Frequently Asked Questions About Renting a Charter Bus

The total price for your charter bus rental depends on a wide variety of factors, such as where you’re going, how long you’ll need the bus, the type of bus you need, and more. For more particular information related to your trip, read our guide to Texas charter bus rentals and pricing, or call us at 1-844-447-2779 to speak with a reservation specialist and get a free, personalized quote.

Overall, your charter bus rental may be charged per hour, per day, or per mile.

●      Hourly: If your trip can be completed in a single day (e.g. a pick-up and drop-off within city limits), you’ll likely be charged by the hour for a minimum of 5 hours.

●      Daily: A multi-day trip across state lines or over the course of a weekend will be charged by the day.

●      Per Mile: Trips that cover a lot of ground—such as a long-distance trip that includes 2+ hours on the road in one direction—may be charged by the mile.

Other factors that contribute to the total of your quote include the services of a professional driver, fuel, insurance, road tolls, and processing fees.

Some things your quote will NOT include are:

●      Gratuity. While optional, a cash tip/gratuity is recommended at 10-15% of your total quote.

●      Parking fees. We recommend traveling with additional cash funds on hand in case a parking fee at a lot or garage is charged.

●      Lodging for your driver. For trips that require multiple days of travel including an overnight stay, you’ll need to book and pay for lodging accommodations for your driver. Drivers need 8 hours of sleep for every 10 hours they drive.

Additional fees could include a cleaning fee if the interior of your bus rental is returned damaged, dirty or unkempt. There may also be additional fees for premium services such as needing a meet-and-greet at the airport or requiring full-service luggage loading.

Yes, a deposit of 10-30% of the total cost will be due when you make your reservation. Since the amount varies, we will tell you the exact amount of your deposit when you call for a quote.

You will need to pay your balance in full no later than 14 days before the starting date of your trip.

You can pay by check, credit card, or via wire/ACH. If your organization wants to use a purchase order, let your reservation specialist know when you call.

Yes. In addition to a standard motorcoach, our network of transportation types includes shuttles like minibuses with varying capacities.

When you call us at 1-844-447-2779, tell our reservation specialists all about your trip and group type, and we’ll make a recommendation for which type of bus may be best for you. In the meantime, read on to get an idea of what amenities and features you may want or need to request:

A full-size charter bus/motorcoach for up to 56 people always includes:

●      On-board restrooms

●      A DVD player and TV monitors

●      Undercarriage storage

●      Reclining seats

●      Air-conditioning

The following amenities can be requested:

●      ADA-accessible features (always available by request)

●      Leather seats (subject to availability)

●      PA/microphone (subject to availability)

●      WiFi (subject to availability)

●      Power outlets (subject to availability)

●      A specific make or color of bus (subject to availability)

Minibuses for 25 or fewer people include:

●      Limited rear storage

●      Air-conditioning

When you call us to book your rental, you’ll set your own specific pick up time and location for the start of your trip. Please tell your group of travelers to be there at least 15 minutes before the bus’s scheduled arrival so you’ll be prepared to load luggage and be on your way on time.

If trip plans change suddenly or while on the go, please contact our 24-hour service team to see if we can accommodate any changes to your trip. Please also note that your driver will keep a log of any overtime hours they work, and an overtime rate may be assessed and charged based on those logs.

You’ll need to speak to your account manager to add or remove people from your group. This is especially important if the change in the size of your group affects your need for a larger bus rental.

If you cancel more than 14 days before your travel date, you won’t need to pay the full cost of your trip, but we won’t be able to return your 10% deposit. If you cancel 14 or fewer days before the pick-up date, you will be charged the full cost of the trip. Unfortunately, it’s not possible for us to provide refunds at that stage.

Yes, food and drinks are allowed on most motorcoaches, however many bus providers request that you refrain from bringing glass bottles and messy foods. A cleaning fee of $250 may be charged in the event your charter bus rental is unkempt upon return.

Yes. In Texas, passenger vehicles like charter buses are exempt from the Open Container Law, so you can enjoy a beverage of your choice on board! Just be mindful of a possible $250 cleaning fee in the event your charter bus rental is returned with any interior beverage spills or damages.

We recommend that you throw away your trash and clean up any spills to avoid a cleaning fee, but you don’t have to do any deep cleaning like sweeping or window wiping.

Yes. Speaker systems and aux plug-ins are available upon request with most charter bus types. When you call to book your charter bus rental, tell your reservation specialist that you’d like to be able to play music during your trip so they can suggest the best type of bus for you.

In general, no. Our team will plan out the best routes and parking spots for your trip. However, it’s best to have a detailed itinerary prepared when you call our reservation team so we have the best information to work with.

However, on some occasions, yes, you may be responsible for finding parking at particular hotels, event venues, and any other places where the bus needs to wait for you. You can usually do this by looking online or calling customer service at the establishment where you’ll be.

If you’re planning a lengthy trip, you can work with your driver to plan rest stops for the comfort of both the driver and your passengers. For multi-day or overnight trips, know that drivers can only operate a bus for 10 consecutive hours (or remain on duty for 15 hours) before they’re legally required to take an 8-hour break.

We recommend a cash trip totaling approximately 10-20% of the cost of your trip.

Drivers are responsible for their own food and drinks, but if you’re planning an overnight trip, you will need to book a private hotel room for your driver each night. Some hotels offer discounts for drivers traveling with a group, so be sure to ask the front desk when you reserve your rooms for your group.

Yes, but there will be an additional fee. When you call to book, please let your reservation specialist know you will need it.

Your driver can help load and arrange your baggage in the luggage bay, but you and your group are ultimately responsible for loading your belongings on your charter bus rental. If you want or need assistance with 100% of your baggage to be loaded, you’ll need to pay an additional fee.

No. We provide licensed, professional drivers with every bus rental. No matter how qualified, renters are not permitted to drive their own buses.