Now that Covid is mostly behind us and travel has opened up again, it’s no secret that airlines are having a hard time keeping up with demand. Travelers are looking at alternatives rather than sitting in an airport watching one flight after another being delayed. One viable alternative is renting a charter bus, especially if there is a large group or family traveling. That begs the question how much does it cost to rent a charter bus? Let’s explore.
How Much Does it Cost to Rent a Charter Bus
There are many variables that affect the cost of chartering a bus. The size and shape of the bus, the length of the trip, and the distance to be covered all play a part in the cost. In addition, different cities have their own restrictions that may be more costly than others. Some of these restrictions include the amount of time a charter bus company can operate out of a city and whether or not the driver has to stay overnight in the city.
There are many other factors that can affect the cost of renting a bus such as:
Length of Your Trip
The farther the bus is from its base or origin point, the more expensive it will be. Same-day trips are generally less expensive than overnight trips. Overnight trips mean stopping at a hotel and part of your cost will include meals and hotel accommodations for the driver.
Another factor in the length of your trip is whether it is one way or not. A one-way trip will cost nearly as much as a return trip, the bus has to come back whether or not there are passengers on board and you will have to pay for that.
The Time of Year
Generally, charter buses run year-round. The costs go up as you get closer to the holidays and start charging per day instead of per hour. When you get closer to Thanksgiving or Christmas bookings will cost more. Peak season during the summer is also more expensive, along with spring break.
Charter buses can be used as an alternative to flying. They can offer more flexibility to your travel plans and can save you money. However, they can be expensive. Be sure to check with multiple bus companies in your area to get a better idea of what kind of prices they can offer.