Coach Bus Prices: How Much Does a Charlotte Coach Bus Rental Cost?
The cost of renting a coach bus in Charlotte can vary significantly based on several factors, including the type of bus you choose, the duration of your rental, and the distance you plan to travel. On average, you can expect to pay between $170 and $500 per hour or $1,800 to $3,800 per day for a full-size coach bus. Minibuses are generally less expensive, with rates ranging from $150 to $300 per hour or $1,200 to $2,500 per day. To get an exact quote for your trip, call our team anytime at 980-516-8630 or use our online quote tool. We’ll ask about your headcount, itinerary, and amenity preferences, then provide a custom price in under a minute. Below, you’ll find more details about estimated rates and the factors that influence pricing so you can budget your next trip with confidence.
| Vehicle Type | Per Hour* | Per Day* | Per Mile* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 56-Passenger Coach Bus | $197 – $519 | $1,600 – $3,800 | $5.00 – $8.00 |
| 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 |
*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.
How Much Does a Coach Bus Rental Cost?
Coach bus rental prices in Charlotte typically range from $170 to $500+ per hour, depending on the size of the vehicle, the length of your trip, and the time of year. For example, a 56-passenger coach bus might cost $250 to $350 per hour, while a smaller 25-passenger minibus could be $150 to $250 per hour. Daily rates usually fall between $1,800 and $3,800, with full-size buses at the higher end of that spectrum. If you need a bus for multiple days, expect to pay $3,500 to $7,000 or more for a weekend trip. One-way trips, such as a transfer from Uptown Charlotte to Charlotte Douglas International Airport, may be priced as a flat fee based on distance and duration. The best way to get an accurate quote is to contact Charlotte Coach Bus Service with your specific itinerary and requirements. We offer instant online quotes and transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
What Factors Influence Coach Bus Rental Pricing in Charlotte?
Several key factors affect the cost of renting a coach bus in Charlotte. The most significant is the size and type of vehicle you choose. Full-size coach buses (47-56 passengers) are more expensive than minibuses (15-35 passengers) or sprinter vans (10-15 passengers) due to their larger capacity and additional amenities like restrooms, luggage bays, and reclining seats. Premium features such as WiFi, power outlets, PA systems, and flat-screen TVs may also increase the price.
Another major factor is the duration of your rental. Hourly rates are common for local trips within Mecklenburg County, but daily or multi-day rates apply for longer journeys, such as taking a group to Raleigh, Asheville, or Myrtle Beach. The total mileage and number of hours the bus is in use will directly impact the final cost. For example, a simple round-trip shuttle from SouthPark to Bank of America Stadium will be less expensive than an all-day charter to Carowinds followed by dinner in NoDa.
Seasonality plays a role as well. Demand for charter buses peaks during spring and fall when schools are in session, weddings are popular, and sports teams are traveling. You may see higher prices during these months, especially around major events like college graduations, Panther’s games, or large festivals like Speed Street. Booking your bus several months in advance can help lock in lower rates and ensure availability.
Additional expenses to consider include parking fees, tolls, and lodging for the driver if your trip requires an overnight stay outside of Charlotte. For instance, if you’re organizing a weekend retreat in the Blue Ridge Mountains or a corporate outing to Wilmington, you’ll need to provide a hotel room for the driver. Gratuity is not included in the base price but is customary and appreciated. Most groups tip 10-20% of the total rental cost.
Finally, last-minute changes to your itinerary—such as adding extra stops, extending the rental period, or upgrading to a larger bus—can result in additional charges. To avoid surprises, finalize your headcount and schedule before requesting a quote. Charlotte Coach Bus Service offers flexible packages tailored to your needs, whether you’re planning a church picnic at Freedom Park or a multi-day conference at the Charlotte Convention Center.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are a few sample pricing examples for common trips in Charlotte, North Carolina and around the state. Please note that these are estimates and your actual price may vary based on your specific needs and travel dates.
Charlotte Wedding Shuttle
A couple is getting married at The Mint Museum in Uptown Charlotte and needs transportation for 100 guests between the ceremony and reception venues. They book two 56-passenger coach buses to shuttle guests from a hotel in South End to the museum, then to a reception hall in Plaza Midwood, and finally back to the hotel at the end of the night. The total rental time is 8 hours, and the quote comes out to $2,400 per bus, or $4,800 total. This includes all mileage, wait time, and a gratuity for the driver. The couple also pays $50 for reserved bus parking near the museum.
Corporate Shuttle From Ballantyne to Uptown
A tech company based in Ballantyne arranges a daily commuter shuttle for employees working in Uptown Charlotte. They rent a 28-passenger minibus to run two round trips each morning and evening for one week (Monday to Friday). Each shift is 4 hours long, totaling 40 hours of service. The weekly rate for the minibus is $4,000, which averages out to $100 per rider. The company covers all costs, including fuel and tolls on I-77.
School Field Trip to Discovery Place Science
An elementary school in Huntersville plans a field trip to Discovery Place Science in downtown Charlotte. They have 120 students and 10 chaperones, requiring three 44-passenger school buses. The itinerary includes a 9:00 AM pickup, drop-off at the museum by 10:00 AM, and return to Huntersville by 2:30 PM. The total cost for the three buses is $2,100 ($700 each), making it an affordable option for large groups. The museum provides free bus parking during the visit.
Sports Team Travel to Greensboro
A youth soccer club based in Matthews is traveling to Greensboro for a weekend tournament. They book a 38-passenger coach bus with underfloor storage for equipment bags. The team departs Friday afternoon, plays games on Saturday and Sunday, and returns Sunday evening. The package includes 3 days of service, approximately 350 miles round trip, and a hotel room for the driver. The total quote is $3,600, which the team divides among 30 families. This rate covers all transportation, but meals and lodging for players are extra.
Bachelorette Party in Noda and South End
A group of 12 friends is celebrating a bachelorette party with a night out in Charlotte’s NoDa and South End neighborhoods. They rent a sprinter van for 6 hours to visit breweries, restaurants, and music venues without worrying about parking or rideshares. The flat rate for the evening is $900, or $75 per person. The van drops off and picks up at multiple locations, then returns everyone safely to a central address in Dilworth.
Church Retreat to Asheville
A church group from Concord organizes a weekend retreat in Asheville, NC. They charter a 56-passenger coach bus departing Friday evening, staying two nights in Asheville, and returning Sunday afternoon. The itinerary includes stops at the Biltmore Estate, Blue Ridge Parkway, and a local restaurant for dinner. The total distance is about 260 miles each way, and the quote for the entire trip is $5,200. This price includes all highway tolls, parking fees, and accommodations for the driver at the same hotel as the group. The church takes up a collection to cover the cost, making it an affordable and convenient option for members of all ages.