Gastonia Charter Bus Prices
| Bus Type | Per Hour | Per Day | Per Mile |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 to 56 Passenger Charter Bus | $180 – $500+ | $1,800 – $3,800 | $6.00 – $9.95 |
| 40 to 50 Passenger Charter Bus | $170 – $480+ | $1,700 – $3,565 | $6.00 – $9.95 |
| 25 to 35 Passenger Minibus | $150 – $450+ | $1,610 – $3,465 | $4.00 – $9.95 |
| 20 to 24 Passenger Minibus | $150 – $440+ | $1,610 – $3,365 | $4.00 – $8.95 |
| 15 to 18 Passenger Minibus | $150 – $430+ | $1,520 – $3,255 | $4.00 – $7.95 |
| Entertainer Coach | $315 – $550+ | $3,000 – $5,000+ | $6.00 – $9.95 |
| Yellow School Bus | $145 – $450+ | $1,520 – $3,655 | $6.00 – $9.95 |
| Shuttle Bus | $155 – $450+ | $1,520 – $3,655 | $6.00 – $9.95 |
Gastonia Party Bus Prices
| Type of Party Bus | Cost Per Hour Weekdays | Cost Per Hour Weekends | Cost Per Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Party Bus (10 to 20 Passengers) | $180 - $450+ | $200 - $470+ | $1,000 - $2,900+ |
| Medium Party Bus (20 to 40 Passengers) | $200 - $500+ | $220 - $500+ | $1,200 - $3,500+ |
| Large Party Bus Rental (40 to 50 Passengers) | $250 - $500+ | $240 - $520+ | $1,500 - $3,900+ |
| Mercedes Sprinter Party Bus | $160 - $400+ | $180 - $450+ | $1,000 - $3,900+ |
* Prices may vary greatly in your city and state. Due to the impact of COVID-19 and inflation, all rental prices shown are past estimates. Actual pricing may be significantly higher depending on availability and location. To get real-time pricing, call us 980-460-3750 or use our online quote tool.
How Much Does a Charter Bus Rental Cost?
Charter bus rental prices in Gastonia typically range from $1,625-$2,100 per day. Pricing depends on your route, time frame, headcount, and amenity needs, but this full-size bus is often the most budget-conscious option for groups of 40+ passengers. Each one offers luggage bays beneath the cabin, overhead parcel racks, climate controls, fast WiFi, power outlets, TVs with a DVD player, and even clean restrooms. These are a great choice for long-distance trips like shuttling sports teams from Gastonia to Charlotte Douglas International Airport or transporting students on a field trip to the Schiele Museum of Natural History.
How Much Does a Party Bus Rental Cost?
Party bus rental prices in Gastonia range from $900-$2,200 per day depending on the size and model you book. And while they may be smaller than charter buses, party buses make up for it with premium amenities like wraparound leather seats, hardwood floors, color-changing lights, built-in coolers, and Bluetooth sound systems. They’re popular for bachelor/bachelorette parties, birthday celebrations, prom night transportation, and more. If you want to bar hop around downtown Gastonia without needing a designated driver, a party bus is your best bet.
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Call Now: 980-460-3750What Factors Affect Charter Bus Rental Pricing?
The biggest factors that affect your charter bus rental price are the dates of your trip, your itinerary, the size of the bus you rent, and any special amenities you request. For example, a simple round-trip transfer from Gastonia to Charlotte will cost less than a multi-day tour across North Carolina. If you’re traveling during peak season (spring/summer), rates may be higher than in the off-season. And if you need ADA accessibility, premium sound systems, or other custom features, those can also impact your final price.
Distance and Duration of Your Trip
Most charter bus companies charge by the mile for long-distance trips and by the hour for local trips. So the farther and longer you travel, the more expensive your rental will be. For example, a 4-hour shuttle service around Gastonia might cost $1,000, while a 300-mile round trip to Raleigh could cost $3,500. Multi-day trips are usually billed by the day, with daily rates averaging $1,800-$3,800 depending on the bus type and itinerary. Be sure to provide your exact pick-up/drop-off locations and schedule when requesting a quote so we can calculate the most accurate price.
The Time of Year
The time of year you book your bus can have a significant impact on pricing. Peak season for charter bus rentals in North Carolina is typically April through June and September through November. During these months, demand is highest due to school field trips, weddings, festivals, and corporate events. If you’re traveling during the off-season (December through March), you may be able to get lower rates. Weekdays are generally cheaper than weekends, too. If your schedule is flexible, consider shifting your trip to a less busy time to save money.
The Day of the Week
Bus rental rates can also fluctuate based on the day of the week. Fridays and Saturdays are the most popular days for events, which means higher demand and higher prices. Sundays through Thursdays tend to be less busy, so you might get a better deal if you can plan your trip on a weekday. This is especially true for party bus rentals, since most people book them for weekend nightlife. If possible, avoid major holidays like Memorial Day, Labor Day, and New Year’s Eve, as those dates often come with premium pricing.
Your Starting and Ending Locations
Where your trip starts and ends will affect your charter bus quote. Most companies base their pricing on mileage from their nearest dispatch location to your pick-up point, plus the miles traveled during your actual itinerary. If your event is taking place in a remote area far from Gastonia, you may incur additional charges known as “deadhead” fees to cover the cost of getting the bus to and from your starting and ending locations. To minimize deadhead costs, try to start and end your trip within the same city or region.
Bus Type and Size
The type and size of bus you choose will have one of the biggest impacts on your overall cost. Larger vehicles like 56-passenger charter buses are more expensive than smaller options like 18-passenger minibuses or 15-passenger Sprinter vans. However, when you divide the total price by the number of passengers, bigger buses often end up being cheaper per person. If you’re not sure which size is best for your group, our team can help you compare options. We recommend booking a vehicle with a few extra seats to ensure everyone has enough room.
Tolls and Parking Fees
Tolls and parking fees are not included in your initial bus rental quote, so be prepared to cover those expenses separately. If your route takes you on toll roads like I-485 or I-85, you’ll need to pay the tolls. The same goes for parking at venues that charge for bus or oversized vehicle parking. For example, Carowinds charges $20 per bus and Bank of America Stadium charges $40 per bus. Some downtown areas may require you to purchase a special permit or reserve a parking spot in advance. Ask your venue about their policies and factor those costs into your budget.
How Far in Advance You Book
Booking your charter bus early is one of the easiest ways to lock in the lowest rates. Most experts recommend reserving your bus at least 3-6 months in advance, especially if you’re traveling during peak season or on a holiday weekend. Last-minute bookings (less than 30 days out) may come with higher prices due to limited availability. On the flip side, some companies offer discounts for filling empty buses on short notice. If you have flexibility, ask if there are any last-minute deals or standby rates available for your dates.
Cost-Saving Tips to Consider
There are several strategies you can use to save money on your Gastonia bus rental. First, choose the smallest vehicle that can comfortably accommodate your group to avoid paying for unused seats. Second, book your trip during the off-season or on a weekday to take advantage of lower rates. Third, consolidate your itinerary to minimize deadhead miles and overnight stays. Fourth, skip unnecessary amenities like luxury interiors or entertainment systems unless your passengers really need them. Finally, split the total cost among all riders to make it more affordable for everyone.
Book Your Charter Bus Rental With Confidence!
No matter where you’re going or what kind of group you’re traveling with, Bus Rental Company Gastonia makes it easy to find the perfect ride at the perfect price. We’ve been serving Gaston County and surrounding areas for years, providing reliable transportation for school field trips, corporate events, weddings, sports teams, church outings, and more. Our customer service team is available 24/7 to answer your questions, walk you through the booking process, and help you customize your rental package. Ready to get started? Call us today at 980-460-3750 or fill out our online form for an instant quote!
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are a few sample pricing examples for common trips in Gastonia and around North Carolina. Please note that these are estimates and your actual price may vary based on your specific needs and travel dates.
Field Trip to the Schiele Museum
Ms. Johnson is planning a field trip for her 4th grade class of 45 students. She wants to depart from Robinson Elementary School at 9:00 AM and return by 2:00 PM after visiting the Schiele Museum of Natural History. Because her group includes students, teachers, and parent chaperones, she books a 56-passenger charter bus for the day. The total outing will take about 5 hours, and Ms. Johnson receives a quote for $1,200. Since the Schiele Museum offers free bus parking, the only additional cost is a tip for the driver.
Wedding Shuttle to Loray Mill Event Hall
A bride and groom are hosting their wedding reception at Loray Mill Event Hall in downtown Gastonia. To transport guests between the hotel and venue, they arrange for a continuous shuttle service using a 25-passenger minibus. The shuttle will run from 4:00 PM to midnight, making multiple trips so everyone can enjoy the celebration without worrying about parking or driving. For 8 hours of service, the couple is quoted $1,600. They split the cost with their families to keep it affordable.
Corporate Retreat at Crowders Mountain State Park
An HR manager is organizing a team-building retreat for 30 employees at Crowders Mountain State Park. The company rents a 35-passenger minibus to pick up staff from the office, drop them off at the park, and bring them back after a day of hiking and workshops. The entire trip lasts about 10 hours, and the rental comes to $1,900. The park charges $10 for bus parking, so the total cost is $1,910. The company covers the expense as part of their employee wellness budget.
Sports Team Travel to Greensboro Coliseum
A high school basketball team from Gastonia qualifies for the state tournament in Greensboro. The athletic director books a 56-passenger charter bus to transport players, coaches, and cheerleaders to Greensboro Coliseum. The team leaves at 7:00 AM, attends the game, and returns home by midnight. Since this is a long-distance, full-day trip, the quote comes to $2,800. The school boosters fundraise to help offset the cost for student-athletes.
Bachelorette Party in Uptown Charlotte
Samantha is planning a bachelorette party for her best friend with 12 ladies ready to hit the town. They book a 15-passenger party bus equipped with LED lights, a sound system, and a cooler for drinks. The bus picks them up in Gastonia at 5:00 PM, takes them to multiple bars and clubs in Uptown Charlotte, and brings them back by 2:00 AM. For 9 hours of nonstop fun, the quote is $1,350. The group splits the bill evenly, making it about $112 per person.
Church Youth Group Trip to Carowinds
A local church youth group plans a summer outing to Carowinds amusement park. With 40 teens and adult leaders attending, they reserve a 47-passenger charter bus for the day. The itinerary includes a morning pick-up, a full day of rides and attractions, and an evening return. The cost for the day is $1,750, plus $20 for bus parking at Carowinds. The church uses funds from their annual budget to cover transportation so families don’t have to pay out of pocket.
Senior Citizen Outing to Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
The activities coordinator at a senior living community arranges a trip for residents to visit Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden in Belmont. She books a 20-passenger minibus with comfortable seating and air conditioning. The bus departs at 10:00 AM, gives the group three hours to explore the gardens, and returns by 3:00 PM. For 5 hours of service, the quote is $950. The garden provides free parking for buses, so the only extra expense is tipping the driver. The cost is covered by the community’s recreation fund.
