Frequently Asked Questions About Bus Rentals in Chicago

Chicago Minibus Company is a leading provider of bus rentals in Chicago and across Illinois. Since 2011, we’ve helped thousands of groups travel to destinations across the Midwest and beyond. Our reservation team is available 24/7 to help you plan your next trip, whether you’re organizing a corporate event at McCormick Place, a wedding at The Ivy Room, or a field trip to the Museum of Science and Industry. When you book with us, you can expect excellent customer service, transparent pricing, and a fleet of buses that are modern, clean, and equipped with the latest amenities.

We proudly serve all kinds of groups in Chicago and throughout Illinois. Whether you’re a corporate team heading to a convention at Navy Pier, a school group visiting the Shedd Aquarium, a sports team traveling to a tournament at Wintrust Arena, or a wedding party celebrating at Bridgeport Art Center, we have a bus rental for you. We also work with religious organizations, government agencies, tour operators, and more. No group is too big or too small—we’ll customize your rental to fit your exact needs.

A charter bus in Chicago is a large motorcoach designed to transport groups of people comfortably over short or long distances. These buses typically seat 40 to 56 passengers and come equipped with amenities like reclining seats, air conditioning, restrooms, TV monitors, DVD players, WiFi, power outlets, and ample storage space for luggage. Charter buses are ideal for corporate events, school field trips, sports team travel, weddings, and any occasion where you need to move a large group efficiently and comfortably.

A minibus is a smaller version of a charter bus, seating anywhere from 15 to 35 passengers. Minibuses are perfect for shuttle services, airport transfers, and short-distance trips around Chicago. While they may not have all the amenities of a full-size charter bus, many minibuses still offer comfortable seating, air conditioning, and overhead storage. They’re easy to maneuver through city streets and can be a cost-effective solution for smaller groups who want to stay together while traveling.

Charter buses in Chicago typically seat between 40 and 56 passengers, depending on the make and model. For example, a standard MCI J4500 or Prevost H3-45 will have 55-56 seats, while a Van Hool CX45 usually has 52 seats. If you need something smaller, we also offer midsize coaches with 30-39 seats. When you call us at 312-683-9350, let us know how many people you’re traveling with, and we’ll find the right bus for your group.

Minibuses come in a variety of sizes, typically seating anywhere from 15 to 35 passengers. Common configurations include 15-passenger, 20-passenger, 25-passenger, and 28-passenger models. Some manufacturers offer even larger minibuses with up to 35 seats. These buses are great for shuttling small groups between hotels and event venues, providing last-mile transportation from Metra stations, or running continuous loops during festivals like Lollapalooza or Taste of Chicago.

Our fleet includes a wide range of vehicles to accommodate groups of all sizes. We have full-size charter buses with 40-56 seats, minibuses with 15-35 seats, and even sprinter vans for very small groups. Popular models include the MCI J4500 (56 seats), Prevost H3-45 (56 seats), Van Hool CX45 (52 seats), Grech Motors GM40 (40 seats), Turtle Top Odyssey XL (28 seats), and Executive Coach Builders E450 (24 seats). If you have a specific preference, just ask—we’ll do our best to match you with the exact bus you want.

Our buses come equipped with a variety of amenities to make your ride comfortable and enjoyable. Standard features include reclining seats, climate control, overhead parcel racks, and undercarriage storage bays. Many of our buses also have onboard restrooms, flat-screen TVs, DVD players, WiFi, and power outlets at every seat. If you’re planning a long trip—for example, a day trip to Starved Rock State Park or an overnight excursion to Indianapolis—these amenities can make a big difference in your group’s comfort.

Yes, many of our buses are equipped with audio systems that allow you to play your own music through an AUX or Bluetooth connection. This is a great way to set the mood for your trip, whether you’re pumping up a sports team before a big game at Soldier Field or creating a relaxing playlist for a wine tour in Lake Michigan. Just let us know in advance if this feature is important to you, and we’ll make sure your bus has the right equipment.

Charter buses offer plenty of storage space for luggage, equipment, or supplies. Full-size coaches typically have large undercarriage bays that can hold several suitcases per passenger, plus overhead racks inside the cabin for smaller items. Minibuses have less storage capacity but can still accommodate carry-on bags and a few larger pieces in the rear cargo area. If you’re traveling with oversized items like musical instruments, sports gear, or trade show displays, please let us know so we can assign a bus with enough room.

Yes, we can provide ADA-accessible buses upon request. These vehicles are equipped with wheelchair lifts, wider aisles, and designated spaces for mobility devices. We believe everyone should have access to safe and reliable transportation, so we’re happy to accommodate passengers with special needs. If you require an ADA-accessible bus, please let us know when you book so we can make the necessary arrangements.

Absolutely! Wrapping your charter bus is a great way to promote your brand, celebrate a special occasion, or create a cohesive look for your group. We’ve worked with companies, sports teams, and event planners to design custom wraps featuring logos, slogans, and eye-catching graphics. Please note that wrapping a bus requires advance notice and may incur additional costs. Contact us at 312-683-9350 to discuss your vision and get a quote.

We will do our best to accommodate requests for specific bus models or colors, depending on availability. Our fleet includes vehicles from top manufacturers like MCI, Prevost, Van Hool, Grech Motors, and Turtle Top, in a range of colors including white, black, silver, and blue. If you have a preference—such as an all-black executive coach for a corporate outing or a white minibus for a wedding shuttle—please let us know when you book. We’ll make every effort to match your specifications.

The cost of renting a charter bus in Chicago depends on several factors, including the size of the bus, the duration of the rental, the distance traveled, and the time of year. On average, you can expect to pay between $1,200 and $2,500 per day for a full-size coach. For longer trips, we may quote you a flat rate based on mileage. The best way to get an accurate price is to call us at 312-683-9350 with your trip details. We’ll provide a customized quote within minutes.

Minibus rentals are generally more affordable than full-size charter buses, with rates ranging from $800 to $1,500 per day depending on the size and features of the vehicle. Factors such as total mileage, number of hours, and any special requests (like WiFi or leather seats) can affect the final price. As always, the most reliable way to get a quote is to contact our office with your itinerary. We pride ourselves on offering competitive rates and transparent pricing with no hidden fees.

Several variables influence the cost of renting a bus in Chicago. These include: the type and size of the bus (charter bus vs minibus), the length of the trip (hours or days), the total distance traveled, the time of year (peak season vs off-season), and any optional amenities requested (WiFi, restroom, ADA accessibility). Additional charges may apply for tolls, parking, driver accommodations, or custom branding. We recommend booking early and providing as much detail as possible to secure the best rate.

Your quote covers the use of the bus, driver’s wages, fuel, insurance, and basic amenities like A/C and reclining seats. It does not include gratuity for the driver (typically 10-20% of the total cost), parking fees, tolls, or lodging for the driver if an overnight stay is required. We’ll itemize all charges upfront so you know exactly what to expect. There are no hidden fees or surprise expenses when you book with Chicago Minibus Company.

We recommend booking your bus rental as early as possible, especially if you’re traveling during peak season (April-June for school trips, May-September for weddings, or major events like the Chicago Marathon). Ideally, you should reserve your bus 3-6 months in advance to ensure the best selection and pricing. Last-minute bookings are possible, but availability may be limited. If you have an urgent request, call us anytime—we’re here 24/7 to assist you.

Yes, we offer flexible rental packages to suit your needs. Whether you need a one-way transfer from O’Hare Airport to downtown, a round-trip shuttle for a concert at United Center, or a multi-day charter for a college tour across the Midwest, we’ve got you covered. Just provide your itinerary, and we’ll tailor a package that fits your schedule and budget.

We provide long-distance bus rentals to destinations across the Midwest and beyond. Popular routes include Chicago to Milwaukee, Indianapolis, Detroit, St. Louis, Madison, and Minneapolis. We can also arrange cross-country trips to New York, Washington DC, Atlanta, Denver, or anywhere else in the continental US. Long-distance charters are a convenient alternative to flying, especially for large groups with lots of luggage.

If your trip requires an overnight stay outside of Chicago, you will need to provide hotel accommodations for the driver. Most clients book a standard room at the same hotel where the group is staying, but any nearby lodging will suffice as long as it’s safe and comfortable. The driver will need 8-10 hours of rest between shifts to comply with federal regulations. If you have questions about this requirement, please ask our staff for guidance.

Getting a quote is easy—just call our office at 312-683-9350 or fill out the online form on our website. Be prepared to provide details such as the date of travel, number of passengers, pick-up and drop-off locations, and any special requests. We’ll review your information and send you a personalized quote within minutes. There’s no obligation to book until you’re ready.

Plan ahead and book early, especially during busy seasons like spring break or summer festival months. Provide a detailed itinerary with addresses and timelines to ensure smooth coordination. Consider traffic patterns and allow extra time for congestion near popular venues like Wrigley Field or Grant Park. Communicate any special needs—such as ADA accessibility, child safety seats, or extra luggage space—when making your reservation. Finally, designate a group leader to serve as the main point of contact on the day of the trip.

We provide airport transfer services to and from all major airports in the Chicago area, including O’Hare International Airport (ORD), Midway International Airport (MDW), and Chicago Executive Airport (PWK) in Wheeling. We also serve regional airports such as DuPage Airport (DPA) in West Chicago, Gary/Chicago International Airport (GYY) in Indiana, and Rockford International Airport (RFD). Whether you’re flying in a corporate delegation or sending off a student group for study abroad, we’ll get you to the terminal on time.

We regularly transport fans and athletes to sporting venues across the city, including Soldier Field (home of the Bears), Wrigley Field (Cubs), Guaranteed Rate Field (White Sox), United Center (Bulls and Blackhawks), Wintrust Arena (DePaul basketball), and SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview (Chicago Fire soccer). For youth tournaments, we can shuttle teams to facilities like the Schaumburg Sports Center, Seven Bridges Ice Arena in Woodridge, or Olympic Park in Arlington Heights.

Music lovers can rely on us for rides to concerts at iconic venues such as the Chicago Theatre, Aragon Ballroom, Riviera Theatre, House of Blues, Auditorium Theatre, and Allstate Arena in Rosemont. During festival season, we run continuous shuttles to Grant Park for Lollapalooza, Union Park for Pitchfork Music Festival, and Douglas Park for Riot Fest. Avoid the hassle of parking and let us drop you off steps from the entrance.

We provide wedding transportation to popular venues across the city and suburbs, including The Ivy Room in River North, Bridgeport Art Center, Salvage One in West Town, Lacuna Lofts in Pilsen, Galleria Marchetti in Goose Island, and The Morton Arboretum in Lisle. For ceremonies along the lakefront, we can coordinate pick-ups at Promontory Point, Adler Planetarium, or Cafe Brauer in Lincoln Park Zoo. Out-of-town guests will appreciate a direct shuttle from their hotel to the reception.

Our service area extends beyond Chicago to include suburbs and neighboring cities such as Evanston, Skokie, Oak Park, Cicero, Berwyn, Elmhurst, Des Plaines, Schaumburg, Naperville, Aurora, Joliet, Orland Park, Tinley Park, Hammond (IN), and Gary (IN). We also operate regular routes to Milwaukee, Madison, Rockford, Peoria, Springfield, Champaign-Urbana, Bloomington-Normal, and St. Louis. No matter where your destination lies, we’ll get you there safely and on schedule.

Chicago is home to world-class events and festivals throughout the year, and we’re proud to be part of the action. From Lollapalooza in Grant Park to the Chicago Air and Water Show along Lake Michigan, we provide transportation solutions that keep attendees moving smoothly. Other annual highlights include Taste of Chicago, Pride Parade, St. Patrick’s Day river dyeing, Chicago Marathon, Christkindlmarket, Blues Festival, Jazz Festival, and neighborhood street fairs in Greektown, Little Italy, Chinatown, and Pilsen.

Business travelers can count on us for shuttle service to major convention centers such as McCormick Place (the largest in North America), Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Navy Pier Expo Hall, UIC Forum, and Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel. We handle transportation logistics for trade shows, conferences, seminars, and corporate retreats, ensuring that attendees arrive punctually and ready to network.

We work closely with educational institutions at all levels, including the University of Chicago, Northwestern University in Evanston, DePaul University, Loyola University Chicago, Columbia College, Roosevelt University, Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT), School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), and City Colleges of Chicago campuses. For K-12 field trips, we serve CPS schools as well as private academies like Latin School, Francis Parker, and St. Ignatius College Prep. Popular destinations for student groups include the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, Museum of Science and Industry, Art Institute of Chicago, Lincoln Park Zoo, and Garfield Park Conservatory.