Charter Bus Prices: How Much Does a Merced Bus Rental Cost?

Planning a group trip in Merced? You’ve come to the right place! Charter Bus Merced is the city’s leading provider for all your group transportation needs. Whether it’s a quick trip to UC Merced for a campus tour or your fan club is headed to a big game at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, we can find you the perfect bus rental in Merced. Our 24/7 reservation team can get you an instant quote when you call 209-328-2560 today!

Merced Charter Bus Prices

Bus Type Per Hour Per Day Per Mile
50 to 56 Passenger Charter Bus $180 – $500+ $1,800 – $3,800 $6.00 – $9.95
40 to 50 Passenger Charter Bus $170 – $480+ $1,700 – $3,565 $6.00 – $9.95
25 to 35 Passenger Minibus $150 – $450+ $1,610 – $3,465 $4.00 – $9.95
20 to 24 Passenger Minibus $150 – $440+ $1,610 – $3,365 $4.00 – $8.95
15 to 18 Passenger Minibus $150 – $430+ $1,520 – $3,255 $4.00 – $7.95
Entertainer Coach $315 – $550+ $3,000 – $5,000+ $6.00 – $9.95
Yellow School Bus $145 – $450+ $1,520 – $3,655 $6.00 – $9.95
Shuttle Bus $155 – $450+ $1,520 – $3,655 $6.00 – $9.95

Merced Party Bus Prices

Type of Party Bus Cost Per Hour Weekdays Cost Per Hour Weekends Cost Per Day
Small Party Bus (10 to 20 Passengers) $180 - $450+ $200 - $470+ $1,000 - $2,900+
Medium Party Bus (20 to 40 Passengers) $200 - $500+ $220 - $500+ $1,200 - $3,500+
Large Party Bus Rental (40 to 50 Passengers) $250 - $500+ $240 - $520+ $1,500 - $3,900+
Mercedes Sprinter Party Bus $160 - $400+ $180 - $450+ $1,000 - $3,900+

* Prices may vary greatly in your city and state. Due to the impact of COVID-19 and inflation, all rental prices shown are past estimates. Actual pricing may be significantly higher depending on availability and location. To get real-time pricing, call us 1-209-328-2560 or use our online quote tool.


How Much Does a Merced Charter Bus Rental Cost?

Merced charter rental prices vary based on the type and size of the vehicle, as well as the duration and timing of the rental. For standard charter buses in Merced, hourly rates range from $170 to over $500, with daily rentals typically costing between $1,600 and $3,800+. Specifically, a 50 to 56 passenger charter bus is available for $180 to $500+ per hour or $1,800 to $3,800+ per day, while smaller Merced minibuses accommodating 15 to 35 passengers start around $150 to $450+ per hour and $1,520 to $3,465 per day. Mileage charges for Merced charter buses generally fall between $4.00 and $9.95 per mile.

How Much Does a Merced Party Bus Rental Cost?

Merced party buses also offer a range of pricing depending on size and whether the rental is on a weekday or weekend. Small party buses (10 to 20 passengers) cost between $200 and $470+ per hour on weekends, with daily rates from $1,000 to $2,900+. Medium party buses (20 to 40 passengers) are priced from $220 – $500+ on weekends, and large party buses (40 to 50 passengers) range from $240 to $520+ per hour with daily rentals between $1,500 and $3,900+. Additionally, specialized options like the Mercedes sprinter party buses are available for $180 to $450+ per hour on weekends, with daily costs ranging from $1,000 to $3,900+.

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What are the Factors Influencing Merced Bus Rental Pricing?

Charter Bus Merced works with many different bus companies across California, and each provider has slightly different rates. But generally, pricing is determined by whether your group is quoted by the day, hour, or mile based on what kind of travel plan your group has in mind. The price per hour is usually only used for local trips that last several hours. Multi-day trips are more often quoted by the day.

Travel Distance & Time

Merced charter bus rentals and party bus rentals are priced by the hour, day, or mileage, depending on your travel plan. Local trips are calculated by the hour. Multi-day trips are charged by the day, as are local trips needing transportation for multiple days. Long-distance road trips are calculated by mileage.

28 passenger minibus

Seasonal Pricing

Like most things in life, some months are busier than others. This means pricing can fluctuate depending on demand. In Merced, charter bus prices tend to go up in April, May, and June and September and October, as those are the busy months for special occasions like prom and weddings, and school field trips. Major events like the California State Fair and game days for sporting events can also cause price surges due to increased demand. It helps to have a completely finalized itinerary before you call for an estimated quote, as unexpected mileage will increase your cost. Additional costs to consider include tolls, overnight lodging for your driver, meals for everyone onboard, and event tickets. A well-planned budget will help make sure you and your group have a more relaxing trip.

56 passenger charter bus

Starting City & Availability

If your starting location is in an area with a low number of available vehicles, you may experience higher charter bus pricing in Merced. Less availability in buses can also lead to a more expensive quote. This is especially true if your driver has to travel a long distance without passengers, or deadhead mileage, before they pick up your group. Call ahead to see if your hotel and venues have designated parking spots available for buses, and let us know when you call.

Bus Models and Sizes

When choosing your charter bus, the price will depend on what type you rent, and what amenities you request. With us, you’ll have a huge selection of vehicles, from small 15-passenger minibuses to larger 56-passenger charter buses. A smaller party bus will cost less than a larger charter bus, though it won’t have as much storage space or as many amenities. If you are traveling short distances or have a smaller group, a minibus might be a good choice! It’s perfectly fine to rent multiple buses if your group is larger than 56 people or if you need multiple vehicles.

The Day for the Trip

Weekend rentals (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) are typically charged at a higher rate than those booked on weekdays (Monday-Thursday). Less demand for Merced bus rentals on weekdays typically results in a lower price and more available time slots to accommodate your schedule. If your trip allows you to be flexible in terms of travel dates, you might save some money by booking for a Tuesday or Wednesday rather than a Friday or Saturday. If you have a special occasion such as a prom, wedding, or business convention on a weekend, don’t worry. Just call ahead and let us know. We’re available to assist you 24/7.

Time and Day of Your Trip

Want to save some money on your Merced bus rental? Consider making it a daytime trip! Charter buses are usually more expensive after 6:00 p.m., as party buses, shuttle services and other charter bus rentals tend to see a higher volume of demand at this time for private events, weddings, and nights out on the town like bar hopping. You will also want to make sure your travel dates don’t fall on game day or near the time of a big, popular event in Merced or the surrounding cities.

Amenities and Features of Your Bus

Each type and size of bus has different amenities and features available. Minibuses and charter buses come with standard perks like A/C, cushioned reclining seats, luggage racks, power outlets, a PA system and radio. You can always make the trip more fun by requesting WiFi or TVs with DVD players for watching movies or TV shows on the way. Our larger charter buses can include amenities like undercarriage luggage storage and onboard restrooms if you’re traveling long-distance.

Want to keep your group extra healthy? Make sure you book a regularly sanitized charter bus with COVID-19 measures. Your bus will come with disposable face masks and hand sanitizer. You can also request a bus with extra legroom so everyone can spread out. Just remember that additional amenities may affect the total cost.

Additional Travel Fees

You may want to review your quote before you book your bus rental to understand what will be included in your cost and what you will have to pay out-of-pocket during the trip. Typically, pricing includes the total cost of the bus and driver. But there are often costs that aren’t included, such as driver’s gratuity, fuel for long-distance trips, road tolls, overnight hotel rooms, and any parking fees at destinations on your itinerary. It may be possible to work with your agent to estimate what those costs might be or for them to be included. You may also be required to pay for lodging and other accommodations for your driver if your trip lasts longer than one day.

Smart Ways To Reduce Your Charter Bus Rental Costs

Looking to save a little bit of money on your Merced bus rental? You can usually lower your trip cost with a few hacks. These include. Finalizing your headcount to make sure you’re renting the right-sized bus and reduce unnecessary spending. Booking a bus that’s already in your starting city so you’re not getting charged for additional mileage to reach your pickup location. Book your bus at least 6 months ahead of time to ensure availability and avoid a price surge during busy travel seasons. Reduce the number of hotel rooms for your driver by limiting overnight stops. Find venues and destinations that offer free parking for your bus.

Get Your Merced Charter Bus Rental Quote Today!

Ready to simplify your group transportation in Merced, California? Contact the Charter Bus Merced rental team today at 209-328-2560, and our team will be happy to get you a free, personalized quote in a matter of minutes. We’re available 24/7, every day of the year to help you, so call any time, no pressure to book. Choosing Charter Bus Merced will put your trip in great hands!