Charter Bus Prices in Tampa
If you’re wondering how much it costs to rent a charter bus in Tampa, you've come to the right place! We understand that pricing is a major factor when planning your next group trip, so we’re here to break down everything you need to know about charter bus rental costs in Tampa. Whether you’re organizing transportation for a wedding, corporate event, school field trip, or sporting event, we’ll help you understand what goes into the price of your bus rental and how you can get the best deal.
When you call our team at 813-594-9010, we will ask for your itinerary and instantly provide you with bus rental pricing over the phone. That way, you can easily compare options and choose the one that fits your needs and budget. Once you receive your quote, you can quickly book your bus online in seconds. It's that simple!
| 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 Tampa?
The cost of renting a charter bus in Tampa typically ranges from $1,625 to $5,200+ for multi-day, out-of-town trips, or $175–$495 per hour for local rentals with a five-hour minimum. Minibuses generally run $1,400–$4,000+ per day or $155–$375 per hour, while sprinter vans are $950–$2,500 per day or $125–$295 per hour. You'll pay either by the hour, by the day, or by the mile, depending on your trip details. Multi-day and out-of-town charters are billed daily; short local trips use hourly rates; and some longer journeys may be charged per mile. Call our reservations team anytime at 813-594-9010 with your trip details, and we'll give you an exact, all-inclusive price in just minutes!
What Factors Influence Charter Bus Pricing in Tampa?
Several key factors determine the final cost of your Tampa charter bus rental:
- Travel Dates: Peak season in Florida runs from late January through April due to snowbird traffic and spring break. Holidays like Gasparilla Pirate Festival (late January), spring break weeks, and major cruise ship departure days also see higher demand and rates.
- Trip Duration & Distance: Longer trips covering more miles cost more. Local Tampa-area trips are often billed hourly with a 5-hour minimum, while out-of-town or multi-day trips (e.g., to Orlando, Miami, or Tallahassee) are billed daily or per mile.
- Pickup Location: If your trip starts outside Tampa (Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Polk counties), you'll pay extra for "deadhead" mileage—the distance the bus travels empty to reach your starting point.
- Fleet Type & Size: Full-size, 56-passenger motorcoaches are the most expensive but offer the lowest cost per seat. Minibuses (18–35 seats) and sprinter vans (up to 15 seats) are cheaper overall but may cost more per passenger. Buses with upgraded amenities (WiFi, leather seats, rear lavatory) may have higher rates.
- Number of Buses: Large groups requiring multiple vehicles (common for weddings, corporate shuttles, or school field trips) will pay more overall but may qualify for package discounts.
- Additional Expenses: Multi-day trips require you to cover hotel accommodations for the driver (one room per bus). You're also responsible for tolls (e.g., Selmon Expressway), parking fees at venues (Raymond James Stadium, Amalie Arena), and a standard gratuity (tip) of 10–20%.
Example: A two-day school trip from Tampa to Tallahassee with an overnight stay will be charged a daily rate plus the cost of the driver's hotel room and any tolls incurred on I-75 or I-10.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Example #1
A local high school is planning a field trip to the Salvador Dalà Museum in St. Petersburg. They need transportation for 40 students and 4 chaperones. The pickup location is the high school in North Tampa, and the drop-off is the Dalà Museum. The itinerary includes a museum tour and lunch at a nearby park before returning to Tampa in the afternoon.
Because this is a local, same-day trip within the Tampa Bay area, it will be billed at an hourly rate with a five-hour minimum. The school requests a full-size charter bus with reclining seats, air conditioning, and onboard restroom facilities.
Estimated cost: $175–$495 per hour, depending on exact mileage and duration. Total: $875–$2,475.
Example #2
A mid-sized company based in Brandon is launching a corporate shuttle service to help employees commute to their downtown Tampa office near Water Street. The shuttle will operate two round trips per day, five days a week. Each trip carries up to 30 passengers. The company requests a minibus with WiFi, power outlets, and comfortable seating.
This recurring local service will be priced at a special contract rate based on daily usage. While standard minibuses seat 18–25, larger models accommodate up to 35 passengers.
Estimated cost: $1,400–$4,000 per day for a minibus, with discounted rates available for long-term contracts. Monthly packages can be negotiated for continuous service.
Example #3
A couple is hosting their wedding ceremony at a historic venue in Ybor City, followed by a reception at a beachfront hotel in Clearwater Beach. They need a shuttle to transport 100 guests between locations and back to hotels at the end of the night. The couple requests two full-size buses to run continuous loops during the event.
This is a complex, multi-stop itinerary crossing Tampa Bay via the Courtney Campbell Causeway. It will be billed at either an hourly or daily rate, depending on the total duration.
Estimated cost: $1,625–$5,200 per day per bus. For two buses, total cost ranges from $3,250–$10,400, with exact pricing based on the final schedule.
Example #4
The University of South Florida’s club soccer team is traveling to Gainesville for an away game against UF. The roster includes 22 players, 3 coaches, and equipment bags. They request a charter bus with extra luggage storage, reclining seats, and a restroom. The trip departs from the USF campus, includes an overnight hotel stay in Gainesville, and returns the following day.
This is a regional, overnight trip that will be billed at a daily rate plus the cost of a hotel room for the driver. Additional expenses include tolls and parking fees at the UF athletic facility.
Estimated cost: $1,625–$5,200 per day. With one overnight, the total is $3,250–$10,400, plus driver accommodation.
Example #5
A tech company is flying executives into Tampa International Airport for a week-long conference at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando. They need an airport pickup, daily shuttles between the hotel and convention center, and a return trip to TPA at the end of the event. The group size is 50 people, requiring one full-size coach with premium amenities.
This is a multi-day, intercity charter that will be billed at a daily rate. The client is responsible for booking a hotel room for the driver near the convention venue.
Estimated cost: $1,625–$5,200 per day. For a five-day event, the total ranges from $8,125–$26,000, plus lodging for the driver.
Example #6
A group of friends is celebrating a bachelor party with a night out in downtown Tampa. They need a sprinter van to shuttle them between bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues in the Channelside and SoHo districts. The rental lasts six hours, with multiple stops throughout the evening.
This short, hourly rental uses a sprinter van seating up to 15 passengers.
Estimated cost: $125–$295 per hour, with a five-hour minimum. Total for six hours: $750–$1,770.
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