Santa Barbara 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 Barbara 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 1-805-364-0400 or use our online quote tool.
How Much Does a Santa Barbara Charter Bus Rental Cost?
Charter bus rental prices in Santa Barbara vary based on a few factors, including the type and size of the vehicle, as well as the duration and timing of the rental. Hourly rates for standard charter buses typically range from $170 to over $500, while daily rentals usually cost between $1,600 and $3,800+. Specifically, a 50 to 56 passenger charter bus might be available for $180 to $500+ per hour or $1,800 to $3,800+ per day, while smaller Santa Barbara minibuses accommodating 15 to 35 passengers typically start around $150 to $450+ per hour and $1,520 to $3,465 per day. Mileage charges for charter buses generally fall between $4.00 and $9.95 per mile. Additionally, specialty options like entertainer coaches may be priced from $315 to $550+ per hour or $3,500 to $5,000+ per day, and school buses can range from $145 to $450+ per hour or $1,520 to $3,655 per day, with mileage costs similar to other charter bus types.
How Much Does a Santa Barbara Party Bus Rental Cost?
Santa Barbara party bus rentals also vary depending on size and day of the week. Small party buses (10 to 20 passengers) generally cost between $180 – $450+ per hour on weekdays and $200 to $470+ on weekends, with daily rates ranging from $1,000 to $2,900+. Medium party buses (20 to 40 passengers) may range from $200 to $500+ per hour on weekdays and $220 to $500+ on weekends, while large party buses (40 to 50 passengers) can go for $250 to $520+ per hour with daily rentals starting at $1,500 and exceeding $3,900+. For Mercedes Sprinter party buses, weekday hourly rates are typically between $160 and $400+, and weekend hourly rates are between $180 and $450+, with daily costs ranging from $1,000 to $3,900+.
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Call Now: 805-364-0400What are the Factors Influencing Santa Barbara Bus Rental Pricing?
Getting a quote for your Santa Barbara bus rental is easy! Just call our 24/7 reservations team at 805-364-0400, or use our online quote tool. We’ll just need a little info about your trip and we can find you a great price. Now let’s dig into some of the factors that impact charter bus prices.
Trip Details & Time on the Road
Charter Bus Santa Barbara offers pricing tailored to your trip details, whether it’s by the hour, day, or mile. For quick trips within Santa Barbara, hourly rentals are the way to go, with most providers having a minimum of 5 hours. Multi-day adventures or long-distance travels, like a trip down to Los Angeles, are typically priced per day. Finally, if your trip spans a lot of miles without much time spent in any one location, we’ll calculate your rate based on mileage. No matter your travel plans, we’ve got a pricing plan to keep your budget in check. Don’t forget to factor in additional costs for tolls, your driver’s hotel (for overnight trips), and meals for everyone onboard. Planning ahead keeps your travel budget on track.
Travel Dates and Seasonality
Another factor influencing your bus rental price is the time of year you’re traveling. Just like airline tickets and hotels, charter bus prices fluctuate based on demand. Peak travel seasons like summer and major holidays tend to be more expensive, while slower months like January and February often offer lower rates. Big events in Santa Barbara, such as the Summer Solstice Celebration and the Old Spanish Days Fiesta, can also cause a surge in demand and pricing. Booking early is always recommended, especially during busy times, to book the best deals and ensure your preferred bus is available. Planning a trip 6 months out? Perfect time to book!
Starting Point and Availability
Where you begin your trip can also affect the price of your charter bus rental. If the bus has to travel a long distance to reach your starting point (a cost known as “deadhead”), that mileage will be factored into your quote. To avoid this additional cost, try to book a bus that’s already located in or near your pickup location. Charter Bus Santa Barbara works with a statewide network of bus providers, which means we can connect you with buses closer to your pick up spot.
Bus Types, Sizes, and Amenities
The type and size of the bus you choose is a major determinant of your rental cost. For instance, a smaller minibus is more affordable for hourly or daily rates compared to a full-sized motorcoach with 56 seats. Additional amenities can also cause a price increase. For example, a basic charter bus comes with standard features like climate controls and a PA system, while additional amenities, such as WiFi, power outlets, and TV screens with a DVD player, will cost extra. ADA-compliant buses are an exception. They typically include accessibility features like wheelchair lifts and wider aisle space at no additional cost. Your reservation specialist will work with you to figure out which amenities fit within your budget.
Weekdays versus Weekends
Like most businesses, charter bus prices change based on the day of the week, usually with higher rates on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. During slower weekdays, like Monday and Tuesday, there’s less demand for bus rentals. This means the hourly rates may be lower. If your event or trip has a flexible schedule, consider going earlier in the week for better pricing.
What Time of Day Are You Traveling?
Not all charter buses run 24 hours a day, and if your group needs transport during off-peak hours (like at midnight or 5 a.m.), you may pay extra because there will be fewer drivers available. The busiest times are weekdays and evenings, during which charter buses are in higher demand for events like parties and concerts. The added demand means that companies typically charge higher hourly rates, and often set a higher minimum rental limit for peak weekend times.
Amenities On Board
Charter buses come with many modern amenities. Some amenities, such as reclining seats and undercarriage luggage bays, come standard with full-size buses, while most minibuses and shuttles can have additional amenities for an extra fee. Features like WiFi and power outlets are standard on most buses. There are also amenities that enhance your comfort on longer rides like personal climate controls, restrooms and entertainment like flat-screen TVs and DVD players. Some buses can even offer premium upgrades such as custom leather interiors and high-quality sound systems. Just let your reservation team know which amenities you need to make your ride to the Santa Barbara Bowl or the Santa Barbara County Courthouse as comfortable as possible.
Miscellaneous Fees
Additional charges may occur during your charter bus trip, especially during long-distance travel, depending on your itinerary. Many venues and hotels charge to park in their lot. There’s also road tolls on major highways throughout the state of California. A bus driver may also require food and overnight lodging depending on your trip. Although these fees are not typically included in your initial quote, they can be if you request. Just ask your reservation specialist about including travel fees in your quote.
Get a Quote Today!
No one wants to waste their money on something they don’t need, especially for events or outings with large groups! We understand that cost and budgeting are important, which is why we’re happy to provide free, 30-second quotes to anyone who calls us at 805-364-0400. Just call our 24/7 reservation team with your group’s itinerary and headcount, and we can provide you with a customized quote and the perfect bus rental solution for your trip or event in Santa Barbara today! Or just use our online quote tool to get pricing in seconds!
