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Charter Bus Prices: How Much Does a Washington Bus Rental Cost?
Wondering how much it costs to rent a charter bus in Washington, D.C.? You’re in the right place! Washington Charter Bus Services specializes in affordable group transportation throughout Washington, D.C., Arlington, Alexandria, Bethesda, and the entire Capital Region. Whether you’re planning a wedding at The National Building Museum, a field trip to the Smithsonian Institution, or a company shuttle to downtown, we help you compare pricing and vehicle options so you find the perfect charter bus for your group’s needs—and your budget.
Instantly get real-time quotes by calling our 24/7 reservation department at 771-888-6995 to speak with a reservation expert. We make booking stress-free with clear, upfront prices, no hidden fees, and professional support every step of the way.
| Vehicle Type | Per Hour* | Per Day* | Per Mile* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 56-Passenger Charter Bus | $197 – $519 | $1,600 – $3,800 | $5.00 – $8.00 |
| 50-Passenger Charter Bus | $190 – $500 | $1,500 – $3,600 | $4.50 – $7.50 |
| 40–45-Passenger Charter Bus | $180 – $480 | $1,500 – $3,500 | $4.50 – $7.50 |
| 35-Passenger Minibus | $180 – $475 | $1,500 – $3,400 | $4.00 – $7.00 |
| 30-Passenger Minibus | $180 – $475 | $1,500 – $3,400 | $4.00 – $7.00 |
| 28-Passenger Minibus | $175 – $450 | $1,500 – $3,300 | $4.00 – $7.00 |
| 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 |
| School Bus (-47 pax) | $155 – $450 | $1,520 – $3,655 | $5.00 – $8.95 |
| Entertainer / Sleeper Coach | N/A | $1,900 – $2,500 | $7.00 – $10.50 |
| Mercedes Sprinter Party Bus (10-14) | $160 – $450 | $1,200 – $2,900 | $3.00 – $6.00 |
| Small Party Bus (10-20) | $180 – $470 | $1,200 – $2,900 | $3.00 – $6.00 |
| Mid-Size Party Bus (20-30) | $200 – $500 | $1,200 – $3,500 | $4.00 – $8.00 |
| Large Party Bus (30-50) | $250 – $520 | $1,500 – $3,900 | $4.00 – $8.00 |
*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.
What Affects the Price of a Washington Charter Bus Rental?
Charter bus rental pricing in Washington is simple once you know what goes into the cost. The main factors that influence your price include the type of vehicle you choose, the time of year you travel, the length of your trip, your pickup and drop-off locations, and any special amenities you request.
For example, a standard full-size 56 passenger charter bus is usually billed by the hour or day. Minibuses, perfect for smaller groups going to events at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center or the National Mall, are often more budget-friendly and may be rented by the hour or trip. If you’re planning a multi-day tour through Washington, Maryland, or Virginia, your price may shift to a daily or mileage rate, especially if you’re making multiple stops.
The season matters, too. Prices are typically highest in spring and early summer when graduations, festivals, and outdoor events are in full swing around the Capital Region. Likewise, big events like the National Cherry Blossom Festival or the Smithsonian Folklife Festival can mean higher demand. We always recommend booking 6 months in advance for peak dates to lock in the best rates!
Trip length is also key: Local shuttles around Washington or campus tours of Georgetown University usually cost less than longer day trips to nearby cities like Baltimore or Richmond. Your pickup and drop-off locations (and any required overnight stays for your driver) can also affect your total.
Don’t forget amenities! Charter buses in our Washington network come with different features—WiFi, power outlets, TVs with DVD players, onboard restrooms, and ADA accessibility can all be requested. Let your reservation specialist know what you want so we can quote accordingly. And always ask about group discounts if you’re booking more than one bus!
Finally, every quote from Washington Charter Bus Services includes your driver’s pay. Tolls, parking, and driver hotel (if needed) are extra, but we’ll tell you about these up front so there are never any surprises. Call 771-888-6995—our team is happy to walk you through the details for your unique trip.
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Charter Bus for a Week?
Weekly charter bus rentals in Washington typically range from $5,500 to $15,000+, depending on the type of bus, distance traveled, and itinerary complexity. Full-size charter buses for school trips or sports teams touring the East Coast, the Chesapeake Bay area, or even all the way to Niagara Falls often qualify for special multi-day rates. To get an accurate weekly quote, be sure to have your group size, daily mileage, overnight stops, and desired amenities ready when you call 771-888-6995. Our team will build a custom package just for you!
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are a few real-world Washington area charter bus pricing scenarios to help you plan your budget. Remember, every trip is unique so these are just estimates to help you plan your budget.
An Event Shuttle Service in Washington
A group planning a conference in downtown Washington wanted a seamless way to get 50 attendees from two hotels in the city to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, and then out to a scenic dinner at The Hamilton. They booked two 25-passenger minibuses for 8 hours to run continuous shuttles between hotels, the event, and dinner—plus late-night returns. Each minibus was priced at $180 per hour, making the base total $2,880 for both buses. They added a 12% gratuity ($346) to thank their drivers for smooth service and flexibility, bringing the total transportation cost to $3,226.
The group chose this shuttle option so attendees could enjoy the event without worrying about parking or navigation. Buses included drivers, Bluetooth sound systems, and space for materials and decor.
A Day Trip to Mount Vernon
A local school organized a full-day trip for 40 students, teachers, and chaperones to George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate. They reserved one 56-passenger charter bus with a restroom, DVD player, and undercarriage storage for supplies. The bus was booked for a 10-hour day at $200 per hour, totaling $2,000. The group included tolls and parking upfront ($50) and budgeted 10% for gratuity ($245), so their all-in cost was $2,295.
Students enjoyed a guided tour, watched history videos on the way, and had space for snacks and backpacks. The group had curbside drop-off, making the trip smooth and enjoyable for everyone.
A Corporate Shuttle for Employees from Washington to National Harbor
A local tech firm headquartered in Washington needed to provide daily commuter shuttles for 20 employees traveling to National Harbor. They chose a 18-passenger minibus to run a weekday morning and evening loop for one month (20 workdays), covering a 25-mile route. The package rate was $900 per day for 20 days, totaling $18,000. The company added a 10% gratuity ($1,800) for reliable service, bringing the total to $19,800.
The company valued the service for convenience, punctuality, and employee productivity. Buses included WiFi, power outlets, and a dedicated support rep for last-minute schedule adjustments.
A School Field Trip to the Smithsonian Institution
An Washington elementary school planned a half-day trip for 50 students, teachers, and chaperones to the Smithsonian museums and National Mall. They booked one 56-passenger charter bus and one 24-passenger minibus for a total of 6 hours, with the charter at $185/hr and the minibus at $150/hr. The total for both: $1,940. The school PTA added $195 (10%) for driver gratuity, for a complete cost of $2,135.
Students rode together, watched educational videos en route, and stored lunches in overhead compartments. The group enjoyed curbside drop-off, avoiding busy intersections and making the trip easy and fun for everyone.
