Arlington Cemetery & Changing of the Guard: Group Guide

Arlington National Cemetery is one of the most moving stops in the Washington DC area, and for a group of 10 or more it can be the emotional centerpiece of a trip. More than 400,000 service members, veterans, and their families are laid to rest across its rolling hillsides, and the rituals here, especially the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, leave a lasting impression on first-time visitors. This guide covers what your group needs to know to visit comfortably and respectfully.

Because the cemetery is a working military burial ground, it runs differently from a typical sightseeing attraction. A little planning around timing, transportation, and etiquette goes a long way, especially when you are coordinating a larger party. If you would rather have the logistics handled for you, a guided Arlington Cemetery tour with the Changing of the Guard keeps everyone together and on schedule.

The Changing of the Guard, Explained

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier has been guarded continuously, 24 hours a day, every single day since 1937, by soldiers of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as 'The Old Guard.' The Changing of the Guard is the ceremony in which one sentinel relieves another, performed with precise, deliberate movements that include the famous 21-step walk and a 21-second pause, a symbolic nod to the 21-gun salute, the highest military honor.

The frequency of the ceremony changes with the season. During the warmer months it typically takes place every half hour, while in the cooler months it usually occurs once an hour. Because exact times can shift, confirm the current schedule on the day of your visit and aim to arrive at the Tomb at least 15 minutes early so your group can find a spot. The ceremony is held outdoors at the amphitheater plaza regardless of weather.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

The Tomb honors unidentified American service members and stands as a memorial to all who have died without their remains being identified. It is a place of deep reverence, and the sentinels maintain a strict standard of silence and stillness. Spectators are asked to remain quiet and standing during the ceremony, and a guard will occasionally remind the crowd to maintain silence and respect. Prepare younger members of your group ahead of time so the solemn tone is understood before you arrive.

Getting There With a Group

Arlington sits just across the Potomac River from Washington DC in Virginia, making it an easy add-on to a memorials-focused itinerary. The most reliable way to arrive is via the Metro: the Arlington Cemetery station on the Blue Line drops you steps from the Welcome Center. For groups, the Metro avoids the parking headaches of driving separate vehicles, though paid parking is available on-site if you are traveling by charter.

The cemetery covers more than 600 acres of hilly terrain, so distances between sights are longer than they look on a map. A narrated tram tour is available for an additional fee and is a practical option for groups that include older travelers or anyone with limited mobility. If you are arranging your own coach, our group charters team can help line up transportation that drops you near the entrance.

Etiquette and What to Bring

Arlington asks all visitors to treat the grounds as the sacred space they are: stay on roads and paths, keep voices low, silence phones near ceremonies, and never sit, climb, or lean on headstones or memorials. Photography is permitted in most areas, but avoid photographing active funeral services. There is no admission fee to enter the cemetery.

Wear comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes for the hills, and dress for the weather since much of a visit is outdoors. Bring water, especially in summer, and plan for roughly two to three hours to see the highlights without rushing. Security screening applies at the entrance, so pack light and leave large bags behind when possible.

Pairing Arlington With the Rest of DC

Most groups combine Arlington with the National Mall and the city's monuments. Our full Washington DC lineup makes it easy to build a complete day, and the contrast between the cemetery's quiet hillsides and the grand memorials downtown gives a trip real range. To see the icons after dark, when the marble glows and crowds thin, a DC night memorials walking tour is a memorable bookend; for daytime, the memorials guided walking tour covers the Lincoln, Vietnam, and Korean War memorials on foot.

If you want sweeping views to round out the day, skip-the-line Washington Monument tickets put your group above the city. For help deciding when to come, our guide to the best time to visit Washington DC breaks down the seasons, and the DC memorials day vs night tour comparison helps you pick the right vibe.

Booking for Groups of 10+

Coordinating a respectful, well-paced Arlington visit is far simpler with one point of contact handling tickets, timing, and transport. Groups of 10 or more unlock exclusive discounts and dedicated planning support, whether you are organizing a family reunion, a school trip, or a veterans' group. Tell us your dates and headcount and request a group quote, and we will tailor an itinerary that includes the Changing of the Guard and the memorials that matter most to your party. Educators planning a visit can also explore our school groups resources for age-appropriate pacing and pricing.