Coach Bus Prices: How Much Does a Boston Coach Bus Rental Cost?
The cost of renting a bus in Boston varies depending on your trip details, but you can generally expect to pay between $170 and $500+ per hour or $1,800 to $3,800+ per day. For the most accurate price, call our team at 857-399-8350 anytime or use our online quote tool to get an instant estimate in less than 30 seconds. Below, we’ve provided estimated rates for each type of bus and broken down the main factors that will affect the final cost of your trip. Whether you’re planning a wedding in Back Bay, a field trip to the Museum of Science, or a corporate shuttle from Cambridge to the Seaport District, Boston Coach Bus Service has a bus and a package that’s perfect for your group and your budget.
| 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 Coach Bus Rental Cost?
In general, the larger the bus, the higher the price. Full-size charter buses (which seat 47 to 56 passengers) are the most expensive option, with hourly rates starting at $200 to $350 per hour and daily rates ranging from $2,200 to $3,800+. These vehicles are ideal for long-distance trips, such as taking a high school band to a competition in Worcester or shuttling wedding guests from downtown Boston to a reception in Cape Cod.
Minibuses are smaller and more affordable, with 20- to 35-passenger models averaging $185 to $325 per hour or $1,700 to $2,900 per day. These are great for local shuttles, like transporting employees between South Station and an office in the Financial District, or moving a youth sports team from Dorchester to a tournament in Newton. Sprinter vans are the smallest and cheapest option, holding up to 15 people and costing around $175 to $275 per hour or $1,600 to $2,400 per day.
Keep in mind that these are just base rates—your actual quote may be higher or lower depending on the specifics of your trip. The best way to get an exact price is to contact us with your itinerary, headcount, and any special requests.
What Factors Influence Coach Bus Rental Pricing in Boston?
There are several factors that affect the cost of renting a bus in Boston, including:
Time of year: Bus prices are highest during peak season (April through June and September through November) when demand is greatest for graduations, weddings, and fall foliage tours. You’ll pay less if you travel in the winter, except around major holidays like Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
Trip duration: Most companies charge by the hour for local trips (with a 4- or 5-hour minimum), and by the day for multi-day itineraries. If you’re going out of town, you’ll also need to cover the driver’s hotel room and meals.
Distance traveled: Longer trips mean more miles, more fuel, and more wear-and-tear on the bus—all of which increase the price. A round-trip from Boston to New York City will cost more than a shuttle loop between Harvard Square and Kendall Square.
Itinerary complexity: Multiple stops, tight schedules, or routes through congested areas (like Fenway Park on game day) can add to the cost. Be sure to provide a detailed schedule when requesting a quote.
Bus size and features: Larger buses with premium amenities (such as WiFi, power outlets, TVs, restrooms, or leather seats) command higher rates than basic models. ADA-accessible buses are available at no extra charge, but must be requested in advance.
Last-minute bookings: You’ll get the best price if you book at least 3 to 6 months in advance. Reserving a bus a week before your event—especially during busy season—will limit your options and increase your costs.
Additional expenses: Tolls, parking fees, and gratuity (usually 10-20% of the total) are not included in the base rate and should be factored into your budget. In Boston, expect to pay for parking at venues like TD Garden, the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, or popular hotels downtown.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are a few sample pricing examples for common trips in Boston, MA and around Massachusetts. Please note that these are estimates and your actual price may vary based on your specific needs and travel dates.
Field Trip From Boston to Plymouth
A middle school in Dorchester is planning an all-day field trip to Plimoth Patuxet Museums. They need two 56-passenger charter buses to transport 100 students and 8 chaperones. The itinerary departs Boston at 8:00 AM, spends 5 hours at the museum, and returns by 4:00 PM. This 8-hour rental will cost about $2,400 per bus, or $4,800 total. Since it’s a single-day trip under 250 miles round-trip, there’s no need for extra driver accommodations. The museum charges $40 per bus for parking, which should be included in the school’s budget. With 108 riders, the cost averages out to $44 per person, making this an affordable and comfortable way to give students a memorable educational experience outside the classroom.
Wedding Shuttle in Cape Cod
A couple is hosting their wedding at a vineyard in Truro and wants to provide transportation for guests staying at hotels in Provincetown and Wellfleet. They book a 35-passenger minibus to run continuous shuttles between 3:00 PM and midnight, with a break during the ceremony and dinner. This 9-hour rental costs $2,000. Because the venue is 120 miles from Boston, the bus will deadhead (travel empty) from the garage to Cape Cod and back, adding mileage charges. The couple also reserves a second minibus for late-night returns, bringing the total to $4,000. They tip the drivers $300 each for excellent service. Compared to paying for dozens of Ubers or risking guests driving after drinking, this shuttle keeps everyone safe and on schedule while allowing the couple to relax and enjoy their big day.
Corporate Shuttle From Cambridge to Seaport
A biotech company in Kendall Square needs to move 60 employees to a conference at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center. They rent a 56-passenger charter bus and a 25-passenger minibus to make two morning runs across the Longfellow Bridge, then stage nearby until the return trips at 5:30 PM. This 10-hour booking costs $2,800 for the large bus and $1,800 for the minibus, totaling $4,600. The route involves navigating rush-hour traffic, coordinating drop-offs at a busy venue, and adhering to a strict timetable. The company provides box lunches and WiFi so staff can work en route. Compared to reimbursing individual rideshares or relying on the MBTA, this arrangement ensures everyone arrives together, on time, and ready to represent the firm professionally.
Sports Team Travel to Springfield
A youth hockey team based in Newton has a weekend tournament in Springfield. They book a 47-passenger charter bus with underfloor luggage bays for equipment bags. The bus departs Saturday at 7:00 AM, stays overnight, and returns after the final game Sunday afternoon. The 2-day package costs $3,500, plus $150 for the driver’s hotel room and $50 per diem for meals. Parents appreciate having a central meeting point, kids enjoy watching movies on the ride, and coaches can focus on strategy instead of caravanning down the Mass Pike. Splitting expenses among 40 families makes this cheaper and less stressful than everyone driving separately.
Concert Trip to Xfinity Center Mansfield
A group of friends from Somerville wants to see a major act at the Xfinity Center in Mansfield without worrying about parking or sobriety checkpoints. They hire a 20-passenger minibus to pick up at Assembly Row, drop off at the venue gates, and wait through the show before returning home. This 6-hour charter costs $1,500. Riders can pregame onboard, store coolers and blankets, and avoid surge pricing after the encore. The convenience of door-to-door service turns a logistical headache into a carefree night out, and with everyone chipping in, it’s comparable to what they’d spend on gas, parking, and rideshares anyway.
Multi-day Tour to New York City
A church group in Roxbury is organizing a three-day sightseeing trip to Manhattan. They charter a 56-passenger bus departing Friday morning, staying two nights in Midtown, and returning Sunday evening. The flat rate for this itinerary is $6,000, which covers approximately 450 miles round-trip, tolls on I-95, and layover fees while the bus remains parked in NYC. The organizer books a hotel room for the driver and plans to tip $500 at the end of the journey. Compared to flying or taking Amtrak, this option allows the group to travel together, make stops in Connecticut for meals, and have private transportation while touring attractions like Central Park, Times Square, and the 9/11 Memorial. With 50 participants, the per-person cost is only $130, making this an economical and enjoyable way to visit another major city without the hassle of coordinating multiple vehicles or navigating public transit with a large contingent.