While the numbers above provide a general estimate, the best way to get an accurate quote tailored to your unique trip is to give us a call. Just give us a call at 786-350-3196 or request a quick quote online.
How are Bus Prices Determined?
There’s no one-size-fits-all price tag when it comes to renting a charter bus. The total cost of your rental depends on details like where and when you’re traveling, how long you’ll be on the road, how many passengers you need to transport, and what kinds of amenities and features you request for your coach. With so many variables involved, the best way to get an accurate estimate is to provide our team with the specifics of your trip. We’ll use those details to generate a custom quote that reflects the exact services you need.
What Factors Affect the Cost of a Charter Bus?
Here are some of the key details that affect charter bus pricing for trips in Miami and across the country:
When you want to travel
The season and date of your trip impacts availability and demand, which can cause prices to fluctuate. For example, bus rentals for Miami events like Art Basel and Ultra Music Festival usually cost more than rentals during the city’s off-season.
Where you’re going and how long you’ll be there
Trips covering longer distances and multiple destinations incur more operating costs, so these trips are typically more expensive than quick jaunts around the city. Overnight trips also increase costs since they require additional driver hours.
The number of people in your group
The size of your group determines which bus size you need. Larger coaches cost more to operate than minibuses, but they’re more cost effective for big groups since the price is split among more passengers.
Where you depart
If your bus needs to start its route outside of Miami, you may be charged an additional fee to cover the distance the bus travels to your group’s pickup location. This is known as deadhead mileage.
Whether you’re traveling round-trip or one-way
One-way charter bus rentals generally cost more than round-trip rentals since they only generate revenue in one direction. Your pickup and drop-off points will determine if one-way travel is possible.
Determining the Cost of a Charter Bus Trip
Wondering what else can impact the total cost of your Miami charter bus rental? Here are some other common factors our team considers when generating quotes:
Time of the Year
Miami sees its peak tourism season run from November through April, when snowbirds flock south to escape the cold and families take winter vacations. During these months, the demand for charter buses skyrockets as groups visit for Art Basel, Ultra Music Festival, the Sony Open tennis tournament, and more. With high demand comes higher prices – renting a charter bus between November and April will be more expensive than renting during Miami’s off-season from May to October. For example, a 56 passenger charter bus with restroom and TVs might cost $2,500 for an 8 hour Saturday rental during December. But renting the same bus for a Saturday in September could be around $2,000. If possible, plan your Miami group trip between May and October to take advantage of lower charter bus rates. Just be aware that some venues and restaurants may have reduced hours during the summer off-season.
The Day of the Week
Weekend charter bus rentals almost always come with a premium price tag. Most people schedule their Miami group trips on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays to coincide with time off from school or work. The high demand on weekends leads to inflated charter bus prices. You can often save 10-20% on your quote by traveling midweek instead. If your group has some flexibility, aim for a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday departure. For example, renting a 20 passenger minibus with leather seats and TVs might cost $600 on a Friday night, but only $500 on a Tuesday. Just keep in mind that some Miami attractions like clubs and restaurants may have limited hours during the week. Make sure the sites you want to visit will be open if you opt for a midweek trip.
The Size of Your Coach
Larger charter buses cost more per hour/mile to operate because they require more fuel, more maintenance, and are more difficult to maneuver. But don’t make the mistake of cramming a huge group onto a minibus to save money! When weighed across your whole group, a bigger charter bus is often still the better value. For example, say you need to transport 40 people on an 8 hour roundtrip charter bus rental from Miami to Key West. A minibus that fits 25 people might cost $600 total. But a 56 passenger charter bus for the trip could cost $800 total. That’s only a $20 difference per person – well worth the extra space and comfort! When choosing your charter bus size, think about the cost per person as well as the overall price. Get your group an appropriately sized vehicle so everyone can ride comfortably on your Miami adventure.
The Distance You Travel
The base rate for your charter bus rental covers a set number of service hours and a certain amount of mileage. If your trip goes over the mileage or time allotted in your quote, you’ll incur additional usage fees. For example, your quote might cover 150 miles roundtrip and 8 service hours. But if your actual itinerary ends up being 175 miles and 10 hours door-to-door, you’d be charged for the extra 25 miles and 2 hours. Longer trips mean more miles put on the vehicle and more hours the driver has to be paid. To avoid surprise fees, build some buffer into your mileage and time estimates when requesting your quote. It’s better to overestimate and be pleasantly surprised than to underestimate and get hit with add-on costs. Carefully plan your route and timeline to limit unnecessary extra mileage and hours.
Request a Quote Online
The easiest way to get an accurate charter bus quote tailored to your trip requirements is to use our handy online quote request form. Just provide a few key details, and we’ll promptly email you a detailed quote with costs broken down. From there, you can book online, call us with any questions, or request modifications. Get started by requesting a quick quote using the form on this page, or call 786-350-3196 anytime to speak with one of our charter bus rental experts. We’re happy to provide complimentary price estimates with no obligation to book.
