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(877) 235-0988 hello@classtrip.com

Washington DC School Trips

Itineraries from 3 to 6 days

  • 3 to 6 days
  • By plane or bus
  • Historical focus

A Washington DC school trip usually takes three days, by plane or bus. Below are our itineraries, what they cost and the best time to go.

Choose your itinerary

  • Most popularThe US Capitol at dusk

    3 days

    Washington DC

    The National Mall, the US Capitol, Mount Vernon, Arlington National Cemetery and the Smithsonian, with a twilight tour of the memorials.

    See the full itinerary

  • A ClassTrip.com group on the Brooklyn BridgeReal ClassTrip group

    5 days

    Washington DC and New York City

    Three days in the capital, then on to New York for the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the Brooklyn Bridge.

    See the full itinerary

  • The US Capitol with the American flag

    6 days

    Washington DC and Philadelphia

    The capital plus Gettysburg, Lancaster County and Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia.

    See the full itinerary

Every itinerary can be changed for your grade level, your dates and your budget.

What your students will see

  • US Capitol
  • National Mall
  • Lincoln Memorial
  • Washington Monument
  • White House
  • Smithsonian museums
  • National Air and Space Museum
  • Mount Vernon
  • Arlington National Cemetery
  • Changing of the Guard
  • Library of Congress
  • Supreme Court
  • MLK Jr. Memorial
  • Jefferson Memorial
  • Ford’s Theatre

Optional meet and greet with your state’s members of Congress.

The Lincoln Memorial
Lincoln Memorial
The White House
White House
The Jefferson Memorial statue
Jefferson Memorial

What it costs

Prices are per student and depend on the number of days, your group size, room type (quad, triple or double) and whether you fly or travel by bus.

From $499per student, 3 days in Washington DC by plane (2025)
Free placesfor teachers and chaperones, 1 adult for every 10 students recommended

Ask us for a quote for your class.

When to go

  • The Washington Monument from the Tidal Basin
    SpringMarch to MayThe busiest season, with the cherry blossoms around late March and early April. Book early.
  • The US Capitol framed by trees in the fall
    FallSeptember to NovemberQuieter sites and more hotel choice.
  • A Washington Metro station
    WinterDecember to FebruaryOften the lowest hotel rates, and the museums are indoors.
  • The Jefferson Memorial at sunset
    SummerJune to AugustOpen for summer programs and graduating classes, but hot and busy.

Plan 6 to 9 months ahead so families have time to register and pay in installments.

What’s included

  • Roundtrip airfare (optional) or motorcoach travel
  • Hotel accommodations
  • Private motorcoach while touring
  • A ClassTrip.com tour director with your group
  • Meals as listed in your itinerary
  • Overnight security at hotels
  • Entrance fees
  • Tips for guides, drivers and restaurant servers
  • Reservation support 9 AM to 5 PM Eastern
  • 24/7 travel emergency support

Teacher perks

  • Over 40 years of group travelThe ClassTrip.com team has more than 40 years of experience planning and running group trips.
  • Free placesFor teachers and chaperones: you choose how many when we plan the trip together.
  • Registration and payments, handledFamilies sign up and pay on their own page, by card, phone or check.
  • Ready-made materialsFlyers and a parent letter, ready to hand out.
  • Built for your gradeAn itinerary built for your grade level.
  • A tour directorWith your group from start to finish.

Questions teachers ask

How much does a Washington DC school trip cost?

Our 3-day Washington DC trip by plane started from $499 per student in 2025. The price depends on the number of days, your group size, room type and whether you fly or travel by bus. Ask us for a quote for your class.

How many days do we need in Washington DC?

Three days covers the National Mall, the Capitol, Mount Vernon, Arlington and the Smithsonian. Five or six days lets you add New York City or Philadelphia.

Can we travel by bus instead of flying?

Yes. Groups within driving distance travel by private motorcoach, and everyone else flies. Either way, a private motorcoach takes your group around Washington.

How far ahead should we book?

6 to 9 months before you travel. Spring dates fill first.

How many chaperones do we need?

We recommend 1 adult chaperone for every 10 students. Free places for teachers and chaperones are included.

Can our students meet our members of Congress?

We can request an optional meet and greet with your state’s members of Congress during the Capitol visit.

Who is with our group during the trip?

A ClassTrip.com tour director travels with your group throughout, with overnight security at the hotels and 24/7 travel emergency support.

How do families pay?

Your trip gets its own registration page where families sign up and pay by card. They can also pay by phone or by check, in installments.

Ready to plan your Washington DC trip?

Tell us about your class and we will send an itinerary and a price per student.

Plan your class tripRequest a catalog