School Trip to Washington, D.C. Cost

School Trip To Washington, D.C. Cost

What is the the cost of a school trip to Washington, D.C? This is a question that we often receive from trip organizers when they are planning a trip to DC for their students. The answer? A school trip to Washington, D.C can vary in cost based on transportation, meals, desired passenger count and more. Our goal at GO Educational Tours is to always off the most affordable DC school trip package cost to our travelers. 

Below are some variables that can change your desired trips cost. Our travel specialists can help customize and personalize your DC trip's cost proposal. From choosing the inclusions to the passenger count, everything is up to the trip organizer. 

• Distance from Washington, D.C.

• Desired Passenger Count 

• Trip Inclusions

• Hotel Selection (Downtown or Suburban) 

• Desired Length Of Trip 

Distance from Washington, D.C.

The trip cost will be greatly impacted by your distance from DC. A group from California for example will be flying and and group from North Carolina might be getting to DC directly by motorcoach. The choice to fly and drive will have an impact on the school trip cost.

Desired Passenger Count

Group travel offers great benefits as all the passengers take on a small part of a larger cost. A full motorcoach will mean a lower cost per paying student passenger. The larger the group size the better pricing we can offer. Most vendors will offer great pricing  the larger the group size and we pass on these savings to the group.

Trip Inclusions

Washington DC offers many free attractions. The museums of the Smithsonian Institution and the government buildings and memorials are all free of admission. This makes DC very attractive. There are however some museums and attractions that do have paid admissions. For example the International Spy Museum is one or the Newseum. Mount Vernon is also another has the fees go to maintaining this precious heritage for future generations. Also meals can impact pricing. We prefer a nicer sit down meal for dinner and on the go lunches in some case. You can choose to have a full meal plan or have students pay for some meals on site.

Hotel Selection (Downtown or Suburban)

DC offers a variety of hotels ranging from downtown to just outside the district to all the way to Dulles airport. The closer to DC the higher hotels prices are. You can have budget properties when you are 10-15 miles outside the city. Traffic is an increasing factor. So if time is of the essence we recommend staying closer to downtown. 

Desired Length Of Trip

The more days you spend in DC the more the higher the trip cost. For example the difference between a 3 day DC school trip and a 4 day DC school trip can be about $300 more. This is a rough estimate we base on a base package.

Our 3 day trips range from $650 to $950 based on the different variables mentioned above. A four day Washington DC school trip will be in the $8500 to $1150 range per student based on all the factors discussed.. These rough prices exclude airfare of course.

If you have any questions about educational tours costs and  school trip to Washington DC cost please contact our team and we will be happy to design a trip for you and your students.

Average Washington DC School Trip Costs

Here’s what most schools can expect to pay per student:

• 3-Day Motor Coach Trip: $600–$750

• 4-Day Motor Coach Trip: $800–$1,000

• Air Travel Trips (longer distances): $1,200–$1,600

A good planning benchmark is $200–$300 per student per day, not including flights.

Smart Ways to Save on DC Trips

• Travel off-peak: Late fall or winter trips cost less than spring.

• Book midweek flights: Avoid Monday and Friday departures.

• Maximize occupancy: Four students per room helps stretch the budget.

• Stay in suburban hotels: Save on lodging, though add time for commuting.

Balancing Budget and Student Experience

A low-cost trip is great—but not if it sacrifices the student experience. Sometimes it’s worth paying a little extra for a hotel closer to the city center, or for sit-down dinners that let students unwind together. The right balance makes the trip both affordable and memorable.

FAQs About Washington DC School Trip Costs

Q1: What’s the average cost of a 3-day Washington DC school trip?
Expect $600–$750 per student for motor coach trips, depending on group size and hotel choice.

Q2: Which is cheaper—flying or taking a bus?
Buses are usually less expensive for nearby states. Flights add $300–$400 per student for groups coming from farther away.

Q3: What’s the best season for affordable school trips to DC?
Late fall and early winter are typically the most budget-friendly. Spring (March–June) is the busiest and most expensive.

Q4: Are DC museums free for school groups?
Yes! Most Smithsonian museums are free. Only a few sites like Mount Vernon and Arlington Cemetery trolleys charge admission.

Q5: How much should parents budget in total?
On average, $800–$1,600 per student depending on distance, number of days, and inclusions.

Q6: Do suburban hotels include meals?
Most suburban hotels include breakfast. Downtown hotels may charge extra for meals.

Final Thoughts

A Washington DC school trip is one of the most impactful experiences students can have. With careful planning, most groups spend $200–$300 per student per day, plus airfare if needed.

At Go Educational Tours, our goal is to help teachers design trips that are not only affordable but also enriching. By balancing cost-saving strategies with meaningful experiences, schools can ensure that every student enjoys the best of Washington, DC.

👉 Ready to start planning? Contact Go Educational Tours today and let us make your DC trip easy, educational, and unforgettable.