- Charter Bus Rental Bloomington /
- Charter Bus Rates
Charter Bus Prices: How Much Does a Bloomington Bus Rental Cost?
Charter bus rental prices in Bloomington, Indiana vary depending on the specifics of your trip and can range anywhere from $170 to $500 per hour or $1,800 to $3,800 per day. Factors that impact pricing include the distance traveled, number of days, type of vehicle, and time of year. The easiest way to get an accurate quote is to call our team at 812-955-7680 or use our online quote tool. We’ll need basic details like passenger count, itinerary, and travel dates to generate a personalized estimate in 30 seconds. Below, you’ll find estimated rates and a breakdown of factors that affect your trip cost.
| Vehicle Type | Per Hour* | Per Day* | Per Mile* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 56-Passenger Charter Bus | $197 – $519 | $1,600 – $3,800 | $5.00 – $8.00 |
| 50-Passenger Charter Bus | $190 – $500 | $1,500 – $3,600 | $4.50 – $7.50 |
| 40–45-Passenger Charter Bus | $180 – $480 | $1,500 – $3,500 | $4.50 – $7.50 |
| 35-Passenger Minibus | $180 – $475 | $1,500 – $3,400 | $4.00 – $7.00 |
| 30-Passenger Minibus | $180 – $475 | $1,500 – $3,400 | $4.00 – $7.00 |
| 28-Passenger Minibus | $175 – $450 | $1,500 – $3,300 | $4.00 – $7.00 |
| 25-Passenger Minibus | $165 – $428 | $1,300 – $3,200 | $4.00 – $7.00 |
| 20-Passenger Minibus | $157 – $414 | $1,300 – $3,100 | $4.00 – $7.00 |
| 18-Passenger Minibus | $145 – $404 | $1,300 – $3,000 | $4.00 – $7.00 |
| School Bus (-47 pax) | $155 – $450 | $1,520 – $3,655 | $5.00 – $8.95 |
| Entertainer / Sleeper Coach | N/A | $1,900 – $2,500 | $7.00 – $10.50 |
| Mercedes Sprinter Party Bus (10-14) | $160 – $450 | $1,200 – $2,900 | $3.00 – $6.00 |
| Small Party Bus (10-20) | $180 – $470 | $1,200 – $2,900 | $3.00 – $6.00 |
| Mid-Size Party Bus (20-30) | $200 – $500 | $1,200 – $3,500 | $4.00 – $8.00 |
| Large Party Bus (30-50) | $250 – $520 | $1,500 – $3,900 | $4.00 – $8.00 |
*Prices vary and fluctuate with fuel costs, holidays, and availability. Booking early usually secures the lowest rate. For exact pricing, please call our reservations team.
What Affects the Price of a Charter Bus Rental?
Several important factors influence the final price of your charter bus rental. The first is the type and size of the bus. Full-size 56-passenger charter buses generally cost more than smaller 18- or 25-passenger minibuses due to their larger capacity and amenities. Next, the length of your trip matters—local trips within Bloomington are usually priced by the hour with a five-hour minimum, while multi-day or out-of-town trips may be billed by the day or mile. For example, a same-day shuttle between Indiana University and downtown event venues could be quoted hourly, whereas a weekend excursion to Indianapolis might use daily or mileage-based pricing.
The time of year also impacts rates. Peak demand periods like IU graduation weekends, major sporting events, or summer festival season typically see higher prices compared to slower winter months. Early booking secures better availability and potentially lower costs. Your specific itinerary plays a role too. Longer distances, additional stops, and busy urban routes can all increase the quote. If your group requires special features such as WiFi, power outlets, or ADA accessibility, let us know so we can match you with the right vehicle from our extensive fleet of buses and shuttles.
Other variables to consider include potential overnight stays for multi-day trips, which would require covering hotel accommodations. Tolls and parking fees along your route are not included in the base quote and should be budgeted separately. Lastly, it is customary to tip your reservation specialist 5-10% of the total rental cost for excellent service.
What is included in my quote?
Your charter bus quote covers the cost of the bus itself, fuel, and any agreed-upon amenities like WiFi, power outlets, or onboard restrooms. However, certain expenses are not included. You will be responsible for tolls, parking passes, and hotel accommodations if your trip requires an overnight stay. For example, bus parking at Monroe County Convention Center may cost $35 per day, while IU Athletics event parking can range from $40 to $100 depending on the lot. Tipping your reservation specialist is also customary, with 5-10% being standard for exceptional service. Please factor these additional costs into your overall budget when planning your trip.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are a few sample pricing examples for common trips in Bloomington, IN and around Indiana. Please note that these are estimates and your actual price may vary based on your specific needs and travel dates.
IU Basketball Game Day Shuttle
The alumni association at Indiana University is organizing a game day shuttle for fans attending a Saturday afternoon basketball game at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. They plan to pick up attendees from three local hotels and shuttle them to the arena, starting service two hours before tip-off and concluding one hour after the game ends. With an expected ridership of 90 people, the planner books two 45-passenger minibuses. Service is required from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM (7 hours). At $190/hour per minibus, the total comes to $2,660. The organizer adds $80 for two reserved bus parking spaces near the arena, bringing the final quote to $2,740—less than $31 per attendee.
Corporate Retreat Multi-Day Charter
A Bloomington tech company schedules a three-day corporate retreat at French Lick Resort. They have 48 employees needing round-trip transportation from their office to the resort plus daily shuttles for offsite team-building activities. The itinerary includes pickup at 9:00 AM on Monday, arrival at French Lick by noon, local shuttling Tuesday, and return to Bloomington Wednesday afternoon. The planner books a 56-passenger charter bus with onboard WiFi and restroom for comfort. The quote for three full days (estimated at $2,200/day) totals $6,600. The company reserves a hotel room for the driver at $110/night, adding $220. The final cost is $6,820, or about $142 per employee for hassle-free group travel.
Wedding Guest Transportation
A couple getting married at Sycamore Farm wants a seamless transportation solution for 130 guests staying at downtown hotels. Their planner arranges continuous shuttle service between the hotels and venue from 2:00 PM to midnight, ensuring guests arrive on time for the ceremony and can celebrate safely. Two 56-passenger charter buses are booked for 10 hours each at $185/hour, totaling $3,700. The venue charges a flat $50 parking fee for buses. After tipping both drivers $150 each (about 8%), the total wedding transportation cost is $4,050, or just over $31 per guest for reliable, private transit on a big day.
School Field Trip to Indianapolis Zoo
An elementary school in Monroe County plans a spring field trip for 115 students and 12 chaperones to the Indianapolis Zoo. They request two 56-passenger charter buses with seat belts and climate control. The itinerary is simple: depart the school at 8:00 AM, arrive at the zoo by 10:00 AM, spend five hours exploring, then return by 4:30 PM. This single-day, 120-mile round trip is quoted at $2,400 per bus ($4,800 total). Zoo bus parking is $30 per vehicle, adding $60. The PTA budgets $500 for tips. The grand total is $5,360, or under $44 per person for safe, comfortable student transportation.
