Charter Bus Prices in Santa Maria
Santa Maria charter bus rental prices typically range from $1,625–$4,215+ for multi-day, out-of-town, or overnight trips—or $175–$495+ per hour for local service—with exact pricing based on vehicle size, trip duration, mileage, and your itinerary—but you’ll always get an exact, all-inclusive quote before you book. You can use our online charter bus pricing tool to get an instant estimate in under 30-seconds, or call our team anytime at 805-998-3270 to quickly compare options, check availability, and lock in your rate with a live expert.
| 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 Santa Maria?
The cost of renting a charter bus in Santa Maria depends on several key factors: the size and type of vehicle you need (18-, 20-, 25-, or 56-passenger buses available), the length and duration of your trip, the exact pickup and drop-off locations, and the time of year you’re traveling. Local trips are usually billed by the hour (with a 5-hour minimum), while longer trips are charged either by the day or by total mileage. Additional expenses like tolls, parking fees, and hotel rooms for the driver (on multi-day trips) are not included in the base rental price. To get an accurate quote for your specific trip, contact Coach Bus Santa Maria with your full itinerary—including all stops and times—and we’ll give you a fast, detailed estimate so you know exactly what to expect.
Once you have your trip details finalized, call our team anytime at 805-998-3270 and we’ll quickly provide you with an exact quote that includes everything—so you’ll know your final price before you commit.
What Factors Influence Charter Bus Prices in Santa Maria?
Several important variables affect the final price of your charter bus rental in Santa Maria:
- Vehicle Type & Size: Larger buses (like 56-passenger models) cost more than smaller minibuses (18-, 20-, or 25-passenger), but offer more seating and storage. Upgraded/luxury coaches with premium amenities also command higher rates.
- Trip Duration: Local trips are billed hourly (with a 5-hour minimum), while longer trips are charged either by the day or by total mileage. Multi-day and overnight trips increase the total cost.
- Mileage & Itinerary: The total distance traveled—including all pickups, drop-offs, and intermediate stops—directly impacts the price. Out-of-town and multi-stop itineraries cost more than simple round-trips within Santa Maria.
- Seasonal Demand: Peak travel seasons (spring/summer), holidays, and major event dates (weddings, festivals, school breaks) lead to higher demand and increased rates. Booking during off-peak times can save money.
- Additional Expenses: Tolls, parking fees, and hotel accommodations for the driver (required on multi-day trips) are not included in the base rental price and must be factored into your budget.
When you contact Coach Bus Santa Maria for a quote, be sure to provide your complete itinerary—including exact addresses and timing for every stop—so we can give you an accurate, all-inclusive price upfront.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
To help you budget for your next trip, here are several real-world examples of recent charter bus rentals in and around Santa Maria. Each example includes the type of vehicle used, the basic itinerary, and the total price paid by the customer. If you’d like an exact quote for your own event, just call our team anytime at 805-998-3270 with your trip details and we’ll get you a fast, personalized estimate right over the phone.
Example #1
A couple was hosting their wedding at Presqu’ile Winery and wanted to provide transportation for guests from nearby hotels in Santa Maria. They booked a 25-passenger minibus to run a continuous loop between the hotels and the venue. The winery is located about 16 miles from downtown Santa Maria, making it a convenient location for a destination wedding. Since they needed the shuttle for 8 hours, they were charged an hourly rate. The total cost came out to $2,800.
Example #2
An elementary school in Santa Maria planned a field trip to the Santa Barbara Zoo, about 75 miles south of the city. They needed transportation for 50 students and 5 chaperones, so they booked a 56-passenger charter bus. The trip included a morning departure, a full day at the zoo, and a return trip in the afternoon. Because this was an out-of-town trip, the school was charged a flat rate per day. Their reservation specialist quoted them $3,200 for the day-long excursion.
Example #3
A tech company was flying executives into Santa Maria Public Airport for a retreat at Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort in Solvang. They required an 18-passenger minibus to pick up attendees from the airport and bring them to the resort, with a few additional stops at local restaurants. The resort is approximately 35 miles from the airport, making it easily accessible by charter bus. The minibus was reserved for a total of 6 hours, resulting in a final cost of $2,400.
Example #4
A high school basketball team in Santa Maria qualified for a tournament at Fresno State University. The athletic director arranged for a 56-passenger charter bus to transport players, coaches, and equipment to Fresno, about 170 miles away. The itinerary included an overnight stay, so the school covered the cost of a hotel room for the driver. The total cost for the two-day trip was $4,700.
Example #5
A local church organized a weekend retreat at Mount Hermon Christian Camp near Santa Cruz. They booked a 25-passenger minibus to carry members from Santa Maria to the camp, a journey of roughly 220 miles. With multiple stops along the way and a two-night stay, the church paid $5,200 for the minibus rental.
Example #6
A group of friends hired a 20-passenger minibus for a private wine tour through Santa Barbara County. Their custom itinerary featured visits to several vineyards and tasting rooms throughout the region, including stops at Presqu’ile Winery and other local favorites. The minibus was reserved for 10 hours at an hourly rate, totaling $2,600 for the day.
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