Santa Maria 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 |
Santa Maria 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 1-805-602-5055 or use our online quote tool.
How Much Does a Santa Maria Charter Bus Rental Cost?
A charter bus rental in Santa Maria varies based on the type and size of the vehicle, along with when and how long your rental lasts. Hourly rates in Santa Maria usually start around $170 to over $500 depending on the charter bus, while daily rentals typically cost between $1,600 and $3,800+. For a 50 to 56 passenger charter bus, you’ll see hourly rates starting from $180 to $500+ and $1,800 to $3,800 per day, while Santa Maria minibuses accommodating 15 to 35 passengers start around $150 to $450+ per hour and $1,520 to $3,465 per day. Mileage fees for Santa Maria charter buses start around $4.00 and can cost up to $9.95 depending on your trip.
How Much Does a Santa Maria Party Bus Rental Cost?
Santa Maria party buses also have various pricing models depending on when your event is taking place, what amenities you request, and how long you’ll be on the road. Smaller party buses that can seat between 10 and 20 passengers start around $180 to $450+ per hour during the week and can go up to $200 to $470+ on weekends. You may see daily rental rates from $1,000 to $2,900+. Medium sized party buses that can hold between 20 to 40 people have weekday hourly rates between $200 to $500+ and $220 to $500+ on weekend. Daily rental rates vary but tend to fall within $1,200 and $3,500+. Larger party buses (40 to 50 seats) cost anywhere between $250 and $520+ per hour on weekdays or weekends, and have a daily rental rate between $1,500 and $3,900+. Specialized options like Santa Maria party vans cost between $160 and $400+ per hour Monday through Thursday, and $180 to $450+ per hour during Friday through Sunday.
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Call Now: 805-602-5055What are the Factors Influencing Santa Maria Bus Rental Pricing?
Multiple different factors go into every charter bus price, along with each company having their own unique rate models. A general way to figure out how much you’ll pay depends on whether you’re looking for a trip locally, one across multiple days, or long-distance based on the type of group outing you have planned.
Trip Mileage and Time
Santa Maria bus rentals, like any other charter bus, can be rented by the hour, by the day, or by the mile based on the particulars of your journey. Usually, a trip around Santa Maria for a few hours will be calculated by the hour. On average, most charter bus companies require groups to rent a bus for a minimum number of hours, but if your journey requires less time on the road, you can discuss your plans with your reservation specialist, and we’ll find a cost-efficient alternative to meet your schedule and needs. You can also book multi-day charter bus rentals. Common trips spanning multiple days are often events like week-long conventions or large business events in bigger cities like Los Angeles or San Diego, or road trips with multiple stops between California and neighboring states. If you need daily travel and a private bus around Santa Maria for multiple days, such as airport transportation for your guests, your rate will also likely be based on daily charges. Looking to book longer road trips with several days and multiple stops? If you’re booking a charter bus from Santa Maria to San Francisco, Phoenix, or Las Vegas, your rate will be based on mileage rather than daily or hourly charges. It’s also a good practice to make sure your itinerary has every destination listed with pick-up times, drop-off times, and any overnight hotel or lodging stays so that your Charter Bus Santa Maria rental expert can build a more thorough itinerary and estimate your mileage accurately. When you receive a quote, your estimate will already include all costs and fees. But be sure to remember to include money for additional things like road tolls, parking permits, gas, tips, lodging costs, and other additional fees you’re likely to incur on the road. That way, when budgeting for a trip or event, you’re likely to be more accurate.
When Are You Traveling?
Seasonality is one of the biggest pricing factors of any bus rental quote in Santa Maria. If you’re traveling during busier times like summer, you can expect an increased bus rental price due to high demand and fewer bus rental availability, If you’re planning a big trip or a convention to celebrate the Santa Barbara County Fair or other big regional events, demand might cause an unexpected spike in costs or could lead to few or no buses being available to book. Keep your eyes peeled on your city’s or county’s event calendar when finalizing travel dates. It may be worth considering traveling on an off day, as changing a few details may make a big impact in what your trip could cost. Highschool Prom and homecoming season also drastically increases prices as it’s considered the busiest and most sought after time to get a party bus or charter bus. This typically takes place in April and May and we very heavily suggest booking at least six months ahead of time, if not more. Many other popular events in California happen throughout the spring and summer as well so be sure to book as far in advance as possible if you will be traveling during this time of year, which can last from early April to late October.
Where You’re Traveling From
Limited availability and fewer rental options may result in increased bus rental pricing if your start or end point is in a less-populated area. Even more so, if you try to book within a few hours of when you need your charter bus, that limited window and less availability will certainly lead to higher cost. Be sure to note that your Charter Bus Santa Maria reservation specialist will try to connect you with the most convenient pickup and dropoff times to help reduce bus mileage costs.
The Kind Of Bus You Need
Your choice of charter bus model will also greatly affect the total cost, more so than anything else. If you need a party bus, for example, some are smaller or larger than others—those that are bigger may be a higher cost and be suited better for larger groups, while those on the smaller side are great for trips around Santa Maria with 10- 25 of your best buds! And there are some pretty cool amenities you can request such as disco or laser lights and Bluetooth speakers. Other party buses that have leather seats, bar tops, and a luxury interior will be more expensive than ones that are more standard. When selecting your charter bus, think about features that your passengers will actually want to use to keep costs at the best point. Need something else? We can also hook you up with minibuses, full-sized buses, even school buses, and sprinter vans! Just use our price quote tool for an easy way to see everything we have!
What Day of the Week Are You Traveling?
Booking your Santa Maria charter bus rental Monday through Thursday can be an easy way to save money. Since weekends tend to be busier for most people and more bus companies require groups to meet certain time requirements—a Friday or Saturday may result in more minimum rental hours being required or an additional fee based on higher demand. You might also want to plan events like private birthdays or winery group tours during off days in order to keep rates as low as possible.
What Time of Day Are You Traveling?
Along with renting during peak party hours or days in the weekend (which are both great ideas for birthdays and night out bashes!), most companies will also charge an increase per-hour for bookings taking place later in the day. From Friday afternoons until Sunday evenings, charter bus companies see their highest amount of trip bookings, meaning that if you’re traveling during this time, rates will usually be higher. This is especially the case in Santa Maria around the Santa Maria Times Square event space. Some buses might require fewer hours booked if you’re traveling on Monday or Wednesday afternoons—consider changing the date or time if possible to save a few dollars on hourly and day trip rates, such as outings to Pismo Preserve or to local wineries.
Your Bus Amenities
Some features and amenities are offered standard on every bus rental regardless of size and location. WiFi, onboard bathrooms, wheelchair lifts and ADA compliant features all typically do not cost extra, but if you are looking for other amenities like tray tables and TV screens that your passengers will enjoy using while on the road, that might add to your price. When planning your trip, consider amenities that will truly enhance your passengers’ time aboard your private charter bus or minibus and make your travel smoother.
Keep in Mind Added Fees
Additional fees like a driver’s tip aren’t included in your quote. Keep those expenses in mind so you’ll be well prepared to pay once you are on the road. Also, many cities, especially large ones, are starting to require companies to purchase parking permits ahead of an event or trip—sometimes for multiple cars if you don’t have one or multiple buses. It’s always a good idea to get familiar with a location’s parking permit rules so there won’t be hassles. You’ll also want to make sure you have considered hotel and lodging accommodations for a driver and multiple drivers who might be on standby if you’re headed to a distant location like Las Vegas.
Quick & Easy Charter Bus Rental Savings
We hope your group travel in Santa Maria won’t break the bank and there is nothing like that rush when you are able to save! Before you finalize your charter bus budget and itinerary, here are a few things you can consider to lower the cost of your rental.
- Get a final headcount. That way, we can make sure that your group is getting matched with a bus of the right size. This helps us avoid needing to accommodate you with multiple smaller minibuses rather than one bus, saving you gas money for multiple buses.
- Consider picking up and dropping off your group at one central location. Having your Santa Maria charter bus pick up passengers at multiple locations around the county adds to your costs because it could result in accumulating extra miles. If you want to minimize deadhead mileage as well, ask about booking a bus from a local Santa Maria provider.
- If you can, book early, in particular from April to June, it is the busiest time of the year for party and charter buses across the state. Be sure to start thinking about booking up to 9 months ahead.
- Try to reduce how much overnight lodging you need to book for your driver if possible. Keep your travel radius limited by making your destination a town that’s near your origination, to keep drivers and standby drivers from needing lodging.
Quick Pricing with Our Online Tool
Getting an estimate for your Santa Maria party bus rental or bus rental can be done within minutes with a Charter Bus Santa Maria representative. Once you have the passenger count, itinerary, and amenities for your upcoming trip, call 805-602-5055 any time to speak with our team or request a quote online! Wherever your group’s travels take them, from a trip to the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center to a festival in LA, our network can provide the best and safest transportation around the state, all at a price and plan tailored to your needs.
