Chicago Charter Bus & Minibus Rental Prices: How Much Does a Chicago Bus Rental Cost?
Chicago charter bus rental pricing can vary depending on your trip. Our rates range from $170 to $500 per hour or $1,800 to $3,800 per day. You can get an instant quote in less than 30-seconds by calling us at 312-683-9350 or using our online quote tool. Below we have estimated rates and go over the factors that affect your trip cost. We are always available 24/7 to help you get a price, answer questions or book your bus!
| 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 average cost to rent a bus in Chicago is between $155-$519 per hour depending on the type of bus, when you are traveling and how far you are going. The most common types of buses you can rent include:
- 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
Our pricing is all inclusive and includes all taxes, tolls and fees. There are no hidden fees or extra charges. You can use our online quote tool to get an instant price in less than 30-seconds.
What Factors Influence Bus Rental Pricing in Chicago?
The duration of your trip will play a significant role in determining the overall cost of your bus rental. Short trips within the city may be charged by the hour, while longer journeys outside of Chicago could be billed by the day or even by the mile. For example, if you're planning a quick shuttle service between downtown hotels and McCormick Place for a corporate event, you'll likely pay an hourly rate. On the other hand, if you're organizing a weekend retreat to Starved Rock State Park or a multi-day excursion to Springfield, a daily or mileage-based rate might apply.
The time of year can also impact pricing, as demand for charter buses tends to fluctuate with the seasons. Spring and summer are popular times for weddings, school field trips, and festivals like Lollapalooza, which can drive up prices due to increased demand. Booking during the off-season or well in advance can help you secure better rates.
The size and type of bus you choose will affect the price as well. Larger vehicles like 56-passenger motorcoaches with amenities such as WiFi, power outlets, and restrooms will generally cost more than smaller minibuses or sprinter vans. However, if you have a large group traveling from O'Hare International Airport to Navy Pier, a bigger bus may be more cost-effective than renting multiple smaller ones.
Additional factors that can influence pricing include the distance traveled, the number of stops along the route, and any special requests such as ADA-accessible features or luxury upgrades. For instance, a straightforward round-trip from Wrigleyville to Soldier Field will likely be less expensive than a customized itinerary with multiple pick-up points across different Chicago neighborhoods.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are a few sample pricing examples for common trips in Chicago, IL and around Illinois. Please note that these are estimates and your actual price may vary based on your specific needs and travel dates.
Exploring the Museum Campus
Ms. Johnson is planning a field trip for her 6th grade class of 25 students from Lincoln Elementary in Oak Park. She wants to take them to the Museum Campus to visit the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium. The group will leave the school at 9:00 AM, spend the day exploring the museums, and return by 3:30 PM. Since this is a local, same-day trip, she was quoted $1,900 for a 28-passenger minibus. With 27 people onboard (students plus chaperones), the cost comes out to about $70 per person.
Wedding Shuttle to Starved Rock
Emily is getting married at Starved Rock Lodge and wants to provide transportation for her 50 guests coming from downtown Chicago hotels. The plan is to have everyone picked up in the morning, shuttled to the ceremony, and returned late that night. Emily’s reservation specialist recommended a 56-passenger coach bus with reclining seats, restrooms, and WiFi for the 2-hour drive each way. The total cost for the day is $3,400, which includes all mileage, tolls, and parking fees at the lodge. Splitting the cost among guests makes it just $68 per person for round-trip service.
Corporate Event at Mccormick Place
A tech company is hosting a 3-day conference at McCormick Place and needs to shuttle 120 attendees between their office in Schaumburg and the convention center each morning and evening. They booked two 56-passenger buses to run back-and-forth along I-90 during peak hours. The daily rate for each bus is $2,800, bringing the total to $16,800 for three days. This covers all transportation, driver accommodations, and staging fees at McCormick Place. The company opted for full-size coaches so attendees could relax, use WiFi, and network during the commute.
Game Day Charter to Notre Dame
A group of 40 Notre Dame alumni in Chicago want to attend a Saturday football game in South Bend. They arranged for a 44-passenger bus to pick them up at a bar in River North, drive to Notre Dame Stadium, wait during the game, and bring everyone back afterward. The flat rate for the day is $2,700, which covers the 200-mile round trip, driver’s time, and parking near the stadium. With 40 riders, the price is $67.50 each—less than the cost of gas and parking if everyone drove separately.
Bachelorette Party in Milwaukee
Sara is organizing a bachelorette party weekend for 15 friends to hit the bars and breweries in Milwaukee. They’re leaving Friday afternoon, staying overnight, and returning Saturday evening. For this overnight trip, she booked an 18-passenger minibus at a rate of $2,200, plus $150 for the driver’s hotel room. The total comes to $2,350, or about $157 per person. The bride-to-be loved having a private ride with Bluetooth speakers, comfy seats, and no need for anyone to drive after drinking.
Field Trip to Springfield
An 8th grade history teacher is taking 45 students from Evanston Township High School to Springfield to tour the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and the state capitol. They’ll depart early morning, spend the day visiting sites, and return late evening. A 56-passenger coach bus for this long day trip is priced at $3,600, which includes all mileage, tolls, and a second driver for safety. With 48 people onboard (students and chaperones), the per-person cost is $75. The teacher appreciated having one vehicle big enough for the whole class, with undercarriage storage for coolers and backpacks.