Charleston Charter Bus & Minibus Rental Prices: How Much Does a Charleston Bus Rental Cost?
Charter bus rental prices in Charleston typically range from $170 to $500 per hour or $1,800 to $3,800 per day. The exact cost depends on factors like the type of vehicle, trip distance, duration, and time of year. For example, a 56-passenger charter bus is more expensive than an 18-passenger minibus. Longer trips—like those to Columbia, Savannah, or Myrtle Beach—will cost more than local shuttles between downtown hotels and Daniel Island venues. To get the most accurate pricing for your group, call Charleston Minibus Company at 843-806-2380 or use our online quote tool. We’ll send you an instant estimate based on your itinerary.
| 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?
Our fleet includes minibuses, sprinter vans, party buses, entertainer coaches, and full-size charter buses—all available for hourly, daily, or multi-day rentals. Here are some average rates:
- 56-passenger charter 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
These prices can change due to seasonal demand, special events (like Spoleto Festival USA or Cooper River Bridge Run), and how far in advance you book. For the best rate, contact us as soon as you know your dates and details.
What Factors Influence Bus Rental Pricing in Charleston?
Several factors influence the cost of a charter bus rental in Charleston:
- Trip distance and duration: Longer trips—such as those to Greenville, Charlotte, or Atlanta—cost more than short local routes between downtown, North Charleston, and Mount Pleasant. Overnight and multi-day trips may require additional driver accommodations.
- Type of vehicle: Larger vehicles like 56-passenger motorcoaches cost more than smaller minibuses or sprinter vans. Features such as WiFi, power outlets, restrooms, and reclining seats affect pricing.
- Time of year: Rates are highest during peak seasons (spring and fall wedding months, summer tourism, college football weekends) and large events. Booking during off-peak months may save money.
- Advance booking: Last-minute reservations tend to be more expensive. Book early—especially if your trip coincides with major conventions, cruises, or festivals.
- Itinerary details: Multiple stops, layovers, or long wait times may increase costs. Provide a detailed schedule so we can give you the most accurate quote.
- Special requests: ADA-accessible vehicles, luxury amenities, or custom branding may affect pricing.
For example, a shuttle running between Charleston International Airport (CHS) and a Kiawah Island resort will differ in price from a day trip to Magnolia Plantation or a weeklong tour covering Columbia, Hilton Head, and Savannah. The more information you provide, the better we can match you with the right vehicle at the best price.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are a few sample pricing examples for common trips in Charleston and around South Carolina. Please note that these are estimates and your actual price may vary based on your specific needs and travel dates.
Charleston Wedding Shuttle
A wedding planner is organizing transportation for a 150-person wedding at Lowndes Grove. She books three 56-passenger charter buses to shuttle guests from hotels in downtown Charleston to the venue, then back after the reception. The total rental time is eight hours, including wait time during the ceremony and photos. Each bus costs $2,400 for the day, totaling $7,200. This ensures everyone arrives on time and no one has to worry about parking or driving after celebrating.
College Football Game Day
The College of Charleston’s student government charters a 25-passenger minibus for a round-trip to watch the Cougars play Coastal Carolina in Conway. They leave campus at 10 a.m., arrive by noon for tailgating, and return after the evening game. The all-day rental (about 12 hours) costs $2,700. Students split the fare, making it affordable and much safer than carpooling late at night.
Corporate Retreat to Kiawah Island
A tech company in Mount Pleasant schedules a three-day retreat at The Sanctuary Hotel on Kiawah Island. They hire a 20-passenger minibus to shuttle employees back and forth each day. The daily rate is $1,900, totaling $5,700 for the event. The company appreciates the convenience—and so do their employees, who don’t have to drive or pay for resort parking.
Field Trip to Magnolia Plantation
An elementary school in Summerville takes 60 students and teachers on a field trip to Magnolia Plantation & Gardens. They rent a 56-passenger charter bus with seat belts and DVD players for the 6-hour excursion. The cost is $1,800, which the PTA covers through fundraising. The kids love riding together, and the teachers appreciate having everyone in one vehicle.
Senior Group Day Trip to Savannah
A senior center in West Ashley organizes a day trip to Savannah’s historic district. They book an 18-passenger minibus with extra luggage space for walkers and coolers. The round-trip journey covers about 220 miles and takes 10 hours, costing $2,400. The group enjoys sightseeing without worrying about driving or navigating unfamiliar streets.
Airport Transfer for Cruise Passengers
A cruise line arranges transportation for 40 passengers flying into Charleston International Airport before boarding a ship at Union Pier Terminal. They reserve a 56-passenger charter bus for continuous airport-to-port transfers over six hours. The flat rate is $2,100, which is less expensive than multiple taxis or rideshares—and much easier to coordinate.