Find the Best Bus Type for Your Group
There are many different types of charter buses produced by major manufacturers as well as individuals who specialize in conversion.
Below is a reference guide to the most common bus types and their industry names. We classify each company's fleet on BusRates.com according to these guidelines.
The motor coach is also referred to as a tour bus, charter bus and deluxe motor coach. There is a wide variety of motor coaches available for charter across the US and Canada. Popular manufacturers include MCI, Prevost, Setra, and Van Hool.
Photo Courtesy of West Valley Charter Lines, CA
| Most Common Seating: |
47, 55, 56 and 57 |
| Range of Seating: |
36 to 61 |
| Restroom: |
Almost Always |
| Air Conditioning: |
Almost Always |
| DVD/TV: |
Almost Always |
| Capable of Long Trips: |
Almost Always |
| Average Price Per Day: |
$960 |
Search for a Charter Bus/ Deluxe Motorcoach in Your Area
Though most companies listing minibuses in our database/directory are used for shuttling, airport transfers and other local travel, some are used for trips over the road. They can be a more cost effective alternative than the larger deluxe motor coach for smaller groups.
Photo Courtesy of Richfield Bus Company, MN
| Most Common Seating: |
21, 24, 25 and 29 |
| Range of Seating: |
10 to 41 |
| Restroom: |
Rare |
| Air Conditioning: |
Almost Always |
| DVD/TV: |
Sometimes |
| Capable of Long Trips: |
Sometimes |
| Average Price Per Day: |
$820 |
Search for a Minibus in Your Area
School buses are ideal for short, local movements on a low budget. School bus companies are either contractors, or they are school district providers. The BusRates.com directory only lists school bus contractors that charter to the public.
Photo courtesy of Northfield Lines, MN
| Most Common Seating: |
44, 48 |
| Range of Seating: |
10 to 60 (adults) |
| Restroom: |
Never |
| Air Conditioning: |
Sometimes |
| DVD/TV: |
Never |
| Capable of Long Trips: |
Rare |
| Average Price Per Day: |
$610 |
Search for a School Bus in Your Area
The companies listing entertainer coaches in our database are typically leased by musical groups & celebrities for extended touring, and include 9 or 12 bunks to accommodate sleeping. They are usually leased for 30 days or more. Entertainer coaches are the only bus type where driver and fuel costs are itemized in the quote.
Photo courtesy of Masters Transportation, IL
| Most Common Seating: |
9 and 12 |
| Range of Seating: |
9 to 18 |
| Restroom: |
Almost Always |
| Air Conditioning: |
Always |
| DVD/TV: |
Always |
| Capable of Long Trips: |
Always |
| Average Price Per Day: |
$1500 |
Search for an Entertainer/Sleeper in Your Area
The companies listing executive coaches in our database are typically booked for one-day or one-evening excursions and are also referred to as "day coaches". These buses are characterized by being full size with office or lounge interiors.
Photo courtesy of Premiere Transportation, TN
| Most Common Seating: |
20, 24 and 30 |
| Range of Seating: |
10 to 41 |
| Restroom: |
Sometimes |
| Air Conditioning: |
Always |
| DVD/TV: |
Almost Always |
| Capable of Long Trips: |
Sometimes |
| Average Price Per Day: |
$1340 |
Search for an Executive/Day Coach in Your Area
The companies listing limobuses in our free database directory are characterized by being the size of a minibus, but typically featuring leather perimeter seating inside and often have an on-board attendant serving drinks. They are ideal for weddings or a night out.
Photo courtesy of J&J Luxury Transportation, PA
| Most Common Seating: |
14, 18, 22, 24 and 30 |
| Range of Seating: |
10 to 50 |
| Restroom: |
Sometimes |
| Air Conditioning: |
Always |
| DVD/TV: |
Almost Always |
| Capable of Long Trips: |
Sometimes |
| Average Price Per Day: |
$1545 |
Search for a Limo Bus or Party Bus in Your Area
The companies listing trolleys in our free directory are perfect for weddings, tours or other local events. They are an exciting alternative to chartering a standard bus for a local event.
Photo courtesy of Fullington Trailways, PA
| Most Common Seating: |
24, 30, 35 and 53 |
| Range of Seating: |
20 to 58 |
| Restroom: |
Rare |
| Air Conditioning: |
Rare |
| DVD/TV: |
Rare |
| Capable of Long Trips: |
Rare |
| Average Price Per Day: |
$1020 |
Search for a Trolley in Your Area
Double decker buses are a rare find in our near-complete directory. They are available as closed or open-topped. Open-topped are a little harder to find since insurance on these vehicles is higher. They are usually only found in large metro markets in the US and Canada, and are most commonly used for tours.
Photo courtesy of Fabulous Coach Lines, FL
| Most Common Seating: |
75 and 81 |
| Range of Seating: |
50 to 84 |
| Restroom: |
Rare |
| Air Conditioning: |
Rare |
| DVD/TV: |
Rare |
| Capable of Long Trips: |
Rare |
| Average Price Per Day: |
$1695 |
Search for a Double Decker in Your Area
The companies listing vans in our free database come chartered with a driver. They are mostly used locally, but a few companies will take them over the road.
Photo Courtesy of Trinity Transportation, MI
| Most Common Seating: |
14 and 15 |
| Range of Seating: |
3 to 22 |
| Restroom: |
Never |
| Air Conditioning: |
Common |
| DVD/TV: |
Sometimes |
| Capable of Long Trips: |
Sometimes |
| Average Price Per Day: |
$662 |
Search for a Van in Your Area
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Current National Average Bus Rates, April, 2013*
| Deluxe Motor Coach |
$433 |
$570 |
$943 |
| Minibus |
$306 |
$446 |
$797 |
| Schoolbus |
$245 |
$334 |
$553 |
| Entertainer |
N/A |
N/A |
$785** |
| Executive |
$390 |
$818 |
$1348 |
| Trolley |
$510 |
$671 |
$1022 |
| Double Decker |
$538 |
$1161 |
$1767 |
| Van |
$192 |
$347 |
$636 |
*Rates vary from city to city. National average rate for trips priced by mile is $3.12/mi.
**Entertainer Coach lease rates do not include driver and fuel costs. |
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