Athens Charter Bus & Minibus Rental Prices: How Much Does a Athens Bus Rental Cost?
The cost of renting a charter bus in Athens, GA varies depending on your trip details. Rates typically range from $170 to $500 per hour or $1,800 to $3,800 per day. Factors like the type of bus, travel dates, mileage, and additional amenities will influence your final price. For an accurate estimate tailored to your needs, use our online quote tool or call our team at 762-402-0400. Below, you’ll find example rates for different bus types and a breakdown of what influences pricing. We also include sample itineraries and ballpark quotes for common trips, so you can budget your next Athens charter bus rental 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 Athens are based on several factors, but here are some ballpark figures for popular vehicles:
- 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
These prices reflect averages for standard trips in the Athens area and surrounding counties like Clarke, Oconee, Barrow, and Jackson. If you need a bus for multiple days, expect to pay a daily rate. Shorter trips within city limits may qualify for hourly pricing, while long-distance routes to Atlanta or Augusta are often billed by the mile.
What Factors Influence Bus Rental Pricing in Athens?
Several factors affect charter bus rental pricing in Athens, including:
- Type of Bus: Full-size 56-passenger motorcoaches are more expensive than compact minibuses. Premium features like restrooms, WiFi, or leather seats can raise the price.
- Trip Duration: Longer trips cost more overall, but you may get a lower rate per hour or mile. Multi-day itineraries require overnight accommodations for the driver, which adds to the total.
- Mileage: Trips that cover more ground, such as shuttles to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport or excursions to Savannah, will be priced higher due to fuel and wear-and-tear.
- Seasonality: Peak seasons—like fall football games between the hedges at Sanford Stadium, spring formals, or summer wedding weekends—see increased demand and higher rates. Booking during off-peak months can save money.
- Local Events: Big events like AthFest, Twilight Criterium, or SEC Championship games can drive up prices due to limited availability. Reserve early if your trip coincides with major festivals or sports tournaments.
- Additional Requests: Special amenities (e.g., ADA-accessible buses, extra luggage space for band equipment, or custom branding) may incur additional charges.
When you request a quote from Athens Minibus Company, we’ll ask about your group size, itinerary, preferred bus features, and any special requests. This helps us provide the most accurate Athens bus rental price for your situation.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Below are a few sample pricing examples for common trips in Athens, GA and around Georgia. Please note that these are estimates and your actual price may vary based on your specific needs and travel dates.
University of Georgia Game Day Shuttle
A UGA alumni association is organizing transportation for fans attending a Bulldogs home game at Sanford Stadium. They need a shuttle to pick up 50 passengers from a hotel in downtown Atlanta, drive them to Athens for the game, and return after the final whistle. The round-trip distance is about 140 miles, and the bus will be on standby for 10 hours. The group rents a 56-passenger charter bus with onboard restroom and A/C for $3,100. Split among 50 riders, that’s $62 per person for door-to-door service on game day.
Wedding Shuttle Between Venues
A bride and groom are hosting their ceremony at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia and the reception at a banquet hall on Broad Street. They want a continuous shuttle loop for guests between venues, running from 3 PM to 11 PM. An 18-passenger minibus handles the short 5-mile route efficiently for 8 hours at $1,400 total. This keeps guests moving safely and on schedule, while the couple enjoys stress-free logistics on their big day.
Corporate Retreat to Lake Oconee
An Athens tech company is sending 30 employees to a two-day retreat at a lakeside resort in Greensboro, GA. They book a 25-passenger minibus with reclining seats, power outlets, and WiFi for the 80-mile journey each way. The bus stays overnight to provide local shuttles, then returns the group to Athens the next afternoon. With mileage and overnight fee included, the total cost comes to $2,900 for convenient team-building transportation.
Field Trip to Atlanta Museums
A Clarke County middle school is planning a field trip to visit the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola in downtown Atlanta. They need transportation for 110 students and chaperones, requiring two full-size charter buses. The itinerary includes pickup at the school at 7 AM, museum visits, lunch break, and drop-off back in Athens by 6 PM. The all-day excursion covers 150 miles round trip and costs $3,600 per bus, totaling $7,200 for safe, comfortable student travel.
Bachelorette Party Bar Crawl
A group of friends is celebrating a bachelorette party with a bar crawl around downtown Athens hotspots like Creature Comforts, The Globe, and 40 Watt Club. They hire a 20-passenger minibus for 6 hours of private transportation between bars, late-night eats, and hotel drop-off. The flat rate for the evening is $1,200, providing affordable peace of mind for everyone to enjoy the festivities without worrying about rideshares or parking.
Senior Center Outing to Callaway Gardens
A local senior center is organizing a day trip to Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, GA, for 15 residents and staff. They request an ADA-accessible minibus equipped with wheelchair lift, wide aisles, and extra storage for walkers. The round-trip journey is 220 miles and takes 12 hours including sightseeing stops. The quoted price is $2,700, ensuring accessible transportation for all participants at a reasonable group rate.