So, you’re thinking about renting a charter bus for the first time? Whether it’s for a cross-country road trip with your high school class, or a corporate outing with your team, the idea of organizing group transportation can seem intimidating at first. But don’t sweat it — Partybus.com has your back! We’ve helped coordinate trips for thousands of groups across the nation from Miami and Fort Lauderdale to New York City all the way out to San Jose. From those who’ve never rented a bus before, to seasoned pros who have this whole thing down to a science—our 24/7 team is here to make booking a bus smooth and seamless every single time.
The Basics
Let’s start by breaking down the basics. What exactly is a “charter bus” anyway? Well, unlike public transit buses running predetermined routes around a city, a charter bus is a private bus rental reserved for your specific group. It’ll have a professional driver behind the wheel, so you won’t need to worry about navigating unfamiliar roads or wrestling with directions. And they can hold up to 56 people.
Best of all, charter bus rentals allow you to travel on your schedule and pace without being tied to strict showtimes like you’d have with a public bus line. Don’t want to leave until 10 AM? No problem. Want to skip lunch to spend more time sightseeing? Your driver is ready when you are.
Is a charter bus right for my group?
The first step for any first-timer is deciding whether a charter bus is really the best mode of transportation for your group’s needs. Consider factors like the size of your group, the distance you’ll be traveling, and if you need luggage or any special requirements like ADA accessibility. If you have a large group of 20 or more people, a charter bus can be an incredibly cost-effective and convenient option, especially for long-distance trips or events where parking might be limited.
Which type of bus should I choose?
Once you’ve decided a charter bus is right for your travel needs, the next step is finding the proper bus model and passenger capacity. Most charter bus companies offer a variety of bus types and sizes to accommodate groups large and small – and at Partybus.com we have thousands of buses available across the USA. The best way to do it is to figure out your approximate passenger count, then explore bus models that will work best. Some common options include:
- Mini Coach/Shuttle Bus (18-35 passengers): A compact bus option that’s great for smaller groups like family reunions, birthday parties, and more. Very easy to navigate tight city streets. Limited storage space.
- Full-Size Charter Bus (50-56 passengers): This is your classic charter bus with significant luggage storage and amenities like WiFi, reclining seats, a restroom and entertainment systems.
- Entertainer Coach (12-16 passengers): For the elite crowd looking for the rockstar experience. Think luxurious leather seating, premium AV systems, and sleeping quarters.
- Sprinter Vans (8-15 passengers): For those on the smaller side of “small group,” sprinter vans provide a sleek, modern, and more accessible alternative.
How much does a charter bus rental cost?
Like most transportation services, charter bus pricing is based on a variety of factors including your trip’s distance, duration, timing, passenger count, and chosen amenities. Most charter bus companies will provide a free quote upfront based on the following pricing guidelines:
Per Hour: For quick local events or airport transfers, most companies charge $130 to $280+ per hour of rental time (often with a minimum rental of 5 hours).
Per Day: For longer trips or multi-day events, companies typically charge a flat daily rate of $1,200 to $2,700+ for each day of service.
Per Mile: Some companies also include mileage fees for longer distances, around $3.50 to $5.50+ per mile traveled.
From there, your total cost will fluctuate depending on any premium options like WiFi, AV systems, overnight driver accommodations, and more. The key is booking well in advance! Last-minute reservations tend to be pricier.
Of course, your Partybus.com rep can crunch all the numbers and factors to get you a personalized rate for your specific trip
How can I reserve a charter bus?
Booking with Partybus.com couldn’t be easier! The first step is giving us a call at 877-563-2133 to connect with a reservation specialist. They’ll ask about the basics of your trip like: How many bus passengers you’ll have; Where and when you need to be picked up; Your destination(s); Any particular travel dates you have in mind; If you need any special amenities or accessibility features on the bus.
From there, we’ll pair you with the perfect bus for your group—whether that’s an 18-passenger minibus, one of our full-size coaches, or even a party bus built for fun. We’ll go over pricing and amenity options, and make sure all the details are squared away!
Beyond the Basics
Now that you know the basics of renting a charter bus, it’s time to dive into the nitty-gritty details that’ll really help you plan the perfect group transportation!
Who drives the charter bus?
One of the main perks of a charter bus is not having to worry about driving! All charter bus rentals come with a driver. Your only job is to provide the destination—they’ll do the rest!
How does charter bus parking and loading work?
When you rent a charter bus, you’ll also need to consider parking procedures at your stops and destinations. Bus parking works a little differently than smaller vehicles!
Most bus companies will inform you of proper parking details once you provide your itinerary. If you’re visiting a hotel, sports venue, concert hall, or other busy location, they’ll often coordinate parking directly with the venue. These places usually have designated bus lots or oversized vehicle spaces.
For local stops without official bus parking, your driver can look to find street or garage parking spots that can accommodate the bus’s size and length. Remember to account for any parking fees in your budget!
We have a more in-depth charter bus parking guide you can read here.
Do you offer ADA-accessible buses?
Of course! We can offer a variety of handicap-accessible bus options to accommodate wheelchairs and mobility devices depending on your location. These buses can feature wheelchair lifts, wider aisles and entrances, securements for wheelchairs/devices, and more ADA-compliant amenities.
When you initially book your bus reservation, simply inform the company that you’ll need an ADA-accessible coach. They’ll have work on providing the proper vehicle to ensure a comfortable, seamless trip for everyone on board.
What do I book if I need lots of storage space?
Even smaller groups need a decent amount of storage space for luggage, sporting equipment, instruments, or any other oversized items. Luckily, your charter bus company has solutions depending on your situation:
Small Group, Big Storage Needs: Book a full-sized charter bus! They come equipped with massive under-floor luggage bays and overhead bins for stowing away all your large items, while still providing comfy seating.
Traveling Light but Don’t Want a Larger Bus: Try a minibus! We offer 18-35 passenger minibuses with overhead storage space or under-floor bins for personal bags and smaller items.
We have flexible bus models to cover all situations. Make sure to discuss your storage/luggage requirements during your reservation.
What does a charter bus look like?
What exactly can you expect when a charter bus pulls up to your pickup location? While there are slight variations by bus company, model, and size, all coaches share some common characteristics:
Exterior: Look for a large vehicle with panoramic viewing windows, luggage bays underneath, and a logo visible on the exterior. Newer models are sleek, modern, and instantly recognizable!
Interior: Step aboard and you’ll find cushioned seating in a spacious, climate-controlled cabin. Modern bus interiors are designed for comfort and accessibility with wider aisles, individual seating, overhead storage bins, and more.
Above all, charter buses are a level above traditional school buses or public motor coaches. They are built for more comfortable group travel with premium amenities and worry-free transportation.
What amenities come on a charter bus?
Speaking of amenities, charter bus rentals can pack on premium features that will make your travel so much fun! Amenities can include:
- Plush leather or fabric seating with armrests and footrests
- Climate control and air conditioning
- Individual overhead reading lights
- Generous luggage storage and overhead bins
- A compact bathroom located in the rear
- TV monitors with DVD players
Of course, you’ll want to confirm which specific amenities are included in your rental, but those basics are a given. Many companies also offer premium add-ons like WiFi, additional audio/visual entertainment systems, wheelchair accessibility, and more for additional convenience.
Do charter buses have WiFi?
Being off the grid is practically a sin—especially on long bus trips where there’s plenty of downtime! Luckily, most companies have WiFi and power outlets on their newer bus models so you can stay charged and streaming throughout your journey. Simply request that your bus has WiFi and power outlets and they’ll accommodate accordingly.
Reliable WiFi and charging capabilities will truly transform your bus into a mobile workspace, arcade, or personal hotspot. Cruise through emails, update socials from the road, and soak up all that entertainment through connected devices. You can also utilize power outlets for charging phones, laptops, cameras, and other electronics while in transit.
Do charter buses have restroom? What does it look like?
Yes, charter buses can have bathrooms depending on the model! While not as spacious as your typical restroom, these facilities provide essential on-board relief. You can expect a small room with a standard toilet and hand sink located in the rear of the bus cabin.
Sure, they won’t be as luxurious or comfortable as public restrooms, but they’re very functional and help avoid unnecessary stops. Just try to limit major usage while the bus is in motion for any bumpy stretches. Your driver can plan routine stops for more comfortable bathroom breaks.
You’re now ready to rent!
We hope this first-timer’s guide has provided all the key details you need to rent your charter bus! Now it’s time to put those tips into action with Partybus.com. Give us a call today at 877-563-2133 or request a free, personalized quote on our website.