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Charter Bus Prices: How Much Does a Chico Bus Rental Cost?
When you need group transportation in Northern California, Chico Charter Bus is your go-to for safe and reliable service! We make it easy to get a free, 30-second quote and compare pricing so you can see just how affordable renting a bus can be. Whether you’re heading to a big game at the University of California, Davis, planning a wedding in downtown Chico, or organizing a field trip to the Chico Air Museum, we have the perfect bus for your group. Our network includes everything from 18-passenger minibuses to 56-passenger coaches, so you only pay for the space you need. With instant access to over 50,000 vehicles and 24/7 support from our reservation team, you’ll see why we’re one of the most trusted names in charter bus rentals. Call us today at 530-767-8550 for your personalized quote!
| Vehicle Type | Per Hour* | Per Day* | Per Mile* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 56-Passenger Charter Bus | $197 – $519 | $1,600 – $3,800 | $5.00 – $8.00 |
| 50-Passenger Charter Bus | $190 – $500 | $1,500 – $3,600 | $4.50 – $7.50 |
| 40–45-Passenger Charter Bus | $180 – $480 | $1,500 – $3,500 | $4.50 – $7.50 |
| 35-Passenger Minibus | $180 – $475 | $1,500 – $3,400 | $4.00 – $7.00 |
| 30-Passenger Minibus | $180 – $475 | $1,500 – $3,400 | $4.00 – $7.00 |
| 28-Passenger Minibus | $175 – $450 | $1,500 – $3,300 | $4.00 – $7.00 |
| 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 |
| School Bus (-47 pax) | $155 – $450 | $1,520 – $3,655 | $5.00 – $8.95 |
| Entertainer / Sleeper Coach | N/A | $1,900 – $2,500 | $7.00 – $10.50 |
| Mercedes Sprinter Party Bus (10-14) | $160 – $450 | $1,200 – $2,900 | $3.00 – $6.00 |
| Small Party Bus (10-20) | $180 – $470 | $1,200 – $2,900 | $3.00 – $6.00 |
| Mid-Size Party Bus (20-30) | $200 – $500 | $1,200 – $3,500 | $4.00 – $8.00 |
| Large Party Bus (30-50) | $250 – $520 | $1,500 – $3,900 | $4.00 – $8.00 |
*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.
What Affects the Price of an Chico Charter Bus Rental?
Charter bus pricing is unique for every trip, and several factors come into play when determining your cost. The biggest influences are usually the size of the bus, the length of your rental, the distance you’ll travel, and the time of year.
Bus Size: Larger buses with more seating capacity typically have higher base rates than smaller vans or minibuses. For example, a 56-passenger coach might start around $1,600 per day, while an 18-passenger minibus could be closer to $1,300. However, if you need to move 50 people, one large bus is almost always cheaper than booking three smaller ones!
Rental Duration: Most charter buses are rented by the day (usually 8-12 hours). If you only need a few hours, some companies offer hourly rates, but these are less common. Multi-day rentals often come with discounts, so a week-long trip might average $8,000 to $15,000 total, depending on the bus and itinerary.
Mileage: Many quotes include a set number of miles (around 100-150) in the base price. If your trip exceeds that, you’ll pay an additional per-mile fee, usually between $4 and $8 per mile. This is important for longer trips outside the Chico area.
Season & Demand: Prices can be higher during peak travel seasons, weekends, or major local events. For instance, graduation season at Chico State or big concerts at the Senator Theatre might see increased demand. Booking well in advance can lock in better rates.
Extras & Route Complexity: Special requests like onboard WiFi, TVs, or ADA-accessible buses can affect pricing. Also, routes with lots of stops, waiting time, or overnight stays may increase the cost.
Our team at Chico Charter Bus is here to help you navigate all these factors and get the best possible price. Just give us a call at 530-767-8550 with your trip details, and we’ll provide a clear, no-obligation quote in minutes!
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Charter Bus for a Week?
For week-long rentals, such as extended tours or out-of-town events, you can expect to pay between $8,000 and $15,000, depending on the bus type and mileage. This total often includes driver lodging and a set daily mileage. We recommend calling our team at 530-767-8550 for a custom quote for your multi-day trip.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are some real-world examples of how much different types of trips in Chico might cost. These use average rates from our network and include estimated mileage and rental hours. Remember, your actual price may vary, so always get a personalized quote!
Sample Local Trip 1: Wedding Shuttle in Downtown Chico (200 words)
A couple getting married at the historic St. John’s Episcopal Church in downtown Chico wanted to provide their guests with a safe and easy way to get to and from the venue. With many friends and family coming from out of town, they decided to rent two 25-passenger minibuses to run continuous shuttles between their hotel and the wedding site. The ceremony and reception lasted about 6 hours, and the buses ran shuttles every 30 minutes for an hour before and after the event. The hotel was just 3 miles from the church, so each round trip was 6 miles. Each bus made approximately 8 round trips (48 miles total), plus 6 hours of waiting time. Using an average rate of $180/hour and $4/mile, the calculation was:
- Bus hourly rate: 6 hours x $180 = $1,080
- Waiting time: 6 hours x $90 (half rate) = $540
- Mileage: 48 miles x $4 = $192
- Total per bus: $1,080 + $540 + $192 = $1,812
- Two buses: $1,812 x 2 = $3,624
The couple’s total transportation cost was $3,624, which was well worth it for the peace of mind and convenience for their guests. The buses arrived on time, drivers handled all the logistics, and everyone arrived safely and on schedule. The couple even got to enjoy their day without worrying about designated drivers!
Sample Local Trip 2: Chico State Graduation Shuttle (200 words)
A group of 150 graduates from California State University, Chico wanted to celebrate their achievement with a day trip to Napa Valley. They booked three 56-passenger charter buses for the weekend, planning to leave Saturday morning and return Sunday evening. The Napa itinerary included visits to three wineries, a picnic lunch at a state park, and a group dinner in Yountville. The total driving distance from Chico to Napa and around the valley was approximately 300 miles. Each bus was rented for 36 hours (1.5 days). Using an average daily rate of $2,500 and a mileage rate of $6/mile, the cost was calculated as:
- Bus rental: 1.5 days x $2,500 = $3,750
- Mileage: 300 miles x $6 = $1,800
- Total per bus: $3,750 + $1,800 = $5,550
- Three buses: $5,550 x 3 = $16,650
The group’s total transportation cost was $16,650, which included driver gratuities, tolls, and onboard amenities like WiFi and reclining seats. Students were able to relax, socialize, and celebrate without anyone having to drive. The buses also provided a safe ride back to Chico after the celebrations, making the trip a memorable and stress-free experience for everyone.
Sample Local Trip 3: Corporate Shuttle to Chico Municipal Airport (200 words)
A tech company based in Silicon Valley was hosting a week-long offsite conference at the Chico State Bell Memorial Union. They needed to arrange transportation for 40 out-of-town attendees flying into Chico Municipal Airport (CIC). The company booked two 20-passenger minibuses to provide shuttle service between the airport, the conference center, and the nearby Marriott Hotel. The shuttle service was scheduled for 5 days, running from 7 AM to 9 PM each day, with an average of 6 round trips (8 miles each) daily. Using an hourly rate of $160 and a mileage rate of $4.50, the cost was calculated as:
- Daily hours: 14 hours x $160 = $2,240
- Daily mileage: 6 trips x 8 miles x $4.50 = $216
- Total per day: $2,240 + $216 = $2,456
- 5-day total per bus: $2,456 x 5 = $12,280
- Two buses total: $12,280 x 2 = $24,560
The company’s total shuttle cost was $24,560, which included driver support, onboard charging stations, and luggage assistance. Attendees were able to focus on the conference and networking without worrying about transportation logistics. The shuttles ran like clockwork, ensuring everyone arrived on time and had a comfortable ride throughout the event.
Sample Local Trip 4: High School Field Trip to Bidwell Park and Chico Air Museum (200 words)
A local high school biology teacher wanted to take her 50-student class on an educational field trip to Bidwell Park for a nature study, followed by a visit to the Chico Air Museum. She booked a single 56-passenger charter bus for the day, planning to depart at 9 AM and return by 3 PM. The park and museum were within 5 miles of the school, and the bus would make one round trip (10 miles) plus some local driving around the sites (total 30 miles). Using an hourly rate of $200 and a mileage rate of $5, the cost was calculated as:
- Rental hours: 6 hours x $200 = $1,200
- Mileage: 30 miles x $5 = $150
- Total charter cost: $1,200 + $150 = $1,350
The teacher’s total transportation cost was $1,350, which was well within the school’s budget. The bus provided a safe, comfortable ride for all students, with plenty of space for backpacks and lunch coolers. The driver also served as a chaperone, allowing the teacher to focus on the lesson plan and student engagement. The trip was a huge success, with students enjoying the hands-on learning experience and arriving back at school on time and refreshed.
