Planning a bachelorette party, concert trip, or any big group event? A party bus rental is the most fun and convenient transportation option to keep the whole gang together. But if you’ve never rented a party bus before, you probably have a lot of questions before booking like how much it costs, what amenities are included, and how far in advance you need to reserve. Our experts at Partybus.com have been providing exceptional party bus rentals and charter buses, so we’re here to help! With happy customers and one of the largest fleets nationwide, we know everything there is to know about party buses. This complete guide will walk you through the ins and outs of party bus rentals, from types of buses to what you can expect onboard. That way, you can rent yours with total confidence!
What is a party bus?
A party bus is a large, luxurious vehicle that groups can rent for special occasions, nights out, events, and more. Party buses are essentially charter buses that have been customized and red-done out specifically for partying and entertainment. The interior is designed with fun features like LED lights, connectable sound systems, built-in bars, leather bench/wraparound seating, and more holding 10-50 people. Some larger buses even have bathrooms onboard so you don’t have to interrupt the fun for pit stops.
Originally popularized in San Francisco in the 1960s, party buses are now a popular mode of transportation for group celebrations and outings across the US. They’re ideal for events like bachelor/bachelorette parties, proms, concerts, sporting events, birthdays, and nights out on the town. Party buses provide a unique and exciting experience compared to standard group transportation.
What does a party bus look like?
Party bus interiors can vary quite a bit in layout and design depending on the specific vehicle. However, you’ll typically find features like:
- Wraparound seating
- Perimeter-style bench seating lining the interior walls
- Open lounge seating facing each other
- Wood floors
- Mirrored ceilings
- Colorful mood lighting
- Built-in bars
- TVs
- Connectable sound systems
- Restrooms
When it comes to exterior appearances, party buses look very similar to what a charter bus looks with white/black/silver paint, logos wrapped on the side, and tinted panoramic windows. The overall shape might resemble a standard coach bus, but some party buses are converted from unique vehicles like Sprinter Vans or even school buses.
Who rents party buses?
Party buses are a popular pick for any group celebrating a special occasion together. Typical party bus renters include:
- Bachelor & bachelorette parties
- Sports teams
- Concerts & festivals
- Weddings
- Birthdays
- Prom groups
- Corporate parties
- Nightclubs
- Winery/brewery tours
- Bars & restaurants
- Casinos
- And more!
Here are some examples of what a trip might look like:
- A group of co-workers in Chicago rent a party bus for their boss’ retirement celebration, traveling to a Cubs game and dinner.
- 20 friends from Columbus rent a party bus to Cleveland for a concert.
- An Iowa Hawkeyes alumni in Minneapolis can book a party bus for an overnight trip to Iowa City for a football game.
- A school group in Las Vegas rents a party bus for a tour of the famous museums along the strip.
- A group of coworkers in San Jose book a party bus for a Napa Valley wine tasting tour for a colleague’s 40th birthday.
How many seats does a party bus have?
Party bus capacities typically range from 10 seats to 50 seats. Smaller “limo bus” style party buses built on a sprinter van chassis generally seat 10 to 15 passengers. Mid-size buses built on shuttle bus bodies like a Ford/Chevrolet usually seat 15 to 30 passengers. For the biggest groups, full-sized party buses converted from motorcoach buses can hold up to 50 people!
At Partybus.com, we have party buses of all sizes – just let us know the size of your group and occasion and we’ll match you with the perfect party bus! Whether you need a 14 passenger limo bus for a wedding party in New Orleans or a 50 passenger bus for a company outing in Miami, we’ve got more than 3,000+ buses to choose from.
What is the difference between a party bus and a charter bus?
While party buses and charter buses may look pretty similar from the outside, there are some key differences when it comes to the interior layout and features. Charter buses are designed primarily for functional transportation from Point A to Point B. They have forward facing rows of seats, basic amenities, and larger undercarriage storage. Great for shuttle services and corporate travel as well as long distance trips — like taking a bus from Baltimore to Newark.
Party buses on the other hand are all about creating a mobile entertainment space to keep the good times going throughout the entire journey. They have lounge seating, dance floors, bars, sound systems, lighting, and other features to enhance the onboard experience. Party buses allow passengers to congregate together facing each other to socialize, play drinking games, dance, and more! So while charter buses move groups practically, party buses move groups fun!
What amenities are included in a party bus rental?
Standard amenities on our party buses include:
- Plush seating & leather interiors
- Hardwood floors
- Mirrored ceilings
- Lighting systems (strobe lights, LEDs, neon, fiber optics, black lights)
- Premium sound systems with Bluetooth, Aux and phone connection
- Flat screen TVs
- Bar areas & beverage coolers
- Restrooms on larger buses
And for an upgraded “luxury” party bus experience, you can also find eom features like:
- Captain’s chairs
- Gaming systems
- WiFi
- And more!
No matter what you are looking for, our team will work with you to customize the perfect experience with all the bells and whistles that you’d like.
Do party buses have WiFi and phone chargers?
Some of the newer model party buses come equipped with WiFi and USB ports for charging phones and devices. However, we recommend verifying that these amenities are available at the time of booking if WiFi and phone charging capabilities are important to your group. Only some party bus companies offer thiese and sometimes WiFi and chargers come at an additional fee. Either way, advance notice ensures we can provide a party bus that will keep your crew connected and charged up for your big night out!
Can passengers bring food and drinks on a party bus?
Yes and no! Most party bus companies do allow outside drinks to be brought onboard so you can stock up on party provisions before departure. However, some companies prohibit certain foods and glass bottles – be sure to verify the policy of your specific provider. In general, easy-to-eat finger foods like sandwiches are usually party bus-friendly foods. And for beverages, iIndividual cans and plastic bottles are ideal. Bringing your own small personal coolers is also recommended to keep beverages chilled – you will have an onboard bar but it doesn’t hurt to have some extra space!
Pro tip: An empty trash bag comes in handy for collecting cups and bottles before exiting the bus so you aren’t stuck with cleanup fees. And as always, be sure to respect the vehicle and throw away any mess before your ride concludes.
Can passengers drink alcohol on a party bus?
Most party bus companies will allow drinking onboard by passengers over 21 years old. However, exact policies will vary by company and location. Some may collect an added security deposit in case any damage occurs. Others may require beverages to be poured into cups. To avoid any issues, be sure to inquire with your specific provider about rules for alcohol consumption before booking.
Do party buses have storage space?
Party buses generally do not have extensive luggage room, as they are designed for short excursions like nights out, not luggage-heavy trips. However, some larger party buses may have a small amount of onboard storage space depending on the base vehicle. This could include overhead storage, racks, or a rear cargo area. When booking, let your party bus company know if you will have large items like coolers, sports gear bags, presentation materials, etc. that require space so they can best accommodate your storage needs. Keeping gear to a minimum is ideal for a party bus, as space is limited.
Do party buses have restrooms? What do they look like?
Only larger party bus models will have restrooms onboard, typically located near the driver’s seat. Party bus bathrooms are generally quite compact, similar to airplane lavatories. They provide basic functionality for passenger needs but lack spaciousness. When nature calls, use rest stops along the route when possible.
Onboard restrooms usually include:
- Small toilet
- Sink
- Mirror
- Waste bin
- Soap dispenser
- Toilet paper
While party bus restrooms are convenient for emergencies, these are generally only used for quick stops only or unavoidable situations mid-route.
How far in advance should I book my party bus rental?
To ensure availability for the bus, date, and times you need, aim to book your party bus at least 3-4 months in advance whenever possible. For major events like homecoming, prom, New Year’s Eve, bachelor parties, and other peak nights, we recommend booking 6-12 months out. Party buses can sell out quickly, especially larger buses since these are not as common. So don’t delay on securing your ideal party transportation for the big day!
Of course, we understand last minute events pop up too. If you need a party bus ASAP, give us a call and we’ll do our best to still accommodate your group and find buses on short notice. Just know rates may be higher for a rush booking based on availability. For the best selection and pricing, early booking is key!
How much does a party bus rental cost?
Party bus pricing depends on the size of the bus, features, how long you need it for, miles traveled, and availability for your date. Since pricing varies, the easiest way to get a quote tailored to your specific trip is to call us at 877-563-2133 or request a free quote online. We’ll gather key details like the date, hours needed, group size, pickup/dropoff locations, and amenities requested. Then our reservations experts will provide a detailed breakdown of expected costs based on your itinerary. We also have an online quote tool that can get you rates in under 30-seconds!
How much do you tip a party bus driver?
Tipping your party bus driver is not required, but always appreciated! Suggested gratuity is usually 10-20% of the total rental price. For example, if your total rental cost was $1,400 for your prom in Sacramento, a $140-$280 tip would be appropriate. Of course, feel free to tip more for exceptional service or if the driver goes above and beyond to make your time onboard special.
Some party bus companies will have tipping recommendations or even handle gratuity for you by adding it to the final invoice. Others leave tipping up to the customer’s discretion once the rental concludes. Be sure to ask your provider ahead of time so you know whether to come prepared with cash in hand for your driver post-journey.
How do I rent a party bus?
Booking a party bus rental has never been easier than with the professional team at Partybus.com. Just follow these simple steps:
- Browse our expansive fleet of party buses online or call 877-563-2133 to get matched with the perfect bus. Let your sales rep know details like:
- Date/time needed
- Group size
- Pickup & dropoff locations
- Receive a detailed custom quote outlining your rental costs along with terms and conditions.
- Seacure your reservation.
From bachelor parties to wine tours and everything in between, Partybus.com customers consistently have 5-star experiences across the country. No matter your group size or occasion, we’ll handle all the logistics so you can have a stress-free, unforgettable party bus experience. Let’s get your crew’s big celebration rolling in VIP style – request a custom quote or call anytime 7am to midnight!