Charter Bus Prices in San Diego
If you’re looking for charter bus pricing in San Diego, you’ve come to the right place! We know that cost is a big factor when planning group transportation, so we’ve put together this helpful guide to help you understand exactly how much it costs to rent a bus in San Diego. Whether you’re organizing a corporate event downtown, a wedding in La Jolla, or a field trip to Balboa Park, our team is available 24/7/365 to provide you with an instant quote and answer any questions you may have. Call us anytime at 858-987-9880 to get live pricing and speak with one of our experts!
| 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 San Diego?
The cost of a charter bus rental in San Diego typically ranges from $1,795 to $5,950+ for multi-day trips, with exact pricing dependent on vehicle size, trip duration, mileage, and time of year. You can also expect to pay between $175-$325 per hour, $1,495-$3,995 per day, or $5.50-$8.50 per mile depending on the type of vehicle and length of your trip. Minibuses generally cost $1,295-$4,495 per day, while full-size 56-passenger coaches run $1,995-$5,950+ per day. For shorter local rentals, you’ll pay $225-$350 per hour with a 5-hour minimum. Additional expenses like tolls, parking, and driver hotel/lodging are billed separately. Call our team anytime at 858-987-9880 for an exact quote based on your itinerary—we’re available 24/7/365!
What Factors Influence Charter Bus Prices in San Diego?
Several factors influence the final price of your charter bus rental in San Diego, including travel dates, trip distance and duration, pickup location, and the type of bus you book. If you need a large 56-passenger charter bus, you'll pay more than if you book a smaller 18-, 20-, or 25-passenger minibus. You'll also pay more if you're traveling during a busy time of year, like during a summer convention at the San Diego Convention Center or a spring wedding in Balboa Park. The length of your trip also affects pricing: local trips are often billed by the hour, while out-of-town trips to destinations like Los Angeles or Palm Springs are billed by the mile or day. Finally, additional amenities like onboard restrooms, WiFi, or reclining seats can impact the cost. To get an exact price, call our reservations team with your trip details and we'll give you an instant quote.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
To give you a better idea of what to expect, here are a few sample pricing scenarios for recent trips we've handled in the San Diego area:
- A corporate client booked a 25-passenger minibus for a 2-day conference shuttle between downtown hotels and the San Diego Convention Center. Total cost: $3,800 ($1,900 per day).
- A school group rented a 56-passenger charter bus for a day trip from North County to the USS Midway Museum and Balboa Park. Total cost: $2,400.
- A wedding party reserved a 20-passenger minibus for a 5-hour event shuttle in La Jolla. Total cost: $1,625 ($325 per hour).
- A sports team booked a 56-passenger charter bus for a weekend tournament in Los Angeles (300 miles round-trip). Total cost: $5,100 ($1,700 per day x 3 days).
Remember, these are just examples—your price will depend on your specific itinerary and requirements. The best way to get accurate pricing is to call our team with your trip details and request a personalized quote.
Example #1
Coach Bus San Diego received a request for a field trip from Chula Vista Elementary School to several museums in Balboa Park. The school needed two buses: one 56-passenger charter bus for students and a 25-passenger minibus for teachers and chaperones. The itinerary included pickup at 8:00 AM, visits to the Fleet Science Center and Natural History Museum, lunch in the park, and return by 3:30 PM. Total mileage was 34 miles round-trip, with 7 hours of service. Coach Bus San Diego quoted $2,850 per bus ($5,700 total), including driver gratuity and parking fees. The school approved the budget and successfully completed the trip with comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles and a reliable schedule.
Example #2
A bride-to-be contacted Coach Bus San Diego to arrange guest transportation for her beachfront wedding in La Jolla. The ceremony was at the Cuvier Club, with a reception at a nearby hotel. She requested continuous shuttles between venues and a late-night loop to local accommodations. Coach Bus San Diego provided two 20-passenger minibuses running on a 15-minute circuit from 2:00 PM to midnight (10 hours). The quote was $3,250 per minibus ($6,500 total), reflecting peak-season weekend rates. The client appreciated the fixed pricing, modern fleet, and coordination assistance, ensuring guests arrived on time without parking hassles.
Example #3
A biotech company in Carlsbad hired Coach Bus San Diego to transport employees to a weeklong conference at the San Diego Convention Center. They needed a 56-passenger charter bus for daily round trips, departing at 7:00 AM and returning at 6:00 PM. The distance was 70 miles each way (140 miles round-trip), totaling 700 miles over five days. Coach Bus San Diego charged $2,200 per day, plus a discounted weekly rate of $10,000 for the entire event. The package included Wi-Fi, power outlets, and a dedicated account manager. The client praised the punctual service and cost savings compared to reimbursing individual travel expenses.
Example #4
An Escondido high school booked a charter bus for its varsity basketball team’s playoff game in Los Angeles. The trip required a 56-passenger coach to accommodate players, coaches, and equipment. Departure was at noon, with tip-off at 6:00 PM and a return immediately after the game. The round-trip distance was 260 miles, with a total duration of 12 hours including pregame warmup and postgame activities. Coach Bus San Diego quoted $3,900, covering mileage, driver hours, and a mandatory rest break. The school’s athletic director valued the all-inclusive pricing and availability of onboard restrooms for the long journey.
Example #5
A local high school band used Coach Bus San Diego for a four-day performance trip to San Francisco. The itinerary featured a 56-passenger charter bus departing San Diego at 8:00 AM, stopping for meals, and arriving in San Francisco by evening. Over the next three days, the bus shuttled the group to concerts, sightseeing spots like the Golden Gate Bridge, and hotel accommodations. The total distance was 1,000 miles round-trip, with additional local travel each day. Coach Bus San Diego billed $2,000 per day, totaling $8,000 for the trip. The band director highlighted the affordability compared to flying and the convenience of having a private bus throughout the tour.
Example #6
A youth soccer team arranged an airport transfer with Coach Bus San Diego for their flight out of San Diego International Airport. The group consisted of 18 players and 4 coaches, requiring a 25-passenger minibus. Pickup was scheduled from a Pacific Beach hotel at 5:00 AM, with drop-off at the terminal by 5:30 AM. The distance was 8 miles, and the company offered a flat rate of $1,195 for the short trip, including luggage handling and curbside service. The team manager appreciated the prompt communication, competitive pricing, and stress-free ride to the airport.
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