- Raleigh Charter Bus Services /
- Charter Bus Rates
Charter Bus Prices: How Much Does a Raleigh Bus Rental Cost?
Wondering how much it costs to rent a charter bus in Raleigh, North Carolina? You’re in the right place! Raleigh Charter Bus Services specializes in affordable group transportation throughout Raleigh, Cary, Durham, Chapel Hill, and the entire Triangle Region. Whether you’re planning a wedding at The Cotton Room, a field trip to the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, or a company shuttle to downtown, we help you compare pricing and vehicle options so you find the perfect charter bus for your group’s needs—and your budget.
Instantly get real-time quotes by calling our 24/7 reservation department at 984-238-2525 to speak with a reservation expert. We make booking stress-free with clear, upfront prices, no hidden fees, and professional support every step of the way.
| Vehicle Type | Per Hour* | Per Day* | Per Mile* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 56-Passenger Charter Bus | $197 – $519 | $1,600 – $3,800 | $5.00 – $8.00 |
| 50-Passenger Charter Bus | $190 – $500 | $1,500 – $3,600 | $4.50 – $7.50 |
| 40–45-Passenger Charter Bus | $180 – $480 | $1,500 – $3,500 | $4.50 – $7.50 |
| 35-Passenger Minibus | $180 – $475 | $1,500 – $3,400 | $4.00 – $7.00 |
| 30-Passenger Minibus | $180 – $475 | $1,500 – $3,400 | $4.00 – $7.00 |
| 28-Passenger Minibus | $175 – $450 | $1,500 – $3,300 | $4.00 – $7.00 |
| 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 |
| School Bus (-47 pax) | $155 – $450 | $1,520 – $3,655 | $5.00 – $8.95 |
| Entertainer / Sleeper Coach | N/A | $1,900 – $2,500 | $7.00 – $10.50 |
| Mercedes Sprinter Party Bus (10-14) | $160 – $450 | $1,200 – $2,900 | $3.00 – $6.00 |
| Small Party Bus (10-20) | $180 – $470 | $1,200 – $2,900 | $3.00 – $6.00 |
| Mid-Size Party Bus (20-30) | $200 – $500 | $1,200 – $3,500 | $4.00 – $8.00 |
| Large Party Bus (30-50) | $250 – $520 | $1,500 – $3,900 | $4.00 – $8.00 |
*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.
What Affects the Price of a Raleigh Charter Bus Rental?
Charter bus rental pricing in Raleigh is simple once you know what goes into the cost. The main factors that influence your price include the type of vehicle you choose, the time of year you travel, the length of your trip, your pickup and drop-off locations, and any special amenities you request.
For example, a standard full-size 56 passenger charter bus is usually billed by the hour or day. Minibuses, perfect for smaller groups going to events at the North Carolina Museum of Art or PNC Arena, are often more budget-friendly and may be rented by the hour or trip. If you’re planning a multi-day tour through Raleigh, the Research Triangle, or the North Carolina coast, your price may shift to a daily or mileage rate, especially if you’re making multiple stops.
The season matters, too. Prices are typically highest in spring and early summer when graduations, festivals, and wedding season are in full swing around Raleigh and the Triangle. Likewise, big events like the North Carolina State Fair or the Hopscotch Music Festival can mean higher demand. We always recommend booking 6 months in advance for peak dates to lock in the best rates!
Trip length is also key: Local shuttles around Raleigh or campus tours of NC State University usually cost less than longer day trips to Charlotte or the Outer Banks. Your pickup and drop-off locations (and any required overnight stays for your driver) can also affect your total.
Don’t forget amenities! Charter buses in our Raleigh network come with different features—WiFi, power outlets, TVs with DVD players, onboard restrooms, and ADA accessibility can all be requested. Let your reservation specialist know what you want so we can quote accordingly. And always ask about group discounts if you’re booking more than one bus!
Finally, every quote from Raleigh Charter Bus Services includes your driver’s pay. Tolls, parking, and driver hotel (if needed) are extra, but we’ll tell you about these up front so there are never any surprises. Call 984-238-2525—our team is happy to walk you through the details for your unique trip.
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Charter Bus for a Week?
Weekly charter bus rentals in Raleigh typically range from $5,500 to $15,000+, depending on the type of bus, distance traveled, and itinerary complexity. Full-size charter buses for school trips or sports teams touring North Carolina, the Carolinas, or even all the way to Virginia often qualify for special multi-day rates. To get an accurate weekly quote, be sure to have your group size, daily mileage, overnight stops, and desired amenities ready when you call 984-238-2525. Our team will build a custom package just for you!
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are a few real-world Raleigh area charter bus pricing scenarios to help you plan your budget. Remember, every trip is unique so these are just estimates to help you plan your budget.
An Upstate Wedding Shuttle Service
A couple planning a fall wedding in Raleigh wanted a seamless way to get 60 guests from two hotels in downtown Raleigh to their ceremony at The Cotton Room, and then out to a scenic reception at Glen Sanders Mansion in Scotia. They booked two 25-passenger minibuses for 9 hours to run continuous shuttles between hotels, the ceremony, and reception—plus late-night returns. Each minibus was priced at $175 per hour, making the base total $3,150 for both buses. They added a 12% gratuity ($378) to thank their drivers for smooth service and flexibility, bringing the total transportation cost to $3,528.
The couple chose this shuttle option so guests could celebrate, enjoy drinks, and never worry about parking or directions on the Beltline or I-40. Buses included drivers, Bluetooth sound systems, and space for flowers and decor.
A Day Trip to the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
A local youth science club from Cary organized a full-day trip for 45 students, teachers, and parents to the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in downtown Raleigh. They reserved one 56-passenger charter bus with a restroom, DVD player, and undercarriage storage for equipment and snacks. The bus was booked for a 12-hour day at $210 per hour, totaling $2,520. The group opted to include tolls and parking upfront ($60) and budgeted 10% for gratuity ($258), so their all-in cost was $2,838.
Participants watched educational videos on the way, had plenty of room for snacks, and arrived together for a group photo inside the museum. Parents didn’t need to coordinate carpools or drive home tired.
A Corporate Shuttle for Employees from Raleigh to GlobalFoundries
A local tech company headquartered in Raleigh needed to provide daily commuter shuttles for 15 employees traveling to the GlobalFoundries Fab 8 campus in Malta. They chose a 18-passenger minibus to run a weekday morning and evening loop for one month (22 workdays), with each shuttle covering a 35-mile route. The package rate was $950 per day for 22 days, totaling $20,900. The company added a 10% gratuity ($2,090) for outstanding driver reliability, bringing the project’s transportation cost to $22,990.
The company selected this service for the convenience, on-time reliability, and productivity boost—employees could read, catch up on work, or rest on the commute. Buses included WiFi, power outlets, and a dedicated support rep for last-minute schedule tweaks.
A School Field Trip to the North Carolina State Capitol
An Raleigh elementary school planned a half-day field trip for 60 fourth-graders, teachers, and chaperones to the North Carolina State Capitol and the Museum of History. They booked one 56-passenger charter bus and one 24-passenger minibus for a total of 6 hours, with the charter at $180/hr and the minibus at $145/hr. The total for both: $1,950. The school PTA added $195 (10%) for driver gratuity, for a complete cost of $2,145.
Students rode together, watched a history video en route, and stored lunches in the overhead bins. The group had curbside drop-off, and no one had to cross busy downtown intersections on foot.
