In short
- Grounds Tickets cost $22 for adults.
- Highlights Tour tickets cost $42 for adults.
- House tours require timed-entry tickets.
In this article
Monticello offers several ticket types. You need to decide if you want to go inside the main house or just explore the outdoor plantation. Compare the options below to plan your day.
What does the Grounds Ticket include?
The Grounds Ticket allows access to the outdoor spaces and visitor center for $22.
This adult ticket covers the 5,000-acre estate's exterior areas. You can walk the gardens, see the historic graveyard, and explore Mulberry Row. It also includes access to the David M. Rubenstein Visitor Center exhibits.
You cannot enter the main house with a Grounds Ticket.
What is the Highlights Tour?
The Highlights Tour is the standard house tour and costs $42 for adults.
This ticket includes everything in the Grounds Ticket, plus a guided tour of the main house. You will see first-floor rooms like the Parlor, Library, and Jefferson's Cabinet. These house tours require timed entry.
How do I see the Dome Room?
You must book the Behind the Scenes Tour to access the upper level and the Dome Room.
Standard house tours stay on the main floor. The Behind the Scenes Tour takes you upstairs into the octagonal Dome Room. These tickets sell out quickly, so buy them in advance.
Are there full-day Monticello tours?
Yes, guided day trips from Washington D.C. are available from $150.
If you do not want to drive or rent a car, book a bus tour. These trips take 2.5 to 3 hours each way. They usually include transportation and a 45-minute Highlights Tour.
What other tours are offered at Monticello?
You can take the 'From Slavery to Freedom' tour or evening holiday tours.
The 'From Slavery to Freedom' tour focuses on Mulberry Row. This outdoor tour explores the lives of the enslaved workers. Holiday Evening Tours cost $99 for adults and offer a different perspective on the house.
Do I need to buy Monticello tickets in advance?
Yes, you should buy your tickets online before you arrive.
House tours use timed entry. Timeslots often sell out during the busy spring and early fall months. Download your tickets to your mobile device or print them to save time.
Questions travellers ask
How much time should I spend at Monticello?
A typical visit takes 2.5 to 3.5 hours. This gives you enough time to explore the visitor center, take a house tour, and walk the grounds.
Do children enter for free?
Children under 5 enter for free. Older children will need a paid ticket depending on the tour chosen.
Does my ticket include parking?
Yes, all tickets include free parking at the David M. Rubenstein Visitor Center. You also get a free shuttle ride to the mountaintop.
