Frequently Asked Questions About Charter Bus Rentals in Des Moines

A charter bus is a large motorcoach used to transport groups of people together to the same event, destination, or on a custom itinerary. Unlike scheduled public transit or intercity services like Greyhound and Megabus, charter buses are rented privately by a single group—such as a business, school, sports team, wedding party, or church—for exclusive use on the dates and times they choose. Charter buses typically seat 18 to 56 passengers, feature forward-facing upholstered seats, and can include amenities like restrooms, WiFi, power outlets, video monitors, reclining seats, and onboard storage.

Charter buses typically have between 18 and 56 seats, depending on the model and configuration. Standard full-size motorcoaches usually seat 50 to 56 passengers, while smaller minibuses and mid-size buses can have 18, 20, or 25 seats. Coach Bus Des Moines offers multiple seating options—including 18, 20, 25, 50, and 56-passenger models—so you can choose the size that fits your group.

The outside of a charter bus is rectangular, with a flat front and rear, smooth sides, and large windows running along both sides. Most charter buses are about 40 to 45 feet long, 8.5 feet wide, and 12 feet tall, although smaller models are shorter. They have one or two entry doors on the right side (curb side), either at the front or midsection, and several storage compartments below the passenger windows. The exterior is typically painted white, black, or another solid color, sometimes with graphics, stripes, or the operator’s logo. Windows are often tinted for privacy. The rear houses the engine compartment, while the front features a large windshield and dual rear-view mirrors on each side.

The inside of a charter bus features rows of forward-facing seats arranged on either side of a central aisle. Seats are upholstered in durable fabric or vinyl, often with patterned designs, and may recline slightly. Each seat has a headrest, armrests, and sometimes a fold-down tray table. Overhead luggage racks run above the seats for carry-on items, while larger bags are stored in exterior compartments below the floor. The floor is covered with carpet or non-slip vinyl. Some buses have video monitors mounted at the front or above the aisle for entertainment, as well as individual reading lights and air vents. A restroom is located at the rear on longer coaches. The driver’s area is separated by a partition or modesty panel at the front.

The cost of renting a charter bus in Des Moines typically ranges from $1,600 to $5,000+ for multi-day or long-distance trips. Local rentals are usually billed by the hour or day, while out-of-town and overnight trips are priced by mileage or as a package. You will need to call our team to get exact pricing for your trip.

Des Moines charter bus prices are affected by the type and size of vehicle you select, the length and distance of your trip, the number of days you’ll need the bus, the time of year, and current availability. Additional expenses like tolls, parking fees, and hotel accommodations for the driver (if required) are not included in the base price and must be paid separately. Peak demand periods—such as spring and summer months with school trips, graduations, and weddings—can result in higher rates due to limited fleet availability.

You can get a quote from Coach Bus Des Moines by calling our reservations team anytime at 515-904-8980 or using the online quote form on our website. Provide details about your trip—including pickup location, destination, travel dates, group size, and any special requests—and we’ll give you an instant price estimate with vehicle options in less than 30 seconds. Once you receive your quote, you can easily compare vehicles, view pictures of buses, and complete your booking online.

Your quote includes the base rental price for the bus and driver for the duration of your trip. Additional expenses such as tolls, parking fees, and hotel accommodations for the driver (if required) are not included and must be paid separately. Gratuity for the driver is also not included in the base price. Please review your contract for a complete breakdown of what is and isn’t included.

To rent a charter bus with Coach Bus Des Moines, first call our reservation specialists at 515-904-8980 or use our online quote tool to get an instant price estimate based on your trip details. Once you receive your quote, select the vehicle that best fits your needs from the available options. To confirm your reservation, sign the electronic contract and pay the required deposit by credit card. The balance is due before the date of your trip. After booking, you’ll receive a confirmation email with your trip itinerary and contact information for customer support. Our team is available 24/7 to answer questions, help you customize your schedule, and ensure everything runs smoothly from start to finish.

You should book your Des Moines bus rental at least four to six months in advance to ensure the best availability and pricing, especially if your trip falls during a busy season or around major local events like the Iowa State Fair, Drake Relays, or college move-in weekends. Demand for charter buses peaks from April through June due to school trips, graduations, and spring events, making it harder to secure last-minute reservations during this period. While Coach Bus Des Moines can often accommodate short-notice requests thanks to our large fleet, waiting until the last minute limits your options and may result in higher prices. Once you have your travel dates and a rough headcount, lock in your reservation early—you can always adjust the details later if needed.

Coach Bus Des Moines offers a full range of modern, comfortable buses—including 18-, 20-, 25-, and 56-passenger models—so you can easily find the perfect vehicle for any size group or event. All buses come equipped with forward-facing seats, powerful A/C, and room for luggage, while larger coaches include restrooms, video monitors, and reclining seats. You choose the exact vehicle you want based on your headcount, budget, and amenity preferences—we make it simple to get exactly what you need at a price you can afford.

Amenity options available on Des Moines charter buses include cushioned reclining seats, personal climate control, overhead storage racks, undercarriage luggage bays, power outlets, USB ports, WiFi, PA systems, flatscreen TVs with DVD players, radio, AUX/Bluetooth connectivity, tray tables, footrests, and onboard restrooms. Charter buses with WiFi typically operate on 4G LTE networks with download speeds of 5–12 Mbps, while power outlets provide 120V AC or 5V USB charging. Restrooms feature RV-style toilets and sinks, and storage space accommodates both carry-on and checked baggage. TV monitors are 15–22 inches with video input options. Additional amenities may include tinted windows, reading lights, and upgraded upholstery.

Yes, many charter buses are equipped with power outlets and USB ports for charging devices. Power outlets are typically located either at each row of seats or shared between two rows, providing 120V AC or 5V USB charging. Passengers can use these outlets to charge laptops, smartphones, tablets, and other electronic devices during the trip. Availability of outlets may vary depending on the specific bus model, so it's important to request a vehicle with this feature when booking if it's essential for your group.

Yes, most charter buses are equipped with WiFi, but you must request it when you book. Charter bus WiFi typically operates on 4G LTE networks with download speeds of 5–12 Mbps, allowing passengers to browse the internet, check email, and stream content. However, bandwidth may be limited, and performance can vary based on location and network congestion. If WiFi is essential for your trip, confirm availability and any potential usage restrictions with your reservation specialist.

Yes, full-size charter buses are equipped with a restroom located at the rear of the coach. The restroom features an RV-style toilet, a small sink with running water, and basic amenities such as soap and paper towels. While the restroom is suitable for emergency use and short trips, it is more compact than a standard bathroom. Not all minibuses have restrooms, so if this feature is important to your group, be sure to request a vehicle with a restroom when making your reservation.

Yes, a charter bus has ample storage space for luggage and personal items. There are overhead storage racks above the seats for carry-on bags, backpacks, and smaller items. Larger suitcases, equipment, and bulky items can be stored in exterior luggage compartments located below the passenger cabin. These underfloor bays provide significant storage capacity for long trips or groups traveling with extra gear.

Yes, many charter buses are equipped with TV monitors for video entertainment. Screens are typically mounted at the front of the bus and/or in the ceiling above the aisle, ranging in size from 15 to 22 inches. The system includes a DVD player and auxiliary input for connecting external devices. Video content can be played throughout the cabin for all passengers to view. Availability of TVs varies by vehicle, so request this feature when booking if desired.