Charlotte Charter Bus & Minibus Rental Prices: How Much Does a Charlotte Bus Rental Cost?
Bus rental prices in Charlotte vary based on several factors, including the size of your group, the type of bus you choose, the time of year, and the length of your trip. On average, you can expect to pay between $170 to $500 per hour or $1,800 to $3,800 per day for a charter bus rental. To get an accurate quote tailored to your specific needs, use our online quote tool or call us at 980-516-5400. We’ve also included estimated rates below and a detailed breakdown of what affects your trip cost so you can plan accordingly.
| Vehicle Type | Per Hour* | Per Day* | Per Mile* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 56-Passenger Coach Bus | $197 – $519 | $1,600 – $3,800 | $5.00 – $8.00 |
| 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 |
*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.
How Much Does a Bus Rental Cost?
On average, you can expect to pay around $197–$519 per hour or $1,600–$3,800 per day for a 56-passenger coach bus, $165–$428 per hour or $1,300–$3,200 per day for a 25-passenger minibus, $157–$414 per hour or $1,300–$3,100 per day for a 20-passenger minibus, and $145–$404 per hour or $1,300–$3,000 per day for an 18-passenger minibus. Per-mile rates generally range from $4.00 to $8.00 depending on the vehicle size. If you have questions about which bus is right for your group, call our team anytime at 980-516-5400!
What Factors Influence Bus Rental Pricing in Charlotte?
There are many factors that determine the price of your Charlotte bus rental. The season you’re traveling plays a big role—spring and fall are peak seasons due to school trips, graduations, and sports tournaments, which can drive up demand and prices. Major events like the Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow Club or large conventions at the Charlotte Convention Center can also impact availability and rates.
The distance and duration of your trip will affect the cost as well. For example, a day trip from Uptown Charlotte to Carowinds or the U.S. National Whitewater Center will be priced differently than an overnight journey to Asheville, Raleigh, or Myrtle Beach. Local travel within Mecklenburg County is often billed hourly, while longer trips across North Carolina or out of state may be charged by the mile or day.
The type of bus you choose matters too. Full-size 56-passenger charter buses with amenities like WiFi, power outlets, and onboard restrooms typically cost more than smaller 18- to 25-passenger minibuses, which are ideal for shuttle services between South End, NoDa, and Plaza Midwood. If your itinerary requires the driver to stay overnight—such as a weekend tournament at the Sportsplex at Matthews or a wedding at a Lake Norman venue—you’ll need to cover their lodging expenses. Most hotels in Charlotte will offer discounted rates for drivers, but this is still an extra cost to consider.
Additional factors include tolls on I-77 Express lanes, parking fees at venues like Bank of America Stadium or PNC Music Pavilion, and any special requests such as ADA-accessible vehicles or custom branding for corporate shuttles. Always provide your exact itinerary when requesting a quote so we can give you the most accurate pricing possible.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are a few sample pricing examples for common trips in Charlotte and across North Carolina. Please note that these are estimates and your actual price may vary based on your specific needs and travel dates.
Charlotte Hornets Game Day Shuttle
A local fan club wants to arrange transportation for 40 people to attend a Charlotte Hornets game at Spectrum Center. They’ll be picked up from a park-and-ride lot in Ballantyne, dropped off downtown before tip-off, and returned after the game ends. This simple round-trip itinerary would require a 56-passenger charter bus for about 6 hours. At an average hourly rate of $225, the total cost comes to $1,350. Split among 40 passengers, that’s just $33.75 each—cheaper than multiple rideshares and far more convenient.
Corporate Shuttle Between Uptown and Southpark
A tech company headquartered in Uptown Charlotte needs to provide daily commuter shuttles for employees who live near SouthPark Mall. They request two 25-passenger minibuses to run morning and evening routes, five days a week, for one month (about 22 days). Each bus will operate for 3 hours per day at a rate of $200 per hour. The monthly cost per bus is $13,200, totaling $26,400 for both vehicles. This investment helps the company attract talent from outside center city while reducing parking demand and commuting stress.
Wedding Transportation in Lake Norman
A couple is getting married at a waterfront venue in Lake Norman and wants to shuttle guests from hotels in Huntersville and Cornelius. They book an 18-passenger minibus for 8 hours to make continuous loops before and after the ceremony. With an hourly rate of $175, their total comes to $1,400. This ensures everyone arrives safely and on time, especially important if alcohol is being served at the reception. Compared to the cost of individual taxis or the risk of limited rideshare availability, a private shuttle offers peace of mind on the big day.
School Field Trip to Discovery Place Science
An elementary school in Concord is planning a field trip to Discovery Place Science in Uptown Charlotte. They have 90 students and 10 chaperones, requiring two 56-passenger charter buses. The itinerary includes a 45-minute drive each way plus 5 hours at the museum, for a total of 8 hours. At $210 per hour per bus, the total cost is $3,360. The PTA covers this expense as part of their annual budget, knowing that reliable transportation is essential for educational outings beyond Cabarrus County.
Church Retreat in Asheville
A church group from East Charlotte is organizing a weekend retreat at a conference center in Asheville. They need a 56-passenger charter bus to depart Friday afternoon, stay two nights, and return Sunday evening. The round-trip distance is about 250 miles, and the bus will remain on-site for local excursions. This type of trip is usually billed by the day at $2,000 per day, plus hotel accommodations for the driver. The total cost is $4,000 for the bus rental plus approximately $300 for two nights’ lodging, making it $4,300 overall. For a group of 50, that’s $86 per person for comfortable, door-to-door service through the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Unc Charlotte Campus Tour
A high school guidance counselor is taking a group of 30 juniors and seniors on a campus tour of UNC Charlotte. They’ll leave from Monroe early in the morning, spend the day touring the university, and return home by dinner time. A 25-passenger minibus is sufficient for this group, with an estimated 10-hour day at $185 per hour. The total cost is $1,850, which the school district subsidizes as part of their college readiness program. This allows students to explore higher education opportunities without worrying about transportation logistics.