Charter Bus Prices in Des Moines
Getting a charter bus rental cost in Des Moines is simple when you work with Des Moines Coach Bus Service! We have live reservation specialists available 24/7/365 ready to give you an instant quote over the phone in just minutes. We pride ourselves on providing transparent, up-front pricing so you know exactly what your trip will cost before you book. Whether you're planning a school field trip to the Iowa State Capitol, a corporate event downtown, a wedding shuttle to one of the city's beautiful venues, or an airport transfer to DSM, we make it easy to get the information you need quickly. Call our team anytime at 515-904-8660, tell us about your trip, and we'll give you an exact price right over the phone—no waiting, no hidden fees, just fast and honest service from the best charter bus company in Des Moines!
| 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 Des Moines?
The cost of a charter bus rental in Des Moines typically ranges from $1,100 to $8,000+ depending on several key factors including the size of the vehicle, duration of the trip, mileage, and time of year. Smaller vehicles like 18-, 20-, or 25-passenger minibuses generally fall on the lower end of the spectrum ($1,100–$3,500), while larger 56-passenger full-size charter buses are priced toward the higher end ($2,800–$8,000+). Final pricing is always tailored to your specific itinerary, so the best way to get an accurate estimate is to call our team with your trip details.
What Factors Influence Charter Bus Pricing in Des Moines?
Several factors influence the final cost of your charter bus rental in Des Moines:
- Number of Passengers: Larger groups may require bigger or multiple vehicles, affecting overall pricing.
- Type of Vehicle: Full-size 56-passenger charter buses generally cost more than smaller 18-, 20-, or 25-passenger minibuses due to increased capacity and amenities.
- Trip Duration: Multi-day trips incur higher costs than single-day events because of additional mileage and potential overnight expenses.
- Distance Traveled: Longer journeys result in higher fuel consumption and increased wear on the vehicle, impacting the total price.
- Time of Year: Peak travel seasons such as summer months or major event weekends can lead to higher demand and increased rates.
- Additional Expenses: Tolls, parking fees, and optional gratuity for the driver are not included in the base rental price and should be budgeted separately.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
To help you better understand how much it costs to rent a charter bus in Des Moines, we've put together several real-world examples based on common itineraries. These examples include both local and out-of-town trips with different group sizes and vehicle types. Each example breaks down the total cost, number of passengers, type of vehicle used, and a brief description of the trip. Use these sample scenarios to estimate your own budget—but remember that exact pricing depends on your specific details. For the most accurate quote, call our team anytime at 515-904-8660 with your itinerary.
Example #1
A bride and groom needed a wedding shuttle service to transport guests between their hotel blocks in downtown Des Moines and their reception venue at West Glen Town Center. They booked one 25-passenger minibus for a total of 6 hours (3 hours each way) at a rate of $295 per hour. The total cost came to $1,770, which included all mileage within the city limits but excluded optional gratuity for the driver. This affordable wedding transportation solution kept guests on schedule and eliminated parking hassles at the venue.
Example #2
A local business organized a corporate outing to a conference at the Iowa Events Center and required group transportation from their office in Urbandale. They rented a 56-passenger charter bus for a full day (8-hour minimum) at a daily rate of $4,250. The package covered round-trip mileage, onboard Wi-Fi, power outlets, and storage space for presentation materials. Employees traveled together comfortably, arrived on time for each session, and appreciated the convenience of having a dedicated shuttle throughout the event.
Example #3
An elementary school scheduled a field trip to the Science Center of Iowa and needed student transportation from their campus in Ankeny. They secured a 25-passenger minibus for a half-day excursion (5 hours total) at a cost of $2,100. The minibus provided seat belts for safety, as well as air conditioning and reclining seats for comfort. Teachers and chaperones found it easy to supervise students in the smaller vehicle, and the school district was able to stay within budget thanks to the competitive pricing.
Example #4
A college track and field team arranged travel to the annual Drake Relays held at Drake Stadium in Des Moines. They booked a 56-passenger charter bus for a two-day event, including multiple trips between the hotel, stadium, and practice facilities. The total rental fee was $8,000, reflecting the extended hours and additional mileage required. Athletes benefited from the spacious seating, restroom access, and undercarriage storage for equipment bags. Coaches coordinated schedules efficiently with everyone riding on the same bus.
Example #5
A corporate client requested an airport shuttle for a group of executives flying out of Des Moines International Airport (DSM). They opted for a 20-passenger minibus to handle luggage and provide curbside drop-off at the terminal. The airport transfer was billed at $295 per hour, with a two-hour minimum charge totaling $590. The minibus navigated airport traffic easily, and passengers avoided expensive parking fees by using the private shuttle service instead.
Example #6
A local church congregation planned a weekend retreat to Living History Farms in Urbandale and arranged group transportation for attendees. They selected an 18-passenger minibus for its affordability and suitability for smaller groups. The rental cost was $1,100 for a one-day trip, including stops at the farm, a nearby restaurant, and the church facility. Participants enjoyed fellowship during the ride and appreciated not having to carpool or drive separately.
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