Boston Charter Bus & Minibus Rental Prices: How Much Does a Boston Bus Rental Cost?
Charter bus rental prices in Boston typically range from $170 to $500 per hour or $1,800 to $3,800 per day depending on the size of the vehicle and trip details. The most accurate way to get pricing for your next trip is to call us at 857-424-0720 or use our online quote tool. Below, you’ll find estimates for different types of vehicles in our fleet and some sample pricing for common trips we’ve arranged over the years. We also cover the biggest factors that affect pricing so you can better plan your budget!
| 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?
The cost of a charter bus rental depends on the type of vehicle you choose, your travel dates, and the length of your trip. Here are some average rates for our most popular vehicles:
- 56-Passenger Coach Bus – $197 – $519 per hour · $1,600 – $3,800 per day · $5.00 – $8.00 per mile
- 25-Passenger Minibus – $165 – $428 per hour · $1,300 – $3,200 per day · $4.00 – $7.00 per mile
- 20-Passenger Minibus – $157 – $414 per hour · $1,300 – $3,100 per day · $4.00 – $7.00 per mile
- 18-Passenger Minibus – $145 – $404 per hour · $1,300 – $3,000 per day · $4.00 – $7.00 per mile
These prices are just averages. Your actual quote will vary based on your specific itinerary, the time of year, and current availability. For example, a minibus rental for a wedding shuttle in downtown Boston may cost more during peak season than a similar trip in the winter.
What Factors Influence Bus Rental Pricing in Boston?
Several factors can influence the cost of your charter bus rental in Boston. Understanding these variables will help you get the most accurate quote possible and avoid any surprises later on.
Type and Size of Vehicle: Larger buses like 56-passenger motorcoaches generally cost more than smaller minibuses because they offer more seats and amenities. However, if you have a large group, it’s usually more cost-effective to rent one big bus instead of multiple smaller ones. Luxury coaches with features like onboard restrooms, WiFi, and power outlets may also come at a premium.
Trip Duration and Distance: Most charter buses are priced by the hour, day, or mile. Short trips within Boston—such as shuttles between Logan Airport and Back Bay hotels—are often billed hourly. Longer journeys, like a round trip from Boston to Cape Cod or New York City, may be charged by the day or mile. The longer the trip, the higher the total cost.
Time of Year: Charter bus rates fluctuate based on demand. Spring and fall are peak seasons due to school field trips, graduations, and sporting events. Summer is also busy with tourism and wedding transportation. Booking during these times can increase your price, while winter months tend to be less expensive.
Itinerary Details: Your pickup and drop-off locations, number of stops, and overall schedule will impact your quote. Trips that require the bus to wait for several hours (like a concert at Fenway Park or a corporate event at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center) may incur additional standby fees.
Additional Expenses: While your quote covers the base rental, there are a few extra costs to consider. You’ll need to budget for tolls (like the Massachusetts Turnpike), parking fees (especially around downtown Boston or TD Garden), and overnight accommodations if your trip requires an out-of-town stay. Gratuity for your driver is customary and typically ranges from 10-20% of the total cost.
Advance Booking: Reserving your bus several months ahead of time not only ensures better availability but can also lock in lower rates. Last-minute bookings may be subject to higher prices due to limited supply.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are a few sample pricing examples for common trips in Boston, MA and around Massachusetts. Please note that these are estimates and your actual price may vary based on your specific needs and travel dates.
Boston School Field Trip to Plymouth
A teacher is organizing a field trip for 40 students and 5 chaperones from a Boston public school to Plimoth Patuxet Museums. They plan to leave at 8:00 AM, spend the day exploring historical sites, and return by 5:00 PM. The group requests a 56-passenger coach bus with WiFi and DVD players for the 90-minute drive each way. Since this is a full-day trip covering about 90 miles round-trip, the estimated cost would be around $2,400. Divided among 45 passengers, that’s roughly $53 per person for safe, reliable transportation and plenty of storage space for lunches and backpacks.
Wedding Shuttle in Downtown Boston
A couple is getting married at the Boston Public Library and wants to provide transportation for guests between the ceremony and reception venues. They need a continuous shuttle running from Copley Square to a hotel in the Seaport District for six hours. A 25-passenger minibus is sufficient for their guest list and offers comfortable seating and climate control. The total cost for an evening shuttle service in downtown Boston during peak wedding season would be approximately $2,800. This includes all mileage, wait time, and coordination with both venues to ensure a seamless experience for the bride, groom, and their families.
Corporate Retreat to Cape Cod
A tech company based in Cambridge is planning a two-day retreat for 30 employees at a resort in Hyannis. They require round-trip transportation plus local shuttles for group activities like whale watching and dinners. The organizer books a 35-passenger minibus equipped with reclining seats, power outlets, and overhead storage. The total distance is about 150 miles each way, plus additional driving around the Cape. With two full days of service, including early morning pickups and late-night returns, the estimated price comes to $4,200. This package deal allows the company to keep everyone together and on schedule without relying on personal vehicles.
Harvard-yale Game Day Charter
A group of alumni wants to attend the annual Harvard-Yale football game in New Haven. They depart from Harvard Square in Cambridge at 9:00 AM, tailgate before kickoff, and head back after the final whistle. To accommodate 20 fans and their coolers, they reserve a 20-passenger minibus with extra luggage space. The round-trip journey is about 280 miles and takes most of the day. For this type of single-day charter outside Massachusetts, the cost would be around $2,900. Splitting the bill among riders makes it an affordable and festive option for supporting their team on the road.
Senior Citizen Outing to Salem
An assisted living facility in Brookline arranges a day trip for residents to visit the Salem Witch Museum and nearby attractions. Accessibility is a priority, so they request an ADA-compliant minibus with a wheelchair lift and securement areas. The itinerary includes multiple stops for lunch and sightseeing, totaling eight hours of service. The quoted rate for an 18-passenger accessible minibus is $1,700, which covers all mileage, driver assistance, and customized scheduling to meet the needs of seniors and staff members.
Private Brewery Tour Around Boston
A group of friends organizes a self-guided brewery tour visiting Harpoon, Samuel Adams, and several microbreweries in Somerville and Everett. They want a private ride so no one has to worry about driving after sampling craft beers. A 15-passenger sprinter van is ideal for navigating city streets and making frequent stops. The tour lasts six hours and stays within a 20-mile radius of downtown. The total price comes to $1,350, which includes unlimited mileage within the timeframe and optional amenities like Bluetooth speakers for playing music between tastings.