Every spring, the cherry trees around the Tidal Basin turn Washington DC pink, and the National Cherry Blossom Festival brings visitors from across the country. It is one of the most beautiful times to visit, and one of the busiest. If you are bringing a school, church, senior or tour group, a charter bus takes the stress out of parking, traffic and keeping everyone together.
When do the cherry blossoms bloom?
Peak bloom usually falls between late March and early April, but it changes every year with the weather. The National Park Service publishes a peak bloom forecast in early spring. Because the date can shift, build a little flexibility into your plans, and ask your charter company about changing your date if the forecast moves.
Why book a charter bus for the cherry blossoms?
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No parking hunt: parking near the Tidal Basin and the National Mall is very limited during the festival.
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One group, one schedule: everyone arrives and leaves together, with a driver who knows the drop-off points.
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Comfort between stops: a warm, dry place to rest if the spring weather turns.
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More to see in one day: easily combine the blossoms with the monuments, museums or the Wharf.
Drop-off and walking tips
Buses cannot stop anywhere they like around the Tidal Basin, and roads near the Mall can close for festival events. Your driver will drop your group off at an approved location and pick you up at a set time and place. Plan for some walking: the loop around the Tidal Basin is roughly two miles and passes the Jefferson Memorial, the FDR Memorial and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial.
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Agree on a clear meeting point and pickup time before you leave the bus.
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Share the driver's phone number with every group leader.
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Visit early in the morning or on a weekday to avoid the biggest crowds.
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Bring comfortable shoes, water and a light rain jacket.
Sample cherry blossom day for groups
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Morning: sunrise or early walk around the Tidal Basin while the crowds are smaller.
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Midday: lunch, then a Smithsonian museum on the National Mall.
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Afternoon: the Washington Monument, WWII Memorial and Lincoln Memorial.
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Evening: blossoms and monuments lit up at night on a DC monuments night tour.
Book early for peak bloom
Cherry blossom season is one of the busiest times of year for charter buses in Washington DC, so book as early as you can: three to six months ahead is ideal for large groups. Not sure which vehicle you need? Read our guide to choosing the right bus size, or see how much a charter bus costs in DC.
Ready to plan your spring trip? Request a free quote with your date, group size and pickup location.
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