Charter Bus Prices: How Much Does a Lake Forest Bus Rental Cost?

Planning a group trip in or around Lake Forest? Knowing the cost of your transportation is probably one of the first things on your mind when coordinating event logistics! We make budgeting easy at Charter Bus Lake Forest! Just use our quick 30-second online quote tool, and you’ll have bus rental pricing in a matter of seconds. Or give us a call, and our team will be happy to give you a free, personalized quote, and answer any questions. We can discuss the specifics of your trip, provide a price breakdown, and offer additional services to enhance your group transportation. Call 949-299-0550 anytime today to get started!

Lake Forest 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

Lake Forest 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 1-949-299-0550 or use our online quote tool.


How Much Does a Lake Forest Charter Bus Rental Cost?

The cost to rent a charter bus in Lake Forest, California, varies depending on a few factors, including the distance traveled, length of trip, and time of year. Hourly rentals begin at $130 and can go up to $180 or more. Daily charter bus rentals typically cost between $1,200 and $1,700, while entertainer buses, a luxury charter bus rental option, are priced between $1,900 and $3,500+ per day. Additionally, mileage fees for charter buses generally range from $3.50 to $8.50 per mile. Smaller groups may want to consider a minibus, with hourly rates between $110 and $160 and daily costs from $1,100 to $1,500. Mileage rates for minibuses usually range between $3.20 and $5.50 per mile.

How Much Does a Lake Forest Party Bus Rental Cost?

Renting a party bus in Lake Forest can be a more budget-friendly transportation option depending on your group’s size. The smallest party bus option, which usually accommodates 10-20 passengers, is priced between $180 – $450+ per hour on weekdays and $200 – $470+ per hour on weekends, with day rates starting at $1,000 and going up to $2,900+ or more. Medium-size party bus rentals, seating 20-40 passengers, are priced between $200 – $500+ per hour on weekdays and $220 – $500+ per hour on weekends, and large Charter Bus Lake Forest rentals (40- 50 passengers) start at $250 per hour on weekdays and $240 per hour on weekends. The daily rates for medium and large party bus rentals typically fall between $1,200 and $3,900+. The hourly rates for Mercedes Sprinter party buses are between $160 – $400+ on weekdays and $180 – $450+ per hour on weekends, and daily prices for sprinter party buses vary from $1,000 to $3,900+. For any questions about other pricing options like one-way trips, multiple-day trips, or hourly rentals, call 949-299-0550.

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What are the Factors Influencing Lake Forest Bus Rental Pricing?

Charter Bus Lake Forest has a vast network of buses, but the prices and fees will vary, depending on the company you rent from. But generally, pricing is determined by the following factors: whether your group will be charged by the day, hour, or mile; the time of year you are traveling; the city you are traveling to and from; the type of bus you rent; and other trip-adjacent expenses such as tolls, parking permits and driver needs. When you call us at 949-299-0550, we’ll help you find a bus rental at a great rate.

How Long are You on the Road?

When calculating a bus rental rate, the first thing our agents ask about is the duration of your trip. Are you staying within city limits for your event? Or are you taking a multi-day trip from Los Angeles to Las Vegas? Local events lasting just a few hours (like airport shuttles) will generally be quoted by the hour. Most bus rental companies have a 5-hour minimum, but if you’re traveling less than 5 hours, Charter Bus Lake Forest will work with you to book a shorter trip.

If you’re going on a longer day trip—such as a field trip to the San Diego Zoo, a tour of wineries in Temecula Valley, or a corporate event at Disneyland—you’ll be billed by the day. And if your trip lasts several days, like a senior class trip to Yosemite National Park or a group tour to some of Northern California’s biggest cities—you’ll be charged by the day or by mileage depending on your itinerary.

As you build your itinerary, remember to include all stops along your journey in addition to your final destination. If you’re traveling on a full-size charter bus, you won’t need to worry as much about stopping for bathroom breaks. But if you add extra stops to your itinerary after you’ve booked your rental, you may need to adjust your pricing to account for any extra mileage and time on the road. The most accurate quote reflects your exact trip details.

28 passenger minibus

When are You Traveling?

Generally, when you book during peak travel seasons, rates will be higher and buses will have less availability. For example, a charter bus rental in Lake Forest for prom, graduation, or any other event in April or May is more expensive and difficult to find because of their demand. When there are fewer charter buses available, prices go up. To ensure you’re booking at the best possible time with the best prices, we recommend booking as far in advance as you can, especially if you’re planning a trip during peak season. Conversely, prices tend to drop off during the less busy times of the year, like December and January during winter holidays and major weather events.

56 passenger charter bus

Where are You Leaving From, and Where are You Going?

Bus availability will vary from city to city and also depend on the size of the city. Big cities like Los Angeles are home to numerous charter bus companies, which means there’s more availability for any given time of year. If you’re in a smaller town like Laguna Woods, it may be harder to find a company or charter bus, and prices may be higher. The best way to keep prices down for everyone is by coordinating a pick-up location with many options, like a hotel in Irvine or Fullerton. If you have a large group or need to book a bus with ADA-accessibility, you’ll need to book even farther in advance.

And speaking of availability, if you’re starting in a city where there aren’t a lot of buses to choose from, you’ll need to budget for mileage. If the bus you’ve rented is coming from another city to pick up your group, the company may tack on an additional fee. The mileage that occurs between the company’s headquarters and your pick-up location is called “deadhead mileage.”

What Bus Rental Do You Need?

The type of bus you choose has the most significant impact on your price. A party bus rental can be anywhere from $180 to $500+ an hour, depending on the size, style, and amenities. Similarly, charter buses and mini buses vary in price based on their model and amenities, but smaller buses will almost always cost less than large ones. The best way to determine your ideal bus and get an accurate quote is by calling Charter Bus Lake Forest at 949-299-0550. From limousines and minibuses to charter and party buses and everything in-between, we can help you find the right vehicle. We also offer hourly, one-way and multi-day packages for your trip.

Which Day are You Traveling?

If you’re traveling for leisure on a one-off trip, like a birthday bash or a night out on the town, try traveling on a weekday—especially Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday. This will lower the cost of your rental, and there’s a better chance your driver may offer a discount on your hourly rate if your trip is scheduled between daylight hours.

The same cannot be said, however, if you’re booking transportation for a special event like a wedding, a festival, or a convention. Major events like these tend to fall on the weekend—Friday, Saturday, or Sunday—which means that charter bus companies are more likely to have a higher minimum hourly rate or booking minimum to meet demand.

Are You Traveling During the Day or at Night?

Booking during the day will almost always be cheaper than booking at night. This is because there’s a higher demand for charter buses during the nighttime for events like weddings, bachelor or bachelorette parties, and concerts. Most bus rental companies will also offer reduced rates during off-peak times on weekdays—usually, Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday afternoon.

Amenities on Board

Charter buses include amenities like WiFi, restrooms, TVs, DVD players, and more, but some come at an extra cost. The amenities that come standard on your bus depend on the model you rent. Mini buses don’t have restrooms, and not all minibuses have WiFi or power outlets. Standard-sized charter buses include restrooms, but WiFi and power outlets aren’t always guaranteed. For example, if you book a 56-passenger charter bus, you can request a newer model, some of which have USB power outlets at every seat and WiFi.

Additional Trip Costs

It is important to keep in mind that the estimate your reservation specialist provides won’t include costs such as toll fees, parking fees, or a driver’s tip. While fees like tolls and parking vary depending on your itinerary, gratuity for a bus driver is generally around 15-20% of the cost of your trip and a kind gesture for a job well done.

Tips for Keeping Charter Bus Costs Down

Now that you know how we calculate your charter bus costs and understand what variables will influence your total trip, it’s time to start planning how to save money. The most effective way to reduce how much you spend is to be conscientious about the details of your itinerary before you call to get a quote.

Here are a few tips for keeping your trip cost low:

  • Finalize your passenger count. Every bus has a specified seating capacity, so adding or removing passengers may require switching to a larger or smaller bus model and affect the final cost of your bus rental.
  • Limit the distance traveled. If you’re on a day trip or longer trip, minimizing the distance you travel can help lower costs for gas and also reduce the number of days required.
  • Book your bus in advance. Most transportation providers offer discounts if you book your charter bus at least 6 months ahead of your trip. You’re also more likely to have the greatest availability, as well as more flexibility with making changes to your travel plans later on.
  • Find parking ahead of time. Look for venues that offer free parking for tour buses and minibuses to lower your out-of-pocket expenses.
  • Book lodging for your driver. If you’re planning a multi-day trip, your driver will need a place to stay every night. Ask your hotel agent about room discounts for drivers when you call to reserve your lodging.

Book a Bus in Lake Forest Today

Charter Bus Lake Forest is your one-stop shop for all things charter bus. Whether you need a school field trip charter bus to a local museum, a ride for a company holiday party, or even a wedding party bus to Temecula Valley Wine Country, our reservation team has you covered. Contact us today for more information and to get a free, 30-second quote on your next charter bus rental! Our team of reservation specialists is available 24/7 at 949-299-0550 to answer all your questions and help you find the best bus to fit your group and budget.