Charter Bus Prices in Fresno
If you're planning group travel in Fresno, you need to know how much it costs to rent a charter bus. Coach Bus Fresno makes it easy to get an instant quote online and see real-time pricing for any type of trip. Whether you're organizing a school field trip to the Fresno Chaffee Zoo, a corporate event downtown, a wedding in Woodward Park, or a shuttle to Yosemite National Park, we break down all the factors that go into charter bus pricing so you can budget with confidence. Read on to learn how much it costs to rent a charter bus in Fresno, what influences the final price, and how to get the best deal for your next event.
| 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 Charter Bus Rental Cost in Fresno?
The cost of renting a charter bus in Fresno typically ranges from $1,600 to $4,000+ for multi-day trips, with shorter local rentals averaging $500–$1,200 per day depending on vehicle size and availability. Minibuses are generally less expensive, while larger 56-passenger coaches are at the higher end of the spectrum. You can expect to pay either an hourly rate ($175–$295 per hour), a daily rate ($1,700–$3,500 per day), or a flat fee based on mileage ($5.50–$8.50 per mile), depending on the details of your trip.
To get exact pricing for your trip, call our team anytime at 559-899-2840 with your itinerary and passenger count. We'll give you an instant quote and help you find the perfect vehicle at the right price!
What Factors Influence Charter Bus Prices in Fresno?
Several variables affect the final cost of your charter bus rental in Fresno:
- Travel Dates: Demand is highest during peak seasons like spring (March–May) when schools book field trips and sports teams travel for playoffs, and summer (June–August) due to weddings, family reunions, and tourism. Major events like the Fresno County Blossom Trail (February–March) and the Big Fresno Fair (October) also increase demand. Off-peak months typically offer lower rates.
- Trip Distance: Longer trips cost more. Local shuttles within Fresno may be billed hourly, while out-of-town trips (e.g., to Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Yosemite) are charged by mileage or as a multi-day package.
- Number of Stops: Additional stops add to the total cost. A simple round-trip between two points is less expensive than an itinerary with multiple pick-up and drop-off locations across the city.
- Vehicle Type: Larger buses with more amenities cost more. A 56-passenger charter bus is at the higher end of the price range, while a 20- or 25-passenger minibus is more budget-friendly.
- Trip Duration: Multi-day trips incur higher costs due to additional driver hours and potential overnight expenses. Single-day events are less expensive unless they require extensive wait time.
- Special Requests: Buses with premium features like leather seats, Wi-Fi, power outlets, restrooms, or ADA accessibility may have higher rates.
- Availability: Last-minute bookings or limited fleet availability can drive up prices. Booking early secures the best rates and ensures your preferred vehicle is available.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
To help you budget for your next event, here are several real-world examples of recent charter bus rentals in Fresno:
Example #1
A local elementary school booked a 56-passenger charter bus for a field trip to the Fresno Chaffee Zoo. The itinerary included round-trip transportation from the school campus to the zoo, with a single drop-off and pick-up location. The total cost for this single-day rental was $2,050. To further reduce expenses, the school coordinated with another grade level to share the bus, maximizing the number of seats filled and lowering the per-student cost. This example demonstrates how efficient scheduling and full-capacity seating can make charter bus rentals affordable for educational outings.
Example #2
A mid-sized company arranged a daily corporate shuttle for employees commuting between downtown Fresno and a business park in Clovis. They selected a 25-passenger minibus equipped with Wi-Fi and power outlets. The shuttle operated twice daily—once in the morning and once in the evening—Monday through Friday. The company signed a six-month contract at a fixed monthly rate of $5,800, which included all mileage, fuel, and a dedicated driver. Employees praised the comfortable seating and onboard connectivity, while the employer benefited from improved punctuality and reduced parking expenses. This case highlights the value of contract-based pricing for recurring transportation needs.
Example #3
A bride and groom hosted their wedding ceremony and reception at Wolf Lakes Park, a popular venue located outside the Fresno city center. To accommodate out-of-town guests staying at hotels near Fresno Yosemite International Airport, they rented a 20-passenger minibus to run continuous shuttles between the hotels and the venue. The service operated from 2:00 PM until midnight, ensuring guests had safe transportation both to and from the event. The total cost for the day-long shuttle was $2,400. By providing group transportation, the couple eliminated the risk of guests getting lost or driving under time constraints, contributing to a smooth and enjoyable celebration.
Example #4
A high school guidance counselor organized a college tour for a group of seniors interested in attending California State University, Fresno. They booked a 25-passenger minibus for a half-day trip that included a campus tour, an admissions presentation, and lunch in the student union. The charter bus arrived on schedule and remained parked on campus during the visit, allowing students to store personal items onboard. The final invoice for the trip was $1,850, which was partially subsidized by a grant from the school district. Feedback from participants emphasized the convenience of traveling together as a group and the opportunity to ask questions during the drive.
Example #5
A high school basketball team qualified for the CIF Central Section playoffs, requiring travel to multiple games across the region. The athletic department secured a 56-passenger charter bus to transport players, coaches, and equipment to venues in Bakersfield and Visalia over a three-day period. The bus featured reclining seats and overhead storage for uniforms and gear. The total expense for the playoff trip was $4,950, which included all mileage, tolls, and overnight accommodations for the driver. The team credited the charter bus experience with fostering camaraderie and reducing fatigue compared to previous seasons when parents provided individual carpooling.
Example #6
A local church congregation planned a weekend retreat at Hume Lake Christian Camps in the Sierra Nevada mountains. They required a vehicle capable of handling winding mountain roads and accommodating luggage for an overnight stay. A 25-passenger minibus was selected for its balance of capacity and maneuverability. The charter included round-trip transportation from the church parking lot to the camp, with a two-night layover. The package price for the retreat was $3,650. Participants appreciated the fellowship of traveling together and the convenience of door-to-door service without the need to navigate unfamiliar terrain.
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