Frequently Asked Questions About Charter Bus Rentals in Santa Cruz

Charter bus rental prices in Santa Cruz typically range from $197–$519 per hour or $1,600 – $3,800 per day, depending on the size of the vehicle, trip duration, mileage, and time of year. Minibuses (18–25 passengers) generally cost $1,600–$2,900 per day, while full-size charter buses (up to 56 passengers) run $2,200–$3,800+ per day. You’ll pay either an hourly rate, a daily rate, or a per-mile rate, plus additional expenses like tolls, parking, and driver accommodations for multi-day trips.

The final price of your Santa Cruz bus rental depends on several key factors: the type and size of vehicle you choose, the total distance and duration of your trip, the number of days you need the bus, the time of year (peak season vs. off-season), and how far in advance you book. Additional expenses like tolls, parking fees, and hotel rooms for drivers on overnight trips are not included in the base rate and will be added to your final cost.

You can get an instant quote online by using our 30-second tool or call our reservation specialists 24/7 at 831-888-8620. To receive accurate pricing, you'll need to provide your complete itinerary, including pickup and drop-off locations, travel dates, group size, and any special requests or required amenities.

Your quote includes the base cost of the bus rental, fuel, and driver pay. It does NOT include tolls, parking fees, or hotel/lodging expenses for the driver on multi-day trips—those will be billed separately or must be arranged by you. Gratuity is also not included but is customary (typically 10–20%). You’ll receive a complete breakdown of all charges before you sign your contract.

You should book your Santa Cruz bus rental at least four to six months in advance to secure the best availability and pricing. Demand is especially high during peak seasons such as summer weekends, local festival dates, and around major events at UC Santa Cruz or in nearby Bay Area cities. Last-minute bookings may face limited vehicle selection and higher rates.

Santa Cruz Charter Bus offers 18-, 20-, 25-, and 56-passenger buses in Santa Cruz. Our minibuses seat 18, 20, or 25 riders, while our largest full-size charter bus seats up to 56 people. We always provide you exactly what you reserve, so you can plan your trip with confidence knowing the exact capacity of your vehicle.

Amenity packages vary by bus model but may include reclining seats, air conditioning, onboard restrooms (on larger coaches), WiFi, power outlets, USB ports, video monitors, PA systems, luggage bays, and overhead storage. You can request specific features when you book, and we’ll match you with a vehicle that fits your needs.

Yes, we offer one-way, round-trip, and multi-day packages to fit any itinerary. Whether you need a single transfer to SFO, a wedding shuttle to a redwoods venue, or a three-day loop through Wine Country, we’ll build a custom schedule and price it accordingly. Multi-day trips are billed either by the day or by total mileage, whichever is greater.

Santa Cruz Charter Bus provides long-distance charter bus rentals from Santa Cruz to any destination in California or across state lines. Common routes include Santa Cruz to Los Angeles, Sacramento, Lake Tahoe, San Diego, and out-of-state trips to Oregon or Nevada. You’ll get a comfortable coach with reclining seats, restroom, WiFi, and space for luggage—perfect for school travel, corporate events, or group tours.

Yes, if your trip requires an overnight stay, you are responsible for providing a private hotel room for the driver each night. The hotel should be a standard business-class property (e.g., Holiday Inn, Hampton Inn, Courtyard by Marriott). This cost is not included in your rental fee and must be arranged separately. For long-distance trips exceeding federal hours-of-service limits, additional drivers may be required at extra cost.

We provide airport transfers to and from Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC), San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Oakland International Airport (OAK), and regional hubs like Monterey Regional Airport (MRY). Count on us for seamless curbside pickups, baggage handling, and missed-flight assistance—whether you’re traveling solo or with a corporate delegation.

We serve all major sports venues in the Bay Area, including Levi’s Stadium (home of the San Francisco 49ers), Chase Center (Golden State Warriors), Oracle Park (San Francisco Giants), the Oakland Coliseum Complex, Avaya Stadium, PayPal Park, and more. We also provide transportation to local college and high school athletic facilities, as well as UCSC’s on-campus fields and courts.

We serve every major concert venue in the region, including the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium, The Catalyst, Mountain Winery, Shoreline Amphitheatre, SAP Center, Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, Greek Theatre, Frost Amphitheater, and local venues across San Jose, San Francisco, and the Monterey Peninsula. Avoid surge pricing and sold-out parking lots by arriving together on a private bus.

We provide wedding transportation to venues throughout Santa Cruz County and beyond, including popular sites like Kennolyn Hilltop Hacienda, Chaminade Resort ∓ Spa, Hollins House at Pasatiempo, Roaring Camp Railroads, Seascape Beach Resort, and redwood groves in Felton and Aptos. Out-of-town guests can ride in from SFO, SJC, or hotels in downtown Santa Cruz.

Santa Cruz Charter Bus serves the entire Central Coast region with service to Watsonville, Capitola, Soquel, Aptos, Scotts Valley, Marina, Castroville, Gilroy, Morgan Hill, Salinas, Monterey, Pacific Grove, Seaside, and Carmel-by-the-Sea. We also operate statewide connections to San Jose, San Francisco, Oakland, Fresno, Bakersfield, Los Angeles, and San Diego.

We provide group transportation to major local events such as the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Concert Series, Wharf to Wharf Race, Capitola Art ∓ Wine Festival, Santa Cruz County Fair, and UCSC commencement. Skip the traffic and parking headaches by riding together on a private bus.

We offer convention and trade show transportation to the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium as well as larger venues in San Jose and San Francisco, including the San Jose McEnery Convention Center and Moscone Center. Keep your attendees on schedule with a private shuttle running between hotels and the convention floor.