Charter Bus Prices: How Much Does a Tallahassee Bus Rental Cost?
Tallahassee Charter Bus is proud to offer the largest selection of buses in Tallahassee with flexible pricing and packages to get you hitting the road in no time! But we know you might want to understand all the factors that influence your Tallahassee bus rental quote. That way, you can choose the best type of bus for you and your group at the right price. We can help you get rates in seconds! Call Tallahassee Charter Bus at 561-493-2858 or use our online quote tool to get instant pricing by text or email!
Tallahassee 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+
|
$1,600 – $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
|
Tallahassee 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 561-493-2858 or use our online quote tool.
How Much Does a Tallahassee Charter Bus Rental Cost?
Tallahassee charter bus rental prices vary based on the type and size of the vehicle, as well as the duration and timing of the rental. For standard charter buses, hourly rates range from $150 to over $400, with daily rentals typically costing between $1,200 and $3,000. Smaller minibuses accommodating 18 to 35 passengers start around $120-$300+ per hour, while school buses range from $100-$250 per hour. Mileage charges for Tallahassee charter buses generally fall between $4.00 and $9.95 per mile. To get the most up-to-date pricing, give us a call or use our online quote tool! We are here to help.
How Much Does a Tallahassee Party Bus Rental Cost?
Tallahassee party buses, on the other hand, are priced slightly differently. Small party buses (10 to 20 passengers) typically cost between $170 and $450+ per hour. Medium party buses (20 to 40 passengers) are priced from $200 to $500+ per hour, and large party buses (40 to 50 passengers) range from $250 to $500+ per hour. You can also book a specialized Mercedes sprinter party bus for $160-$400+ an hour. We recommend you book at least six months before your party date! We work with all budgets and will provide free quotes within minutes over the phone, just let us know!
What are the Factors Influencing Tallahassee Bus Rental Pricing?
While we wish we could give you a definitive answer, there is no “one size fits all” quote. Several factors play into a bus rental’s final price. Some things to consider before you book include the trip distance, the season you’ll be traveling in, and which kind of bus you choose. If you want to get a better understanding of pricing and what to expect, check out our tips below!
Trip Distance and Duration
When considering what your rental rate will be, one of the first things to think about is how far you’re traveling. Short trips, such as those that take place within city limits, will usually be calculated by the hour. For example, if you want a quick 2-hour ride to take your Florida State University alumni group to a bar in Midtown Tallahassee, you can rent a minibus from our network and likely be quoted an hourly rate. Each bus company has a minimum rental time, but this can vary depending on the company (as a general rule of thumb, expect a 3 to 5 hour minimum, though Tallahassee Charter Bus can help get you a shorter minimum!) For longer trips that span across multiple days, such as if you want to see a University of Alabama game in Tuscaloosa with your FSU fan group, your rate will be based on daily pricing. And those planning to take a long road trip across state lines may want to rent a charter bus by mileage instead.
Time of Year (Seasonality)
Just like hotel and airfare rates, bus rental pricing can change throughout the year. Booking during the spring and summer months is typically more expensive than during the rest of the year, but rates could fluctuate in your area. This is because demand for charter buses increases around graduation, proms, summer break, and holidays. College football game days and special events like weddings can also impact pricing for charter bus and minibus rentals.
If you are able to book a charter bus at least six months before your trip, you’ll have better rates for a wider selection of available buses and amenities. If your event or trip happens to fall during a major event or celebration, like a game at Doak Campbell Stadium or a concert, plan to book even earlier! You’ll also want to have a finalized itinerary to avoid having to make changes later, which could result in an increase in mileage, which could affect your final price.
Location and Availability
Tallahassee Charter Bus can provide you with charter bus rental services to just about any city in the US. However, one of the biggest price differences comes into play when considering the location where you plan to board your bus rental. If you are traveling from a large city such as Atlanta or Chicago, the price will likely be cheaper because more providers are available in the area, while prices in more rural locations are more expensive.
Additionally, some charter bus companies have different rates depending on which location they need to dispatch from. To minimize those extra mileage fees, you can try to rent a charter bus or minibus from a company that already has a bus depot or branch location in or near your pickup city. This mileage from a charter bus company’s dispatch garage to your pick-up location is known as “deadhead” in the transportation world. And, thankfully, you won’t have to worry too much about deadhead fees because the Tallahassee Charter Bus’s network spans throughout all 50 states!
Bus Type and Size
When we match your group with a bus rental, we consider factors like your passenger count and trip distance. If your group is 10-15 people, you’ll likely be in a Mercedes sprinter bus. Smaller groups traveling for a wedding or bachelor/bachelorette party can benefit from these more luxurious-feeling shuttles while also experiencing better mileage and cheaper hourly rates.
Larger groups or school events may need a shuttle bus or party bus with a passenger capacity between 25 to 35 people, depending on your needs. Many groups find it convenient to opt for a bigger shuttle when you’re traveling to an event that has minimal parking available or traveling along crowded city streets. If your group will need luggage storage, you can always request a larger charter bus with undercarriage storage space for large pieces of luggage or equipment.
Groups who need an ADA-compliant bus or other accessibility features can book a 56-passenger charter bus to accommodate their requests. These buses also provide plenty of legroom, and most seats in the bus rental can be adjusted or removed if needed.
Insider Tip: Remember—always choose the most cost-effective option, which means a bus that’s small enough for your group and their belongings—but also large enough for everyone to have a seat and enjoy the ride!
The Day of the Week
In addition to the busy seasons that may influence your price, your travel dates (and specific days within those dates) could also affect your quote. Weekday rentals tend to be more budget-friendly for a variety of trips in Tallahassee compared to booking for the weekend.
So how can you use the day of the week to your advantage?
- Try to find venues and local destinations that have events going on during the week (especially for weddings and rehearsal dinners).
- For events like bachelor or bachelorette parties, celebrate Wednesday or Thursday instead of Friday or Saturday.
Prices are usually higher on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays to meet higher demands for popular occasions such as weddings and prom transportation. If your party can be rescheduled for a weekday, do it! Your wallet will thank you.
Time of Day
Another way to lower the cost is by booking your trip for daytime hours (before 6 pm) since party buses are usually in greater demand for events like bar crawls, proms, sporting events, concerts, etc.—especially on Friday and Saturday nights. Weekdays typically offer cheaper bus rental quotes for both daytime and nighttime events. But the busiest and most expensive time to book is generally considered to be after 5 p.m. on Friday or Saturday. This may seem tricky to coordinate if you’re traveling for an event with a specific time, such as concerts or football games, but you could adjust your pickup and drop-off times. Plan to have a nice midday meal at your venue before enjoying a concert or getting ready for a big game!
Bus Amenities
While amenities such as WiFi, TVs, a PA system, cushioned and reclining seats, climate control, and even an onboard restroom for full-sized motorcoaches are considered standard on most bus rentals in Tallahassee, more premium features could be provided at an additional cost. Features like wraparound seating, leather interiors, and additional storage could be booked in certain buses—so make sure you let your reservation specialist know if these are must-haves. They’ll adjust the quote to include the additional features or find a bus model that includes the features you’re looking for in the bus rental pricing.
You may also get a discount on your total price if you’re willing to forgo one of the amenities. For example, ask your reservation specialist if you could receive a discount for opting out of WiFi during your short drive or renting a bus that doesn’t have a restroom on board. Every penny counts.
Additional Costs
Not every cost can be pre-planned for, so don’t forget to add these common expenses to your party budget:
- Road Tolls: Toll road fees are set by the state or by a toll operating company and fluctuate depending on which highways your bus drives on and your destinations. This means we can’t tell you in advance exactly how much your group will have to pay.
- Parking fees: If your group is planning a wedding, corporate event, or other gatherings at a venue, inquire in advance about parking. Some venues don’t offer bus parking. Others only allow for charter bus drivers to unload passengers at a specific drop-off location. These will add up!
- Driver Expenses: If you’re taking a long-distance or multi-day road trip, you’ll also have to book a hotel room for your bus driver per federal regulation. For a group with an overnight stay that requires more than 10 consecutive driving hours, you will also need to pay for a second driver as well.
- Tipping Your Driver: Tipping isn’t mandatory, but for good service, it is expected. And just like tipping at a restaurant or after getting a taxi, tipping your bus driver 10 to 20 percent of the cost of the bus is always appreciated.
Save Money on a Bus Rental in Tallahassee
It’s always smart to know what to expect when getting your bus rental quote. Here’s some advice to keep you traveling under budget:
- Nail down a passenger count in advance. Adding or removing passengers may affect the type of bus needed to best accommodate everyone, which could add to the cost if you have to rent a larger bus or if you paid for extra space in a bus that is too big.
- Finalize your itinerary ahead of time to get a quote based on exact mileage for road trips. And if your charter bus rental is being charged hourly, a finalized schedule can help you avoid last-minute costs associated with longer routes to additional destinations.
- Travel during weekdays or in the off-season to avoid seasonal rate hikes, higher minimum hour limits, and sold-out events during the busy travel months.
- Rent from a local bus company to eliminate deadhead mileage and its associated fees.
- Utilize every perk that your venues offer, like parking options and shuttles. Event planners and wedding couples may want to ask their chosen venues if bus drivers can receive complimentary parking or discounted group rates, saving you a few dollars during your trip.
Book Your Bus in Tallahassee Today
From quick birthday parties at Escape Tallahassee or The Fun Station to winery hopping in nearby Thomasville, we can transport your group to every stop in your itinerary with a private charter bus or minibus shuttle that has all the amenities you could want for a perfect ride. Don’t let booking a charter bus become a part of your day-of event logistics! When you have your itinerary and passenger count ready, you can rent a party bus by calling 561-493-2858. One of our professional reservation agents is available 24/7 to provide a 30-second quote on a tailored charter bus or minibus.
