Charter Bus Prices in Charleston
Charleston Coach Bus Service is dedicated to providing you with simple, fast and transparent charter bus pricing so you can easily plan your next trip in Charleston! We know that understanding the cost of renting a charter bus is crucial for budgeting any event or group transportation, whether it’s a corporate shuttle to downtown offices, a wedding on Kiawah Island, a school field trip to Fort Sumter, or a day trip to Myrtle Beach. While you’ve probably searched online for “How much does a charter bus cost in Charleston?” and found plenty of estimates, the truth is that every trip is different—and the only way to get an exact price is to call our team. We break down exactly how we calculate rates, what factors influence your final price, and real-world examples of recent trips we’ve handled across the Lowcountry. When you’re ready, our reservation specialists are available 24/7/365 to give you an instant quote, answer any questions, and lock in your bus with just a deposit. Get started today by calling 843-806-1680!
| 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 Charleston?
The cost of a charter bus rental in Charleston typically ranges from $1,600 to $5,000+ for multi-day trips, with exact pricing depending on vehicle size, mileage, duration, and time of year. Minibuses (18–25 passengers) generally cost $1,200–$3,500 per day, while full-size charter buses (up to 56 passengers) run $1,800–$5,000+ per day. Short local trips may be billed hourly ($225–$450 per hour, usually with a 5-hour minimum), but most longer itineraries are priced per day or per mile ($4.50–$8.50 per mile). Final rates include the bus, driver, and standard amenities; additional expenses like tolls, parking, and driver lodging are extra. The only way to get exact pricing is to call our team with your trip details—we’ll give you an instant quote and help you choose the right vehicle at the right price.
What Factors Influence Charter Bus Pricing in Charleston?
Several key factors determine the final cost of your charter bus rental in Charleston:
- Trip Duration ∓ Distance: Longer trips covering more miles will naturally cost more. Local trips within the city may be billed hourly, while out-of-town or multi-day trips are priced per day or per mile.
- Bus Size ∓ Type: Larger vehicles like 56-passenger charter buses cost more than smaller minibuses, but they also reduce the per-person price when fully occupied. Upgrading to newer models or adding premium amenities (WiFi, power outlets, restrooms) can increase the rate.
- Number of Days: Multi-day rentals incur a daily rate plus additional expenses for driver lodging.
- Seasonal Demand: Charleston’s peak season runs from March through June, coinciding with weddings, school trips, and major events like Spoleto Festival USA. Rates are higher during these months due to increased demand.
- Special Events ∓ Holidays: Large events such as the Cooper River Bridge Run, Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, or holiday weekends can affect availability and pricing.
- Additional Expenses: Tolls, parking fees, and hotel accommodations for the driver (required by law on overnight trips) are not included in the base rate and must be paid separately.
Because every trip is unique, the best way to determine your exact cost is to contact Charleston Coach Bus Service with your itinerary. We’ll quickly provide you with an all-inclusive, no-obligation quote tailored to your specific needs.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
To help you budget for your next outing, here are several real-world examples of recent charter bus rentals we’ve booked in and around Charleston. These sample trips include a variety of local, regional, and long-distance itineraries commonly requested by our clients. Each example lists the type of vehicle used, the general itinerary, and the total cost for the rental. Use these figures as a starting point to estimate your own trip, but remember that prices can vary based on exact mileage, duration, and seasonal demand. For an exact quote tailored to your event, call our team anytime at 843-806-1680 with your trip details.
Example #1
A technology firm in Mount Pleasant needed a daily employee shuttle to their downtown Charleston office near Broad Street. They booked a 25-passenger minibus for a two-week period, running twice daily across the Ravenel Bridge during morning and evening rush hours. The company requested WiFi and USB charging ports onboard. Their quote came to $1,850 per day, including bridge tolls but excluding parking fees at the downtown office. This example shows typical pricing for a recurring commuter shuttle between suburban offices and the downtown peninsula.
Example #2
A bride and groom hosting a destination wedding on Kiawah Island arranged guest shuttles between the resort, ceremony site, and reception venue. They rented two 18-passenger minibuses for a single day, each making multiple loops along the island’s main roads. The vehicles operated from 1:00 PM to 11:00 PM, with one bus reserved for the bridal party. The final cost was $3,000 for both minibuses, not including a $50 resort access fee charged by Kiawah’s security gate. Larger groups using full-size buses should expect higher rates due to the island’s restricted roadways.
Example #3
An elementary school in North Charleston scheduled a field trip to Fort Sumter National Monument and the nearby South Carolina Aquarium. They booked one 56-passenger charter bus with reclining seats and a restroom, departing campus at 8:00 AM and returning by 4:00 PM. The itinerary included a ferry ride to Fort Sumter and an afternoon aquarium tour. The school received a quote of $2,400 for the day, with additional reimbursement for the driver’s aquarium admission. This reflects standard pricing for full-day educational trips within the Charleston metro area.
Example #4
A group of high school seniors organized an overnight campus tour of the University of South Carolina in Columbia and Clemson University in the Upstate. They hired a 56-passenger charter bus for two days, departing Charleston early morning and spending one night at a hotel near USC. The following day included a drive to Clemson before returning home. The total rental cost was $5,300, plus $125 for the driver’s hotel room. Multi-day itineraries like this are billed per day, with separate arrangements for driver accommodations.
Example #5
A Charleston church group planned a weekend retreat in Asheville, NC, approximately 267 miles from downtown Charleston. They reserved a 20-passenger minibus for three days, leaving Friday afternoon and returning Sunday evening. The contract specified $2,000 per day, totaling $6,000 for the trip. Attendees shared a cabin rental with space for the driver at no extra charge. Long-distance trips crossing state lines are typically priced per day rather than per mile, especially when the vehicle remains parked during the event.
Example #6
A bachelor party of 15 friends booked an 18-passenger minibus for a weekend getaway to Myrtle Beach, about 100 miles north of Charleston. The rental spanned two days at $1,700 per day, resulting in a $3,400 bill. The group covered the driver’s motel room and paid cash for parking at their beachfront hotel. Even short trips can become multi-day rentals if the bus waits overnight, so it’s important to clarify the full itinerary when requesting a quote.
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