Charter Bus Rentals Columbia, South Carolina

Charter bus rental prices in Columbia typically range from $197–$519 per hour or $1,600–$3,800 per day, depending on vehicle size, trip length, and other factors. Minibuses (18–25 passengers) are generally less expensive than full-size coaches (up to 56 passengers). Multi-day and longer-distance trips may qualify for package rates.

Here are four real-world examples of recent charter bus quotes from Columbia Coach Bus Service to show you exactly what to expect when you call for pricing:

• Example #1: A nonprofit organization in downtown Columbia is sending 40 staff members to a three-day leadership retreat at a resort near Asheville, NC. They need a full-size charter bus with room for luggage and plan to use the bus for local shuttles once they arrive. Their driver will stay at the same hotel as the group. The nonprofit received a quote for $5,100 for their three-day charter bus rental, not including gratuity. Final cost including 15% gratuity: $5,865.
• Example #2: A middle school band from Lexington is traveling to a statewide competition in Charleston. The group includes 32 students, four chaperones, and several large instruments. They booked a 40-passenger charter bus for a two-day trip with an overnight stay. The school was quoted $3,900 for the rental and added a 10% tip. Final cost including gratuity: $4,290.
• Example #3: A wedding party needs guest transportation between hotels in the Vista and a venue in northeast Columbia. They book a 25-passenger minibus for a six-hour block to run continuous shuttles. Their total price comes to $2,100, and they tip the driver 15%. Final cost including gratuity: $2,415.
• Example #4: An athletic booster club charters a 56-seat bus for fans attending a USC football game in Athens, GA. This is a same-day, out-of-state trip with no overnight required. Their quoted rate is $2,750, plus a 15% driver tip. Final cost including gratuity: $3,162.50.

Every trip is different, but these examples give you a realistic idea of what you’ll pay for quality service from an experienced company.

Several variables affect the final price of your charter bus rental, including the size and type of vehicle, the duration of your trip, the total mileage, and the time of year. Local demand around major events like University of South Carolina football games, the South Carolina State Fair, or large conventions can also impact availability and rates. Additional expenses may include tolls, parking fees, and lodging for the driver on multi-day trips.

Yes, we provide ADA-accessible and wheelchair-friendly charter buses in Columbia and across South Carolina. Just let us know your accessibility requirements when you book, and we’ll make sure you get a vehicle with a wheelchair lift, securement areas, and other ADA-compliant features. We’ve handled accessible transportation for schools, businesses, and events statewide—including USC campus shuttles and State House advocacy days—so you can count on us to get it right.

We’ve served every kind of group you can imagine: K-12 field trips to the State House and Riverbanks Zoo, USC campus shuttles, athletic travel for Gamecocks and high school teams, corporate outings to the Vista, church retreats, wedding shuttles, and even military runs to Fort Jackson. If you have a group, we have a bus.

Columbia Coach Bus Service offers minibuses (18–25 seats), mid-size shuttle buses (up to 40 seats), and full-size charter buses (up to 56 seats) from top manufacturers like Van Hool, Prevost, MCI, and Temsa. You choose the exact size that fits your group—we have multiple floorplans available. All vehicles are late-model, well-equipped, and backed by the best customer support in the industry.

Standard amenities on a charter bus rental include reclining seats, air conditioning, onboard restrooms, WiFi, power outlets, USB ports, video monitors, PA systems, luggage bays, and overhead storage. Minibuses offer similar features without restrooms. Additional options like leather seats and wood-look floors are available on select models.

You should book your charter bus at least four to six months in advance to lock in the best availability and pricing. Reservations made less than 30 days before departure may face limited options and higher rates due to last-minute demand. Once you have your travel dates and headcount, secure your vehicle early—it’s easier to adjust an existing reservation than to find space at the last minute. Spring and fall are peak seasons due to school trips, athletic events, and festivals like St. Pat’s in Five Points, so buses sell out quickly.

Getting a quote is fast and easy! Just call our 24/7 reservation team at 803-376-9030 with your trip details—including pickup location, destination, passenger count, and travel dates—and we’ll give you an instant price over the phone. You can also use our online form to request a quote, but speaking with an agent will get you the most accurate pricing. Once you receive your quote, you can confirm your booking with a deposit and lock in your reservation.

Your quote includes the base rental fee for the vehicle and driver, but does NOT include tolls, driver accommodations, cleaning fees, or parking passes. You will be responsible for covering hotel rooms for the driver on overnight trips (many hotels offer discounted rates), as well as any tolls or parking fees incurred during the trip. For example, stadium parking passes at Williams-Brice Stadium typically cost $40–$60 per vehicle, while Colonial Life Arena charges $20–$30 depending on the event. Please ask about additional fees when booking.

To book a bus from Columbia Coach Bus Service, simply call our reservation line at 803-376-9030 or use our online quote tool to get an instant estimate. Once you receive your quote, you can secure your reservation by signing the contract and paying the required deposit. The remaining balance is due before your trip date. Our agents are available 24/7 to answer questions, help you choose the right vehicle, and make sure your trip goes smoothly from start to finish.

Columbia Coach Bus Service provides charter bus service to and from Columbia, SC, including all neighborhoods and suburbs such as Downtown, Five Points, The Vista, Shandon, Rosewood, Forest Acres, Irmo, Lexington, Cayce, West Columbia, Northeast Columbia (Blythewood), and Southeast Columbia (Congaree). We also handle local and long-distance trips anywhere you need to go.