Frequently Asked Questions About Bus Rentals in Columbus

Columbus Minibus Company is a leading charter bus company in Columbus, serving all of Franklin County and Central Ohio. We’ve been in business since 2011 and have booked thousands of trips for groups across the state. Our team is available 24/7 to help you plan your trip, answer questions, and provide instant quotes. Whether you’re organizing a corporate event at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, a wedding shuttle to Jorgensen Farms, or a field trip to the Columbus Zoo, we can help you find the right bus at the right price. We pride ourselves on offering some of the most competitive rates in the industry and providing exceptional customer service from start to finish.

We work with all kinds of groups! Schools love us for field trips to COSI or the Columbus Zoo. Sports teams book buses to away games at Ohio State or local high schools. Businesses use our services for corporate events at the Greater Columbus Convention Center or daily commuter shuttles downtown. Wedding planners rely on us for guest transportation to venues like The Vue, Dock580, and Jorgensen Farms. We also help churches, tour groups, government agencies, and families going to Cedar Point or Hocking Hills. No matter your group size or destination, we’ll get you there comfortably and on time.

A charter bus is a large, full-size motorcoach designed for long-distance travel and big groups. These buses typically seat 47 to 56 passengers and come equipped with amenities like cushioned reclining seats, overhead storage, undercarriage luggage bays, restrooms, TVs with DVD players, WiFi, power outlets, and climate control. Charter buses are perfect for school field trips to the Columbus Zoo, corporate outings to Topgolf, sports team transportation to away games, or any event where you need to move a lot of people comfortably and efficiently. They’re built for highway travel and can easily handle trips from Columbus to Cincinnati, Cleveland, or even out-of-state destinations.

A minibus is a smaller, more compact version of a charter bus, typically seating between 18 and 35 passengers. These buses are ideal for short-distance trips, shuttling guests between venues, or transporting smaller groups around town. While they may not have all the amenities of a full-size charter bus, minibuses still offer comfortable seating, air conditioning, and sometimes features like WiFi or power outlets. They’re great for wedding shuttles to Strongwater Events, corporate transportation between offices, or taking a youth group to Zoombezi Bay.

Charter buses usually have between 47 and 56 seats, depending on the make and model. The most common size is a 56-passenger bus, which is great for moving large groups of people efficiently. These buses are perfect for school trips to the Columbus Museum of Art, sports teams traveling to tournaments in Dayton or Toledo, or corporate outings where everyone needs to arrive together. If you have a smaller group but still want the comfort of a charter bus, we also offer mid-size options with 40-45 seats.

Minibuses typically seat anywhere from 15 to 35 passengers, making them a flexible option for medium-sized groups. The most popular sizes are 20, 25, and 28-seaters, but we can accommodate other configurations as well. These buses are ideal for wedding shuttles to The Fives, corporate training sessions at Easton Town Center, or church groups heading to volunteer projects. If you’re not sure what size you need, just tell us how many people you’re bringing and we’ll match you with the right vehicle.

We offer a wide range of buses to suit any group size or budget. Our fleet includes full-size charter buses with 47, 50, 54, or 56 seats; minibuses with 18, 20, 25, 28, or 35 seats; sprinter vans for groups of 10-15; and specialty vehicles like party buses or executive coaches. Each type of bus comes with its own set of amenities, so you can choose the level of comfort and convenience that works best for your trip. Whether you need a 56-passenger motorcoach for a band competition or a 25-seat minibus for a brewery tour in the Short North, we’ve got you covered.

Our buses come with a variety of amenities designed to keep passengers comfortable and entertained. Standard features include cushioned seats, air conditioning, overhead lighting, and PA systems for announcements. Many of our buses also offer free WiFi, power outlets or USB ports at every seat, flat-screen TVs with DVD players, and restrooms for longer trips. Charter buses have large undercarriage luggage bays plus overhead racks for carry-ons, while minibuses offer smaller storage areas. If you need something specific like leather seats, hardwood floors, or an ADA-accessible lift, just ask—we’ll get you a bus that meets your requirements.

Yes, many of our buses are equipped with AUX inputs or Bluetooth-enabled sound systems so you can play your own playlists during the ride. This is especially popular for wedding parties heading to The Estate at New Albany or student groups getting pumped up before a competition. Just let us know if this feature is important to you when booking, and we’ll make sure your bus has the right setup. You can also bring DVDs to play on the monitors if you want to show movies or slideshows.

Full-size charter buses have the most storage capacity, with large underfloor compartments that can hold multiple suitcases, coolers, instrument cases, or sports equipment. There are also overhead racks inside the cabin for smaller bags and personal items. Minibuses have less space but can still accommodate backpacks, briefcases, or a few duffel bags. If your group is bringing oversized items like bicycles or AV gear for a conference at the Hilton Downtown, please mention it when you call so we can recommend a vehicle with adequate storage.

Absolutely! We can provide ADA-accessible buses with wheelchair lifts, wider aisles, priority seating, and securement areas for mobility devices. These features are available on both charter buses and minibuses, ensuring that every passenger can travel safely and comfortably. If your group includes individuals with disabilities, please let us know their specific needs so we can assign a properly equipped vehicle. We regularly work with organizations like Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities and Lifetown Columbus to provide accessible transportation.

Yes, you can wrap your charter bus with custom graphics, logos, or advertising for an additional fee. This is a great way to promote your brand during a trade show at the Greater Columbus Convention Center or show team spirit for a playoff game at Lower.com Field. Wrapping options range from simple decals to full-coverage designs. Please contact us at least 2-3 weeks in advance if you want a wrapped bus, as it requires extra time for printing and installation. We’ll work with your designer to ensure the final product looks professional and eye-catching.

We will do our best to accommodate requests for specific bus models, manufacturers, or colors, but availability depends on our fleet and the dates of your trip. If matching your company’s branding or wedding theme is important, please mention it when booking. We have a variety of white, black, and silver buses, plus a few with custom paint jobs or leather interiors. While we can’t guarantee a particular make or model, we’ll always strive to meet your preferences and provide a clean, modern vehicle that fits your needs.

The cost of renting a charter bus in Columbus varies based on factors like group size, trip duration, and amenities requested. On average, you can expect to pay between $1,200 and $2,500 per day for a full-size motorcoach. Shorter trips within city limits may be priced by the hour (with a 5-hour minimum), while longer journeys are quoted by the mile. For example, a round-trip from Columbus to Cleveland Browns Stadium will cost more than shuttling guests between hotels and a reception venue downtown. The best way to get an accurate price is to call us with your itinerary details.

Minibus rentals are generally more affordable than full-size charter buses, with rates starting around $125-$225 per hour or $900-$1,600 per day. The exact price depends on the number of seats, total mileage, and any special features like WiFi or leather upholstery. Minibuses are a cost-effective choice for airport transfers to John Glenn International, corporate luncheons at Polaris Fashion Place, or bar crawls in German Village. As always, we recommend contacting us for a personalized quote based on your specific plans.

Several variables influence the final cost of your bus rental: the type and size of vehicle, total distance traveled, number of days/hours needed, time of year, and any optional amenities. Peak seasons like spring break, graduation month, or football season at Ohio State tend to have higher demand and therefore higher rates. Additional services such as onboard WiFi, restroom facilities, or custom wraps will also impact pricing. To get the best deal, try to book early, be flexible with dates, and provide a detailed itinerary so we can optimize routing and scheduling.

Your quote covers the use of the bus, driver’s wages, fuel, insurance, and standard amenities like A/C and reclining seats. It does NOT include parking fees, tolls, hotel rooms for the driver (if overnight), or gratuity. Optional extras such as WiFi, TV/DVD, or premium upholstery may be included depending on availability. There are no hidden charges—everything will be clearly itemized so you know exactly what you’re paying for. If you have questions about what’s covered, just ask our team when you call.

We recommend booking your bus at least 3-6 months ahead of your event, especially if it falls during a busy time like summer wedding season or college football weekends at OSU. Large-scale events such as concerts at Nationwide Arena or conventions may require even more lead time to ensure availability. Last-minute bookings are possible, but choices may be limited and prices higher due to short notice. Early reservations give you access to the widest selection of vehicles and the most competitive rates.

Yes, we offer flexible packages including one-way transfers (e.g., to John Glenn Columbus International Airport), round-trip service (e.g., hotel to wedding venue and back), and multi-day charters for extended tours or conferences. Whether you need a single ride across town or a weeklong circuit covering multiple cities, we can customize a schedule that fits your agenda. Popular options include daily shuttles for corporate commuters, weekend excursions to Cedar Point, and overnight trips to Chicago or Nashville.

Absolutely! We regularly send buses from Columbus to destinations across Ohio and beyond, including Cincinnati, Cleveland, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, Detroit, and Chicago. Long-distance charters are perfect for school bands competing out of state, fan groups following the Blue Jackets on the road, or company retreats at Lake Erie resorts. Our drivers are experienced with highway routes and will get your group there safely and on schedule. Rest stops can be arranged as needed for meals or bathroom breaks along the way.

If your itinerary requires overnight travel outside of Columbus, you are responsible for providing a separate hotel room for the driver each night. This ensures they have a comfortable place to rest before getting back behind the wheel. Most clients book a standard room at the same hotel where the group is staying, but any nearby lodging will suffice as long as it meets basic safety standards. For day trips returning home late (e.g., after a concert in Cleveland), no accommodation is necessary.

Getting a quote is easy—just call our office at 380-267-4120 or fill out the online form with details about your trip: date(s), pickup/drop-off locations, number of passengers, and any special requests. One of our representatives will review your information and provide a customized estimate within minutes. There’s no obligation to book until you’re ready, and we’re happy to revise the quote if your plans change. Once you approve the price, we’ll send a contract for signature and payment instructions.

Plan your itinerary carefully, including exact addresses and times for each stop. Consider traffic patterns around downtown, OSU campus, and major highways like I-71 and I-270. Budget extra time for loading/unloading passengers, especially at crowded venues. Communicate any special needs (wheelchair access, storage for musical instruments, etc.) upfront. Confirm whether parking permits are required at destinations such as the Short North or Scioto Mile. And don’t forget to pack snacks, water, and entertainment for the ride!

We provide ground transportation to all major airports in the region, including John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK), and regional hubs in Dayton (DAY) and Cleveland (CLE). Buses can pick up or drop off passengers directly at the terminal, making it easy to catch early morning flights or return home after a long journey. For large groups flying together, chartering a bus eliminates the hassle of coordinating multiple taxis or rideshares.

We serve all the major sports venues in Columbus, including Ohio Stadium (home of the Buckeyes), Nationwide Arena (Blue Jackets hockey), Lower.com Field (Columbus Crew soccer), and Huntington Park (Clippers baseball). Whether you’re organizing transportation for a youth league tournament or shuttling fans to a playoff game, we can get your group to the stadium safely and on time. Avoid the headache of finding parking near campus or downtown by letting us handle the driving while you focus on cheering for your team.

We provide transportation to all the top concert venues in Columbus, including Nationwide Arena, KEMBA Live!, Newport Music Hall, Express Live!, and Value City Arena at the Schottenstein Center. Chartering a bus is a great way to keep your group together and avoid the hassle of parking or dealing with post-show traffic. Enjoy the show knowing your ride home is waiting outside. We also serve smaller clubs and outdoor amphitheaters throughout the city.

We provide transportation to popular wedding venues such as The Ivory Room, The Estate at New Albany, Jorgensen Farms, Strongwater Events, Dock580, The Fives, Pinnacle Golf Club, and more. Shuttle guests between the ceremony and reception or offer late-night rides back to local hotels. Custom packages available for bachelor/bachelorette parties, rehearsal dinners, and day-of logistics. Make your special day stress-free by keeping everyone on schedule and off the roads.

We proudly serve nearby cities and suburbs including Dublin, Westerville, Gahanna, Grove City, Hilliard, Reynoldsburg, Pickerington, Worthington, New Albany, Delaware, Lancaster, Newark, Marysville, and more. Our extensive fleet allows us to cover the entire Central Ohio area, providing reliable transportation for commuters, students, and event attendees. Whether you need a daily shuttle from a park-and-ride lot or a one-time charter for a corporate retreat, we have you covered.

We provide transportation to major events and festivals such as Red, White & BOOM!, Columbus Arts Festival, Ohio State Fair, Pride Parade, ComFest, Jazz & Rib Fest, Arnold Sports Festival, and more. Avoid traffic congestion and limited parking by riding together with friends or colleagues. Perfect for large groups attending parades, food fairs, cultural celebrations, or seasonal attractions like Wildlights at the Zoo. Custom pickup and drop-off points available to suit your schedule.

We provide transportation to all major convention centers in Columbus, including the Greater Columbus Convention Center (GCCC) in the Arena District, the Ohio Expo Center & State Fairgrounds, and the Lausche Building. Whether you’re attending a trade show, corporate meeting, or industry conference, we can shuttle your group between hotels, restaurants, and event venues. Avoid the hassle of downtown parking and keep your attendees on schedule with a private bus rental tailored to your itinerary.

We provide transportation to all major colleges and universities in Columbus, including The Ohio State University (OSU), Columbus State Community College, Capital University in Bexley, Ohio Dominican University, Franklin University, and Otterbein University in Westerville. We also serve K-12 schools in Columbus City Schools, Dublin City Schools, Upper Arlington, Worthington, Westerville, Hilliard, Grove City, Reynoldsburg, and more. Whether you’re planning a campus tour, athletic event, or academic competition, we can get your students there safely and on time.