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Plan Your Visit
to The Capital Wheel

Hours

Open Daily

10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Plan ahead- check out our operating calendar here.

Tickets

General Admission $17.00 + tax
Child (12 and under) $13.50 + tax
Military $15.50 + tax

To honor all the dedicated service women and men that help protect our country, we offer a special rate of $15.50 plus tax available for purchase at our ticket booth with valid ID.

VIP Gondola

VIP Ticket $50.00 + tax

Our National Harbor One VIP Gondola provides up to four guests with a luxurious ride featuring leather bucket seats, interior lighting and a glass floor. VIP guests also receive a photo package ($20 value).

Get Tickets >
Pricing excludes taxes.
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Getting Here


Conveniently located just off 495, 8 miles south of downtown Washington, D.C., just across the Potomac River from Old Town Alexandria, VA.

Rent Our Lights


Imagine seeing your logo in the lights of The Capital Wheel. There are many reasons to light up the Capital Wheel, including:

  • Brand/Cause Awareness
  • Baby Gender Reveal
  • Birthday/Anniversary
  • Proposals

Contact Us

FAQ


Here are some frequently asked questions:

When is The Capital Wheel open?
**Operating hours subject to change due to holidays and special events; please check our Calendar  or Facebook page for latest information.**

How much do tickets cost?
All tickets, plus tax:

  • $17 for adults
  • $13.50 per child ages 3 – 11
  • Free for children ages 2 and under
  • Discount pricing is available for seniors and military with valid ID for $15.50
  • Tickets for National Harbor One (the VIP Gondola) cost $50 per person. The VIP Gondola can fit up to four riders.

* Prices, dates and availability are subject to change without notice.

Are reservations required?
Reservations are not required for The Capital Wheel.

Are tickets good for a specific time, or for the entire day?
Tickets are good for one admission during operating hours (not unlimited rides per day). The tickets are not timed, so you can experience The Capital Wheel at your convenience. The tickets will expire months from the date of purchase.

How can I buy tickets?
Tickets can be purchased HERE or at the onsite ticket booth at the pier.

If I don’t print my tickets will my tickets scan from my smartphone?
Yes, you can scan your ticket barcode from your smartphone!

What methods of payment does Capital Wheel accept?
Master Card, Visa, Discover & American Express. The Capital Wheel does not accept cash at this time.

How many people can fit in a gondola at one time?
Each gondola has seating for 6-8 adults. National Harbor One (the VIP Gondola) can seat up to four people.

Can a group book a ride for a specific time?
Please contact Group Sales at 301.842.8650.

Are group discounts available?
Yes. Groups over 25, please contact Group Sales at 301.842.8650.

What about discounts for seniors or military personnel?
Yes, with valid ID, Military and Senior tickets are priced at $13.50 each, plus tax. Military tickets must be purchased in person, with proof of a valid Military ID; they cannot be purchase online. Also, visit our Deals & Events page for additional offers.

How long is the ride?
Each flight of The Capital Wheel lasts approximately 12-15 minutes.

Are the gondolas comfortable in all weather?
Each gondola is air-conditioned and heated, so you can ride in comfort year-round.

Does The Capital Wheel ever shut down because of weather?
The Capital Wheel will operate in most weather conditions. Only extreme weather such as high wind speeds and/or local lightning may cause the attraction to temporarily shut down.

What is a VIP ride?
If you are looking for an exceptional experience, The Capital Wheel’s National Harbor One (the VIP gondola) provides an especially luxurious ride with its leather bucket seats, and glass floor. National Harbor One can accommodate up to four riders. VIP tickets at $50 per person allows you to step right to the head of the line, and a photo package is included, too! National Harbor One is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and tickets can be purchased at the ticket booth on the pier the day of your visit. Click HERE to purchase tickets.

Can I host a party or other private event at Capital Wheel?
To host an event at the Capital Wheel, please contact Group Sales at 301.842.8650 or email events@iconattractions.com.

May I bring something to eat or drink?
Outside food and beverages are not permitted to be consumed at The Capital Wheel. You may purchase beverages at Flight Deck during normal hours of operation.

Is it safe for pregnant women to ride The Capital Wheel? What about babies?
The Capital Wheel is a safe and slow ride for people of all ages and conditions, including pregnant women, small children and babies. Don’t forget! Children under the age of 2 ride free with a ticket and accompanying adult.

May I bring a stroller into the gondola?
Strollers are not permitted on the gondolas, but we provide a space for you to park it! We are not liable for any damaged or stolen items.

Where is the best place to park?
Paid parking is available throughout National Harbor. For more information, please visit nationalharbor.com/directory-parking

Do you allow pets?
The Capital Wheel does not allow pets.

Do you allow service animals?
Service animals are permitted in all of our gondolas.

Is The Capital Wheel wheelchair accessible?
Yes, all of our gondolas are accessible to guests using wheelchairs.  Guests using wheelchairs and riding in our standard gondolas have the option of either riding with their wheelchair or transferring from their wheelchair onto the seating in the gondolas.  The gondola door is 32 inches wide and we have a ramp that allows wheelchairs to roll directly into the gondola.  Please note that, due to space limitations, each standard gondola can accommodate a guest (with their wheelchair) and 2-3 additional riders.  Guests that wish to ride with more friends or family or that simply do not wish to bring their wheelchairs on board may, of course, transfer from their wheelchair to the regular gondola seating.

Guests riding in The Capital Wheel’s National Harbor One (the VIP gondola), must transfer from their wheelchair to the gondola as the bucket seating design of National Harbor One does not accommodate wheelchairs on board.

For our guests transferring out of their wheelchairs, The Capital Wheel is happy to safely and securely store your wheelchair on the loading platform, so it is immediately available to you at the conclusion of your ride.