Washington Monument tickets cost $1 online, or free same day
The Washington Monument has no entrance fee, but you need a timed ticket to go inside and ride the elevator to the observation deck. Advance tickets on Recreation.gov have a $1 non refundable processing fee each. Free same day tickets are handed out at the Washington Monument Lodge from 8:45 am, while they last. Tickets often sell out.
Washington Monument ticket facts for 2026
| Washington Monument entrance fee | Free all year |
|---|---|
| Advance ticket | $1 processing fee per ticket, not refunded, on Recreation.gov |
| When advance tickets open | 30 days before the tour date, plus more 24 hours before |
| Same day ticket | Free, at the Washington Monument Lodge from 8:45 am |
| Where the Lodge is | The ticket window at the rear of the Lodge building |
| Most tickets per customer | 6 |
| Group tours | Advance only, up to 55 tickets |
| America the Beautiful pass | Not needed, there is no entrance fee |
| Family of 4, advance tickets | $4 |
|---|---|
| 6 advance tickets, the most allowed | $6 |
| Family of 4, same day tickets | Free |
| Group of 55, advance | $55 |
The $1 is a processing fee on advance tickets, and it is not refunded. Same day walk up tickets are free. Groups must book ahead, and same day tickets are not given to groups. Sources: National Park Service, Washington Monument; Recreation.gov ticket page; National Park Service Data API, fees and passes for every park (pulled September 26, 2026).
Other tickets and park fees near Washington, DC
Planning more than one stop? Here is what each one charges in 2026.
| Independence National Historical Park | $1 to reserve, free before 10 am |
|---|---|
| Lincoln Memorial | $1 online, free same day |
| Antietam National Battlefield | $20 per car |
| Assateague Island National Seashore | $25 per car |
| Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area | Free, $10 per car at beaches |
| Great Falls Park | $20 per car |
| Harpers Ferry National Historical Park | $20 per car |
| Shenandoah National Park | $30 per car |
What this price covers
What the park says: The Washington Monument is fee free all year, but timed tickets are needed to go inside and ride the elevator to the observation deck.
About the advance ticket: Advance reservations open 30 days before the tour date. More open 24 hours before the tour date. Each advance ticket has a $1 processing fee that is not refunded. The most you can book is 6.
About the same day ticket: Free walk up tickets are given out at the Washington Monument Lodge ticket window, at the rear of the building, starting at 8:45 am, while they last.
Which option is best for you? If you can get there early, same day tickets cost nothing. If you need a set time, the $1 advance ticket holds your spot. There is no entrance fee, so no park pass is needed.
What changes your price
- When you book. Advance tickets cost $1 each. Same day tickets at the Lodge are free.
- How many people. The $1 fee is per ticket, up to 6 per customer.
- Group or not. Groups must book ahead, up to 55 tickets, and pay $1 each.
Ways to pay less
- Want to pay nothing? Line up at the Washington Monument Lodge before 8:45 am for free same day tickets.
- Missed the 30 day window? More advance tickets open 24 hours before each tour date.
- Book early for spring and summer. Tickets often sell out.
- The $1 fee is not refunded, so book only the times you will use.
How we got these numbers
Every fee on this page comes from the National Park Service. We pulled the fee data for every park from the official NPS Data API on September 26, 2026, and each park's own fees page shows the same numbers. Where we show a total, we only add up the park's own fees. We do not add our own guesses. Fees can change, so check the park's page before you go.
Common questions
Is the Washington Monument free?
Yes. There is no entrance fee. Booking ahead costs $1 per ticket.
How much are Washington Monument tickets?
$1 each online, not refunded. Same day tickets at the Lodge are free.
What time do same day Washington Monument tickets come out?
8:45 am at the Washington Monument Lodge, while they last.
How many Washington Monument tickets can I get?
Up to 6 per customer. Groups can book up to 55 ahead.