Charter Bus Prices
| Bus Type | Per Hour | Per Day | Per Mile |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 to 56 Passenger Charter Bus | $180 – $500+ | $1,800 – $3,800 | $6.00 – $9.95 |
| 40 to 50 Passenger Charter Bus | $170 – $480+ | $1,700 – $3,565 | $6.00 – $9.95 |
| 25 to 35 Passenger Minibus | $150 – $450+ | $1,610 – $3,465 | $4.00 – $9.95 |
| 20 to 24 Passenger Minibus | $150 – $440+ | $1,610 – $3,365 | $4.00 – $8.95 |
| 15 to 18 Passenger Minibus | $150 – $430+ | $1,520 – $3,255 | $4.00 – $7.95 |
| Entertainer Coach | $315 – $550+ | $3,000 – $5,000+ | $6.00 – $9.95 |
| Yellow School Bus | $145 – $450+ | $1,520 – $3,655 | $6.00 – $9.95 |
| Shuttle Bus | $155 – $450+ | $1,520 – $3,655 | $6.00 – $9.95 |
Party Bus Prices
| Type of Party Bus | Cost Per Hour Weekdays | Cost Per Hour Weekends | Cost Per Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Party Bus (10 to 20 Passengers) | $180 - $450+ | $200 - $470+ | $1,000 - $2,900+ |
| Medium Party Bus (20 to 40 Passengers) | $200 - $500+ | $220 - $500+ | $1,200 - $3,500+ |
| Large Party Bus Rental (40 to 50 Passengers) | $250 - $500+ | $240 - $520+ | $1,500 - $3,900+ |
| Mercedes Sprinter Party Bus | $160 - $400+ | $180 - $450+ | $1,000 - $3,900+ |
* Prices may vary greatly in your city and state. Due to the impact of COVID-19 and inflation, all rental prices shown are past estimates. Actual pricing may be significantly higher depending on availability and location. To get real-time pricing, call us 1-888-691-7411 or use our online quote tool.
How Much Does a Charter Bus Rental Cost?
The rates for charter bus rentals are affected by factors such as the time of year, the region, how many passengers, the duration of the trip and more. A standard-size charter bus can hold 56 passengers and has several amenities to improve your trip. Pricing for this type of charter bus is usually between $130 and $180 an hour, or between $1,200 and $1,700 a day. If you have a smaller group, a minibus may better suit your needs, since those generally range between $110 and $160 per hour or $1,100 and $1,500 a day. If you are looking for a large-scale entertainer charter bus, prices range between $1,900 and $3,500 per day.
How Much Does a Party Bus Rental Cost?
A small party bus, generally for 10-20 people, will cost between $180-$450 per hour on weekdays, $200-$470 on weekends, or $1,000-$2,900 per day depending on if you’re traveling from a larger city like Chicago or New York. For groups of 20 to 40, pricing is $200 to $500 per hour on weekdays, $220 to $500 per hour on weekends, or $1,200 to $3,500 per day. The largest party buses, which have the capacity to hold anywhere between 40- 50, will usually be priced between $250-$500 per hour on weekdays, $240-$520 on weekends, or $1,500-$3,900. If you are seeking a more luxurious option, a Mercedes Sprinter party bus will generally be between $160-$400 per hour on weekdays, $180-$450 per hour on weekends, and $1,000- $3,900 for the whole day.
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Call Now: 888-691-7411What Are the Factors Influencing Pricing?
Several different factors determine how much it will cost to rent a bus. These will vary based on the specifics of each trip. Some of these factors include mileage, travel dates, trip duration, what bus you rent, how far in advance you book your bus, travel fees, amenities on board, and others.
Trip Length and Travel Times
How long your trip lasts will determine whether or not you are charged by the mile, day, or hour. Usually, trips of shorter duration will be charged hourly—for local events and trips—and often require a minimum of 2-3 hours for each bus. Multi-day trips spanning longer distances will likely be charged by the day. Finally, road trips that last more than one day will most often be calculated by the mile. Before speaking to your reservation specialist to get a quote, we highly recommend putting together a concrete itinerary, outlining specific locations you’ll want your bus driver to take you to and from to receive the most estimated price.
Seasonal Demand
The time of year you are planning to take your group for a trip will affect your cost. Rates during peak season in April, May, June, September, and October tend to increase. During these months, most Americans are likely to be scheduling their special occasions. This could include weddings, company outings, school trips and tours, sports competitions and tailgate gatherings, church and spiritual retreats, and many other private trips. The rise in demand makes charter bus providers increase their pricing for both the vehicles and service provided. Similarly, when there’s less demand, prices are typically lowered. This is usually seen on weekdays.
Start City and Bus Availability
The city where your bus departs from also affects your pricing, based on bus availability near the city. Smaller or less populated cities may not always have a lot of charter buses operating in the area. If your group’s departure location is near a less populated region, your rates may be higher than if you leave from a densely populated area like Miami or Los Angeles. Additionally, some charter bus companies increase rates if the driver has to travel outside their base to meet you.
Bus Type and Model Year
When it comes to renting a bus, the type of vehicle that you and your party are most likely to reserve will greatly affect cost. A full-sized motorcoach holds 56 people comfortably and is a great option for those that prioritize comfort and need extra luggage space and a clean bathroom, making it the best option for long distance trips. If you have a shorter trip planned with a smaller group of people, consider renting a minibus. Most minibuses accommodate up to 35 passengers comfortably and may cost less than standard charter buses. If you are traveling with small children, remember that you can ask about bus rentals that offer additional space, like extra legroom, for kid-friendly seating arrangements.
It should come as no surprise that a newer bus will likely cost more than an older one, but different bus rental costs are also determined by other factors. For example, buses with more comfortable seating or with premium leather seating will also cost more. Depending on your needs and group’s preferences, consider what is and is not essential for your trip and let our rental specialist know ahead of time.
Day of the Week for your Rental
Weekend trips are almost always more costly. If you can adjust your schedule to the earlier part of the week, you’re likely to pay less. Most charter bus companies will give a cheaper rate for Sunday through Thursday rentals because of less demand for private transportation.
Time of Day of Your Trip
Buses are most often rented during the evening, for events like weddings and private parties. If you are flexible with your itinerary, consider a daytime outing for lower prices and even a shorter rental minimum. When buses aren’t reserved, bus rental providers will offer them during less-demanded days for lower prices. In addition to being able to lower prices, rental companies may also reduce their minimum rental hours for off-peak time trips during weekdays or days.
Amenities for Comfort, Entertainment & Convenience
You can also ask your rental expert about additional amenities or requests that aren’t mentioned on your rental contract. There may be additional charges, which should be noted in your contract. These requests may include amenities such as a wheelchair ramp or extra wide aisle space, in-cabin or under-carriage storage space for luggage or sports equipment, free wifi and power outlets in each seat, television monitors, and DVD players.
Many rental companies also offer a pre-payment option to help cut down on cost. Check with your agent to see if you and your group qualify for these discounts. Other savings methods can include arranging a rental at least 6 months in advance to take advantage of special pricing or by using your preferred credit card and reward points during payment to accrue additional benefits or redeem free travel miles.
Additional Fees For Your Trip
When calculating your budget, don’t forget to include a driver tip of 10-20%, and road tolls and parking fees you will encounter while in transit. Many companies will outline these extra fees for you in your charter bus rental pricing breakdown. If you aren’t certain about what travel and parking fees you can expect on your trip or if you’re worried about hitting expensive tolls, let your reservation specialist know, and they’ll be able to give you more information about costs to expect.
Ready to Rent a Bus Rental in the United States?
There are tons of reasons why you might want a private bus rental to move a group of people, like a wedding or a trip to The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland with some friends. Whatever trip your group is planning, Party Bus Rent can help you get there comfortably, and with a simple, stress-free experience. We have charter buses available with reclining seats, WiFi and power outlets, and overhead and undercarriage storage. All you have to do is get a free 30-second quote on your bus rental! We’re available 24/7 at 1-888-691-7411 to help you plan your next adventure.
