Columbus Charter Bus & Minibus Rental Prices: How Much Does a Columbus Bus Rental Cost?
The price of a charter bus rental in Columbus depends on your trip details, including where you’re going, when you’re traveling, and what kind of bus you need. Most trips will cost between $170 and $500 per hour or $1,800 to $3,800 per day. The only way to know exactly how much your bus will cost is to get a quote from our team, either by calling 380-267-4120 or using our online quote tool. Below, we’ve outlined the estimated rates for each type of bus and explained the factors that affect how much you’ll pay for your trip.
| 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 Bus Rental Cost?
Columbus Minibus Company offers a wide range of buses in Columbus and throughout Ohio, including full-size charter buses, minibuses, and party buses. Here are the average rates for each type of bus:
- 56-Passenger Coach Bus – $197 – $519 per hour · $1,600 – $3,800 per day · $5.00 – $8.00 per mile
- 25-Passenger Minibus – $165 – $428 per hour · $1,300 – $3,200 per day · $4.00 – $7.00 per mile
- 20-Passenger Minibus – $157 – $414 per hour · $1,300 – $3,100 per day · $4.00 – $7.00 per mile
- 18-Passenger Minibus – $145 – $404 per hour · $1,300 – $3,000 per day · $4.00 – $7.00 per mile
These are just estimates, and your actual price may be higher or lower depending on your specific needs. For example, a short local trip within Columbus will cost less than a multi-day trip to Cleveland, Cincinnati, or Chicago. Similarly, renting a bus during peak season (spring and summer) will be more expensive than booking during the off-season (fall and winter). The best way to get an accurate quote is to contact us with your trip details.
What Factors Influence Bus Rental Pricing in Columbus?
Several factors can impact the cost of your charter bus rental in Columbus:
- Trip Duration: Short trips within Columbus are usually billed hourly, while longer trips to other cities like Cleveland, Cincinnati, or Indianapolis are billed daily or by mileage. The longer your trip, the more you’ll pay.
- Travel Dates: Spring and summer are peak seasons for charter bus rentals due to school field trips, weddings, and sports tournaments. Rates are higher during these months. If you’re traveling in the fall or winter, you may get a better deal.
- Bus Type: Full-size charter buses cost more than minibuses, but they can carry more passengers and have more amenities. If you’re on a budget, consider renting a smaller minibus or sprinter van.
- Itineraryy: Trips with multiple stops, layovers, or overnight stays will cost more than simple point-to-point trips. If your itineraryy requires the driver to stay overnight, you’ll need to cover their hotel room. Hotels like Hilton Columbus Downtown, Hyatt Regency Columbus, and Drury Inn & Suites offer special rates for bus groups.
- Amenities: Buses with premium amenities like WiFi, power outlets, TVs, leather seats, or restrooms may cost more than standard models. Be sure to specify what features you need when requesting a quote.
- Special Requests: If you need an ADA-accessible bus, luggage storage for band equipment, or branding for a corporate event, let us know. We can accommodate most requests, but some may affect the price.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are a few sample pricing examples for common trips in Columbus, OH and around Ohio. Please note that these are estimates and your actual price may vary based on your specific needs and travel dates.
Field Trip to Cosi
Ms. Johnson is organizing a field trip for her 4th grade class of 22 students from Hilliard to COSI in downtown Columbus. They plan to leave the school at 9:00 AM and return by 2:30 PM the same day. The itinerary includes exploring the science exhibits, watching a planetarium show, and having lunch at the museum’s picnic area. For this short local trip, Ms. Johnson was quoted $1,400 for a 25-passenger minibus, which averages out to about $60 per person. The price covers the round-trip transportation and includes a bus with A/C, reclining seats, and overhead storage for backpacks and lunches.
Wedding Shuttle in German Village
Sarah is planning her wedding at The Kitchen in German Village and needs a shuttle to transport guests between the venue and two hotels: Hotel LeVeque and the Westin Great Southern Columbus. She expects 80 guests and wants continuous service from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Her reservation specialist recommended two 25-passenger minibuses running loops every 30 minutes. The total cost for 7 hours of service is $2,800 per bus, or $5,600 total. This includes all mileage, wait time, and fuel. Sarah also requested onboard WiFi and Bluetooth sound systems so guests can enjoy music during the ride.
Buckeye Game Day Charter
A group of Ohio State alumni is heading to Ann Arbor for the OSU vs. Michigan football game. They’re departing from Columbus early Saturday morning and returning after the game ends. The group consists of 45 people, so they booked a 56-passenger charter bus with restroom, TVs, and WiFi. The round-trip journey is about 410 miles and will take approximately 10 hours of drive time plus 4 hours of wait time. The quoted rate is $4,900, which comes out to about $110 per person. The package includes parking fees at Michigan Stadium and space underneath the bus for coolers and tailgate gear.
Corporate Shuttle to Rickenbacker
A logistics company based near Rickenbacker International Airport needs a daily employee shuttle from a Park & Ride lot in Grove City to their warehouse facility. They have 30 employees working second shift and require transportation 5 days a week for a month. Columbus Minibus Company provided a quote for a 35-passenger mid-size bus at $1,700 per day, totaling $34,000 for 20 days of service. The bus is equipped with WiFi, power outlets, reclining seats, and luggage racks for backpacks and lunch coolers. The company chose this option to improve employee retention and reduce parking congestion at their site.
Senior Outing to Franklin Park Conservatory
An assisted living center in Dublin is planning a day trip to Franklin Park Conservatory for 12 residents and 3 staff members. They need an ADA-accessible vehicle with a wheelchair lift and securement areas. The group will spend about 4 hours at the conservatory before returning home. Columbus Minibus Company quoted $820 for a 15-passenger minibus with accessibility features, which includes pickup, drop-off, and standby time. The bus has extra-wide aisles, grab bars, and space for up to 4 wheelchairs. The price also covers fuel and tolls. The coordinator appreciated the flexibility to adjust pickup times if needed.
Prom Night Transportation
A high school in Westerville is booking transportation for prom night at the Columbus Athenaeum downtown. They expect 120 students to attend and want everyone to arrive together. The school reserved two 56-passenger charter buses and one 25-passenger minibus for overflow. The buses will pick up students at the school, drop them off at the venue, and return at midnight. The total cost for the evening is $6,300, which the school is covering through ticket sales and fundraising. Each bus has climate control, LED lighting, and a sound system for playing music during the ride.