Coach Bus Prices: How Much Does a Chico Coach Bus Rental Cost?
The cost of renting a bus in Chico varies depending on several factors, including the type of bus you choose, how far you plan to travel, and how long you need the bus. In general, you can expect to pay between $170 and $500 per hour for a bus rental in Chico, with daily rates ranging from $1,800 to $3,800. To get an exact quote for your trip, call our team anytime at 530-767-8570 or use our online quote tool. We’ll ask you a few questions about your itinerary and send you a personalized quote in just 30 seconds! Below, we’ve included some estimated rates for different types of buses and explained the main factors that affect pricing.
| 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?
Chico Coach Bus Service offers several different types of buses to choose from, including sprinter vans, minibuses, party buses, and full-size charter buses. Sprinter vans are the smallest option and can seat up to 15 passengers. These vehicles are perfect for airport transfers, corporate shuttles, or small group outings. Minibuses come in a variety of sizes, with capacities ranging from 18 to 35 passengers. These mid-sized vehicles are great for local tours, wedding shuttles, or field trips. Party buses are designed for celebrations and nightlife, with room for 15 to 40 guests. These buses feature wraparound seating, color-changing lights, and premium sound systems. Full-size charter buses are the largest option and can accommodate up to 56 passengers. These coaches are ideal for long-distance travel, school trips, or moving large groups between cities.
In Chico, you can rent a sprinter van for around $170-$250 per hour, a minibus for $180-$350 per hour, a party bus for $250-$400 per hour, and a full-size charter bus for $200-$500 per hour. Daily rates typically range from $1,800 to $3,800 depending on the vehicle and itinerary. For example, a 25-passenger minibus might cost $1,850 per day, while a 56-passenger charter bus could be $2,400 per day. These prices are estimates and may vary based on availability, season, and other factors. To get an exact quote for your trip, contact our team today!
What Factors Influence Coach Bus Rental Pricing in Chico?
There are several key factors that will influence the price of your bus rental in Chico:
- Type of Bus: Larger vehicles like 56-passenger charter buses generally cost more than smaller options like minibuses or sprinter vans. However, the price per seat is often lower on larger buses, making them a cost-effective choice for big groups. Party buses tend to be more expensive due to their custom interiors and entertainment features.
- Trip Distance: The total mileage of your trip is a major factor in determining the cost. Local trips within Chico or nearby towns like Paradise, Oroville, or Durham are usually billed by the hour, while longer journeys to Sacramento, Redding, or the Bay Area may be charged by the mile or as a flat daily rate. The farther you travel, the higher the price.
- Trip Duration: How long you need the bus will also impact the cost. Most companies have a minimum rental period of 4 or 5 hours for local service. Multi-day trips will be priced based on the number of days and total mileage. If your schedule requires the bus to wait for several hours between pickups, you’ll still be charged for the driver’s time.
- Time of Year: Bus rental prices in Chico can fluctuate depending on the season. Spring and summer are peak months for weddings, graduations, and school trips, which can drive up demand and rates. Fall is also busy due to college football games at Chico State and high school sports. If you’re planning a trip during these times, book early to lock in the best price.
- Day of the Week: Weekend rentals (Friday-Sunday) are typically more expensive than weekday bookings due to higher demand. If you have flexibility in your schedule, consider traveling on a Monday-Thursday to save money.
- Additional Fees: There are a few extra costs to keep in mind when budgeting for your bus rental. You’ll be responsible for paying tolls, parking fees, and entrance charges at destinations like Bidwell Park or Lake Oroville. Gratuity for your driver is optional but recommended (10-20% of the total cost). For overnight trips, you must provide a hotel room for the driver. Amenities like WiFi, power outlets, or ADA-accessible lifts may be included or available for an additional fee.
The best way to get an accurate price for your trip is to contact Chico Coach Bus Service with your itinerary details. We’ll ask for your pickup location, destination, group size, and travel dates, then provide a custom quote based on your needs. Our team is available 24/7 to answer questions and help you find the perfect bus at the right price.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are a few sample pricing examples for common trips in Chico, CA and around Butte County. Please note that these are estimates and your actual price may vary based on your specific needs and travel dates.
Chico State University Campus Shuttle
Chico State University regularly arranges campus shuttles for student orientation weeks and large-scale events like commencement at University Stadium. For a typical shuttle circuit running continuously between remote parking lots off West Sacramento Avenue and central campus stops near Kendall Hall, the university would likely book two 25-passenger minibuses for an 8-hour shift. At an average hourly rate of $195 per bus, the total cost for this full-day campus loop comes to $3,120. This includes staging space at each end of the route and short layover breaks for drivers. Since the university provides restroom access and water stations, no additional amenities are required.
Field Trip to Bidwell Park and Chico Creek Nature Center
A local elementary school is planning a spring field trip for 90 students and 10 chaperones to Bidwell Park and the Chico Creek Nature Center. The group will need two 40-passenger school buses for a full day, with pickups starting at 8:00 AM from the school, drop-off at Cedar Grove picnic area, and return by 2:30 PM. The itinerary includes a guided nature walk, hands-on exhibits at the Nature Center, and lunch under the sycamores. The quoted rate is $1,200 per bus for the day, totaling $2,400. This covers all driving hours, standby time in the park, and short-distance travel within city limits. Because the buses remain on-site, there are no extra mileage charges. The school will provide bagged lunches and bottled water for students, while teachers coordinate headcounts at each stop. With a grant covering transportation costs, this affordable outing gives students direct access to outdoor education without straining the PTA budget.
Wedding Shuttle From Downtown Chico to Durham Barn Venue
A bride and groom are hosting their wedding ceremony at a historic barn venue in Durham, about 12 miles south of Chico. They want to provide guest shuttles from two downtown Chico hotels (Hotel Diamond and Oxford Suites) to the venue, with staggered departures before the 4:00 PM ceremony and returns after the reception ends at 10:30 PM. The couple books one 28-passenger minibus to run continuous loops for 8 hours, plus one late-night trip back to Chico. The total quote is $1,950, which includes all driving time, standby hours at the venue, and coordination of multiple pickup/drop-off points. The minibus features reclining seats, climate control, and overhead storage for gift bags. By offering reliable transportation, the couple ensures guests can relax and enjoy the open bar without worrying about rural roads or rideshare availability. This package deal is both convenient and cost-effective compared to individual taxis or carpooling.
Corporate Retreat Shuttle to Lake Oroville Recreation Area
A Chico-based tech company is organizing an offsite retreat for 50 employees at the Lake Oroville Recreation Area. The agenda includes team-building exercises, kayaking, and a catered lunch at the Spillway picnic grounds. To transport everyone comfortably, the company rents one 56-passenger charter bus for the day. The bus departs Chico at 8:00 AM, makes a brief stop in Oroville for coffee, and arrives at the lake by 9:30 AM. After a full day of activities, the group boards the bus at 4:00 PM for the return trip, arriving back in Chico by 5:30 PM. The quoted price is $2,100, which covers all mileage, driver wait time, and use of onboard amenities such as WiFi, power outlets, and a restroom. The company appreciates the convenience of having a single point of contact for logistics and the ability to keep the group together on a tight schedule. Compared to reimbursing employees for personal vehicle use, this charter bus offers superior comfort and fosters camaraderie en route.
High School Sports Team Travel to Redding Tournament
A local high school varsity basketball team needs transportation to a weekend tournament in Redding, approximately 90 miles north of Chico. The roster includes 15 players, 3 coaches, and 2 managers, plus equipment bags and coolers. The school district books one 25-passenger minibus with extra luggage space for a two-day trip. The bus departs Friday at 3:00 PM, drops the team at their hotel near the Redding Civic Auditorium, and stays overnight. Saturday’s schedule involves shuttling between the hotel, tournament venue, and a group dinner at a local restaurant. After the final game, the bus returns to Chico, arriving by 9:00 PM. The total cost is $3,600, which includes 2 days of service, driver per diem, and hotel accommodation for the driver. The minibus is equipped with reclining seats, USB charging ports, and strong air conditioning—essential for keeping athletes comfortable and focused. By using dedicated team transport, coaches can review plays en route and ensure everyone arrives on time and ready to compete.
Concert Charter to Toyota Amphitheatre in Wheatland
A group of friends from Chico wants to attend a summer concert at the Toyota Amphitheatre in Wheatland, about 70 miles south. They decide to rent a 20-passenger party bus for the evening, departing Chico at 5:00 PM, arriving at the venue by 6:30 PM, and returning home after the show ends around 11:00 PM. The party bus features wraparound seating, Bluetooth sound system, LED mood lighting, and coolers for beverages. The quoted rate is $1,650 for the round-trip, which includes all highway mileage, parking fees at the amphitheater, and up to 7 hours of exclusive use. Riders can pre-game on board, avoid the hassle of designated drivers, and enjoy door-to-door service. Splitting the cost among 20 passengers makes this a fun and affordable way to experience live music without the stress of traffic or long walks from distant parking lots.