.
How long does a visit take?
Plan for 2 to 3 hours minimum. If you’re walking the full grounds, budget 3 to 4 hours. Don’t rush it.
Is the Tomb always guarded?
Yes — 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, without interruption since 1937.
Do I need a reservation for the trolley?
No reservations needed. Trolleys depart every 30 minutes from the Welcome Center.
Quick Reference: Arlington National Cemetery
- Address 1 Memorial Ave, Arlington, VA
- Cemetery hours Daily 8am–5pm, 365 days a year
- Trolley hours 8:30am–4pm, 363 days/year
- Entry fee Free
- Trolley cost ~$19.50 adults / $10.75 children 4–12
- Parking $3/hour on site
- Metro Blue Line — Arlington Cemetery Station
- Food on site Not permitted inside cemetery
- Tomb guard change Every 30 min (Apr–Sep) · Every hour (Oct–Mar)
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📘 DC Parking & Towing Survival Guide
The neighborhoods surrounding Arlington Cemetery have their own parking rules. Know before you drive.
Bottom Line
Take the trolley if you have limited time or mobility. Walk if you want the experience to be unhurried. Time your visit around the Changing of the Guard. Give Arlington the time it deserves — don’t plan it as a quick stop before something else.
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