Durham 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 |
Durham 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 1-984-316-4200 or use our online quote tool.
How Much Does a Charter Bus Rental Cost?
When you rent a charter bus in Durham, prices can range from $1,700 to $3,900+ per day depending on your trip details. For example, a 56-passenger charter bus starts at $2,200 per day for local service, while a 47-passenger charter bus starts at $1,900 per day. If you only need a bus for a few hours, expect hourly rates between $170 to $300 per hour with a 5-hour minimum. If you have a multi-day itinerary, daily rates can drop to $2,000 to $2,700+ per day. When you call for a quote, be ready to share your itinerary, headcount, and amenity requests so we can give you the best price possible!
How Much Does a Party Bus Rental Cost?
If you’re looking to book a party bus in Durham, expect prices to start around $1,000 to $2,500 for a 4- to 6-hour package. Most local party bus companies have minimums of 4 to 6 hours, with rates from $170 to $300+ per hour depending on the bus size and day of week. For a basic 18-passenger party bus rental, rates are about $1,200 to $1,500 for 5 hours of local service. A larger 30-passenger party bus will run about $1,800 to $2,200 for the same time frame. Premium packages with extras like bar setups or longer routes can cost more. Multi-day and out-of-town party bus rentals are available at higher rates.
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Call Now: 984-316-4200What Factors Influence Charter Bus Rental Pricing?
Several key factors determine your final bus rental price in Durham: the size and type of bus you book (larger and newer buses cost more), the length of your trip (multi-day or long-distance trips cost more than short local ones), your itinerary and mileage, your pickup/dropoff locations (urban areas may have higher rates), the time of year and day of week (peak season and weekends cost more), and any special amenities or requests you have. Also factor in parking fees, tolls, driver accommodations for overnight trips, and driver gratuity. The more details you can provide when requesting a quote, the more accurate your pricing will be.
Distance and Duration of Your Trip
The length of your trip is one of the biggest pricing factors. Local trips within Durham are typically billed by the hour (with a 5-hour minimum), while long-distance trips outside the Triangle are often quoted by the day or by mileage. The further you travel and the longer you need the bus, the higher your price. For example, a quick 5-hour round-trip shuttle between downtown Durham and Chapel Hill might cost $1,300 for a minibus, while a full-day charter to Charlotte with an overnight stay could run $3,800 or more. Always provide your full itinerary when requesting a quote!
The Time of Year
Charter bus rental rates in Durham are heavily influenced by seasonality. Peak season runs from March through June and again in September through early November, when schools are in session and event demand is high (think graduation trips, proms, college sports, and fall weddings). During these months, rates can be 15-30% higher than in the off-season due to increased demand and limited bus availability. If your group can travel in the slower winter months of December through February or in July/August (outside of major holidays), you may be able to get lower rates and better bus selection.
The Day of the Week
When you book your charter bus also affects the price! Weekends are prime time for weddings, sporting events, concerts, and nightlife outings, so bus rental rates on Fridays and Saturdays are typically higher than on weekdays. If your group has flexibility, consider traveling Tuesday through Thursday when demand is lower—you may save 10-20% on your rental. Also, keep in mind that major holidays (like New Year’s Eve, Memorial Day weekend, or during Duke basketball home games) may have premium pricing due to high demand.
Your Starting and Ending Locations
Your pickup and dropoff locations play a role in your overall cost. If your trip starts and ends within Durham city limits or nearby towns like Chapel Hill or Raleigh, you’ll pay standard local rates. However, if you need the bus to deadhead (travel empty) a significant distance to pick up your group or if your dropoff is far from where the bus started (one-way trips), additional mileage fees will apply. For example, picking up in Durham and dropping off in Wilmington or Asheville will be priced higher than a round-trip within the Triangle.
Your Bus Type and Size
The type of bus you choose is a major cost driver! Full-size 56-passenger charter buses are more expensive than compact minibuses due to their larger size and premium amenities (like onboard restrooms, luggage bays, and WiFi). Minibuses that seat 18- 28 passengers are more affordable and ideal for small groups or short shuttles. Specialty vehicles like party buses or executive coaches may have higher hourly rates due to luxury features. Always select the smallest bus that comfortably fits your group to maximize value.
Tolls and Parking
Tolls and parking fees are NOT included in your charter bus quote and must be covered by your group during the trip. While Durham itself doesn’t have many toll roads, if your itinerary takes you onto NC-540 (Triangle Expressway) or other toll roads around Raleigh, factor those costs in. For parking, many venues (like DPAC or Cameron Indoor Stadium) charge for oversized vehicle parking—expect to pay $20-$40 per bus for event parking passes downtown. For overnight trips, budget for hotel parking fees as well ($20-$50/night per bus).
Booking Timing
How far in advance you book affects your pricing and availability! The earlier you reserve your charter bus (ideally 6-12 months ahead for large events or peak season), the better your chances of securing the best rates and your preferred vehicle. Last-minute bookings (less than 1 month out) may have limited options and higher prices due to reduced fleet availability. If you know your event date early (like for graduations or conferences), lock in your bus ASAP—some companies offer early-bird discounts!
Cost Saving Tips to Consider
To get the best value on your Durham bus rental, here are some money-saving tips: travel during off-peak months (winter or summer) when rates are lower; book midweek instead of weekends; choose the smallest bus that fits your group; combine itineraries with other groups if possible; avoid toll roads if possible; select venues with free or low-cost parking; and finalize your headcount and schedule early so you can lock in pricing. Also, get multiple quotes from local providers to compare options. The more flexible you are with dates and amenities, the more affordable your trip will be!
Call Us for an Instant Bus Rental Quote!
Ready to see exactly how much it will cost to rent a charter bus or minibus in Durham? Call our reservation team anytime at 984-316-4200 or use our online quote tool! We’ll need your group size, itinerary, travel dates, pickup/dropoff locations, and any must-have amenities. We’ll match you with the best bus options from our network and provide a free custom quote in minutes—no obligation to book. Whether you’re planning a Duke University campus shuttle, wedding transportation at The Cotton Room, a field trip to the Museum of Life + Science, or a concert shuttle to DPAC, we have the perfect vehicle for your needs and budget!
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are a few sample pricing examples for common trips in Durham, NC and around North Carolina. Please note that these are estimates and your actual price may vary based on your specific needs and travel dates.
Duke University Campus Shuttle
The Office of Student Affairs at Duke University needs to provide shuttle service between West Campus dorms and East Campus academic buildings during orientation week in August. They request two 25-passenger minibuses to run continuous loops from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM for five days. Since this is during peak back-to-school season and requires dedicated buses all week, their quote is $2,200 per day per minibus ($22,000 total). Duke has reserved free bus parking on campus for the shuttles.
Wedding Transportation at The Cotton Room
Emily is getting married at The Cotton Room in downtown Durham in October. She wants to provide transportation for 90 guests staying at two hotels: 21c Museum Hotel and Aloft Durham Downtown. Her planner books two 56-passenger charter buses to shuttle guests between the hotels and venue from 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM on a Saturday. The quote is $2,800 per bus ($5,600 total) for the 8-hour wedding shuttle service. Parking at The Cotton Room is free for charter buses.
Field Trip to Museum of Life + Science
A teacher at Carrington Middle School is organizing a field trip for 45 seventh graders and five chaperones to the Museum of Life + Science. They need a 56-passenger charter bus to pick up at the school at 9:00 AM, spend the day at the museum (with parking on-site), and return by 3:00 PM. For this 6-hour local trip during off-peak February, their quote is $1,550. The school PTA will tip the driver $100 at the end of the day.
Cameron Indoor Stadium Basketball Game
A local fan club wants group transportation from Southpoint Mall to Cameron Indoor Stadium for a Duke basketball home game against UNC on a Saturday evening in March. They book a 20-passenger minibus for round-trip service from 5:00 PM to midnight (7 hours). Because this is high-demand game day service during peak season, their quote is $1,700. They must purchase a $40 oversized vehicle parking pass at Duke University for the minibus.
Raleigh-Durham Airport Transfer
A biotech company is hosting a conference at the Durham Convention Center and needs airport transfers for 70 attendees arriving at RDU International Airport on a Monday morning in May. They reserve two 35-passenger minibuses for continuous shuttle service between RDU and downtown hotels from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM (6 hours). The quote is $1,400 per minibus ($2,800 total). RDU charges a $25 commercial vehicle permit fee per minibus for access to the designated charter lot.
Bachelorette Party in Downtown Durham
Samantha is planning a bachelorette party with 14 friends on a Saturday night in June. She books an 18-passenger party bus to pick up everyone at her house in Hope Valley at 6:00 PM and shuttle them to dinner at M Sushi followed by bar hopping on West Main Street until midnight (6 hours). The party bus rental quote is $1,400. Samantha also budgets $80 for downtown parking meters (since they plan to park at multiple locations) and tips the driver $200 for excellent service.
Multi-Day Church Retreat in Asheville
A Durham church is taking its youth group of 50 students and chaperones to a retreat in Asheville for three days in July. They need a 56-passenger charter bus for round-trip transportation from their church to the retreat center (about 250 miles each way) plus local shuttle service during the retreat. For this multi-day itinerary with overnight stays (requiring hotel rooms for the driver), their quote is $7,400 ($2,500 per day plus $400 in estimated tolls and parking fees). The church will also cover two nights of hotel accommodations for the driver ($300 total) and tip $350 at the end of the trip.
