Charter Bus Prices in Santa Cruz
Renting a charter bus in Santa Cruz typically costs between $1,600–$3,500+ per day or $185–$450+ per hour, depending on the size of the vehicle, trip duration, mileage, and time of year. Minibuses are less expensive, usually ranging from $1,400–$2,900+ per day or $165–$395+ per hour. Multi-day and long-distance trips will be billed by the day, while local service can sometimes be billed hourly with a minimum of 4–5 hours. The best way to get exact pricing is to call Santa Cruz Charter Bus with your full itinerary—we’ll give you an instant quote and help you lock in the best rate!
| 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 Cruz?
The cost of a charter bus rental in Santa Cruz typically ranges from $1,500 to $4,500 or more, depending on several factors including the size of the bus, the length of the trip, and the time of year. Minibuses generally cost between $1,200 and $3,000. You can expect to pay either an hourly rate (usually between $150 and $350 per hour) or a daily rate (ranging from $1,500 to $4,500 per day), with additional charges for multi-day trips, mileage, tolls, and driver accommodations if required. To get an exact price for your trip, call our team anytime at 831-888-8620 with your itinerary and passenger count. Once you receive your quote, you can easily book your bus online in just a few minutes!
What Factors Influence Charter Bus Pricing in Santa Cruz?
Several key factors influence the final price of your charter bus rental in Santa Cruz:
- Trip Duration and Distance: Longer trips covering more miles will cost more than shorter, local trips.
- Number of Days: Multi-day trips incur higher costs due to additional driver time and potential overnight expenses.
- Bus Size and Type: Larger vehicles like 56-passenger motorcoaches are more expensive than smaller minibuses or sprinter vans.
- Time of Year: Peak demand seasons (spring and summer) can drive up prices due to limited availability.
- Local Event Impact: Major events such as graduations, festivals, or sporting events can affect availability and pricing.
- Additional Expenses: Tolls, parking fees, and driver accommodation for overnight trips are not included in the base rate.
Sample Trip Pricing Examples
To give you a better idea of what to expect, here are some real-world examples of recent charter bus rentals we've booked in and around Santa Cruz. These examples include different types of trips, vehicles, and itineraries to show the range of pricing you might encounter. If you don't see a scenario that matches your needs, just call our team and we'll be happy to provide a custom quote based on your exact itinerary.
Example #1
A tech company based in Capitola needed a daily employee shuttle to their new office near Pacific Avenue in downtown Santa Cruz. They booked a 25-passenger minibus for a 10-mile round trip, running twice each weekday for one month. The cost was $1,850 per day, totaling $37,000 for the month. This included all mileage, a custom wrap with the company logo, and onboard WiFi so employees could work during the commute. The company said the shuttle helped them recruit talent from over the hill and reduced parking demand downtown.
Example #2
A bride and groom rented a 56-passenger charter bus to transport guests from hotel blocks in Santa Cruz to their outdoor wedding at Roaring Camp Railroads in Felton. The venue had limited parking, so they ran continuous shuttles before and after the ceremony. With a 6-hour rental window and 30 miles of driving, the total cost came to $2,400. The couple appreciated that elderly relatives didn’t have to walk up the hill to the ceremony site, and guests could relax with a glass of champagne on the ride back.
Example #3
A high school guidance counselor organized a college visit for 18 students to the University of California, Santa Cruz. They rented a 20-passenger minibus for a half-day trip, including stops at the iconic Porter Squiggle and the Engineering Quad. The 4-hour rental cost $1,600, plus $150 for campus parking permits. Students enjoyed the panoramic windows as the bus climbed through the redwoods, and the counselor noted that private transportation kept the group on schedule compared to previous trips using public transit.
Example #4
An elementary school in Watsonville booked a 47-passenger school bus for a field trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. The itinerary included a 45-mile drive down Highway 1, departing at 8 AM and returning by 3 PM. The flat rate for the day was $2,100, making it an affordable option for a tight education budget. Teachers said having a single bus kept headcounts simple, and students were able to watch an ocean documentary on the way down.
Example #5
A group of friends celebrated a 40th birthday with a private wine tasting tour through the Santa Cruz Mountains. They hired a 15-passenger minibus for a 7-hour excursion, visiting four wineries between Soquel and Boulder Creek. The charter cost $1,950 for the day, split among attendees. The birthday guest received complimentary decorations inside the bus, and the group appreciated having a designated driver on the winding mountain roads.
Example #6
A high school marching band needed transportation to a regional competition at Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View. With instruments and uniforms to carry, they opted for a 56-passenger coach with undercarriage storage. The 70-mile round trip, plus wait time during the event, totaled $2,750. Parents rode along as chaperones, and the band director used the PA system to review drill formations en route.
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