Charter Bus Rentals in Washington DC, District of Columbia

Ways to Get Around D.C. with a Group

The good news? Washington D.C. is one of the most-visited cities in the country, which means the transportation infrastructure here is fairly well-established and visitor-friendly. But how do you decide which mode of getting around is right for your group? Well, it depends on who you’re traveling with, what kind of schedule you’re on, and your budget.

• Public Transit - aka: the Metro. Whether you’re taking the underground train or the public bus system, your total fare depends on how long you ride. During peak hours, most fares range from $2.25 to $6 per trip, and during off-peak hours, fares typically range from $1.85 to $3.85. But while it’s a relatively cheap way to get around the city, navigating the D.C. public transit system can be confusing for first-timers, especially those traveling with children or people with mobility concerns.
• Taxis and Rideshares - They’re great in a pinch, given you can reserve one at a moment’s notice, and they can take you nearly anywhere in the city that has a road. Although they are flexible, usually only 7 people can fit in a vehicle at a time. So if you’re touring D.C. with a large group or planning an event for more than 10 people, coordinating and paying for multiple taxis and rideshares is not ideal.
• The D.C. Streetcar -This free-to-ride electric streetcar is still in its early stages of development as a means of transport. So while it’s a novel way to see the city, it’s currently not very convenient—unless your start point and final destination are along the H Street NE corridor.
• Private Bus Service - In Washington D.C., charter bus and minibus rentals offer flexibility to large groups as well as an assortment of amenities you won’t find on other modes of transport. You choose the motorcoach that suits your number of passengers, you set the schedule that fits your itinerary, and you choose the onboard comforts your passengers can enjoy while on the road. However, unless your group is splitting the cost of the rental, the price point is higher than most other travel methods available. 

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Why Book a Washington D.C. Bus Rental?

If you’re traveling in Washington D.C. with a group, your best bet is to leave the driving and navigating to Shofur. We’re a bus company that puts our clients and passengers first—from the first call to the final drop-off. Our vast network of potential coach bus rentals means we can find you the make and model to suit your group’s needs, whether you need a specific comfort-minded amenity or a fleet of ADA-compliant vehicles. Give us a call at 1-800-436-8719, and our 24/7 team will go the extra mile to make sure your group can explore the city free from stress.

Long-Term Transportation in D.C.

If you’re in need of an ongoing transportation service, look no further. The Shofur reservation team will be more than happy to establish a long-term shuttle service based on your group’s needs. Let a professional driver ease your employees’ commutes, navigate construction between your campus and the parking lot, and make recurring travel in Washington D.C. a breeze. Whether you’re a religious organization, a film crew, or a business, we’re here to help. Give us a call at 1-800-436-8719 with an idea of how many people need a ride and how long you’ll need the rental, and we’ll draft up a contract that works for you.

Efficient Corporate Events in Washington D.C.

When it comes to getting down to business in Washington D.C., time is of the essence. Don’t let your employees, clients, or conference attendees wait for a string of taxis or group rideshares. Instead, keep them on time and all together with a corporate travel arrangement through Shofur, so everyone can sit back and enjoy the ride.

You can trust us to keep your Washington D.C. corporate event running like clockwork. From shuttles between your attendees’ hotels and the Walter E. Washington Convention Center to team-building outings across the Potomac—we’re here to get you there.

Impress your team by requesting amenities like onboard WiFi and power outlets. That way, they can stay productive on the road and won’t have to miss a single email or risk having their devices lose power in the middle of a presentation. Minibuses in our network offer plenty of overhead storage bins to secure briefcases and materials en route, and your charter bus rental will include enough under-cabin storage for each passenger to tuck away their luggage. That way, everyone can stretch out in a roomy, climate-controlled cabin without too much clutter.

1-800-436-8719 Call Us Today to Charter a Coachbus, Minibus, or Shuttle

D.C. Travel for Sports Teams and Spectators

Whether you’re taking the field or a seat in the stands, the last thing you want is a transportation issue to hinder your game day. Leave your ride to the game to a charter bus company like Shofur, and we’ll ensure everyone arrives at the same time, ready to secure the victory.

For spectators and sports fan groups, we make it easy to see all your favorite teams in action. The days of cramped carpools, expensive game-day rideshares, and time spent circling the parking lot in search of the perfect spot are in the past. Now, your group of fans can load up in a motorcoach, store all your tailgating gear in discrete compartments, and enjoy an easy ride to the stadium.

For teams, we offer reliable transportation for every away game, training session, and coaches’  meeting—all season long. We want to set your D.C. sports team up for success. So whether they’d like free WiFi so they can check the stats, a playlist of pump-up jams playing over onboard AUX ports, or a reclining seat so they can rest up before the game, your rep can make it happen.

Field Trips to Washington D.C.

The traditional yellow school bus: a staple of many field trips in Washington D.C. and beyond. It may be affordable, and many of us created fond childhood memories on them. But if you’re traveling over long distances, it’s not exactly the most comfortable ride, and keeping kids entertained over the long haul can be a hassle.

For long-distance travel with kids and teens, we recommend booking a charter bus for your Washington D.C. field trip. After a long day of exploring the museums and learning more about our nation’s capital, your students, club, or after-school group can relax in a climate-controlled cabin. Upon request, we can even set your group up with a motorcoach that has TVs with DVD players so they can watch movies along the way, free WiFi so they can do homework and play games on the road, and onboard restrooms to cut down on pit stops.

Every minibus and charter bus rental includes a certified, professional driver with a clean record and a thoroughly-inspected motorcoach at the ready. That means you can rest assured that your students, chaperones, and staff arrive at every Washington D.C. destination safe and sound.

Washington D.C. College Tours

Traveling with a class of high-school seniors and aspiring academics to explore the universities D.C. has to offer? We recommend traveling by charter bus to keep everyone on time to all your campus tours. Here are just a few of the prestigious schools we can take you to near D.C.:

Georgetown University

Founded in 1789, this private university is known for its prestigious law and medical schools. It’s nestled between the city’s high-end shopping district and gorgeous views of the Potomac, giving the campus an Ivy-League feel and access to plenty of boutique eateries and shops. If your group plans to tour the campus, you will need to reserve your tour at least five weeks in advance. Your group will also need to arrive at the Office of Admissions at least 15 minutes before the tour steps off—an easy ask when you rent a charter bus. Just ask your driver to drop your students off near the traffic circle in Copley Lawn, and the Office of Admissions will be in White-Gravenor Hall on the left.

Address: 3700 O St NW, Washington, D.C. 20057

Phone: (202) 687-0100

George Washington University

If your students aspire to be the next leaders of the world, this is the Washington D.C. university for them. A private research university with an average 12,000-person student body, George Washington University boasts some of the best international affairs courses, business schools, and internship programs in the country—all just a hop, skip, and a jump away from D.C.’s best museums and memorials. Campus tours are available to groups of 8 - 80 prospective students. There’s very limited parking on campus, but your driver can easily drop off your group around the admissions office and find a spot nearby.

Address: 2121 I St NW, Washington, D.C. 20052

Phone: (202) 994-1000

University of Maryland

One of the best public research universities close to D.C., the University of Maryland is a great (relatively affordable) option for your aspiring engineers, biologists, and economists. If you’re coming in from the Washington D.C. area, expect a 30-minute drive if there’s no traffic (but you should always expect traffic). Ask your reservation representative for a bus with TVs and DVD players so your students can watch a short movie, or hook them up with WiFi so they can enjoy some downtime before touring the campus.

Address: College Park, MD 20742

Phone: (301) 405-1000

1-800-436-8719 Call Us Today to Charter a Coachbus, Minibus, or Shuttle

Shuttle Buses for D.C. Weddings

Between securing a venue, finding a caterer, sending out invitations, and coordinating all the rest—wedding planning can be stressful. The last thing you need to worry about is your guests running late, getting lost, or struggling to find a parking spot on your wedding day.

Let us take transportation off your hands so you can get back to your special day.

The Shofur reservation team has serviced weddings big and small—from intimate ceremonies in small chapels to grand receptions across multiple venues—so we’re sure to assemble a transportation rental that’s just right for you.

From assembling a cohesive and elegant all-white or all-black fleet, to nailing down a shuttle service that allows alcohol onboard, our team is here to make the ride to your wedding events as easy as possible. Give us a ring at 1-800-436-8719. We’d love to walk you through the rental process!

Visit the National Cherry Blossom Festival

Over 1.5 million visitors are drawn to Washington D.C. every year for this celebration of spring and Japanese cultures, which usually runs from late March to mid-April. If you want to count yourself as one of these visitors, you will not be disappointed. Who wouldn’t want to admire the picturesque Tidal Basin bathed in shades of pink as 3,000+ cherry blossom trees begin to bloom?

It’s nearly impossible to predict when the trees bloom until about 10 days before it happens—way after you should have booked your lodging and transportation. But there’s more to the National Cherry Blossom Festival than petal-viewing. Even if you miss most of the blooms, cherry blossom season in D.C. means there’s plenty of festivities to keep your group busy—whether you snag a ticket to the Pink Tie Party (a cocktail-party-turned-fundraiser), take off at the Blossom Kite Festival, sign up for the 5k and 10k races, or catch any of the other parades, street fairs, and performances.

Bus Tip: Don’t stress about picking up too many souvenirs or packing a picnic lunch for your entire group. Leave it all on the bus, and your driver can look after your personal belongings while you’re out and about. That way, you can explore the National Cherry Blossom Festival unencumbered.

Tour Your Favorite Washington D.C. Museums

Washington D.C. is home to over 70 museums and historical institutions. So which ones should you include in your sightseeing itinerary? Well, it depends on what your group is interested in.

To visit the most museums in one day, we suggest checking out the stretch of Smithsonians along the National Mall. Some of the most renowned Smithsonian museums are located here, including:

• Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History - features dinosaur remains and fossils, an insect zoo and butterfly pavilion, and a hall of gems housing the Hope Diamond
• Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum - explores the history and future of aviation through exhibits of the notable airplanes, spacecraft, satellites, and more
• Smithsonian National Museum of American History - showcases the history of various aspects of Americana, from artifacts of the U.S. First Ladies to the evolution of the lunchbox
• National Gallery of Art - houses various forms of art throughout the centuries, from Raphael to Van Gogh to modern abstract sculptures

These museums are not only fascinating and free to the public, but they are also within walking distance of each other. Your bus driver can drop you off on 14th Street, 7th Street, 4th Street or near Union Park—whichever is closest to your first museum of the day—and meet back up with your group once you’re done museum-hopping!

For groups with more obscure interests, D.C. has plenty of museums off the beaten path. Of course, anyone can enjoy these lesser-known attractions—but if you’re looking to avoid the worst of the museum crowds, we recommend:

The only drawback to visiting these museums? They’re fairly far-flung across the city, so if you plan to visit multiple in one day, you’ll need a way to get between them. The D.C. Metro subway system offers stops near each of them. But if you’re a group of out-of-towners, traveling with children, or running on a strict schedule, figuring out how subway transfers work may be less-than-ideal. Book a charter bus or a minibus, and your driver can drop you off wherever you want to go, all on a schedule that you create!

• International Spy Museum - lifts the veil on the world of secret intelligence, from gadgets and code-breaking tools to espionage throughout history
• National Museum of Women in the Arts - gallery space filled with 4,500 works by—you guessed it—women artists, from Frida Kahlo to Mary Cassatt
• National Postal Museum - a smaller Smithsonian museum centered on the history of mail and postal systems in the U.S. and worldwide—from vehicles of the Pony Express to valuable stamp collections, the art of letter-writing to what becomes of undeliverable postage

Bus Trips from Washington D.C. to New York City

If you’re planning a trip between our nation’s capital and the so-called Capital of the World, Shofur is just what your group needs to book a charter bus from D.C. to NYC.

Airfare to New York airports can be expensive and handling long layovers, late-night flights, and cross-concourse sprints to the gate can be tedious—especially when you’re traveling with a large group. That’s why we recommend reserving a bus for your trip to NYC: your private motorcoach will depart and arrive on your schedule, not the other way around!

And when you travel by private bus, your group can add as many or as few stops as you want—whatever best suits your passengers’ desired pace.

On the road with art enthusiasts? Pump them up for the likes of the Guggenheim and MoMA with a stop in Philadelphia. They can take a few hours to stretch their legs in the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Rodin Museum, then hop back on the bus for the last 2-hour drive to NYC refreshed and ready to go! Traveling with a more sporty crowd? Depending on the time of year and their preferred teams, plan to stop in Baltimore to catch an Orioles or Ravens game to break up the bus ride.

Or, if your group is on a tight schedule—or is just excited to get to NYC—we can make the ride between here and there as efficient as possible. You can even rent a bus with an onboard restroom to keep pit stops to a minimum.

Just let your reservation rep know what kind of New York City trip your group would prefer, and we’ll make it happen!

1-800-436-8719 Call Our 24/7 Team to Rent a Charter Bus Today

Travel from D.C. to Ocean City, Maryland

Need to get away from it all? Why not book a charter bus from D.C. to Ocean City, Maryland? That way, no one has to stress the drive on the way to your vacation, family reunion, corporate retreat, or wedding event.

Let a professional take the wheel and whisk your passengers away to this beautiful resort town. Stash your beach chairs and coolers in the spacious luggage bay, leave your personal belongings on the bus while you explore the boardwalk and charming amusement park, and venture out to the mainland for a night of gambling and drinks at the casinos. Whatever fills your itinerary, your group can rest assured that a reliable bus shuttle will be waiting for you when you’re ready to turn in for the day.

Top Group-Friendly Destinations in Washington D.C.

Not sure where to start? We’ve put together a list of our favorite D.C. attractions for group tours we think you’ll enjoy:

U.S. National Arboretum

Great for: field trips, aspiring botanists, and outdoor enthusiasts

Nestled in the urban sprawl of the northeast side of town, you’ll find one of the best greenspaces in Washington D.C. that’s free to the public—the U.S. National Arboretum. Here, you can explore the National Grove of State Trees (see if you can identify all 50!), the collection of Corinthian columns that once supported the U.S. Capitol Building, and even a nest where bald eagles are known to roost.

Bus tip: More than likely your tour will begin at the Visitor Center at the northwest of the park. You may unload or load the bus in the circle in front of the center, but your bus can’t park here. Let your driver know they need to wait at the Grove of State Trees Parking lot while your group explores the grounds. There’s usually more than enough space for oversized vehicles during the weekdays.

Address: 2400 R Street NE, Washington, D.C. 20002

Phone: (202) 245-2726

National Mall

Great for: field trips, museum-hoppers, and monument enthusiasts

The National Mall is a must-see for or D.C. tourists and sight-seers. In one 2-mile stretch, you’ll find most of the attractions that draw tourists from far and wide. One one end, the Lincoln Memorial. On the other, the U.S. Capitol Building. In between, over two miles of monuments, museums, and reflection pools, from the Vietnam Veterans and MLK Memorials to the Washington Monument and a string of Smithsonian museums.

On the bright side, this condensed expanse of greenspace means it’s very walkable. However, unless your group breezes through everything quickly, there’s a chance you won’t get to everything in one fell swoop.

If you’re short on time, we suggest establishing a meet-up point at the Washington Monument—which is roughly in the middle of it all and very accessible to charter buses and minibuses—and letting your group split up and explore as they please.

If time isn’t an issue, plan little breaks as you visit the sites one by one. For example, visit the World War II Memorial, then arrange a picnic near the Tidal Basin. Or, between tours of the U.S. Holocaust Museum and the National Museum of African Art, hop on your private bus for a blast of AC and head downtown for a quick lunch. That way, no one burns out too quickly, and everyone arrives refreshed and ready to make the most of the monuments and museums!

Address: 2 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20024

Phone: (202) 426-6841

Nationals Park

Great for: sports fans and out-of-towners who want to live like locals

Nothing brings together locals and tourists alike quite like a baseball game. Come check out the Nationals on their home turf at this riverside stadium! This 41,546-seat park offers panoramic views of D.C.—including the Washington Monument and the Capitol Building—so it’s well worth the visit, even if you’re not the biggest baseball fan.

Be sure to set aside time before or after the game to explore the surrounding Capitol Riverfront and Navy Yard districts: both up-and-coming culture hubs that are chock full of sports bars, beer gardens, and places to stroll along the Anacostia River.

Bus tip: Rather than cramming into a carpool caravan and circling the parking lot for the perfect spot, reserve a shuttle service for your fan group. That way, you can set up a drop-off and meet-up point so your driver and spectators are on the same page—even if someone gets separated from the group. Make sure it’s far enough away from the pre- and post-game stadium crowds that your group can safely disembark and board but still close enough to avoid a long walk to and from the park. We recommend somewhere close to the corner of M Street NW and Half Street SW, or where N Street SE meets New Jersey Avenue SE.

Address: 1500 S Capitol St SE, Washington, DC 20003

Phone: (202) 675-6287

Rent a Bus in Washington D.C.

Ready to hit the road? From strictly business to sightseeing adventures, wedding days to game days, let Shofur make your group travel in D.C. as easy as possible.

Call 1-800-436-8719 today to secure your Washington D.C. charter bus or minibus. Our reps are always available to help you with your rental questions and offer a free, no-obligation quote!