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Charter Bus Prices: How Much Does a Erie Bus Rental Cost?
Erie Charter Bus makes it easy to get an instant quote for your group! Whether you’re planning a local field trip to the Erie Maritime Museum or a weekend getaway to Presque Isle State Park, you can see your charter bus rental price in seconds. Our network includes everything from 18-passenger minibuses to 56-passenger motorcoaches, so you’ll always get the right bus for your group and your budget. Just enter your trip details above or call our team at 814-960-6640 for a free, personalized quote.
| 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 an Erie Charter Bus Rental?
When you’re booking a charter bus in Erie, several factors will influence your final price. The most important one is vehicle type. A 56-passenger charter bus will have a different price than a 15-passenger minibus, so it’s crucial to choose the right size for your group. You’ll also want to think about the amenities you need. For example, if you’re planning a long trip to Pittsburgh or Cleveland, you might want a bus with onboard WiFi and power outlets to keep everyone comfortable. These features can affect the price, but they’re worth it for a more enjoyable ride.
Another big factor is your trip itinerary. Are you doing a simple point-to-point transfer from Erie International Airport (ERI) to your hotel? Or do you have a complex day-long tour around downtown Erie? Most charter bus rentals are priced by the hour and mile, so the more hours and miles you use, the higher the cost. That’s why it’s so important to have a clear itinerary when you book. Our team can help you estimate the total hours and miles to get the most accurate quote.
Seasonality also plays a role in pricing. Erie is a popular summer destination, so prices may be higher from May to September, especially for trips to Presque Isle State Park or Lake Erie beaches. We recommend booking as early as possible if you’re traveling during peak season or planning a wedding or graduation shuttle. Last-minute bookings can be more expensive, and availability is limited.
Finally, don’t forget about driver’s hours and overnight stays. Pennsylvania state law limits how many hours a driver can work in a day, so for multi-day trips or very long itineraries, you may need a second driver. If your trip includes hotel stays for the driver, that’s usually an extra expense for the charter company to cover. Our team will explain all these details when you get your quote so there are no surprises.
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Charter Bus for a Week?
For week-long rentals, such as a summer camp in Erie or a multi-day conference at the Bayfront Convention Center, you’re looking at a price range of about $8,000 to $15,000. The exact cost depends on the bus type, total miles, and any special requests. You’ll usually get a better daily rate the longer you rent, and our team can create a custom package to fit your schedule and budget.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are some real-world examples of charter bus pricing for trips in and around Erie. These samples will give you a good idea of what to expect for your own group. Remember, every trip is unique, so always get a personalized quote from our team at 814-960-6640.
Local School Field Trip to Erie Zoo
A local elementary school in Millcreek Township wanted to take 60 students and 8 chaperones to the Erie Zoo for a fun and educational day. They booked two 56-passenger charter buses to keep the group together and have plenty of space for backpacks and lunch coolers. The trip was about 10 miles each way from the school, and they planned to spend 4 hours at the zoo.
Each charter bus was booked for a total of 8 hours (including loading and unloading time) and 20 miles (including some local driving). Using an average rate of $250 per hour and $6 per mile, the cost per bus was:
- Hourly: 8 hours x $250 = $2,000
- Mileage: 20 miles x $6 = $120
- Total per bus: $2,120
For two buses, the total transportation cost was approximately $4,240. The school noted that having two buses made it easy to coordinate chaperones and keep the students safe, and the drivers handled all the navigation so the teachers could focus on the kids.
Wedding Shuttle Service to Presque Isle State Park
A couple planning a summer wedding at the Perry Monument on Presque Isle State Park wanted to provide a shuttle for 80 guests from their downtown Erie hotel to the ceremony site. They booked two 40-passenger charter buses for a simple point-to-point shuttle service, with the ceremony and reception lasting about 5 hours.
The buses were scheduled for a total of 7 hours each to allow for early setup and some buffer time. The distance from the hotel to the park is about 4 miles, so they estimated 10 miles per bus for the day. Using an average rate of $230 per hour and $5.50 per mile, the cost per bus was:
- Hourly: 7 hours x $230 = $1,610
- Mileage: 10 miles x $5.50 = $55
- Total per bus: $1,665
The total for both buses was approximately $3,330. The couple was thrilled that all their guests arrived on time and that no one had to worry about parking or drinking and driving. The shuttle drivers acted as informal event staff, helping keep the timeline on track.
Corporate Day Trip to Cleveland
An Erie-based company wanted to reward 30 employees with a day trip to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and a show at the Playhouse Square District in Cleveland. They booked a 35-passenger minibus for a 2.5-hour drive each way and planned to spend 8 hours exploring the city.
The minibus was booked for a total of 13 hours (including driving and local touring) and the round-trip distance was about 190 miles. Using an average rate of $220 per hour and $6.50 per mile, the cost was:
- Hourly: 13 hours x $220 = $2,860
- Mileage: 190 miles x $6.50 = $1,235
- Total: $4,095
The company said the bus was perfect for their group, with onboard WiFi and power outlets allowing employees to work and relax on the road. The driver handled all the logistics, making it a seamless and memorable outing.
Sports Team Travel to State College
An Erie high school football team needed to travel to State College for an away game against a local rival. The team included 40 players, coaches, and support staff, along with sports equipment. They booked a 45-passenger charter bus for a 3.5-hour drive and planned to stay overnight.
The bus was reserved for 30 hours total (including travel, game time, and overnight stay) and the round-trip distance was about 280 miles. Using an average rate of $240 per hour and $6 per mile, the cost was:
- Hourly: 30 hours x $240 = $7,200
- Mileage: 280 miles x $6 = $1,680
- Total: $8,880
The school said the bus was a huge upgrade from their usual van rides, with reclining seats and a restroom making the trip comfortable for everyone. The driver also helped with loading and unloading the equipment, and the team arrived rested and ready to play.
