Austin Charter Bus & Minibus Rental Prices: How Much Does a Austin Bus Rental Cost?
The cost of renting a bus in Austin can vary based on several factors, including the type of vehicle, trip duration, mileage, and time of year. On average, you can expect to pay between $170 and $500 per hour or $1,800 to $3,800 per day for a charter bus rental in Austin. To get an accurate quote tailored to your specific needs, call our team at 737-707-2900 or use our online quote tool. Below, we provide estimated rates for different bus types and discuss the key factors that influence pricing, so you can plan your next trip with confidence.
| 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 Bus Rental Cost?
Charter bus rental prices in Austin depend on the size and type of bus you choose. Here are some average rates to help you budget:
- 56-Passenger Coach Bus: $197–$519 per hour · $1,600–$3,800 per day · $5.00–$8.00 per mile
- 25-Passenger Minibus: $165–$428 per hour · $1,300–$3,200 per day · $4.00–$7.00 per mile
- 20-Passenger Minibus: $157–$414 per hour · $1,300–$3,100 per day · $4.00–$7.00 per mile
- 18-Passenger Minibus: $145–$404 per hour · $1,300–$3,000 per day · $4.00–$7.00 per mile
For smaller groups, sprinter vans are available and typically cost less than minibuses. Each option comes with a variety of amenities, including WiFi, power outlets, and luggage storage. If you have special requirements—such as ADA-accessible vehicles or custom interiors—let us know when you request a quote.
What Factors Influence Bus Rental Pricing in Austin?
Several factors affect the total cost of your Austin charter bus rental. The most significant is the distance traveled and duration of your trip. Local trips within Austin, such as shuttles between downtown hotels and the Austin Convention Center, are usually billed by the hour, while longer journeys—like a day trip from Austin to San Antonio or Houston—are priced by the mile or day. The size and type of vehicle also play a major role: full-size charter buses with premium amenities will cost more than basic minibuses or sprinter vans.
Seasonal demand can impact rates as well. Spring and fall are peak times for tourism and events in Austin, including SXSW, ACL Fest, and University of Texas football games. During these periods, availability is limited and prices may be higher. Booking several months in advance can help secure better rates. Additional costs may include tolls on roads like SH 130, parking fees at venues such as Zilker Park or Q2 Stadium, and optional driver gratuities (typically 10-20% of the total fare). If your itinerary requires overnight stays outside of Austin, you’ll need to cover hotel accommodations for your driver.
Special requests—such as ADA-accessible vehicles, custom branding, or onboard restrooms—should be specified when booking, as they may affect both availability and price. Our team will work with you to find the best solution for your group’s needs and budget.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are a few sample pricing examples for common trips in Austin, TX and around Texas. Please note that these are estimates and your actual price may vary based on your specific needs and travel dates.
Exploring the Texas Hill Country
Ms. Garcia is organizing a field trip for her 6th grade class of 24 students from Round Rock ISD. They plan to leave their school at 9:00 AM, visit the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, enjoy lunch at Salt Lick BBQ in Driftwood, and hike at Pedernales Falls State Park before returning by 5:00 PM. This full-day itinerary covers about 120 miles round-trip. Ms. Garcia received a quote of $1,950 for a 25-passenger minibus, which averages out to about $78 per person. The bus includes WiFi and overhead storage for backpacks and coolers.
Bachelorette Weekend in Downtown Austin
Samantha is planning a bachelorette weekend for her best friend with 15 guests. The group will stay at a hotel on South Congress and needs transportation to multiple destinations: dinner at Uchi, bar hopping on Rainey Street, and a Sunday brunch cruise on Lake Travis. She booked an 18-passenger minibus for two nights, with service running from 6:00 PM to 2:00 AM each evening. The total cost is $2,400, or $160 per person. The minibus allows the group to travel together safely and avoid rideshare surge pricing during peak hours.
Shuttle Service for a Corporate Retreat
An HR manager is coordinating a corporate retreat for 60 employees at Omni Barton Creek Resort. Attendees will arrive at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport on Friday afternoon and require shuttle service to the resort, plus daily transfers to offsite activities including Topgolf and a dinner cruise on Lady Bird Lake. The company reserved two 56-passenger charter buses for three days at a rate of $3,400 per bus, totaling $6,800. Amenities include reclining seats, power outlets, and onboard restrooms. The company also budgeted $750 for driver hotel rooms and tipped each driver $300 at the end of the event.
Game Day Transportation for Ut Fans
A group of Longhorns fans wants to avoid the hassle of parking near Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on game day. They arranged for a 20-passenger minibus to pick up friends from three neighborhoods—Mueller, Westlake, and East Riverside—and drop everyone off near the stadium entrance. After the game, the bus will wait nearby to take fans back to their original pickup points. This five-hour charter costs $1,350, which the organizer split evenly among all riders. The convenience of door-to-door service makes it easy to tailgate and cheer on the team without worrying about traffic or rideshares.
High School Band Competition in Dallas
Lake Travis High School’s marching band qualified for a regional competition in Dallas. The director needs transportation for 80 students, 10 chaperones, and musical instruments. They booked two 56-passenger charter buses with undercarriage storage for equipment. The itinerary includes a Friday afternoon departure, overnight stay at a hotel near the venue, and return trip after Saturday’s performance. The total cost is $7,200, which covers mileage, two days of service, and driver accommodations. The buses feature reclining seats, climate control, and free WiFi for students to relax or study en route.
Wedding Shuttle in Dripping Springs
A bride is hosting her wedding at a vineyard in Dripping Springs with 120 guests staying at hotels in downtown Austin and Bee Cave. To ensure everyone arrives on time and gets home safely, she reserved three 25-passenger minibuses to run continuous shuttles before and after the ceremony. The service window is six hours, with each minibus costing $1,700 for the evening. The total transportation budget is $5,100. Guests appreciate not having to drive on winding country roads, and the couple enjoys peace of mind knowing everyone has a designated ride.