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Charter Bus Prices: How Much Does a Merced Bus Rental Cost?
Charter Bus Rental Merced offers charter bus and minibus rentals at competitive prices for all groups. Our pricing is customized based on your unique needs, but most groups can expect to pay between $170 and $500 per hour or $1,800 to $3,800 per day depending on the trip details. You can get a quote by calling 350-503-8610 or using our online quote tool. Below we have estimated rates and go over the factors that affect your trip cost. Call our team to get a custom price estimate in minutes!
| Vehicle Type | Per Hour* | Per Day* | Per Mile* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 56-Passenger Charter Bus | $197 – $519 | $1,600 – $3,800 | $5.00 – $8.00 |
| 50-Passenger Charter Bus | $190 – $500 | $1,500 – $3,600 | $4.50 – $7.50 |
| 40–45-Passenger Charter Bus | $180 – $480 | $1,500 – $3,500 | $4.50 – $7.50 |
| 35-Passenger Minibus | $180 – $475 | $1,500 – $3,400 | $4.00 – $7.00 |
| 30-Passenger Minibus | $180 – $475 | $1,500 – $3,400 | $4.00 – $7.00 |
| 28-Passenger Minibus | $175 – $450 | $1,500 – $3,300 | $4.00 – $7.00 |
| 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 |
| School Bus (-47 pax) | $155 – $450 | $1,520 – $3,655 | $5.00 – $8.95 |
| Entertainer / Sleeper Coach | N/A | $1,900 – $2,500 | $7.00 – $10.50 |
| Mercedes Sprinter Party Bus (10-14) | $160 – $450 | $1,200 – $2,900 | $3.00 – $6.00 |
| Small Party Bus (10-20) | $180 – $470 | $1,200 – $2,900 | $3.00 – $6.00 |
| Mid-Size Party Bus (20-30) | $200 – $500 | $1,200 – $3,500 | $4.00 – $8.00 |
| Large Party Bus (30-50) | $250 – $520 | $1,500 – $3,900 | $4.00 – $8.00 |
*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.
What Affects the Price of a Charter Bus Rental?
The price of a charter bus rental in Merced depends on several factors, including distance, duration, group size, time of year, trip type, and amenities requested. The biggest factor is usually how far you need to travel. Local trips within Merced County may be priced hourly, while longer trips across California are often quoted as a flat daily rate or mileage-based fee. The length of time you need the bus also plays a role—a single-day event costs less than a multi-day itinerary with overnight stays. Large groups will likely need a full-size charter bus, which costs more than a smaller minibus or sprinter van but provides greater seating capacity and storage space. Seasonality is another consideration; peak demand periods like spring field trips, summer tourism, or major fall sports events can result in higher prices due to limited availability. Simple roundtrips with minimal stops are usually cheaper than complex, multi-stop schedules that require more planning and coordination. Finally, special requests such as onboard restrooms, WiFi, power outlets, ADA accessibility, or luxury interiors may increase the overall cost compared to basic models. When you request a quote from us, we’ll ask about your passenger count, pickup/drop-off locations, travel dates, schedule, and any specific features you want so we can generate an accurate, all-inclusive price tailored to your trip. We don’t charge hidden fees, and you’re never obligated to book. If you have a budget in mind, let us know—we’ll help find the best transportation option to fit your needs!
What is include in my quote?
Your charter bus rental quote includes the base cost of the vehicle, fuel, and standard mileage or hours based on your itinerary. Additional expenses not included are tolls, parking passes, and hotel rooms if your trip requires overnight stays. For example, local parking passes in downtown Merced may range from $15 to $30 per day, and overnight hotel accommodations can vary widely based on location and season. Please note that these additional costs are your responsibility and should be factored into your overall trip budget. Our team is happy to provide guidance on estimating these expenses.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are a few sample pricing examples for common trips around Merced, CA and throughout the Central Valley. Please note that these are estimates and your actual price may vary based on your specific needs and travel dates.
Field Trip to Yosemite National Park
Mrs. Sanchez is organizing a field trip for her 7th grade class of 30 students from Merced Middle School to Yosemite National Park. The group plans to depart from school at 8:00 AM, spend the day exploring the park’s educational exhibits and hiking trails, and return by 6:00 PM the same evening. Given the group size and itinerary, Mrs. Sanchez received a quote of $2,250 for a 35-passenger minibus. With 30 students and 5 chaperones, the cost per person comes out to approximately $65, making it an affordable and convenient option for this all-day excursion.
Wine Tour in Paso Robles
Katie is planning a bachelorette party for her friend Sarah, inviting 18 guests for a weekend wine tour in Paso Robles. The group will be picked up in Merced on Saturday morning, visit three wineries throughout the day, stay overnight at a local hotel, and return home Sunday afternoon. To accommodate their luggage and ensure everyone travels together safely, Katie’s reservation specialist recommended a 20-passenger minibus. The total quote for the two-day trip was $3,600, plus $150 for overnight parking at the hotel. This brings the total to $3,750, or about $208 per person for comfortable, private transportation.
College Sports Team Away Game
The Merced College basketball team needs transportation to an away game against Fresno City College. The team, consisting of 22 players, coaches, and support staff, will leave campus at noon, arrive in Fresno by 2:00 PM, play the game at 4:00 PM, and return home by 9:00 PM. Due to the equipment and group size, the athletic director booked a 30-passenger minibus with extra luggage space. The one-day rental was quoted at $1,900. The college also budgeted $50 for parking at the arena, making the total trip cost $1,950.
Corporate Retreat in Monterey
A local tech company is hosting a two-day corporate retreat in Monterey for 40 employees. The group will depart from their Merced office on Monday morning, spend two days attending workshops and team-building activities, and return Tuesday evening. To ensure everyone arrives on time and can relax during the journey, the HR manager booked a 56-passenger charter bus with WiFi and power outlets. The base rental cost for the two-day trip was $4,400. Additionally, the company reserved a hotel room for the driver at $180 per night for two nights, totaling $360. Altogether, the cost for transportation and accommodations came to $4,760.
