Charter Bus Prices in Des Moines
If you’re wondering how much it costs to rent a charter bus in Des Moines, you’ve come to the right place! Coach Bus Des Moines makes it easy to find the exact bus you need at a price that fits your budget. We know that planning group transportation can be stressful, especially when you don’t know what to expect in terms of pricing. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you understand how our pricing works and what factors influence the cost of your rental.
When you call our team at 515-904-8980, we’ll ask you a few simple questions about your trip—like where you’re going, how many people are in your group, and what kind of bus you need—and then we’ll give you an instant quote right over the phone. You can also use our online quote tool to get a free estimate in seconds. Once you have your quote, you’ll see exactly what’s included in the price and can easily compare options to find the best deal.
| 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 Des Moines?
The cost of renting a charter bus in Des Moines typically ranges from $1,100 to $8,400+ depending on several key factors: vehicle size, trip duration, mileage, and time of year. Smaller vehicles like minibuses (18–35 seats) generally cost between $1,100–$3,000 per day, while full-size 56-passenger coaches run $2,200–$8,400+ per day. Local trips within Des Moines are usually billed by the hour (with a 5-hour minimum), with rates averaging $275–$425/hour based on vehicle size. Longer trips outside the metro area are charged either per day or per mile ($7.00–$8.50/mile). Final pricing is always subject to availability, exact routing, and any additional expenses such as tolls, parking, or driver hotel/lodging for multi-day trips. To get an exact quote, call our reservations team anytime at 515-904-8980 with your itinerary details.
What Factors Influence Charter Bus Prices in Des Moines?
Several factors influence the final cost of your charter bus rental in Des Moines:
- Number of Passengers: Larger groups require bigger buses, which cost more.
- Type of Bus: Minibuses are less expensive than full-size charter buses.
- Trip Distance: Longer trips increase the total price.
- Trip Duration: Multi-day rentals cost more than single-day trips.
- Time of Year: Peak demand seasons (spring and summer) can raise prices.
- Additional Expenses: Tolls, parking fees, and lodging for drivers (if needed) are extra.
To get an accurate quote, have your itinerary ready—including pickup/drop-off locations, number of passengers, and travel dates.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
To give you a better idea of what to expect, here are some real-world examples of recent charter bus rentals we’ve arranged in and around Des Moines:
- Local Shuttle from Downtown to West Des Moines: A corporate client booked a 25-passenger minibus for a two-day event shuttle between downtown hotels and a West Des Moines office campus. The total cost was $4,800 ($2,400 per day), including all mileage and a 48-hour block rate.
- University Athletic Trip to Iowa City: A college athletic department rented a 56-passenger charter bus for a round-trip to Iowa City (about 240 miles round-trip) with an overnight stay. The trip was billed at $3,200, which included mileage, one night of lodging for the driver, and a flat rate negotiated for the season.
- Wedding Shuttle in Ankeny: A wedding party booked a 20-passenger minibus for guest shuttles between local hotels and a venue in Ankeny. The five-hour package cost $1,950, fitting comfortably within their budget and providing continuous loops throughout the evening.
These examples show how different itineraries and vehicle choices affect the final price. No matter what kind of event you’re planning, we’ll work with you to get you a solution that fits your needs and your budget.
Example #1
If you need to arrange airport transfers for business travelers, vacationers, or special guests, Coach Bus Des Moines can help you secure a private shuttle bus rental to and from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) quickly and easily. Unlike pre-scheduled hotel shuttles and rideshares, a charter bus service offers seamless curb-to-curb transfer services between the airport and any destination in Iowa. That way, no one has to wait around for a pickup or worry about missing a departure—the shuttle schedule is always tailored to your flyers’ flight times!
We’ve worked with countless airports across the country and know how to navigate even the busiest terminals, including DSM. Whether you’re flying into Des Moines International Airport from out of state or need pickup at a smaller regional hub like Ankeny Regional Airport, our team will make sure every passenger arrives on time with room for luggage and carry-on items.
Example #2
When it comes to planning your dream wedding, the last thing you want to worry about is how your guests will get from point A to point B. That’s where Coach Bus Des Moines comes in. We’ve helped countless couples and wedding planners book reliable, affordable transportation for ceremonies, receptions, rehearsal dinners, and bachelor/bachelorette parties all over Des Moines and beyond. Whether you’re hosting an intimate gathering at Rollins Mansion or a grand affair at the Scottish Rite Consistory, we’ll make sure everyone arrives on time and ready to celebrate.
With a charter bus or minibus rental, you can provide your guests with a comfortable ride between hotels, venues, and other local hotspots. Out-of-town attendees will appreciate not having to navigate unfamiliar roads or worry about finding parking, while local guests can enjoy the convenience of leaving their cars at home. Plus, you’ll never have to worry about anyone running late or missing a key moment—your driver will follow a schedule tailored to your event.
Example #3
Coach Bus Des Moines provides charter bus rentals for corporate events of all sizes in Des Moines and across Iowa. From daily employee shuttles to the office to large-scale conference transportation, we’ve done it all. Keep your next business event running smoothly by booking a charter bus rental in Des Moines with us! We can provide you with a charter bus rental anywhere in Polk County and beyond for everything from team-building events to daily commuter shuttles into the office. Charter buses come equipped with amenities perfect for working on the go like WiFi, power outlets, cushioned seats, and overhead storage for backpacks and briefcases.
Are you attending a convention at the Iowa Events Center? Hosting a meeting at your local office space? No matter the occasion, we’ll make sure your group arrives on time and together. We’ve helped companies of all sizes arrange transportation for seminars, trade shows, client visits, and more.
Example #4
Upgrade your next school field trip with a charter bus rental from Coach Bus Des Moines! We work with schools across Des Moines Public Schools and beyond to provide comfortable, modern transportation for students of all ages. Headed to the Science Center of Iowa, Blank Park Zoo, or the State Capitol? Make the journey part of the experience with reclining seats, climate control, and even onboard entertainment systems.
Older students will appreciate having WiFi and power outlets to stay connected on longer trips, while teachers and chaperones can relax knowing everyone is together and accounted for. We also handle transportation for college campus tours, athletic events, band competitions, and more. If you’re traveling out of town to places like Iowa State University in Ames or the University of Iowa in Iowa City, you’ll love having a spacious cabin with room for backpacks, coolers, and instrument cases.
Example #5
Game day traffic around Wells Fargo Arena and Principal Park can be hectic, especially if you have to park in a remote lot and walk to the stadium. Avoid the hassle by renting a charter bus or minibus with Coach Bus Des Moines instead. We provide private transportation for sports teams and fan groups heading to games all over Des Moines, including Iowa Cubs baseball and Iowa Wild hockey.
Coaches will love having extra storage space under the bus for equipment bags and coolers, while players can stretch out and focus on the upcoming matchup. Fans can tailgate on board with food and drinks before and after the game without worrying about designated drivers. If you’re traveling out of town for an away game, a charter bus makes the trip much more comfortable than squeezing into multiple cars.
Example #6
Ready to get started? Call Coach Bus Des Moines today at 515-904-8980 to speak with one of our friendly reservation specialists and get an instant quote on your next charter bus rental in Des Moines. We’re available 24/7/365 to answer your questions, check availability, and help you plan the perfect trip. Once you receive your quote, you can easily lock in your reservation with a deposit and pay the balance online before your departure date. It’s fast, simple, and completely transparent—just the way it should be.
Whether you’re planning a school field trip, corporate event, wedding, or sporting event, we have the vehicles and experience to handle it all. Contact us today and see why we’re the #1 choice for charter bus rentals in Des Moines!
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