Berkeley Charter Bus & Minibus Rental Prices: How Much Does a Berkeley Bus Rental Cost?
Charter bus rental prices in Berkeley can vary depending on your trip details, but most of our rates fall between $170 to $500 per hour or $1,800 to $3,800 per day. The best way to get an accurate price is to call our team at 341-234-1990 with your headcount, itinerary, and amenity requests—or use our instant online quote tool! We’ll send you a personalized quote in just 30 seconds so you can compare options and find the best fit for your group and budget. Below, you’ll find estimated rates for different vehicle types and a breakdown of how we calculate your total trip cost.
| 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 of renting a charter bus in Berkeley ranges from $170 to $500 per hour, $1,800 to $3,800 per day, or $4.00 to $8.00 per mile depending on the size of the vehicle and the length of your trip. Our fleet includes everything from 18-passenger minibuses to 56-passenger motorcoaches, so you’re sure to find something that fits your needs and budget. Here’s a quick breakdown of our most popular vehicles and their estimated rates:
- 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
What Factors Influence Bus Rental Pricing in Berkeley?
Several factors can influence the cost of your charter bus rental in Berkeley, including:
- Trip Duration: Longer trips will generally cost more than shorter ones, especially if they span multiple days or require overnight stays. For example, a day trip to San Francisco will be less expensive than a weekend excursion to Lake Tahoe or Yosemite National Park.
- Distance Traveled: We calculate your rate based on either the number of hours or miles traveled, whichever is greater. Local trips within Berkeley and the East Bay are usually billed by the hour, while longer journeys across California are charged by the mile.
- Time of Year: Charter bus prices tend to be higher during peak travel seasons like spring break, summer vacation, and major holidays. If you’re planning a trip during these times, be sure to book early to lock in the best rates.
- Vehicle Size and Type: Larger buses with more amenities will cost more than smaller, standard models. For instance, a 56-passenger motorcoach with WiFi, power outlets, and an onboard restroom will be pricier than an 18-passenger minibus with basic seating.
- Amenities Requested: Premium features like leather seats, flat-screen TVs, PA systems, and extra luggage space may increase the overall cost of your rental. Let us know what you need, and we’ll get you a vehicle that fits your requirements and budget.
- Additional Expenses: Don’t forget to factor in tolls, parking fees, and gratuity for your driver. These costs are not included in your initial quote but are essential for a smooth and successful trip.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are a few sample pricing examples for common trips in Berkeley, CA and around the Bay Area. Please note that these are estimates and your actual price may vary based on your specific needs and travel dates.
Uc Berkeley Campus Tour
Professor Nguyen is organizing a campus tour for prospective students and their families. The group consists of 22 people, including high school seniors and chaperones. They plan to visit key landmarks like Sather Gate, the Campanile, and the Lawrence Hall of Science before having lunch at the International House. The tour will start at 9:00 AM and conclude by 3:00 PM. For this local, six-hour trip, Professor Nguyen was quoted $1,350 for a 25-passenger minibus. With 22 riders, the cost comes out to about $61 per person, making it an affordable and convenient option for exploring the university.
Wedding Shuttle to Tilden Park
Sara and Miguel are getting married at the Brazilian Room in Tilden Regional Park and want to provide transportation for their 40 guests from downtown Berkeley hotels to the venue. The ceremony starts at 4:00 PM, followed by a reception that ends at 10:00 PM. To ensure everyone arrives safely and on time, they booked a 56-passenger motorcoach for eight hours at a rate of $3,200. The price includes multiple shuttle runs between the hotel and the park, as well as a late-night ride back to Berkeley. This arrangement allows guests to enjoy the festivities without worrying about parking or driving through the winding hills of Tilden Park.
Corporate Retreat in Napa Valley
A tech startup based in Emeryville is hosting a corporate retreat in Napa Valley for its 30 employees. The itinerary includes wine tastings at several vineyards, a team-building workshop, and an overnight stay at a resort. The group will depart from their office at 8:00 AM, spend two days in Napa, and return by 6:00 PM the following evening. For this two-day trip covering approximately 120 miles round-trip, the company was quoted $4,500 for a 35-passenger minibus equipped with reclining seats, WiFi, and power outlets. The package also covers the driver’s hotel room and meals, ensuring a comfortable and productive retreat for everyone involved.
Field Trip to the California Academy of Sciences
Ms. Patel’s seventh-grade class at Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School is heading to San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park to visit the California Academy of Sciences. With 28 students and 4 adult chaperones, she reserved a 35-passenger minibus for the full-day excursion. The bus will leave Berkeley at 8:00 AM, drop the group off at the museum, and pick them up at 3:00 PM for the ride home. The total cost for this eight-hour charter is $1,700, which includes bridge tolls and parking fees near the museum. Divided among 32 passengers, the price per person is just over $53, making it an economical choice for educational outings.
Sports Team Travel to Sacramento
The Berkeley High School varsity basketball team has an away game against a rival school in Sacramento. The roster includes 15 players, 3 coaches, and 2 managers, along with equipment bags and coolers. They need reliable transportation for the 180-mile round-trip journey, departing at noon and returning by midnight after the game. The athletic director booked a 20-passenger minibus for $2,200, which covers 12 hours of service and mileage. This option provides ample storage space for gear and ensures the team arrives together and ready to compete.
Bachelorette Party in Oakland
Emily is planning a bachelorette party for her best friend, Chloe, with a night out in Oakland’s Uptown district. The group of 16 women will start with dinner at a trendy restaurant, followed by bar hopping and dancing at several clubs. To keep everyone safe and eliminate the need for designated drivers, Emily rented an 18-passenger minibus for six hours at a rate of $1,200. The bus will pick up guests at a central location in Berkeley, make multiple stops throughout the evening, and drop everyone off at the end of the night. The convenience and peace of mind are well worth the investment for this special celebration.