Charter Bus Prices in Columbus
Need to know how much it costs to rent a charter bus in Columbus? You’ve come to the right place! Coach Bus Columbus is here to break down everything you need to know about charter bus pricing so you can easily plan your next group trip anywhere in Ohio. Whether you’re traveling locally around Columbus for a corporate event or field trip or heading out of town for a wedding in Cleveland or a sporting event in Cincinnati, we’ll make sure you get the best bus at the best price—every time.
Our team is available 24/7/365, speak with one of our reservation specialists about your upcoming trip and they will quickly generate a personalized quote that matches your itinerary, headcount, and amenity needs. Once you receive your quote, you can lock in your reservation with a signed contract and a 10% deposit.
| 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 Charter Bus Rental Cost in Columbus?
The cost of a charter bus rental in Columbus typically ranges from $1,400 to $6,500+ for multi-day and long-distance trips, while local trips are charged by the hour at rates between $195 and $425 per hour with a five-hour minimum. Minibuses seat 18–25 passengers and start at $1,295–$3,700 per day, $195–$425 per hour, or $2,200–$3,800 per day. Full-size charter buses seat 40–56 passengers and start at $1,695–$4,600 per day, $225–$425 per hour, or $3,000–$5,500 per day. Final pricing depends on factors like trip duration, mileage, number of vehicles, exact pickup/drop-off locations, and time of year. Call our team anytime at 380-383-5840 with your exact itinerary to get an instant, all-inclusive quote in seconds!
What Factors Influence Charter Bus Prices in Columbus?
Several key factors influence the final price of your charter bus rental in Columbus:
- Number of Passengers: Larger groups require bigger vehicles, which cost more to operate.
- Type of Vehicle: Full-size charter buses are more expensive than minibuses but offer more seats and amenities.
- Trip Distance and Duration: Longer trips and multi-day itineraries increase the total cost.
- Pickup and Drop-off Locations: Trips starting or ending outside the Columbus metro area may incur additional fees.
- Time of Year: Demand peaks during spring and summer due to school trips, weddings, and events like the Arnold Sports Festival.
- Additional Amenities: Buses with upgraded features like Wi-Fi, power outlets, and restrooms may have higher rates.
- Tolls and Parking Fees: Any tolls or parking expenses incurred during the trip will be added to the final bill.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
To give you a better idea of what to expect, here are some real-world examples of recent charter bus quotes for trips in and around Columbus:
- Local Columbus Shuttle (8 hours): 20-passenger minibus for a corporate event downtown: $2,100 total ($105 per person)
- Day Trip to Hocking Hills: 56-passenger charter bus for a school field trip: $3,400 total ($61 per student)
- Wedding Shuttle to Dublin: 25-passenger minibus running continuous loops: $2,500 total ($100 per guest)
- Multi-Day Sports Travel: 18-passenger minibus for an OSU away game: $4,800 total ($267 per athlete)
Keep in mind that these are just estimates, and prices can vary based on the specific details of your trip. The best way to get an accurate quote is to contact our team with your exact itinerary.
Example #1
Coach Bus Columbus helped an off-campus student organization at OSU arrange a daily campus shuttle for their members living in Grandview Heights. The group booked a 25-passenger minibus with WiFi and reclining seats to run a fixed route between their housing complex and key academic buildings on the Oval. The service operated Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with departures every 30 minutes. The contract was billed at a flat daily rate for the semester. This example shows how larger groups can save money by sharing a single vehicle and splitting the cost among all participants.
Example #2
A technology company based in New Albany contacted Coach Bus Columbus to set up an employee shuttle to their satellite office in downtown Columbus. They needed a 56-passenger charter bus with power outlets and tray tables for workers to use laptops during the commute. The bus made two round trips each weekday via I-670, with pickup points near Easton Town Center and John Glenn Columbus International Airport. The client signed a six-month agreement at a fixed monthly rate, which included fuel and tolls. This case illustrates how businesses can use private transportation to attract talent and reduce parking costs.
Example #3
A bride and groom hired Coach Bus Columbus to transport guests between their hotel in German Village and the wedding venue in the Brewery District. Since many attendees were flying in from out of town, the couple reserved a 20-passenger minibus to run continuous loops before and after the ceremony. The vehicle featured air conditioning and Bluetooth audio for playing a custom playlist. The reservation lasted five hours, covering multiple trips across the Scioto River. By keeping everyone on schedule, the shuttle helped the newlyweds avoid delays and extra venue fees.
Example #4
An elementary school in Worthington booked a 56-passenger charter bus for a fifth-grade field trip to the Center of Science and Industry (COSI) in downtown Columbus. The bus was equipped with a restroom and video monitors for showing educational DVDs. Departure was scheduled early to beat rush-hour traffic on High Street. After spending the day exploring exhibits on space and robotics, students returned home tired but happy. The teacher praised Coach Bus Columbus for providing a comfortable ride at a price that fit the school's budget.
Example #5
A high school basketball team qualified for the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) state tournament in Dayton and needed reliable transportation for players, coaches, and equipment. Coach Bus Columbus supplied a 40-passenger bus with extra luggage space under the cabin. The package included a pregame stop at a local gym for practice. Parents followed behind in a separate vehicle, while the athletes rested and focused on strategy. Although the trip involved an overnight stay, the affordable rate allowed the school to cover expenses without additional fundraising.
Example #6
A Columbus church group organized a weekend retreat to Hocking Hills State Park and rented a 25-passenger minibus from Coach Bus Columbus for the occasion. The bus transported members from the church parking lot to a rented lodge near Old Man's Cave. Over the course of three days, attendees participated in hiking, worship services, and fellowship meals. The compact size of the minibus made it easier to navigate winding roads through the forest. By traveling together, the group strengthened bonds and enjoyed a spiritual getaway at minimal cost.
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