In spite of nearly three (3) months advance request, I struck out in getting tour tx through a representative. In looking at DC Guides, White House tour tix are available at 7:30 A.M., but what time do I need to really get there to make sure I get tix? Alos, what time do I need to arrive for getting tix to FBI and Bureau Of Printing, etc.. We leave Friday so any quick advice will be appreciated.

For White House tours, you don't really need to be at the Visitors Center before 7:00am in the summer. Your tickets will be timed, meaning you will be given a specific time for your tour. Remember, only 4 tickets per person. I don't remember what time FBI tours begin, but be there way before it. The FBI is enormously popular and those tickets go fast!

From what I remember, the Bureau of Engraving didn't have advance tickets for the tour. You just go wait in line. I think we arrived around 10AM on a weekday and waited about an hour to get in.

We also struck out in getting advanced tickets from our representatives. I am going to disagree with a prior reply about not having to be in line for White house tickets before 7:00am. We just returned from DC and we were in line at 6:00am and received tickets. The person first in line had arrived at 5:30. My advice, arrive at 6:00 to be on the safe side. Oh, it was rainy and cool while we were there, you might take a sweater.Have fun!

How long are you going to be there? The youth hostel in DC gives free tours of the White House, Pentagon and Capital Bldg. White House tours are on Tuesday or Wednesday. Call them and ask if you can participate. 202-737-2333

Bring a sweater? In July? Are you crazy, man? It's supposed to be close to 100 degrees this weekend!