Hi I will be going to DC between May 17-22. I have set aside Saturday May 19 for the White House visit. The guide book says that they give out tickets from 730am onwards, but to join the line as soon as possible. What time would that be? My friend told me 5am, but that was during summer. Would it be different in Spring? I would really appreciate it if someone could let me know I wouldn't want to miss it for anything in the world!

All I can report is my personal experience. I tried to get White House tickets this way, probably last spring. We got there early (7:30 maybe), and it was sold out. Now my memory is fuzzy on the details (it might have been earlier than 7:30), but my impression was that going to the visitor's center would be a tough way to get White House tickets because the demand outstrips supply by so much. I've tried to get them from my congressperson ever since.

So all I'm saying is that if I had it to do over, and I wanted to get tickets this way, I'd hit the closest Starbucks, grab a latte and the Washington Post, and camp out at 6:00 a.m.

That said, I'll bet others have more precise information, so I'm prepared to defer to them. Also, don't get your expectations too high, because the self-guided experience gets mixed reviews. Make sure you have a Plan B.

Good luck! The weather should be awesome.

Dear Clarice, I'd try to get "VIP" tickets from my congressman /woman. More rooms are shown with the VIP's. We were in Washington twice during Cherry Blossom time when Wash. is very crowded, but didn't have a problem getting into the White House. Yes, definitely get there early (we were there about 7:30) but I think you'll be fine. Enjoy the White House, it's wonderful. Marie

I second the post about getting the tickets from your congressman/woman. My friends and I did that when we went to DC. Our congressman's wife actually met us at the White House and waited with us about 30 minutes in the VIP waiting room. We walked right past everyone standing in line! I was awesome! Of course, this was close to re-election time. But all it took was a phone call!

You can try your Senators or congressperson, but I wouldn't hold my breath. Congressional staff ask that you make White House requests at least 3 months in advance because they only get about 10 tickets per week. Actually, on the congressional tour, you see the same rooms as the general public, but your tour is guided by members of the Secret Service Uniformed Division, as opposed to the self-guided public tour.

Unless you really, really, really have a yen to be inside the White House, I'd advise to skip it. It's not worth the wait. The tour is very short, there are skads of people, and you simply don't get to see much.

Spring in DC tends to be even busier than summer, as its the best time of year to be here (before it gets uncomfortably hot and humid). If you're set on going, though, you'd have a much better chance on Thursday or Friday morning. Saturday's are the worst. I went last year on a weekday with friends visiting from Ireland, and we waited about 15 minutes, but this was in November.

I'd have to say of all of the tourist spots I've hit in D.C. in my 13 years living here, the White House was the biggest disappointment.

Thanks all for your speedy replies Really appreciate it. I'm actually from Singapore studying in the States. I'm leaving for Singapore from DC and so I was thinking that I should catch the White House (amongst many many things in DC) before I go So I'll take my chance, and probably be there before 6am No Congressman/woman for me And I think it's too late now anyway, ah well Will just have to make do! But such a pity, I would like to walk past everyone in the line with some Secret Service Uniformed people too!