Party & Charter Bus Prices: How to Calculate Your Austin Bus Rental Costs

The cost of renting a party bus or charter bus in Austin, Texas can vary greatly based on your specific needs. Factors like the size of the vehicle, desired amenities, duration of the rental, and time of year all play a role in determining the final price. While party buses are typically more expensive due to their specialized features like fiber-optic lighting and premium sound systems, charter buses offer a more affordable option for larger groups. Regardless of your requirements, our easy online booking tool or friendly reservation specialists can provide you with an instant, personalized quote in just 30 seconds. To get started, simply call 512-375-4204 or visit our website today!

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Here are some estimated price ranges to get you started planning your budget:

Hourly Rates
Vehicles	Hourly Minium Prices
Limousines
6 Passenger Limousine	$ 155-265 per hour
8 Passenger Limousine	$ 155-265 per hour
10 Passenger Limousine	$ 155-265 per hour
14 Passenger Limousine	$ 155-285 per hour
16 Passenger Limousine	$ 155-335 per hour
18 Passenger Limousine	$ 155-335 per hour
20 Passenger Limousine	$ 200-335 per hour
Coach Buses
18 Passenger Mini Bus	$155-300 per hour
20 Passenger Minibus	$155-300 per hour
25 Passenger Mini Bus	$155-320 per hour
50 Passenger Coach Bus	$195-400 per hour
56 Passenger Charter Bus	$195-400 per hour
School Bus Rental	$185-350 per hour
Party Limo Buses
14 Passenger Sprinter Party Bus	$185-355 per hour
15 Passenger Party Bus	$185-355 per hour
20 Passenger Party Bus	$235-355 per hour
30 Passenger Party Bus	$295-400 per hour
35 Passenger Party Bus	$295-400 per hour
40 Passenger Party Bus	$295-440 per hour
50 Passenger Party Bus	$300-500 per hour

The pricing listed above are just estimated rates and can vary significantly based due to COVID, inflation, and availability. To get more accurate pricing based on your trip, please give us a call and we’ll get you a quote right over the phone.

Factors Determining Bus Rental Cost

When it comes to determining the cost of charter bus or party bus rentals in Austin, Texas, the price can vary significantly depending on several factors. We’ll break down each of these factors in detail below, but it’s important to understand that the rental cost is not a one-size-fits-all figure. To get an accurate quote for your specific needs, it’s best to contact us directly. However, we’ve provided a table with estimated rates to give you a general idea of what to expect.

Distance and Time Traveled

When calculating your charter bus rental price, the distance traveled and duration of your trip are major factors to consider. For local trips around Austin, you’ll likely be charged an hourly rate with a minimum rental period, perfect for events like weddings or brewery tours. Longer journeys to nearby cities like San Antonio or Dallas will be priced per mile. Multi-day adventures across Texas, stopping at attractions like the Alamo or Sixth Street, are typically charged a daily rate. No matter the length of your excursion, our reservation specialists will provide an accurate, transparent quote based on your unique itinerary.

Time of Year

Bus rental rates fluctuate throughout the year, with the busiest and most expensive season typically falling between April and June due to increased demand for transportation services. During this peak period, events like graduations, proms, and end-of-school-year trips create a surge in bookings, driving up costs. In contrast, the winter months of December, January, and February often offer the lowest rates as demand wanes. To secure the best pricing, plan your trip during the off-season or book well in advance during peak times. Additionally, major local events such as music festivals, sporting events, or conventions can temporarily spike rates, so be mindful of the local calendar when scheduling your transportation needs.

Trip Start and End Points

The city where your bus picks you up and drops you off significantly impacts your rental cost due to availability and deadhead fees. Larger metropolitan areas like Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Austin, and Fort Worth have a higher supply of buses, making rentals more affordable. However, buses may be limited in smaller cities and rural areas, leading to higher prices. Deadhead is the time and distance a bus travels without passengers to reach your pickup or return to its home location after your drop-off. For example, if you book a bus in Dallas for a trip from Austin to San Antonio (about 230 miles apart), the deadhead cost covers the bus traveling from Dallas to Austin before your trip even begins. By choosing pickup and drop-off cities close to each other, you minimize deadhead fees and reduce your overall rental price. With buses stationed across Texas, we have you covered no matter where your trip starts or ends!

Group Size and Bus Type

The type of bus you choose for your group rental impacts the overall cost. Larger buses like full-size charter buses and entertainer coaches can accommodate more passengers but come with higher price tags. Smaller options like minibuses and party buses transport fewer people at lower rates, but may lack amenities like bathrooms and ample storage space. To get the best value, select the perfectly-sized bus to meet your headcount needs. Unsure which bus fits your group best? Contact us for a personalized recommendation and quote!

Tips for Keeping Costs Down

To keep charter bus rental costs down in Austin, Texas, consider booking during the off-season from December through February when demand is lower. Avoid scheduling trips during major events like SXSW, Austin City Limits, and UT Austin home football games when prices surge. Routes traveling on toll roads like TX-130 and TX-45 may incur additional fees, so plan your itinerary carefully. For large group events at venues like the Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, inquire about discounted parking rates offered to bus companies in advance.

Book Your Bus Today!

With our easy-to-use online quote tool — or by simply calling 512-375-4204 — you can get an instant, obligation-free quote for your bus rental needs in just minutes! Whether you’re planning a wedding, corporate event, or a night out on the town, we make it simple to get an upfront cost estimate so you can book with confidence. Simply provide a few key details — like your pickup location, number of passengers, and travel dates — and our system will generate a personalized quote tailored to your unique trip requirements. No more waiting on hold or playing phone tag — get your quote now and be on your way to an unforgettable group travel experience!

Sample Trip Quotes

To give you a ballpark idea, here are some sample quotes for requests we’ve gotten from our customers:

Example #1:

Consider this field trip example for a private school in San Antonio planning an educational outing to the Thinkery in Austin, Texas. Since the school does not own buses, a charter bus rental is necessary. With 42 students, 2 teachers, and 2 chaperones, a total of 46 passengers will need transportation. As this trip won’t require an overnight stay, an hourly rate would likely apply. Austin charter buses generally average $160-$175 per hour. Estimating a 6-hour trip, the rental cost could range between $960-$1,050.

Example #2:

Imagine a large Austin-based tech company hosting a corporate team-building retreat at a resort in San Antonio. With 125 employees attending, multiple full-size charter buses would be necessary for transport. For a multi-day affair, a daily rental rate is likely. Considering the higher price range for Austin, estimate the daily cost between $1,800-$2,000 per bus. Additionally, factoring in the distance between Austin and San Antonio, deadhead mileage fees might apply. To avoid surprises, discuss these additional potential costs with the charter bus company ahead of time.

Example #3:

The University of Texas Longhorns baseball team needs transportation to an away game in Waco. Since they have a large traveling team of around 30 players plus coaches and equipment, a standard charter bus is a good fit. Because it’s a shorter trip, an hourly rate would likely apply. With higher Austin prices, estimate a rate between $170-$185 per hour. Consider the distance from Austin to Waco, about 100 miles, and factor in travel time for a more accurate estimate, especially if traveling during heavy traffic periods.

Example #4:

A group of 40 high school students and 10 chaperones in Austin, Texas planned a day trip to explore the city’s vibrant arts and culture scene. They requested a 50-passenger charter bus to transport them to various destinations around Austin. The bus rental cost $1,200 for the day, which included pickup and drop-off at their high school, transportation to the Blanton Museum of Art, Mexican American Cultural Center, and Sixth Street for lunch and entertainment. The quote also factored in parking fees for the bus at each location, as well as the team’s meal allowance for the day-long trip. With the cost split among 70 people, each passenger only paid around $17 for convenient transportation and a hassle-free day exploring Austin’s top attractions!

Example #5:

A bride-to-be in Austin, Texas needed transportation for her wedding party and guests on her big day. She called to book a fleet of two charter buses, each with a capacity of 56 passengers, to shuttle everyone between the church ceremony and the reception venue. Since the wedding was taking place on a Saturday in May, the quote reflected peak season pricing. The first bus rental, including the team’s gratuity and parking fees, cost $1,200 for a 5-hour rental period. The second bus was quoted at $1,150 for the same timeframe. Both charter buses had modern amenities like reclining seats, air conditioning, TV monitors, and ample storage space for wedding gifts and decorations.