A Complete Guide To Bus Types

Partybus.com offers access to a variety of bus rental options nationwide to meet every travel group’s transportation needs. Here’s a quick comparison of our most popular bus types:

 

Quick Answer: Which Type of Bus Should My Group Rent?

Whether you’re an old pro at booking a charter bus or you’re brand new to planning your first event or group outing, choosing the right type of bus is a crucial part of making your event a success. Partybus.com has organized and provided transportation to thousands of group events, and we have gathered expertise in matching any event with its perfect bus. We understand that each trip isn’t one-size-fits-all and it can be intimidating to book a bus if you aren’t quite sure about what you need. No worries! Here’s a brief guide to help get you started.

 

Types of Buses

Need more details about the charter buses and minibuses in Partybus.com’s network? We’ve provided in-depth information on each type of bus below to help you choose the best option for your group trip. And if you still have questions about booking or charter bus pricing, call our team at 877-563-2133. Our expert reservation specialists are here to assist you.

What is a charter bus?

A charter bus (aka a motorcoach) is a large passenger vehicle designed for comfortable group travel. With plush seats and spacious cabins, charter buses are perfect for long-distance trips with many passengers and luggage. Each bus has a driver, so your group doesn’t have to worry about driving or navigating the road.

Seating Capacity. A full-size charter bus can hold anywhere from 40 to 56 passengers, though the most frequently booked models in our network typically accommodate 47, 55, or 56 passengers.

Available Amenities. Nearly every charter bus in the Partybus.com network includes air conditioning and cushioned seats for passengers’ comfort. On some coaches, you can find additional features like WiFi, reclining seats with extra legroom, PA systems, TV monitors, DVD players, and a restroom at the back of the bus. Many of these features are optional and can vary based on the manufacturer, model, and age of your particular charter bus.

Luggage Storage. Charter buses typically have space for at least one piece of checked luggage under the bus in dedicated storage bays. Passengers can store smaller bags and personal belongings in overhead storage compartments above the seats. You can learn more in our charter bus luggage guide.

Best for: Weddings, corporate outings, school events, school field trips, sporting events, religious gatherings, trips 200 miles or more, and more!

Pro Tip: Charter bus parking and loading vary per city, meaning that you can’t take a charter bus to every location, nor can it park everywhere (it is a 45 foot long bus afterall!). So, it’s best to learn from our charter bus parking guide to get more information.

What is a minibus?

A minibus or a minicoach rental is a good transportation solution for small groups that want to avoid a crowded carpool, expensive rideshare rides, and restrictive public transportation schedules. These compact yet comfortable buses are best suited for local travels or short-distance trips. They’re also much more navigable on narrow roads and tighter city streets than full-sized buses, making them perfect for offsite parking shuttles, event shuttle services for weddings, or getting to sporting events.

Seating Capacity. The minibuses in our network accommodate groups of 10 to 35 passengers and the models most frequently rented include the 18-passenger, 20-passenger, and 25-passenger minibuses.

Available Amenities. A minibus rental comes with air conditioning, high back seats, overhead storage bins, a DVD player with a TV screen, a PA system, and possibly onboard WiFi and power outlets depending on the model you choose.

Luggage Storage. Not as much storage as charter buses. Overhead bins are great for holding small personal items, backpacks, or tote bags, but there may not be enough space for every passenger to store a suitcase or larger bag. Certain models can also include under-bus storage bays that are suitable for heavier bags.

Best for: Airport and hotel shuttles, private gatherings, smaller conventions, small sports team events, and corporate travel.

What is a party bus?

These are our company’s specialties! Party buses (often also referred to as limo buses in larger cities), are known for their lounge-style seating, flashing LED lighting, and built-in sound systems. With ample room for dancing and hanging out, this bus model offers a unique transportation experience.

Seating Capacity. Party bus sizes range anywhere from 10 to 50 passengers, though models that comfortably fit 14 passengers, 20 passengers, and 28 passengers tend to be more common than the 40-passenger party buses.

Available Amenities. While every party bus is different, many of the newer models of party buses have upscale interiors for a more luxurious look, including hardwood floors and premium leather seats, bar areas, and Bluetooth/AUX hookups. In addition to these touches, most party buses include club-quality sound systems (bass boost and fiber optic lighting!) and flat-screen TV monitors and DVD players, allowing party-goers to control the tunes for their perfect ride to a concert, a bachelor/bachelorette party, sporting events, or their favorite nightspots.

Luggage Storage. Party buses generally do not have luggage space… On some of the mercedes sprinter limousines, you may have some small trunk space for bags and on some large party buses, you may have overhead compartments or under bus storage. If you’re worried about where you might store purses or bags, you may be able to get a luggage trailer with your rental to carry your items.

Best for: birthday bashes, weddings, bachelor/ette parties, wine tours, concert transportation, nights on the town with friends or coworkers.

What is a tour bus?

Tour buses, sometimes known as entertainer coaches, are most often used for multi-day travel—such as musical artists and bands on the road or production crews who travel frequently between film set locations. These massive coaches can be customized to best accommodate your group’s lifestyle on the road, from lavish and modern spaces for work or leisure to custom bunks and bedrooms for sleeping.

Seating Capacity. Seating space in tour buses is minimal, as many features that take up seats in other vehicles are converted into additional, personalized spaces. On average, most tour bus models accommodate 8 to 12 people on bunk-style sleeping arrangements.

Available Amenities. These motorcoaches have a long roster of features not commonly found in standard charter bus rentals. Enjoy a private lounge area, a master suite bedroom, onboard restrooms, a fully-stocked kitchen and a personal chef, free WiFi and a premium sound system, flat-screen TVs with satellite or cable access, custom lighting for relaxing nights on the road, a luxurious exterior wrap, and so much more.

Luggage Storage. For large quantities of gear or instruments, you can even reserve a trailer hitch so your equipment or luggage can travel behind your entertainer coach in a designated, secure cargo trailer. Inside, guests have designated storage space overhead for smaller items, plus personal cubbies beneath bunks for additional luggage, accessories, or souvenirs.

Best for: band and music tours, production crews, actors on the road between film locations, concerts and music festivals.

Rent your next Bus in just a Few Minutes

Partybus.com is your one-stop for all of your group travel solutions. Whether it’s to reserve a bus rental to Chicago or to any of the more than 1,000 cities we serve, we can quickly and reliably make it happen for you. Use our online quote tool to find the right type of bus rental at a fair price today! Or just call 877-563-2133!