Riverside Charter Bus Prices
| Bus Type | Per Hour | Per Day | Per Mile |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 to 56 Passenger Charter Bus | $180 – $500+ | $1,800 – $3,800 | $6.00 – $9.95 |
| 40 to 50 Passenger Charter Bus | $170 – $480+ | $1,700 – $3,565 | $6.00 – $9.95 |
| 25 to 35 Passenger Minibus | $150 – $450+ | $1,610 – $3,465 | $4.00 – $9.95 |
| 20 to 24 Passenger Minibus | $150 – $440+ | $1,610 – $3,365 | $4.00 – $8.95 |
| 15 to 18 Passenger Minibus | $150 – $430+ | $1,520 – $3,255 | $4.00 – $7.95 |
| Entertainer Coach | $315 – $550+ | $3,000 – $5,000+ | $6.00 – $9.95 |
| Yellow School Bus | $145 – $450+ | $1,520 – $3,655 | $6.00 – $9.95 |
| Shuttle Bus | $155 – $450+ | $1,520 – $3,655 | $6.00 – $9.95 |
Riverside Party Bus Prices
| Type of Party Bus | Cost Per Hour Weekdays | Cost Per Hour Weekends | Cost Per Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Party Bus (10 to 20 Passengers) | $180 - $450+ | $200 - $470+ | $1,000 - $2,900+ |
| Medium Party Bus (20 to 40 Passengers) | $200 - $500+ | $220 - $500+ | $1,200 - $3,500+ |
| Large Party Bus Rental (40 to 50 Passengers) | $250 - $500+ | $240 - $520+ | $1,500 - $3,900+ |
| Mercedes Sprinter Party Bus | $160 - $400+ | $180 - $450+ | $1,000 - $3,900+ |
* Prices may vary greatly in your city and state. Due to the impact of COVID-19 and inflation, all rental prices shown are past estimates. Actual pricing may be significantly higher depending on availability and location. To get real-time pricing, call us 951-266-8020 or use our online quote tool.
How Much Does a Charter Bus Rental Cost?
Charter bus rentals are available at daily and multi-day rates, ideal for longer trips or multi-day events. These buses are typically priced between $1,800-$3,800+ per day depending on your needs. With comfortable seating for up to 56 passengers, undercarriage luggage storage, overhead bins, power outlets, onboard restrooms, TVs, and WiFi, full-size charter buses are perfect for school field trips, sports team travel, corporate shuttles, and more. Keep in mind that additional expenses such as tolls, parking, and gratuity are not included in your quote and should be budgeted separately.
How Much Does a Party Bus Rental Cost?
Party bus rentals in Riverside are ideal for nights out, weddings, proms, and any celebration where you want to keep the party going between stops! We offer party bus pricing by the hour (often with a minimum rental time of 4–5 hours) starting at $170–$350+ per hour, depending on vehicle size and features like wraparound leather seats, fiber optic lighting, premium sound systems, dance poles, and coolers. While party buses are generally used for trips around the Inland Empire, Los Angeles, and Orange County, we can also quote multi-day packages for bachelor/bachelorette parties or destination weddings.
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Call Now: 951-266-8020What Factors Influence Charter Bus Rental Pricing?
The cost of your bus rental depends on several key factors, including the type of vehicle you choose, the duration and distance of your trip, the time of year, and any special requests or add-ons. Below, we break down each factor so you can better understand what goes into your personalized quote.
Distance and Duration of Your Trip
One of the biggest influences on your charter bus rental price is how far you’re traveling and how long you’ll need the bus. Local trips around Riverside—such as shuttling between UC Riverside and downtown or visiting multiple wedding venues in one day—are typically charged by the hour with a 4–5 hour minimum. Longer journeys, like transporting a youth sports team to a tournament in San Diego or San Francisco, may be billed by the day or even by mileage if crossing state lines. The farther and longer you travel, the higher your overall cost will be due to increased fuel consumption, wear-and-tear, and regulations regarding break times.
The Time of Year
Bus rental prices fluctuate based on demand throughout the year. Peak season in California usually runs from April through June and September through November, aligning with school field trips, graduations, spring and fall weddings, and major sporting events. Rates during these months can be significantly higher compared to slower periods like mid-winter or late summer. If possible, schedule your trip during off-peak times to take advantage of lower pricing and greater vehicle availability. For example, a corporate retreat in January or a winter wine tour in Temecula could be more budget-friendly than similar events held in May.
Day of the Week
Weekends tend to be the most expensive days to rent a charter bus or party bus due to high demand from weddings, concerts, nightlife excursions, and other leisure activities. Friday evening through Sunday afternoon slots fill up quickly and command premium rates. In contrast, booking your transportation on a Monday through Thursday can result in substantial savings, especially for corporate shuttles, school trips, or weekday airport transfers. If your schedule is flexible, consider moving your event to a weekday to secure the best deal.
Your Starting and Ending Locations
Where your trip begins and ends also impacts your charter bus quote. We have buses stationed in Riverside and across Southern California, but if your pick-up location is far from our nearest lot, you may incur additional fees for “deadhead” mileage—the distance the bus must travel empty before and after serving your group. To minimize these charges, try to start and end your itinerary near major hubs like downtown Riverside, Ontario International Airport, or popular hotels along I-215/I-10 corridors. If you’re planning a one-way trip (such as bringing cruise passengers from Riverside to Long Beach Port), ask about options for offsetting the cost of returning the empty bus.
Bus Type and Size
We offer a wide range of vehicles to suit groups of all sizes and budgets, from intimate sprinter vans and minibuses to spacious charter buses and luxury party buses. In general, larger buses with more amenities cost more to rent than smaller, no-frills models. For instance, a 15-passenger sprinter van or 18-passenger minibus is usually the most economical choice for small teams or family outings, while a fully loaded 56-passenger charter bus or 40-passenger party bus commands a higher rate due to its capacity and premium features. Choose the smallest bus that comfortably fits your headcount to keep costs down. Remember, it’s more affordable to book one large vehicle than multiple smaller ones.
Tolls and Parking
Tolls and parking fees are not included in your charter bus quote and must be paid separately during your trip. California highways like the 91 Express Lanes, 10 Express Lanes, and 60 Freeway have electronic toll collection systems, so be prepared to cover these charges if your route uses them. Additionally, many destinations require buses to pay for parking permits or daily passes—such as $30/day at Disneyland Resort, $50/day at Dodger Stadium, or $75/day at LAX. Research parking policies at each stop on your itinerary and set aside funds accordingly. You may also be responsible for reserving overnight hotel rooms for multi-day trips.
Booking Timing
When you book your Riverside charter bus can affect the final price. Reserving several months in advance gives you access to the widest selection of vehicles and the lowest rates, especially if your trip falls during peak season or coincides with major local events like Coachella, Stagecoach, or college graduations. Last-minute bookings (less than 2 weeks out) are subject to higher prices and limited availability, as most buses are already committed. To lock in the best deal, start shopping for quotes as soon as your travel dates are confirmed—ideally 3–6 months ahead for weddings, school trips, and large-scale corporate events.
Cost-Saving Tips
There are several strategies to reduce your charter bus rental costs without sacrificing quality or comfort:
- Split the bill among all passengers for group events like winery tours, amusement park shuttles, or casino runs—charter buses are often cheaper per person than individual rideshares or car rentals.
- Opt for a minibus instead of a full-size coach for groups under 30 people; you’ll still get great amenities at a lower price point.
- Travel during off-peak seasons and weekdays whenever possible to take advantage of discounted rates.
- Limit the number of stops and total mileage on your itinerary to avoid extra hourly or per-mile charges.
- Bundle round-trip transportation instead of booking separate one-way buses.
Get an Instant Quote Online
Ready to see exactly how much your Riverside bus rental will cost? Call us at 951-266-8020 or fill out our online quote form with your trip details (date, headcount, itinerary, vehicle preferences) and we’ll send you a personalized quote in less than 30 seconds. Our team is available 24/7 to answer any questions and help you find the perfect transportation solution for your budget and needs.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are a few sample pricing examples for common trips in Riverside and around California. Please note that these are estimates and your actual price may vary based on your specific needs and travel dates.
Wine Tasting in Temecula Valley
Susan is organizing a birthday wine tour for her group of 14 friends. They plan to visit three wineries in Temecula Valley, departing from downtown Riverside at 10:00 AM and returning by 6:00 PM. Since they want a vehicle with comfortable seating and room for wine purchases, Susan books a 15-passenger sprinter van for the day. Her quote comes out to $1,650 for an 8-hour rental, plus $25 in parking fees at two of the wineries, for a total of $1,675—about $120 per person. She tips the driver 10% for excellent service.
Student Field Trip to Disneyland
Mr. Lee, a teacher at Poly High School, needs transportation for 45 students and 5 chaperones to Disneyland Resort in Anaheim. The group will leave Riverside at 7:00 AM, spend the whole day at the park, and return by midnight. To accommodate everyone and their backpacks, Mr. Lee selects a 56-passenger charter bus with an onboard restroom and WiFi. His quote is $2,850 for the 17-hour day, plus $30 for bus parking at Disneyland. He also budgets a 15% tip, bringing the total to $3,307, or about $66 per student.
Wedding Shuttle in Downtown Riverside
Maria is planning her wedding at The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa and wants to provide a continuous shuttle for guests staying at nearby hotels. She expects 120 attendees and needs transportation between the ceremony, reception, and after-party locations from 3:00 PM to 1:00 AM. Maria’s coordinator recommends a 25-passenger minibus running loops all night. The 10-hour rental is quoted at $2,100, and since the hotels offer free parking for buses, there are no extra fees. Maria sets aside $315 (15%) for the driver’s gratuity, making the total cost $2,415.
Sports Team Travel to San Diego
The Riverside City College baseball team has an away game against San Diego Mesa College. The coach needs to transport 30 players and staff, plus equipment bags, from campus to the opponent’s field and back in one day. A 35-passenger minibus with undercarriage storage is booked for the 12-hour round trip, which is quoted at $2,200. The route includes $18 in tolls on I-15 South, so the team’s total transportation cost is $2,218. The athletic department adds a standard 10% tip ($220) for a grand total of $2,438.
Corporate Shuttle to Ontario Airport
A tech company headquartered in Riverside arranges an airport shuttle for 20 employees flying out of Ontario International Airport (ONT) for a conference. The shuttle picks up passengers from the office at 6:00 AM, drops them at ONT, and returns empty. Four days later, it repeats the trip in reverse. The HR manager secures a 20-passenger minibus at an hourly rate of $195, totaling $780 for each leg of the journey. With no tolls or parking fees, the round-trip cost is $1,560. The company policy includes a 12% tip, so the final expense is $1,747.
Bachelorette Party in Palm Springs
Emily is hosting a weekend bachelorette getaway in Palm Springs for 12 friends. She books a 14-passenger party bus with LED lights, Bluetooth audio, and a cooler for drinks. The itinerary includes bar hopping on Friday night, a spa day on Saturday, and brunch before heading home Sunday afternoon. Emily chooses a 48-hour package for $3,300, covering unlimited mileage within the city. She pays $40 for overnight parking at the Airbnb rental. After splitting the cost among the group and adding a 15% tip ($495), each person pays $316 for a comfortable and stylish ride all weekend.
Concert Trip to SoFi Stadium
A group of 38 friends wants to attend a concert at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood without dealing with LA traffic or rideshare surge pricing. They depart from Riverside at 2:00 PM, tailgate in the parking lot, enjoy the show, and return after midnight. The organizer books a 40-passenger charter bus with reclining seats and power outlets for $2,900. SoFi Stadium charges $120 for oversized vehicle parking, which is added to the bill. The group pools their money and tips the driver 10%, making the total $3,310, or $87 per person for round-trip transportation.
