About Capitol South Station
Capitol South station serves the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines on Capitol Hill — the neighborhood surrounding the U.S. Capitol that also houses congressional offices, federal courts, and the Library of Congress. It is the closest Metro station to the Capitol building itself, making it the primary arrival point for tourists visiting the Capitol Visitor Center, congressional staff working in the House office buildings, and researchers visiting the Library of Congress.
The station sits at First and D Streets SE, just south of the Capitol complex. A short walk north leads directly to the Capitol's south plaza, the Capitol Visitor Center entrance, and the Library of Congress's Thomas Jefferson Building — the oldest of the Library's three buildings and one of the most ornate structures in Washington DC, featuring a stunning interior rotunda open to the public.
Beyond the Capitol campus, Capitol South serves the residential and commercial heart of Capitol Hill — one of DC's most charming and walkable neighborhoods, with rows of Victorian townhouses, the bustling Eastern Market district one stop east, and a lively strip of restaurants and bars along Pennsylvania Avenue SE.
Lines & Schedules
To Federal Center SW: ~3 min. To Eastern Market: ~3 min. To L'Enfant Plaza: ~5 min.
Nearby Attractions
Station Exits
Rider Tips
- Capitol tours must be arranged in advance — either through your Member of Congress or via recreation.gov. The Capitol Visitor Center on the east front of the Capitol provides exhibits and is open to walk-ins, but timed passes for the full tour sell out quickly during peak season.
- The Library of Congress Jefferson Building is free to visit and has one of the most spectacular interiors in Washington DC. The reading rooms require a library card to enter, but the Great Hall and exhibits are open to the public without registration.
- The U.S. Supreme Court is about an 8-minute walk northeast from the station. Oral arguments are open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis when the Court is in session (October through June). Check the Court's website for the argument calendar.
- Pennsylvania Avenue SE, a few blocks east of the station, has a lively strip of restaurants, bars, and coffee shops popular with Hill staffers. It is one of the best dining streets on Capitol Hill for a meal before or after your Capitol visit.
Adjacent Stations
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Capitol South the closest Metro stop to the U.S. Capitol?
Yes — Capitol South is the closest Metro station to the U.S. Capitol building and its Visitor Center. Union Station on the Red Line is another option for the Capitol's north side, but Capitol South on the Blue/Orange/Silver lines is the most direct route to the main Capitol Visitor Center entrance on the east front.
How do I get to the Library of Congress from Capitol South?
Exit at First Street and walk north. The Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building entrance is on First Street SE between Independence Avenue and East Capitol Street, approximately a 6-minute walk from the station. The Adams and Madison buildings are on nearby Independence Avenue SE.
Can I transfer to other Metro lines at Capitol South?
Capitol South only serves the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines. The nearest transfer hub is L'Enfant Plaza (two stops west), which connects to the Yellow and Green lines. Union Station (Red Line) is also accessible from Capitol Hill on foot in about 15 minutes walking north along First Street NE.