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Charter Bus Prices: How Much Does a New Haven Bus Rental Cost?
Wondering how much it costs to rent a charter bus in New Haven? A full-sized charter bus rental typically ranges from $900 to $2,500 per day, depending on the size of the bus, the time of year, and the length of your trip. Minibuses start around $600 per day. For a custom quote, call our 24/7 reservation team at 475-372-1930. We’ll help you find the perfect bus for your group and budget!
| 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 an New Haven Charter Bus Rental?
Charter bus pricing in New Haven varies based on several factors. The main ones are the size and type of bus, the time of year you’re traveling, and the mileage of your trip. Let’s break down each factor so you know what to expect when budgeting for your group transportation.
Bus Size and Type
The most significant factor in pricing is the size of the bus you need. A full-sized charter bus that holds 50 to 56 passengers will cost more than a smaller minibus. Full-sized buses typically range from $900 to $2,500 per day, while minibuses (18 to 35 passengers) start around $600 per day. You might need a smaller bus for a corporate shuttle, but a school field trip to the Yale Peabody Museum would require a larger bus to fit all the students.
Other types of vehicles include school buses, which are usually the most affordable option for large groups, and luxury coaches, which can cost more but offer amenities like reclining seats and onboard WiFi. For a premium experience, you might choose a Mercedes Sprinter van for a small, executive group or a sleeper coach for a cross-country tour.
Time of Year and Demand
New Haven charter bus prices also fluctuate based on the season and local events. Summer months (June through August) are peak travel times, especially with tourists visiting the historic town and families planning vacations. Expect prices to be on the higher end during these months.
Spring and fall are also busy seasons due to Yale University graduations, move-in days, and academic conferences. Large events at the Shubert Theatre or a Yale football game at the Yale Bowl can create spikes in demand for charter buses. If you’re booking for a wedding in East Rock Park or a concert downtown, it’s best to reserve your bus well in advance to lock in a good rate.
Winter months (December through February) tend to be the slowest season for charter bus rentals in New Haven, so you might find better deals then. However, always factor in potential weather-related delays when planning your trip in winter.
Trip Distance and Duration
Pricing is also influenced by how far and how long you need the bus. Local hourly charters around New Haven will have different rates than multi-day or out-of-state trips. For example, a shuttle service between Tweed New Haven Airport and a downtown hotel might be charged hourly with a minimum number of hours, while a weekend trip to Boston or New York City would be priced by the day or mile.
Most companies provide quotes based on a combination of hours and mileage. Be sure to clarify with your reservation agent whether your trip includes waiting time, multiple stops, or overnight stays for the driver, as these can affect the total cost.
Additional Factors
Other things that can impact your charter bus price include:
- Extra amenities like onboard WiFi, power outlets, restrooms, or entertainment systems
- Special requests such as ADA-accessible buses or pet-friendly policies
- Route complexity, including traffic-prone areas or multiple pick-up/drop-off points
- Driver gratuity (usually 10-20% of the total cost), which is not included in the base price
When you call our team at 475-372-1930, we’ll help you understand all the costs upfront so there are no surprises later.
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Charter Bus for a Week?
Weekly charter bus rentals in New Haven typically range from $8,000 to $15,000, depending on the bus size and trip details. Week-long rentals are common for extended school trips, corporate tours, or film productions in the city. For example, a university group touring multiple campuses in New England might book a charter bus for 7 days. The daily rate often decreases with longer rentals, so be sure to ask about weekly discounts when you call for a quote.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
Here are some real-world examples of how much charter bus rentals in New Haven might cost for different types of trips. These examples use average rates for full-sized and mid-sized buses and include estimated mileage and hours. Your actual price may vary, so always get a custom quote from our team.
Yale University Campus Tour Shuttle (Full-Sized Bus)
A prospective student tour group of 50 people needs transportation from their hotel in downtown New Haven to Yale University for a campus tour and then to dinner in the Chapel Street District. The charter bus rental includes a 4-hour window with stops at Yale, a local restaurant, and a final drop-off back at the hotel.
Estimated costs:
- Bus size: 50-passenger charter bus
- Hourly rate: $200/hour x 4 hours = $800
- Mileage: 15 miles total x $6/mile = $90
- Total estimated cost: $890
This shuttle service provides a comfortable and efficient way to move the group without worrying about parking or navigating campus traffic.
New Haven to Boston Weekend Getaway (Minibus)
A group of 20 friends plans a weekend trip from New Haven to Boston to see a Red Sox game at Fenway Park and explore the North End. They rent a 20-passenger minibus for 3 days, with pickup in New Haven on Friday evening and return on Sunday night. The itinerary includes local driving in Boston and Cambridge, plus the 135-mile drive each way.
Estimated costs:
- Bus size: 20-passenger minibus
- Daily rate: $650/day x 3 days = $1,950
- Mileage: 270 miles round trip x $5.50/mile = $1,485
- Total estimated cost: $3,435
The minibus rental includes a driver who stays with the group for the weekend, allowing everyone to enjoy drinks and sightseeing without worrying about transportation.
New Haven Wedding Shuttle Service (Multiple Minibuses)
A couple getting married in East Rock Park needs shuttle service for 80 guests between their ceremony site, a hotel in downtown New Haven, and a reception venue in Westville. They book two 40-passenger charter buses to run continuously for 6 hours on their wedding day, with pickups every 30 minutes.
Estimated costs:
- Bus size: 2 x 40-passenger charter buses
- Hourly rate: $220/hour x 6 hours x 2 buses = $2,640
- Total estimated cost: $2,640
The shuttle service ensures all guests arrive safely and on time, allowing everyone to celebrate without worrying about parking or designated drivers.
New Haven Public Schools Field Trip to Mystic Aquarium (School Bus)
A local middle school is organizing a field trip for 45 students and 5 chaperones to the Mystic Aquarium. They rent a school bus for a full day, with pickup from the school, the 45-minute drive to Mystic, and a late afternoon return. The itinerary includes a 4-hour visit to the aquarium and lunch at a nearby park.
Estimated costs:
- Bus size: 47-passenger school bus
- Daily rate: $800/day
- Mileage: 90 miles round trip x $5/mile = $450
- Total estimated cost: $1,250
The school bus rental provides a cost-effective and reliable way to transport the entire class together, with a driver who can assist the teachers throughout the day.
Call our 24/7 reservation team at 475-372-1930 for a custom quote and to see how we can make your New Haven charter bus rental easy and affordable!
