Visitor Safety

We want your visit to Arlington National Cemetery to be both memorable and safe! Please take note of these guidelines. 


Pedestrian Safety 

•  The cemetery is expansive: 639 acres. Walking distances and hills require moderate physical exertion.

•  An alternative to walking is the interpretive tour tram, which stops at John F. Kennedy’s gravesite, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and other notable sites. Visitors with disabilities may ride the tram for free, with one companion. 

•  Always watch your step while walking through the cemetery. Grounds have uneven terrain and tripping hazards. Utilize handrails and limit distractions—stay off cell phones while walking!—to prevent slips, trips and falls.

•  We encourage visitors to wear skid-free shoes. Be especially careful when walking on the marble surfaces at Memorial Amphitheater in wet or rainy weather. Burial sections can also become muddy after rainfall.

•  When conducting tours or walking on cemetery roads, please be mindful of vehicles, which may include machinery and construction equipment. Utilize sidewalks when available. In the absence of sidewalks, stay to the left or right side of the road to give way to traffic.

•  As of May 14, 2025, Sherman Drive will be temporarily closed to pedestrians due to ongoing construction.  

•  Visitors may encounter funeral processions and ceremonies. Please avoid walking in sections where active burials or inurnments are taking place.


Hydration

During the warmer months, the Washington, D.C. area can become excessively hot and humid. Plan ahead in order to stay hydrated.

•  Wear appropriate clothing and skin protection for the forecasted conditions. Do not lock your knees while standing. 

•  We highly recommend that visitors bring water bottles or purchase bottled water in the Welcome Center bookstore or the water-only vending machines located near the public restrooms at Memorial Amphitheater. 

•  Click here to print a map of water fountains and bottle fillers

•  Download our ANC Explorer mobile app, which will also assist you in finding water fountains and bottle fillers throughout the cemetery. 


► Call 911 in emergency situations.

► To report suspicious activity, call the Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Department of Emergency Services at 703-588-2800.