How to Rent a Party Bus

From concerts to weddings to corporate parties, charter buses are comfortable, equipped with convenient amenities and offer group entertainment. Additionally, renting a party bus means your group won’t have to coordinate individual transportation or arrange designated drivers if they’ll be drinking alcoholic beverages. 

Getting your group to travel in one bus also extends the social experience and allows you to arrive together in style. If you’re thinking of getting a bus for your upcoming event, here’s everything you need to do.

1. Determine Your Party Needs

The first step to renting a party bus is understanding the logistics. Consider the type of event you’re throwing, such as a:

• Corporate outing 
• Bachelor party 
• Sporting event
• Concert
• Birthday

The type of event you’re hosting will also determine the features and amenities you need, including a built-in bar, flat-screen TV, sound system and lounge-style seating. 

You’ll also need to know exactly how many people are attending your event. Charter buses come with various seating options for 15, 25, 48 or more people. If you prefer open bench seating, you may need to rent two party buses to accommodate your entire party. 

2. Research Local Party Bus Providers

Now that you’ve established the context of the event and know how many people are attending, you can start researching reputable party bus rental companies. As with choosing any service for an important event, you’ll want to compare different providers by checking their fleet options and reading customer reviews. You can also work with a directory that connects you with the best bus operators at no charge. 

If you need to book a party bus, a directory makes it easy to find real charter leads with full contact information. This can significantly streamline your research process and ensure you only compare bus providers that provide service in your area and have the features you need for your group size.

3. Compare Pricing and Packages

Budget is a significant consideration when renting a party bus. Using a directory, you can easily request quotes and compare pricing from various bus providers to find the best option. The price to rent a party bus will vary, as some pricing packages will include a set mileage or duration, while others may have additional fees for beverages or a certain number of stops. 

Make sure to clarify whether taxes and fees are included with the quote. If your party is splitting the cost, you’ll need to get a total cost for the party bus and ensure everyone can contribute. 

4. Check Availability and Book in Advance

Once you’ve settled on a bus provider, check whether they’re available for the dates of your event. Depending on your group size and destination, you can typically rent a party bus for four to 12 hours.

When booking for a large group of people, it’s important to reserve your spot as early as possible, especially during peak seasons. For instance, if you have your corporate holiday party during the first week of December every year, it’s best to book your bus ahead of time to confirm the right accommodations and have a stress-free trip. 

When booking a party bus, be sure to have the bus provider go over insurance coverage, cancellation policy and additional fees for an extended time. Asking these questions beforehand will help keep everyone on the same page. 

5. Review the Contract Thoroughly

As with any contract, it’s essential to review your party bus rental agreement thoroughly and ensure you can meet the terms. For example, if your party bus provider requests that all passengers be at the bus by a specific time or risk incurring a late fee, it will say so in your contract. Other key contract terms include things like:

• Rules of conduct on the party bus
• Liability and insurance 
• Payment 
• Alcohol supply
• Wi-Fi availability 
• Gratuity

Once you’ve signed the contract, be sure to pass along any important information to your party, such as designated times, rules and details for the trip. 

6. Plan Your Itinerary

If you’re booking in advance, you might not have a detailed idea of what the day of your trip will look like. If you’re taking some of your corporate clients to a sporting event, for instance, you might want to plan a route that features a stop at one of the local pubs to celebrate with drinks beforehand. 

If you’re hosting a bachelorette party, perhaps you’d like to stop at a nice dinner before heading to the nightclub to dance the night away. The bigger your party is, and the more stops you have, the more smooth your experience will be if you coordinate with the bus company and driver beforehand to confirm your plans.

7. Prepare for the Day

Congratulations, your party bus is booked, and you’re ready to focus on a fun night! Now that the logistics have been covered, you can determine what everyone needs to bring on the day of your trip. Perhaps you can designate a few passengers to bring snacks, a curated playlist or themed decorations. Depending on the length of your bus ride, you might even set up some fun trivia games or karaoke to play on the way to your event.

Remember, as long as you and your party adhere to the bus company’s rules and safety guidelines, you will have an exciting, memorable trip.

Request a Quote From BusRates Today

Whether you’re preparing for a special birthday party or corporate event, renting a party bus is a great way to maximize everyone’s time together. At BusRates.com, we make it easy to find party bus options and contact local charting companies for bookings. 

Our database of group transportation companies helps you refine your search and find a vehicle that meets your exact needs. Request a quote for your upcoming trip today, or learn more on our blog.