Coach Bus Prices: How Much Does a North Charleston Coach Bus Rental Cost?
The average cost to rent a coach bus in North Charleston ranges from $170 to $500+ per hour, depending on the vehicle size, features, and trip details. Daily rates typically fall between $1,800 and $3,800+. Minibuses are more affordable, starting at $150 per hour or $1,200 per day, while party buses and sprinter vans can range from $175 to $400+ per hour. For an exact quote, call North Charleston Coach Bus Service at 843-594-4490 or use our online quote tool. We’ll get you an instant price in 30 seconds, so you can compare vehicles and find the best option for your budget. Below, we’ve listed estimated rates and break down the factors that affect your North Charleston bus rental cost.
| 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?
The price of a coach bus rental will depend on several factors, including the type of bus, the length of your trip, and the time of year. In general, you can expect to pay between $170 and $325 per hour for a standard 56-passenger coach bus, with daily rates ranging from $1,800 to $3,800. Smaller minibuses (20-35 passengers) are more affordable, with hourly rates starting at $150 and daily rates around $1,200 to $2,500. Party buses and sprinter vans fall in the middle, with prices ranging from $175 to $400+ per hour depending on size and amenities. For multi-day trips, we offer discounted package rates based on total mileage and duration. To get an exact quote for your next trip, call North Charleston Coach Bus Service at 843-594-4490 or use our online quote tool.
What Factors Influence Coach Bus Rental Pricing in North Charleston?
There are many factors that go into determining the price of your charter bus rental. Here are some of the most important ones:
- Type of Bus: We offer a wide range of vehicles, including sprinter vans (10-15 passengers), minibuses (18-35 passengers), school buses (44-47 passengers), and full-size charter buses (40-56 passengers). Each type has a different price point, with larger and more luxurious buses costing more than smaller, more basic ones.
- Number of Passengers: The size of your group will determine what kind of vehicle you need. Larger groups will require bigger buses, which are more expensive to rent.
- Trip Distance and Duration: How far you’re traveling and how long you’ll need the bus are two of the biggest factors in pricing. Local trips within North Charleston or Charleston County are usually priced by the hour (with a 4-5 hour minimum), while longer trips to places like Myrtle Beach, Columbia, or Savannah are priced by the day or by the mile.
- Time of Year: Bus rental prices are higher during peak season (April-June and September-November) when demand is highest for weddings, school trips, and sporting events. You can save money by booking during the off-season (December-March and July-August).
- Day of the Week: Weekend rentals (Friday-Sunday) are more expensive than weekday rentals (Monday-Thursday) due to higher demand.
- Itinerary Details: Multiple stops, tight schedules, or travel during rush hour can increase costs due to extra mileage and driver hours. For example, shuttling guests between a downtown Charleston hotel and a waterfront venue on Daniel Island may take longer than a direct route to Boone Hall Plantation in Mount Pleasant.
- Amenities: Buses with premium amenities like WiFi, power outlets, TVs, DVD players, restrooms, and leather seats cost more than standard models. Let us know what features are important to your group.
- Advance Booking: The earlier you book, the better your rate will be. Last-minute rentals are subject to availability and higher prices.
- Tolls, Parking, and Permits: Any tolls (like the Ravenel Bridge), parking fees (such as at Credit One Stadium or Patriots Point), or special permits required for your trip will be added to the total cost.
- Gratuity: While not required, it’s customary to tip your driver 10-20% for excellent service. This is not included in your quote.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are a few sample pricing examples for common trips in North Charleston, SC and around the state. Please note that these are estimates and your actual price may vary based on your specific needs and travel dates.
Field Trip to Charleston Museums
A teacher at Northwoods Middle School is organizing a field trip for 50 students and 5 chaperones to visit the South Carolina Aquarium and the Charleston Museum. They will depart from the school at 9:00 AM, spend the day exploring exhibits, and return by 3:00 PM. Since this is a local, same-day trip, they were quoted $1,850 for a 56-passenger charter bus with onboard restroom and DVD player. The cost works out to about $34 per person for round-trip transportation. If the group wanted to add a stop at Waterfront Park or extend their itineraryy, the price would increase slightly based on the additional hours.
Wedding Shuttle on Isle of Palms
A bride is hosting her wedding ceremony at Wild Dunes Resort and reception at a beachfront house on Isle of Palms. She needs continuous shuttle service for 100 guests between the two locations from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM. We recommended two 25-passenger minibuses running back and forth for 7 hours, with a total cost of $2,800 ($200 per hour per bus). This ensures all guests have a safe ride and no one has to worry about parking or driving after celebrating. For comparison, renting a single 56-passenger coach for limited trips would cost around $1,900 but offer less flexibility.
Corporate Commuter Shuttle in North Charleston
A manufacturing company near Palmetto Commerce Parkway wants to provide daily commuter shuttles for employees who live in Summerville and Goose Creek. They requested two 40-passenger buses to run morning and evening routes, Monday through Friday, for one month. The quoted rate was $1,600 per day per bus, which includes up to 10 hours of service and 120 miles. For 20 weekdays, the total comes to $64,000. This covers all fuel, insurance, and maintenance, and is still much cheaper than reimbursing individual car mileage or losing workers to traffic delays on I-26.
Sports Team Travel to Columbia
A high school football team in Mount Pleasant is playing an away game against Dutch Fork High School in Irmo. They need a charter bus to transport 45 players, coaches, and equipment from their campus to the opponent’s stadium, wait during the game, and bring everyone back the same night. The round-trip distance is about 230 miles and the total duration is 8 hours. The quoted price for a 56-passenger bus with reclining seats, WiFi, and luggage bays was $2,400. If the team advanced to playoffs in Greenville or Rock Hill, those longer trips would cost $2,800-$3,200 each.
Bachelorette Party in Downtown Charleston
A group of 12 friends is planning a bachelorette party with dinner on King Street, bar hopping in the French Quarter, and dancing at a rooftop club. They booked a 15-passenger sprinter limo from 6:00 PM to 2:00 AM for a flat rate of $1,600. The vehicle features perimeter seating, Bluetooth sound system, LED lighting, and space for a cooler. Split among the group, it’s $133 per person for door-to-door service and no worries about Uber surge pricing or finding parking near Market Street. Larger party buses (25-30 people) start at $2,200 for similar itineraries.
Multi-day Tour to Savannah and Hilton Head
A church group from West Ashley is taking a three-day excursion to visit historic sites in Savannah, GA and relax on Hilton Head Island. Their package includes a charter bus with restroom, TV monitors, and USB ports, departing Friday morning and returning Sunday evening. The total mileage is 340 miles and the bus will stay overnight with the group at their hotel (room provided). The quoted price for the entire weekend was $4,100, which covers all transportation but not meals or attraction tickets. For shorter overnight trips to Myrtle Beach or Augusta, expect to pay $3,000-$3,500 depending on distance and schedule.