Charter Bus Prices in Columbia
The Columbia Coach Bus Service team gets questions about charter bus pricing every day, and we're here to help you understand exactly what it costs to rent a charter bus in Columbia! While it's easy to quickly get an instant online quote in less than 30-seconds using our online tool, you should understand how we build your price, what factors affect the final cost, and why so many people across Richland County and the entire Midlands region trust us as their #1 transportation provider. Whether you're planning a school trip to the State House, a wedding shuttle to 701 Whaley, corporate travel to the USC Alumni Center, or a game-day run with the Gamecocks, we make it simple, fast, and affordable to get the bus you need at a price you'll love. Read on for real numbers, sample trips, and everything you need to know about charter bus pricing in Columbia!
| 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 Columbia?
Charter bus rentals in Columbia typically cost between $1,600-$5,000+ for multi-day trips or $165-$350 per hour with a five-hour minimum, depending on vehicle size, trip length, and exact itinerary. You will be paying either by the hour, per day, or per mile depending on your trip details. Final pricing depends on your exact itinerary, but most local trips average $1,800-$2,500 for a full day with a standard 56-passenger coach. Smaller vehicles like minibuses (15–35 seats) run $1,600–$2,200 per day. You’ll pay either an hourly rate (common for local shuttles), a daily rate (for longer itineraries), or a per-mile rate (for out-of-town trips), plus additional charges for tolls, parking, and driver hotel if required. Get an instant quote now by calling our team at 803-376-9030!
What Factors Influence Charter Bus Pricing in Columbia?
Several key factors influence the cost of your charter bus rental in Columbia:
- Vehicle Size: Larger buses cost more than smaller ones. A 56-passenger coach is more expensive than a 25-passenger minibus.
- Trip Duration: Longer trips (either by hours or days) increase the total price. Multi-day trips include a daily rate plus mileage.
- Mileage: Out-of-town trips are billed per mile. Local trips are usually billed hourly.
- Seasonality: Demand is higher during spring (school trips, sports), fall (football games, weddings), and special events, which can raise prices.
- Itinerary Complexity: Multiple stops, layovers, or complex routes may increase the cost.
- Pickup Location: If your trip starts outside downtown Columbia, additional deadhead fees may apply.
- Special Amenities: Buses with upgraded features (WiFi, power outlets, restrooms) may cost more.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
To give you a better idea of what to expect, here are some real-world examples of recent charter bus rentals we've booked in Columbia and surrounding areas. These examples include different group sizes, destinations, and trip lengths to show the range of pricing you might see. For exact rates based on your specific needs, call our reservation specialists anytime at 803-376-9030.
Example #1
A local high school is taking 40 students and 4 chaperones from their campus in downtown Columbia to several historic sites in Charleston, including Fort Sumter and the Battery. They will leave at 7:00 AM, spend the day touring, and return by 8:00 PM the same evening. Total round-trip mileage is approximately 240 miles, with one bus needed for the entire group.
- Vehicle: 56-passenger charter bus
- Pricing: $2,400 per day
- Total cost: $2,400
This price includes all miles, a fully-equipped motorcoach with A/C, reclining seats, video monitors, and restroom, plus customer support before, during, and after the trip.
Example #2
A mid-sized company is providing an employee shuttle for 20 workers who live in Lexington and commute to an office tower on Gervais Street in downtown Columbia. The shuttle will run two trips each morning and evening (four total per day) for five days a week. The contract is for one month, with each round-trip totaling 30 miles. Two minibuses will handle the schedule.
- Vehicle: 25-passenger minibus
- Pricing: $1,100 per day x 22 weekdays = $24,200
- Total cost: $24,200 for one month
This package covers all mileage, customer support, and standard amenities like forward-facing seats and rear luggage storage.
Example #3
A bride and groom are hosting their ceremony and reception at a venue near Congaree National Park. Because parking is limited, they are renting a minibus to shuttle guests between several downtown hotels and the venue. The shuttle will make continuous loops from 2:00 PM until midnight. Two vehicles are required to keep wait times short.
- Vehicle: 20-passenger minibus
- Pricing: $1,250 per vehicle x 2 = $2,500
- Total cost: $2,500
Guests will appreciate not having to drive themselves, and the couple can relax knowing everyone will get back to their hotel safely at the end of the night.
Example #4
A group of University of South Carolina fans is traveling from Columbia to Atlanta to watch the Gamecocks play a neutral-site game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. They are splitting the cost of a charter bus that will take them to the game, wait while they tailgate and attend the event, then bring them home afterward. The trip requires one overnight stay for the driver.
- Vehicle: 56-passenger charter bus
- Pricing: $2,200 per day x 2 days = $4,400 + $150 driver hotel = $4,550
- Total cost: $4,550
Divided among 50 passengers, each person's share comes to just $91 round-trip—a bargain compared to flying or driving separately.
Example #5
A Columbia church is organizing a weekend retreat at a camp in the Blue Ridge Mountains. They need transportation for 30 adults and youth participants. The bus will take the group to the camp on Friday evening, remain parked onsite during the retreat, and return everyone to Columbia on Sunday afternoon. Meals and lodging for the driver are provided by the camp.
- Vehicle: 35-passenger minibus
- Pricing: $1,300 per day x 3 days = $3,900
- Total cost: $3,900
Having a bus allows the group to travel together, build camaraderie, and avoid the hassle of carpooling through mountain roads.
Example #6
A high school marching band has qualified for a regional competition two hours away. With 60 students, instructors, and equipment, they require a full-size charter bus with underfloor storage. The event spans a single day, with departure before dawn and return late at night.
- Vehicle: 56-passenger charter bus
- Pricing: $2,000 per day
- Total cost: $2,000
Instrument cases and uniforms are stowed below, while students watch movies and rest between performances.
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