A few of the companies we’ve worked with
The Factors That Influence Your Charter Bus Rental Quote
When you call Charter Bus Rental Company Port Charlotte for a quote, you might wonder how we come up with the numbers. The truth is, every trip is unique, and we tailor every quote to the specific details of your itinerary. The biggest factor is usually the duration and distance of your trip. Are you staying local, perhaps shuttling guests between the Four Points by Sheraton Punta Gorda Harborside and a reception venue? Local trips are billed by the hour, often with a 5-hour minimum. Or, are you planning a long-distance road trip, perhaps taking a sports team from Port Charlotte High School to a tournament in Orlando or Miami? Trips that span multiple days or cover significant mileage are usually billed by the day or by the mile.
Another major factor is the size and type of bus you choose. A 56-passenger full-size charter bus will naturally cost more than a 20-passenger minibus due to its size, fuel consumption, and amenities like onboard restrooms. However, when you break down the cost per person, the larger bus often provides the best value! Additionally, the date of your trip plays a huge role. Transportation is a seasonal industry. In Florida, our peak seasons often align with the beautiful winter weather, spring break, and the busy wedding season. Traveling during high-demand weekends or holidays can influence the rate. By providing our reservation specialists with as much detail as possible, we can find the most cost-effective solution for your group.
Breakdown of Costs: Hourly vs. Daily vs. Mileage
Understanding how you are billed is essential for keeping your budget on track. At Charter Bus Rental Company Port Charlotte, we structure our pricing to be as fair and logical as possible based on your specific itinerary. For local events within Port Charlotte, North Port, and Punta Gorda, we utilize an hourly rate. This is perfect for events like weddings , corporate dinners, or school field trips where the bus and driver are needed for a specific block of time. There is almost always a minimum rental requirement (usually 4 to 5 hours) to ensure the driver is fairly compensated for their prep and travel time.
For longer adventures, such as multi-day excursions or trips exceeding a certain mileage threshold, we switch to a daily rate. This covers the use of the bus for the entire day, generally up to a driver's legal driving limits (usually 10 hours of drive time or 12-15 hours on duty). If your trip involves driving significant distances—for example, a tour from Port Charlotte to Key West and back—you might see a pricing structure based on mileage.
Estimated Pricing for Different Vehicle Types
To help you start budgeting, we’ve compiled some estimated price ranges for the different vehicles in our fleet. Please remember, these are just estimates and vary based on availability and season. To get the most accurate price, you must call 239-747-1620.
Minibuses (18- 35 Passengers ): Perfect for smaller groups, corporate shuttles , or wedding parties. These nimble vehicles are great for navigating local streets.
Estimated Hourly Rate: $150 – $350+ per hour
Estimated Daily Rate: $1,600 – $2,800+ per day
Full-Size Charter Buses ( 56 Passengers ): The gold standard for large groups, sports teams, and long-distance travel. These come equipped with restrooms, luggage bays, and plenty of legroom.
Estimated Hourly Rate: $190 – $450+ per hour
Estimated Daily Rate: $1,900 – $3,500+ per day
School Buses: An economical choice for short field trips or budget-conscious groups traveling short distances without the need for luxury amenities.
Estimated Hourly Rate: $100 – $200+ per hour (subject to availability)
Remember, booking a 56-passenger coach for a group of 50 people can break down to less than $40 per person for a full day of travel, making it one of the most economical ways to travel!
Tips for Getting the Best Value on Your Rental
Everyone loves a good deal, and there are several strategies you can use to keep your charter bus rental costs down. The most important tip is to book early. We recommend reserving your bus at least 3 to 6 months in advance. As the date gets closer and bus availability shrinks, prices tend to rise. By locking in your rate early, you secure the best price and ensure you get the exact vehicle you want.
Another tip is to be flexible with your itinerary. If you can travel during the off-season (typically the hotter summer months in Florida) or on weekdays rather than weekends, you may find lower rates. Additionally, finalizing your headcount early allows you to book the right size bus. You don't want to pay for a 56-passenger coach if you only have 20 people—a minibus would save you hundreds of dollars. Finally, try to keep your itinerary concise. Since you pay for the driver's time, avoiding unnecessary deadhead (empty driving) or excessive downtime can help manage the final invoice. Our reservation specialists are experts at logistics; when you call 239-747-1620, ask them how to optimize your route for the best value!
Sample Trip Pricing Scenarios
To give you a better idea of what your trip might cost, here are some examples of recent quotes we have provided for groups in the Port Charlotte area:
Example 1: The Wedding Shuttle.
A couple is getting married at the Kings Gate Golf Club and needs a shuttle to transport guests from the Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Port Charlotte. They need a 25-passenger minibus for 6 hours to run loops before the ceremony and after the reception. Because it is a Saturday in peak wedding season, the hourly rate is slightly higher.
Estimated Total: $1,600 - $1,900
Example 2: The Sports Team Tournament.
A local high school baseball team needs to travel to a weekend tournament in Tampa. They require a 56-passenger charter bus for the team and equipment. The bus will pick them up Friday morning and return Sunday evening. This is billed at a daily rate plus the driver’s hotel room (paid by the school separately).
Estimated Total: $3,800 - $4,200 for the 3-day rental.
Example 3: The Corporate Airport Transfer .
A business group of 14 executives is flying into Punta Gorda Airport (PGD) and needs a transfer to the Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor. They book a luxury sprinter van for a one-way transfer.
Estimated Total: $450 - $650.
*Please note: These are examples only. Prices fluctuate based on availability and specific trip details. Call us for your custom quote!
Call Charter Bus Rental Company Port Charlotte Today!
Now that you have a better understanding of charter bus pricing in Port Charlotte, it’s time to start planning your trip! Charter Bus Rental Company Port Charlotte has representatives available 24/7/365 to assist you with finding the best charter bus to meet your needs. If you’d like a free personalized quote for your next group trip, we’re ready to help and we’d love to earn your business! You can reach us by calling 239-747-1620.
You can also use our online quote tool for instant online charter bus pricing in under 30 seconds. With just a few pieces of information—like your passenger count, dates, and pick-up locations—you can instantly see images and prices of available vehicles in your area. Our warm and welcoming reservation agents are here to answer your request, help you with any questions, offer you the best available deals, and help you get exactly what you need. There’s no pressure to book at the time of your call; our job is to guide you throughout the process so you find what you need at a price that fits your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions About Port Charlotte Pricing
How do I get an accurate quote for my trip?
Getting a quote is fast and easy! You have two convenient options. First, you can use our online quote tool to get pricing in under 30 seconds. Simply enter your trip details, and you'll see live availability and rates. Alternatively, you can call our 24/7 reservation team at 239-747-1620. One of our experienced specialists will ask for your itinerary, passenger count, and dates, and then provide you with a comprehensive, no-obligation quote over the phone. We recommend having your itinerary handy to ensure the most accurate pricing.
Is a deposit required to reserve a bus?
Yes, we require a deposit to secure your bus reservation. This ensures that the vehicle is taken off the market and reserved specifically for your group on your chosen dates. The deposit amount will be clearly outlined in your quote. The remaining balance for your trip is typically due 30 days prior to your departure date. If you are booking a trip that is less than 30 days out, the full amount may be due at the time of booking. Our team will explain all payment terms clearly when you call.
What if my trip goes longer than the scheduled time?
We understand that sometimes events run late or traffic causes delays. If your trip exceeds the contracted time, you may be billed for the additional hours. Overtime is charged at the hourly rate specified in your contract. We recommend padding your itinerary with a little extra time to account for unforeseen delays, ensuring you stay within your budget. The drivers are flexible, but they must also adhere to federal service hours regulations for safety.
How far in advance should I book my bus?
To ensure availability and the best pricing, we recommend booking your charter bus as soon as your date and venue are confirmed. Ideally, you should book at least 3 to 6 months in advance. For trips taking place during peak seasons (such as spring break, prom season, or holidays), booking 6 to 9 months in advance is advisable. While we can often accommodate last-minute requests, vehicle options may be more limited, and prices may be higher closer to the travel date.